[Jazzou Jones]

Greetings from the Delta Queen! The season is progressing quite well, and we're all looking forward to the first trip to Birmingham, which begins on Monday. I've meant to correspond before this, but life is pretty busy onboard these days and I don't get to the computer very often.

The long rotation is working out quite well, much better than I had imagined it would. As it turns out, both Bob Schad and I are going to work right on through November 27. Bob is taking a short break from July 24 - Aug 7, and I'll take off from Aug 27 - Sept 15. Mike Gentry is planning to leave on Aug 13 and Bob Stevens will return as Assistant Cruise Director. Looking forward to having Travis on board with us as Bob's Riverlorian replacement for two cruises. Walter Kross and three of his guys, Tony Schwartz, Jeff Czech and Tom Kasperek are returning Aug 13 as our band for the rest of the season. We say goodbye to Glenn Wilson, Kirk Kuykendall, Beau Hampton and Rosalinda de Leon. Our new female entertainer, Songbird of the Delta Queen is Emily Carroll from Ft. Thomas, KY. What a lovely talent she is. PGT Entertainment is fine to work with. They are doing a fine job of learning the ropes of muddy water cruising and entertainment.

It was good to see Franz, Carmen and Leonie in St. Louis over the Fourth of July. And it's great to see all of you when you come back to the river.

Best wishes,
Jazzou
Cruise Director