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Riverboats for Sale

Arron Kerns — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 18:57:22 GMT

I am considering starting an Excursion Riverboat business. I am currently looking for a riverboat to purchase. I had considered trying to build one, but I don't have the knowledge to attempt this on my own. If anyone knows of a boat, preferably at least 100 passenger vessel, please let me know. Thanks

Showboat Becky Thatcher probably gone forever

Franz Neumeier — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 14:35:42 GMT

The Marietta Register ( The Marietta Register Online - Web Extra: Becky Thatcher Sinks ) reports that the historic, 83 year old paddlewheel showboat Becky Thatcher sank on Sunday near Neville Island. Not much more information is available at this time except that a heavy snow load may have caused the disaster.
According to the newspaper eyewitnesses say they find it unlikely that she may be saved. The online article at the Marietta Register also has some - very sad - pictures from the Becky Thatcher.

Entertainer Charles "Chip" Saporiti passed away

Franz Neumeier — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 07:05:37 GMT

We just got the sad news that long-time Delta Queen and Mississippi Queen entertainer Charles "Chip" Saporiti passed away on December 19 at the age of 52 at his home at Glendora, California. Chip's version of "Ol' Man River" will stick in our memories for ever, together with a memory of a wonderful singer and a great man. Requiescat in pace. See Chip's obituary for more details about Chip Saporiti's life.

America Cruise Lines to expand

Franz Neumeier — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 07:55:13 GMT

American Cruise Lines has announced further expansion of their West Coast operations. Besides the purchase of the former Majestic America Line vessel "Queen of the West", which is supposed to run on the Columbia and Snake Rivers in 2010, American Cruise Lines said they'll announce further expansion plans to the West Coast in early 2010.
Fact is the addition of the newly built Independence to be completed in 2010 and speculations are that the company is also planning to operate either the Columbia Queen or the Empresss of the North - both former Majestic America Line vessels as well.
The modified and capacity-decreased Queen of the West will start cruising in summer 2010, departing from Portland, Oregon and Clarkston, Washington. Stops along the rivers will include the Columbia River Gorge, Multonomah Falls, Mt. St. Helen�s, The Dalles, Hells Canyon and Astoria.

Delta Queen Crew Club recognizing former crew and passengers

Franz Neumeier — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 13:41:36 GMT

Delta Queen Hotel has announced the Delta Queen Crew Club, a program that recognizes the beloved boat�s most loyal fans by offering an opportunity to commemorate their trips and service with the purchase of a brass-plated nameplate.

Former passenger plaques will be engraved with the name of the passenger, their home port, the year of their first cruise, and the number of cruises they have taken on the Delta Queen. For those that served on the Delta Queen, plaques will be engraved with their name and title, their home port, the year they started, and the number of years of service.

The plaques will be adhered to one of the vessel�s three decks just below the handrails at ankle level. Sydney Slome, proprietor of the Delta Queen Hotel, assured that the process will not compromise the boat�s historic integrity in any way.

The weather resistant 3x6-inch plaques are available for purchasefor $100. This special offer is limited in number and is only available to past passengers and former officers, crew, staff, employees and entertainers of the Delta Queen; plaques may be purchased in memory of a loved and/or respected one.

To become a member of the Delta Queen Crew Club and order a plaque for yourself or someone you love this holiday season, call (800)499-9877 between the hours of 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, or purchase on-line at www.deltaqueenhotel.com.

Belle of Louisville accident ends 2009 season early

Franz Neumeier — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 09:13:27 GMT

The steamboat Belle of Louisville has been pushed into a drydock by strong winds on early Saturday afternoon. On board were about 300 passengers, several of them suffering minor injuries. The Belle of Louisville's paddlewheel crashed into a drydock of the McBride fleet near Harrods Creek breaking a few bucket boards as well as suffering damage on the jockey bar (which is the beam behind the paddlewheel that is attached to the ends of the cylinder timbers, holding the cylinder timbers in alignment. Thanks to Capt. Alan Bates for this explanation.) The Belle of Louisville's hull obviously was not damaged and the boat did not take on water.

According to the local TV news, Belle of Louisville CEO Linda Harris said that all remaining cruises of the boat this year will probably be cancelled and events scheduled will be held on the boat whiled docked at 4th street wharf at Louisville.

The Courier-Journal reports that the Belle of Louisville was under the command of Capt. James Donahue and pilot Steve Mattingly when the accident happened, both very experienced steamboaters and long-time Belle officers.

WLKY has some pictures and Wave3 has more details on the accident.

It seams that 2009 has not been a good year for steamboats at all, to say the least. With the American Queen and Delta Queen out of cruise business and the Julia Belle Swain docked, the Str. Natchez at new orleans now is the only actually operating steamboat on the rivers, though at least the Belle of Louisville for sure will come back, soon.

Tony Suttile's where abouts

LINDA HURD — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 18:27:19 GMT

Tony Suttile, hotel manager of the America Queen Riverboat is now Manager of a high end hotel on an island in the Caribean. He has been there for about 2 years and is married.

Showboat Becky Thatcher has left Marietta for Pittsburgh

Franz Neumeier — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 06:35:07 GMT

The showboat BECKY THATCHER has left her long-time mooring place on the Muskingum River at Maritetta, Ohio, for Pittsburgh on October 14, 2009, and will rest there temporarily, according to her owner, Jeffrey Levin of Nashville, TN.
The Becky Thatcher, originally built in 1926 as MISSISSIPPI (III) as an inspection boat for the Army Corps of Engineers in 1926 and a National Historic Landmark since 1983 has served as a showboat and restaurant at Marietta since 1977, but closed down a few years ago and hasn't been in use since then.
Steamboats.org member C.R. Neal shot some great pictures from her departure at Marietta and the Marietta Times has the full story about the Becky Thatcher leaving town.

no models??

ronald simmons — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 22:21:28 GMT

i noticed in the model building section of steamboat.org's home page that it said there are no steamboat kits out there. well i know of several. go to modelexpo.com, then check out catalog #33. there are several kits there from novice to expert, is various price ranges. have fun!

