Historic Delta Queen
 

Historic Delta Queen headed for final Mississippi River voyage


Associated Press - August 21, 2007 6:04 PM ET

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) - Wooden paddle-wheeler Delta Queen will make her last overnight cruise next year unless the federal government extends the riverboat's exemption from modern fire codes.

The ship built in 1926 has carried three presidents and a princess on the Mississippi River, among other notables.

A group organized by a riverboat enthusiast, Save-the-Delta-Queen.org, is campaigning to renew the exemption.

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee recently declined to extend the 10-year exemption, citing fears that the ship could become a fire hazard.

Under the terms of the 1960 Safety of Lives at Sea Act, ships with more than 50 staterooms must be constructed of inflammable materials. The Delta Queen accommodates 176 passengers.

The company that owns the Delta Queen, the Seattle-based Majestic America Line, said it is planning a special send-off for next year's last cruises.

The Delta Queen was en route from Memphis to Little Rock on a 7-day cruise yesterday. It's final voyage is set for October 31st, 2008.

So sad. I received an email with this news a month or so ago.

I'd been dreaming about a Delta Queen cruise for a couple of years now, but I doubt that I'll have one before the time is up.

Make it a private club boat, members only, charge a dollar and have them sign a waiver to join.

Would that get Rob and the ADA off their backs as well?

She's a beauty!

article with some nice pictures

Great link Griff. Back in 70s the contractor whom I was working for sent some of us to do sub work at Todd shipyard, Algiers, LA.
I did some pipe fitting on the Queen, I think a 4" bypass for some kind of overboard line. About a 6 hr job. But Todd was union and didn't like us being there. So made about 3 days.Got to walk the stair way and see the steam organ. TooT

I was clear that the business was not a historic building.
I have no issue with their exception and think that this boat should cruise.
You are such a little bitch.

Thanks, sweet cheeks. ;)

that is pretty damn cool!:cool:

Anytime honey.