The Delta Queen Saga...

So I have an invested interest in the three steamboats that were owned by Delta Queen Steamboat Co.  The three steamboats I'm referring to are the Delta Queen, the Mississippi Queen and the American Queen. 

 

In 2005, I worked on the American Queen for 6 months.  I loved it but only worked there a short time because Ambassadors International (AI) bought the company from Delta.  AI changed a bunch of policies and other things that I didn't agree with so I quit.  It's a shame because I think AI lost a bunch of good employees with their changes but that's not what I'm talking about on this blog.  

I've been trying to keep up with what's going on with the boats because I miss them and they are great boats.  Since I left, things went drastically downhill.  In 2008, Delta Queen lost her exemption to the Safety at Sea Act and was forced to retire.  Around the same time, AI put all boats up for sale and ceased operations.

In 2009, Delta Queen was bought and is now a floating hotel in Chattanooga, Tennessee.  She looks pretty cool and I plan on seeing some day - Check it out:    http://www.deltaqueenhotel.net/#!
A few months ago, AI filed Chapter 11 and  Xanterra Parks & Resorts purchased the assets of  AI which includes the Delta Queen.... so not sure what the future holds for her but hopefully she will be protected.

Unfortunately the Mississippi Queen did not have such a great fate....  She was left to rot and be vandalized on the docks of New Orleans.  It would have cost more to refurbish her than what it cost to build her.  In April this year, they started tearing her down.  So sad.  Here's an article about it with a video - the video is sad :-(    Workers Tearing down Mississippi Queen

Which brings us to the biggest and best in my opinion, the American Queen.  I couldn't find information on the AQ for the longest time... then she appeared... at least the news did.   And will reappear next year on the Mississippi River cruising!!!  I'm so happy that she will be back on the river... can't wait to see pictures of it again.   American Queen will cruise again!