Ghost investigation on the Delta Queen, Discovery Channel at Chattanooga

Franz Neumeier — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 06:38:51 GMT

Discovery Channel's Ghost Lab is investigating on the Delta Queen at Chattanooga, trying to find scientific evidence for the existence of Delta Queen Capt. Mary Greene's ghost.

In an interview, long-time Delta Queen Master Capt. Mike Williams told his experiences, especially from 1984 where he says the spirit of Capt. Greene has saved the boat when she alerted him that the Delta Queen's hull had a hole and was going to sink eventually if he hadn't found it in time, with the help of Capt. Mary Greene. Also, Capt. Williams believes Mary Greene led him and his wife to eventually marry after an encounter in 1985.

Chattanooga Times Free Press has the whole story and also some video footage of Discovery Channel's attempt to prove the existence of a ghost on the Delta Queen.

Ghost Lab premieres on October 6, and the Delta Queen episode is expected to air in December.

steamboat for sale

ronald simmons — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 15:59:36 GMT

award winning wooden sternwheel riverboat for sale. very good condition. encased in glass. very good history, its been in the papers and on tv. interested partys can reach me at ronjon1012@yahoo.com for more info and more pictures.

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Ambassadors to sell the QUEEN OF THE WEST

Franz Neumeier — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 18:45:00 GMT

Ambassadors International Inc. has announced today that they have signed a definitive agreement to sell the Columbia River paddlewheeler QUEEN OF THE WEST to Blue Spruce LLC, an affiliate of American Cruise Lines (details, see press release).
The 142-passenger vessel Queen of the West is the first of the Majestic America Line boats to be sold after Ambassadors' announcement from February this year to sell of the Majestic's assets and focus on their business at Windstar Cruises.

Jim Herron's new video: Last Cruise of the Delta Queen

Franz Neumeier — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 06:51:00 GMT

I've always enjoyed Jim Herron's videos because of his ability to find the best spots for spectacular and unusual views. His newest set of 3 DVDs, "Last Cruise of the Delta Queen", is no exemption. Though I strongly disagree with the title of the video - there will be future cruises of the boat! - it's a great documentation of this historic cruise in October 2008.

Jim Herron did follow the Delta Queen all the way from Cincinnati to Memphis, not only at the port stops but also along the rivers while on her way. The DVDs are covering every arrival and departure with lots of whistle signals blown and calliope music played. It has sad and sentimental moments like the escort from the Belle of Louisville at Louisville as well as funny and exciting situations like the stop at Grandview, IN, where the deck hands had a tough job arranging the stage where the boat couldn't get close enough to the levee for a regular landing.

The 3-DVD-set "Last Cruise of the Delta Queen" is a must-have documentation for every Delta Queen fan, playing 3 1/2 hours in widescreen format and stereo sound. Jim Herron is selling the DVD on his website for 39,95 Dollars.

Grey Eagle vs Itasca

Jane Hirsh — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 21:00:07 GMT

Hello! I am writing a theatre piece about the race between the 'Grey Eagle' and the 'Itasca' in 1855. Any information is very welcome! You may contact me via my email address, which is > janehirsh@yahoo.com < or through this forum. Any relevant info welcome and thank you! JH

Delta Queen songs must-have CD by Laura Sable, Bill Wiemuth

Franz Neumeier — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 17:53:00 GMT

Admittedly it's weeks ago that Laura and Bill sent a review copy of their new CD "Delta Queen - A Musican Journey". I thought I couldn't stand that many Delta Queen songs in a row without breaking out in tears so I postponed listening to the their songs until today. And what a blast this CD is!

Imagine sitting in the Orleans Room in a warm, not too humid night on the Mississippi River, lights off, Cruise Director Jazzou Jones announces an evening of Delta Queen memories and the good times on the river. Then Laura and Bill come to the stage. Close your eyes, remember the wonderful smell of wood and varnish, the soft vibrations from the paddlewheel. Lean back and just listen.

The CD includes a reminiscence of the Delta Queen's early life on the Sacramento River,"I left my heat at San Francisco", as well as the songs that everyone expects, like the "Delta Queen Waltz", and "Roll on, Delta Queen" - just sensationally, this blues version by Bill Wiemuth.

I made one mistake, though: I put the CD in the car CD player and listened while driving to work this morning. But "Lovely Lady, Delta Queen" on a German autobahn at 120 mph - not a good idea, because the song, Laura's devine voice, the memories are simply dragging you away, emotionally. I had to slow down, quickly.

Overall, don't be afraid of getting too emotional; the CD is emotional, but Laura and Bill managed to have versions of the songs that simply make you smile and remember the good old times on the steamboat Delta Queen without today's grief over her situation.

There is just one song where you sure will not be able to hold back your tears. That's when Bill sings Johnny Cash's "So Long Delta Queen".

Thanks Laura and Bill for this wonderfull CD full of good memories of the river and the Delta Queen. Thanks for the wonderful and sometimes (positively) surprisingly new versions of good old Delta Queen songs.
To order the CD, please check Bill's blog (deltaqueen.wordpress.com/dq-music-cd/).