Is This The "Last Call" For The S.S. Delta Queen?

Majestic America Lines, the new owner of the steamboats of the former Delta Queen Steamboat Company, announced August 1, 2007 that the 2008 season would be the last year for the legendary steamboat S.S. Delta Queen. You can read the full press release at http://www.majesticamericaline.com/cms/Files/DQ%20Farewell%20Season%20-%208%2001%2007%20FINAL.pdf. Majestic America blames the United States Congress for this decision.

The DQ has a wooden super-structure and therefore technically does not meet contemporary safety standards for American-flagged overnight vessels. This is not a new problem. The DQ has operated for the past forty-two years under a series of special exemptions. Typically, every five to ten years she requires action by the Congress to extend her operating license; as she never has been granted an on-going exemption. This problem first surfaced in 1966, when legislation was passed banning wooden superstructures on overnight vessels registered in the United States after 1968, when a fire at sea occurred on a poorly-maintained ocean-going ferry sailing overnight between Miami and Nassau in the Bahamas.

The supporters of the Delta Queen immediately began to lobby on her behalf. They pointed out that she is never more than one to two minutes from shore on any of the rivers she travels She can be tied up to a tree or bank ("choking a stump" in river parlance) and therefore can be evacuated almost instantly. Her interior includes fire sprinklers throughout the vessel. Fire-retardant paints are used on all wood surfaces. Most importantly, she has operated without a passenger fatality due to an accident since 1927! In 1968 (and six times since) exemptions passed the Congress after intensive lobbying from not only the Delta Queen's owners but also thousands of passengers and river-side residents who love this irreplaceable vessel. Since 1970, the exemptions have passed routinely, until this year.

Mysteriously, this time the House Transportation Committee failed to bring the DQ's extension up for a vote. This means the Senate cannot act either, as the law requires the bill to originate in the House. While her license does not expire until December 2008, planning and marketing for the 2009 DQ season has to begin now. The Congress has just gone into recess without action; and as a result, Majestic America Lines has announced that the DQ will be retired.

It is unclear why the present Congress has not passed this legislation. What we do know is that Congress needs to hear now from average Americans if they want the priceless S.S. Delta Queen to sail into her 82nd year of service in 2009.

The members of Congress who supported the extension are listed on the Majestic America Press Release at the link above. Hopefully it still is not too late to reverse this tragic decision. If you agree, please consider calling or writing a short letter your Congressperson and Senators asking them to speak to the Chairs of the appropriate committees (James Oberstar in the House and Daniel Inouye in the Senate) to request the DQ legislation be passed. Letters will be particularly important if your district is anywhere along the Mississippi, Ohio, Cumberland, Tennessee, Red, Arkansas or Illinois River systems, or the Tennessee Tombigbee Waterway. Only the DQ is small enough to travel some of these waters.

Sail The S.S. Delta Queen Now!

Rail Travel Center has been advised no new groups will be booked on the remaining DQ voyages. This allows all past or potential new passengers a fair chance to sail on this legendary sternwheeler before her last voyage arrives in New Orleans on November 6, 2008. Many extra incentives and attractive fares are offered on the DQ, both in 2007 and 2008. For example, free air is available on all October and November 2007 DQ voyages. For 2008, all reservations on deposit before October 31, 2007 qualify for free air; and past passengers on any of the vessels of the Delta Queen Steamboat Company, American West Steamboat Company, or Windstar Cruises qualify for an additional 5% off the fare. Please note these special offers are subject to withdrawal at any time, so book early for the best prices.

2008 Delta Queen sailings cover the Mississippi and Ohio, and Cumberland River systems. Most 2008 voyages are 7 nights/8days, but there are a few shorter and longer itineraries. The DQ will visit river towns from New Orleans to Memphis, St. Louis, and St. Paul on the Mississippi; to Louisville, Cincinnati and Pittsburgh on the Ohio; and to Nashville on the Cumberland. Call us soon for a 2008 sailing schedule and prices. These voyages will sell-out very quickly. In the USA and Canada call (800) 458-5394 toll-free. Overseas call 1 (802) 387-5812.