Luxury Private Yacht Events in Jacksonville
Sail the St. Johns River aboard the Royal Princess — a tri-level 125-ft yacht perfect for weddings, corporate events, and milestone celebrations. Family-owned, veteran-led, and unforgettable.
Call Us (904) 844-0033
About Us – Jax Charter offers luxury yacht experiences in Jacksonville, showcasing the Royal Princess and a dedicated crew. Discover our story about our passion for the St. Johns River, and commitment to creating unforgettable private cruises and events.
Capt. Rob and Lezlee Peterzell-Bellanich are the husband-and-wife team behind
JAX Yacht Charter and the Royal Princess, Jacksonville’s premier luxury yacht.
Together, they bring decades of knowledge about yachting, hospitality, and event planning.
Their journey began in New York, where Capt. Rob founded NY Boat Charter in 1998 with a single yacht.
Over time, the business grew into one of the city’s premier charter companies, hosting weddings,
corporate events, and celebrations on the Hudson and East Rivers. Lezlee joined as co-owner, quickly
establishing herself as one of New York’s most successful yacht charter brokers.
Her leadership and knowledge about client
services, marketing, and event design helped build NY Boat Charter’s reputation for excellence and unforgettable on-the-water experiences.
Now in Jacksonville, the couple brings the same passion to JAX Yacht Charter, where the 125-foot
Royal Princess offers both private charters and public cruises along the St. Johns River.
With Rob’s maritime experience and Lezlee’s event expertise, guests enjoy seamless, world-class service in an unmatched setting.
Beyond the yacht, Rob and Lezlee are advocates for organ donation awareness. After Capt. Rob’s successful
liver transplant at Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, Lezlee shared their story in her book
Learn more about Lezlee’s book; Saved by a Stranger. Learn more about their journey and advocacy at
lezlee.com.
For Rob and Lezlee, every voyage is more than a cruise—it’s a celebration of life’s most meaningful moments.
Capt. Rob and Lezlee Peterzell-Bellanich are co-owners of JAX Yacht Charter in Jacksonville,
Florida, operating the 125-foot Royal Princess, a tri-level luxury yacht offering private charters and
public cruises along the St. Johns River.
Their experience spans over 25 years in the charter industry. Capt. Rob launched NY Boat Charter in 1998,
transforming a single yacht into one of New York’s leading charter companies. Lezlee soon joined as co-owner
and became one of the city’s most successful yacht charter brokers, known for her expertise in luxury event
planning, client relations, and building lasting partnerships. Together, they hosted thousands of high-profile
weddings, corporate events, and milestone celebrations in New York Harbor.
At JAX Yacht Charter, Rob and Lezlee now bring that same professionalism and creativity to Jacksonville,
offering a new level of waterfront hospitality on the St. Johns River.
In addition to their business ventures, they are advocates for organ donation awareness. After Capt. Rob’s
successful liver transplant at Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, Lezlee chronicled their story in her book
Saved by a Stranger and continues to raise awareness through her work at lezlee.com.
It’s been an adventure…. and she has never been happier, nor has she ever looked better! The Royal Princess Yacht is almost ready to SET SAIL!
The Love Story of Capt. Rob and Lezlee
Their story began, fittingly, on the water; where adventure meets serenity, and dreams find their rhythm in the tide. Captain Rob Bellanich, a hands-on mariner with deep mechanical know-how and a sharp eye for design, met Lezlee Peterzell-Bellanich, a vibrant extrovert with an ear for people and a voice that loves to sing; both literally and figuratively.
Where Rob is the anchor, steady, skilled, and always in tune with the vessel; Lezlee is the energy, welcoming guests with warmth, laughter, and unforgettable melodies. Together, they built more than a business; they created a floating dream in New York Harbor, where the Royal Princess Yacht became home to countless celebrations and cherished moments.
Their children, River and Skye, grew up watching the magic unfold; learning the ropes (sometimes literally) and soaking in the spirit of hospitality, hard work, and heart. Now, as young adults, River and Skye are proud to be part of the next chapter, helping to renovate and reimagine the Royal Princess Yacht, blending family legacy with a new wave of creativity and purpose.
The family originally came to Jacksonville when Rob was placed on the liver transplant list due to a rare autoimmune disease called PSC (Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis). On September 10, 2020, he received a successful liver transplant at Mayo Clinic. That life-changing event not only gave Rob a second chance but also inspired the family to breathe new life into downtown Jacksonville, bringing the Royal Princess to the St. Johns River, where she now sails again with renewed purpose.
Every cruise is a reflection of their shared story; love, resilience, family, and the belief that life’s best memories are made on the water.
