News Summary
The Royal Princess, a new luxury event yacht, is now permanently docked in downtown Jacksonville, Florida. Accommodating up to 180 guests, this yacht offers an exquisite venue for public and private charters and aims to revitalize the waterfront while providing a unique experience on the St. Johns River.
Jacksonville Welcomes Royal Princess Yacht to Downtown
A new luxury event yacht, Royal Princess, is now permanently docked in downtown Jacksonville, Florida, adding a unique venue for both public and private charters. The vessel can accommodate up to 180 passengers and is positioned at 1501 Riverplace Boulevard, Unit Dock, directly in front of the Chart House.
The yacht is owned by Lezlee and Capt. Rob Bellanich, who have transitioned their business, Jax Yacht Charter, from New York to Jacksonville. They previously operated the Royal Princess in New York before relocating to Florida during the COVID-19 pandemic. This move was partly motivated by Lezlee Bellanich’s health issues resulting from an autoimmune disease that led to liver failure.
Significant Milestone in Health Journey
The couple’s journey includes a significant milestone, as September 10, 2025, marks the fifth anniversary of Capt. Rob Bellanich’s liver transplant, which he received at the Mayo Clinic from an anonymous donor.
Vision for Jacksonville’s Waterfront
With the introduction of the Royal Princess, the Bellanichs aim to revitalize Jacksonville’s waterfront. Lezlee has underscored the importance of having an active waterfront for the city and has expressed enthusiasm for attracting more yachts to Jacksonville. She pointed out that cities like New York, Chicago, Newport, Rhode Island, and Miami set examples of vibrant waterways, suggesting Jacksonville has the potential to reach similar heights.
The
natural beauty of the St. Johns River is a noteworthy feature, with opportunities to see marine life such as dolphins and manatees, enhancing the experience for guests aboard the Royal Princess.
Upcoming Events and Charters
The yacht’s maiden voyage is scheduled for September 14, 2025, and additional public cruise dates for October 2025 will be announced in the near future. Visitors and residents interested in booking charters or learning more about the Royal Princess and Jax Yacht Charter can find further details on their official website.
Community Impact and Expectations
The Bellanichs’ vision seeks not only to provide a new recreational option for residents but also to contribute to Jacksonville’s economic landscape and tourism appeal. By establishing the Royal Princess as a permanent fixture, they hope to encourage more visitors to explore the waterfront and experience what Jacksonville has to offer.
As the Royal Princess begins its journey in Jacksonville, it serves as a reminder of the city’s potential for growth and revitalization along its scenic waterways, offering both locals and tourists a chance to engage with the river in a luxurious and enjoyable setting.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Jacksonville Welcomes Luxury Yacht Royal Princess for Charters
Additional Resources
- News4Jax: Royal Princess Yacht Introduction
- First Coast News: Captain Sandy’s Luxury Boat Service
- Jacksonville.com: Super Bowl Yacht Kismet
- Wikipedia: Jacksonville
- Fox News: Shahid Khan’s Megayacht
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Yacht
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
