Sanford’s Rivership Barbara-Lee offers a different twist on dining

To celebrate their six-month dating anniversary back in May 2008, staff writer Eileen Zaffiro-Kean and her husband boarded a riverboat that floated down the St. Johns River for a moonlit dinner cruise. Last month they relived that romantic night.

Do tell about the boat.

The Rivership Barbara-Lee is an authentic sternwheel paddleboat. Although it looks historic with its ornate wrought-iron railings and wooden wheels, the 105-foot ship was built in 1986.

The boat has five decks, some open air and some closed with large glass windows to take in the unspoiled view of the rippling river, water hyacinths, great herons, ospreys, eagles, turtles and alligators lazing along the banks.

What’s offered when tummies start to rumble?

Shortly after everyone boards they can get a little something at a buffet of appetizers including fresh fruit, vegetables and shrimp. The main course options include prime rib, tropical chicken, a large plated Caeser salad with chicken or salmon, vegetable lasagna and a thick salmon fillet cooked with lemon butter sauce or teriyaki glaze.

My husband and I both went with the vegetable lasagna, which was filled with roasted veggies, marinara sauce and three cheeses. Being half Italian, I know my lasagna, and this was good. Our dinners also included a generous portion of fresh cooked green beans, rolls and a tasty slice of cake.

What else did the cruise include?

There was live music, a small dance floor and plenty of time to check out the different decks and take in the beautiful, serene sunset.

What was the final bill?

The dinner bill and cruise fee were combined, so our final tally was about $140 with my husband’s generous tip.

Rivership Barbara-Lee WHERE: 433 N. Palmetto Ave., Sanford, in the Monroe Harbour Marina Hours: lunch cruises, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesday and Saturday; 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Thursday; noon-3 p.m. Sunday; dinner cruise, 7:30 p.m.-11 p.m. Saturday Cost: Ticket prices range from $46.78 per person for most lunch cruises to $60.75 per person for the dinner cruise MISC.: beer, wine and cocktails. Contact: 321-441-3030 or 888-235-1266; stjohnsrivershipco.com/home.html