The Delta Queen’s farewell season
will include calls at St. Louis.
What are the chances of boarding America’s most famous steamboat on the very day that its owners announce its retirement? Arriving in Mobile, Ala., for an eight-night cruise on the legendary Delta Queen, we learned that Majestic America Line had just announced its decision to cease operation of the Delta Queen in November 2008. Majestic America line was formed in 2006 through the combination of American West Steamboat Company and the Delta Queen Steamboat Company. In the process, it became the country’s pre-eminent river and coastal cruising company.
The Delta Queen, built in 1926, has a steel hull and wooden superstructure, which is typical of her era. Although the Coast Guard eventually disallowed wooden superstructures, the Delta Queen received dispensation for her unique status as the last operational steam-powered paddlewheeler with overnight accommodations. Indeed, the Delta Queen received National Historic Landmark status in 1989. She has hosted three U.S. presidents as well as a princess and countless entertainers. But despite her storied history, Congress decided against extending the Delta Queen’s exemption.
Over the years, the vessel has developed an amazingly loyal following. On our sailing, at least 40 percent of our fellow passengers were repeat travelers. Seriously concerned by Majestic America’s announcement, pro-active passengers drafted and circulated a petition urging Congress to extend the Delta Queen’s exemption from the 1966 Safety of Life at Sea Law.
Delta Queen
We boarded the Delta Queen at Columbus, Miss., following the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway to the mighty Tennessee River with port stops at Savannah, Tenn., Florence, Ala., Decatur, Ala., and ending at Chattanooga, Tenn. We marveled at the changing countryside, which ranged from pasture to forest as we traversed a series of locks. All the towns along the route were steeped in Civil War history, with plaques marking the homes of famous native sons and sites of momentous battles.
The line offers optional shore excursions at each port stop, but for many Delta Queen fans, “cruisin’” is what it’s all about. Our knowledgeable on-board Discovery Guide provided in-depth presentations on the history of the Delta Queen plus fascinating river lore.
Although it had been 13 years since our previous sailing on the Delta Queen, we found her to be the shining monument to a bygone era that we remembered. From the 1869 vintage calliope that accompanies each departure, to the well-polished brass fittings, original Tiffany stained-glass windows and ironwood floored dining room, the Delta Queen remains a well-cared-for floating museum. The bell that announces shore landings is the same bell that sounded landings for Mark Twain’s steamboat in 1883.
Meals aboard the Delta Queen are beautifully prepared and presented, and include many regional specialties. Breakfast and lunch are open seating with a choice of buffet or menu items. There are two dinner seatings, at 5:45 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. And after dinner, the Riverboat Rhythm band plays favorite jazz tunes. It’s another nostalgic element that will sail away when the ship leaves service. Fortunately, Majestic America Line has announced plans to hold various commemorative events honoring the Delta Queen on her 24 departures scheduled for 2008.
In the statement announcing the boat’s retirement, Majestic America Line stated that it is “committed to providing this American treasure with a proper and well-deserved send off, and will spend the Delta Queen’s 2008 farewell season celebrating this historic landmark with the communities and people who hold her storied tradition of sailing the waterways of the United States so dear.”
It’s hard to think of a more fitting farewell.
Gayle Christensen is a travel counselor at Alamo World Travel in Alamo, Calif.
| FINAL MONTHS Majestic America Line is planning special commemorative events, exclusive departures for previous Delta Queen guests and commemorative gifts that will mark the boat’s farewell season in 2008. Sample itineraries include a 14-night New Orleans to Cincinnati cruise departing April 18; a seven-night Nashville to Cincinnati cruise departing May 20; a 10-night Pittsburgh to Nashville cruise departing June 14 and a seven-night Memphis to St. Louis cruise departing July 8. Due to the limited number of departures, guests are encouraged to book soon. According to Majestic America Line, the company is “continuing to evaluate the best way to preserve her legendary spirit and her esteemed place in American history for future generations.” 800-434-1232
www.majesticamericaline.com |
