RIVER CRUISING
The Mississippi Returns!
Editor Simon Veness reports on two major new initiatives that will bring America’s major river back to cruise life
W
hen the 111-year-old Delta Queen Steamboat Com- pany went into liquidation in 2001, it threatened to
spell the end for one of the world’s most classic – and long-running – cruise styles. For several additional years under differ-
ing owners, the three traditional river steam- boats struggled along without getting the much-needed TLC they needed, and their audience seemingly died out with them. Mark Twain’s much-loved waterway
was in danger of becoming a riverboat-less world, no longer able to supply the timeless charm of slow journeys through the heart of America. But, not only is there news of a revival for one of the Delta Queen boats, there are now TWO companies setting out to address the issue in 2012.
First, American Cruise Lines announced they are building the Mississippi’s first all-new riverboat in more than 16 years, with the construction of the 150-passenger Queen of the Mississippi, which will be ready for its debut in August. And then the new Great American Steamboat Co rolls on to the scene with the acquisition of the American Queen, one of the classic ex-Delta Queen vessels, and the largest steamboat ever built (in 1994). The 400-passenger American Queen was
acquired by parent company Hornblower Marine Services for $15.5million after being laid up following the collapse of Majestic America Line in 2008, which seemingly marked the end of the old Delta Queen fleet. Not so, it seems. And the superb six-
deck recreation will be back in action from next April, offering 3 to 10-night voyages from Memphis along the Mississippi, Ohio and Tennessee Rivers, and taking in the likes of historic Vicksburg, Baton Rouge, Hannibal (home town of Mark Twain), Natchez and Chattanooga, as well as all
the big cities en route.
It promises to mark a major rebirth for mighty Ol’ Man River, and give river-cruis- ing a big shot in the arm as well. For, while there are already some excellent river- cruise choices in the USA – notably on the Snake and Columbia rivers in Washington and Oregon, and the Hudson and St Law- rence in the east – it is the Mississippi that is at the heart of things.
Classic cruisers – Delta Queen and Mississippi Queen, with (above) the construction and christening certificate of Mississippi Queen
78 WORLD OF CRUISING I Autumn 2011
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