Couple Launches St. Johns River Yacht Cruises After Mayo Clinic Miracle

A New Chapter for a Family Saved by Organ Donation

Rob Bellanich’s green wristband, emblazoned with the words “Donate Life,” serves as a constant reminder of the life-saving gift that changed his and his wife Lezlee’s lives forever. The band symbolizes the liver transplant he received at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, which not only restored his health but also set him on a new path—bringing charter dinner cruises back to downtown Jacksonville.

Five years after his health was on the brink, Rob and Lezlee are picking up where they left off. Rob is once again the captain of the Royal Princess yacht, taking passengers on scenic trips along the St. Johns River. Lezlee handles the business side of things, even recording a song called “Relax in Jax” that celebrates the unique connection between the city and the river.

Their journey began when Rob’s health started to decline due to a progressive illness. He had been diagnosed with primary sclerosing cholangitis, a rare autoimmune disease that affects the bile ducts and gradually weakens the liver. Over time, his condition worsened, leading to symptoms like jaundice and extreme fatigue. At one point, he weighed just 135 pounds, and his wrists were described as being like those of a 10-year-old.

After months on the waiting list, Rob received a liver transplant at Mayo Clinic in September 2020. The procedure marked a turning point for the couple. They had previously operated charter cruises from New York, but after the transplant, they found themselves drawn to the charm of St. Augustine. However, the opportunity to bring the Royal Princess back to Jacksonville proved too compelling to resist.

The couple took a break from running their business but eventually returned to the helm of the Royal Princess. The 180-passenger yacht is set to make its maiden voyage from downtown Jacksonville on September 19, offering evening dinner cruises that combine the beauty of the St. Johns River with onboard dining experiences.

Reviving the Downtown Cruise Scene

Downtown Jacksonville once had three similar boats plying the river: the Jacksonville Princess, the Annabelle Lee, and the Lady St. Johns. While some services still operate, such as the St. Johns River Taxi & Tours, the Royal Princess aims to fill a gap by offering a more immersive experience. The 125-foot boat features three levels of viewing options, including an open deck on top, making it ideal for enjoying the sights of the river.

Lezlee highlights the natural beauty of the area, pointing out that dolphins and manatees are common sights. At night, the skyline lights and bridges create a stunning backdrop that can only be fully appreciated from the middle of the river.

A Journey Marked by Challenges

Rob and Lezlee often finish each other's sentences when recounting their journey. Their story began in 2003 when doctors finally diagnosed Rob with primary sclerosing cholangitis. Lezlee describes the illness as “a slow drip” that eventually led to the need for a transplant. She recalls how the disease felt like having “a grenade in your pocket.”

In 2019, the couple knew Rob needed a transplant, and their research led them to Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville. Establishing residency there became a requirement for the transplant process. However, the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic added another layer of complexity, as Rob could not receive a liver from a donor who had been infected by the virus.

During this difficult time, Lezlee joined the Second Chance Support Group at Mayo Clinic, which provided emotional and practical support for patients and caregivers waiting for transplants. The group helped her navigate the uncertainty of the process.

On September 10, 2020, the call came—Rob would receive a liver from a donor named Damon. The surgery was successful, and Lezlee noticed an immediate change in Rob’s condition. “It was like he went into surgery and six hours later, he was a different person,” she said.

Returning to Jacksonville

After the transplant, the family briefly returned to New York, but the Royal Princess was moved to Miami for operation. In 2023, the couple decided to leave New York behind and settled in St. Augustine with their two children. However, challenges with the Miami-based business led them to move the yacht once again, this time to Jacksonville.

The timing was coincidental—the Royal Princess arrived in Jacksonville on the same day Jaguars owner Shad Khan’s mega-yacht was departing. Lezlee finds the coincidence amusing, especially since the new dock location near the Southbank is close to a Chart House restaurant and just down the riverwalk from Ruth’s Chris Steak House.

Looking Ahead

Lezlee envisions a future where more yachts return to the waterfront, creating a vibrant maritime scene in downtown Jacksonville. She hopes to build partnerships with local businesses to foster a “waterfront alliance.” Her vision is rooted in the city that saved her husband’s life five years ago.

“We want to breathe new life into Jacksonville,” she said.

Booking Your Cruise

The Royal Princess offers a variety of cruises, including brunch, dinner, and themed events. Tickets for dinner cruises are $125 per person, while brunch cruises cost $105. Upcoming dates include a dinner cruise on September 19, a tailgate brunch before the Jaguars home game on September 21, and a brunch cruise on September 28.

For more information or to make reservations, visit jaxyacht.com. The yacht also offers private charters for weddings and corporate events. The boat is currently docked at 1501 Riverplace Blvd., but departures are handled from a floating dock on the Northbank near the Main Street bridge.