Elegantly gliding across the waters of Table Rock Lake with all the sophistication and glamor of 1920’s high society, Big Cedar Lodge’s Lady Liberty 62-foot luxury yacht offers Ozark travelers a glimpse of an almost-forgotten era. The story behind Lady Liberty is one steeped in family, freedom, and the American spirit.
The vessel was originally designed and commissioned for build in 2003 by Michael Farrington and Dorit Zeevi-Farrington, who co-founded the Manhattan Steamboat Company following the World Trade Center attacks on September 11, 2001. Michael, a professional captain in NY Harbor with a Masters in Marine Science, worked as a marine scientist before later working as a forensic scientist for NYC’s Chief Medical Examiner immediately after 9/11, where he was part of the Trade Center Disaster DNA analysis team. Dorit was born in Israel and became an Israeli Defense Forces officer before moving to New York to earn her M.B.A. in Finance & International Business and ultimately rising to the ranks of First Vice President of a successful New York equities trading firm, logging long hours on Wall Street. (Manhattan Steam Boat Company, n.d.)
Then in 2001 everything changed. The Farrington’s had a baby girl. Within a year of returning from maternity leave, Dorit took voluntary lay-off, opting out of the demanding pace of Wall Street and set her sights on building a family business instead. The Farrington’s invested Dorit’s severance check to build a custom-designed 62-foot luxury yacht to host private events and charter cruises around New York Harbor, christening the vessel Noa Danielle. (Vanderkan, 2005)
Built in 2004, the designs of L.E. Geary, a renowned Naval Architect of the 1920’s, served as inspiration for Noa Danielle, with some specific modifications to the pilothouse and forward bulwarks similar to that of the turn-of-the-century passenger-carry steamboats that traversed the waters of New York Harbor. The interior was a nod to the Roaring Twenties, with a Great Gatsby-inspired design, perfect for intimate gatherings. (Manhattan Steam Boat Company, n.d.)
Manhattan Steamboat Company owned and operated Noa Danielle until 2012, serving multiple ports of call in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, offering private charter tours, Statute of Liberty cruises, hosting elegant gatherings, celebrations, and corporate and non-profit events. (Manhattan Steam Boat Company, n.d.)
In 2012, Johnny Morris, noted conservationist and founder of Bass Pro Shops and Big Cedar Lodge, purchased Noa Danielle, to offer Big Cedar Lodge guests a unique way to experience the beauty of the Ozarks by water. The remarkable vessel was renamed Lady Liberty as a tribute to her prior service as a Statute of Liberty tour yacht, where guests from around the globe leisurely cruised the New York Harbor while learning, discussing, and reflecting upon our country’s history and the freedoms symbolized by the Statute of Liberty.
Lady Liberty officially embarked on her journey to the Ozarks from the New York Harbor at Chelsea Piers at 5:30am on May 28, 2012. The vessel sailed down the east coast to Maryland and was then trailered for the remainder of the trip west. The top deck was removed for transport and later reassembled upon arrival in Missouri. The carpets were removed, and stunning teak wood flooring was installed throughout.
After renovations, Lady Liberty finally settled in at Bent Hook Marina, under the careful stewardship of of First Captain Zeke, who is still captaining Lady Liberty today, and Second Captain Danny, who retired just a few years ago. Cruise bookings opened to Big Cedar Lodge guests in 2014.
Today, Lady Liberty is berthed at Big Cedar Lodge’s Long Creek Marina, offering visitors from across the globe a unique way to experience the beauty of the Ozarks and Table Rock Lake.
Lady Liberty offers a stark contrast to the high-powered sport boats, family-friendly pontoons, cabin cruisers, and fishing boats common among today’s lake goers. This custom-built 62-foot luxury yacht captures century-old beauty and charm with all the modern amenities of today.
From fine dining experiences to brunch and day cruises, the experienced captains and crew offer more than 200 cruise options each year. Maximum guest capacity is only 36, ensuring an intimate and relaxing experience for everyone on board. Cruises are all family friendly with menu options available for children.
Each cruise features live entertainment from local artists Gidean Dunn and Stephanie Barney, who perform almost exclusively for Lady Liberty guests. Guests are welcomed aboard at the dock by the captain and first mate. Before departing, the captain will introduce the crew, meal, and route plan.
There are two cruise routes, each with one and one-half hours of cruising time. The primary route sails north past Big Cedar Lodge, State Park Marina, the Showboat Branson Belle, to Table Rock Lake Dam, before turning back. The southern route sails across the Arkansas state line, past miles of untouched shorelines, offering guests the chance to spot Table Rock Lake’s legendary mountain goat Crisco before turning back.
During the cruise, the captain keeps guests entertained with interesting facts, identifies points of interest along the way, and watches the horizon for eagles and other wildlife. For sunset cruises, the crew are always ready to assist guests to capture the perfect sunset photos!
On cool or wet weather days, Lady Liberty crew encapsulates the upper dining and lower deck spaces to ensure a warm and dry boating experience while still providing beautiful views of Table Rock Lake! Unforgettable firework cruises are offered Memorial Day weekend, Independence Day, and Labor Day weekend. Big Cedar Lodge is proud to celebrate ten years of luxury yachting on Table Rock Lake and welcomes guests who set sail on this unforgettable yachting experience, to sit back, relax, enjoy delicious food, and take in the unforgettable views of Table Rock Lake. Lady Liberty is open to Big Cedar Lodge resort guests and the public. Group charters and private event bookings are also available by contacting Long Creek Marina.
