Built in 1927
Staterooms: 88
3,360 tons
285 feet in length
60 feet wide
passengers: 174
crew: 80
Passenger Decks: 4
Registry: United States
Not yet rated under new ownership.
Best For People Who Want: To explore the historical rivers of Middle America, casual dress; camaraderie with fellow passengers and crew; American cuisine; cabaret entertainment; onboard riverlorian (historian); cozy Victorian decor.
Should Be Avoided By People Who Prefer: A fast-paced megaship with sports facilities, spa and casino; sunshiny days at sea.
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Onboard Experience:
The Delta Queen offers a very comfortable and casual riverboatin' experience amidst grand Victorian decor. The third largest riverboat in existence, after the American Queen and the Mississippi Queen, the Delta Queen is the most authentic steamboat in the world, built in 1926 as a river steamer serving passengers between Sacramento and San Francisco, she was then acquired by a Cincinnati-based riverboat company, Greene Line Steamers at a government surplus auction in 1946 for $46,000. Considering the original price for Delta Queen and her sister boat was $1 million apiece, it was quite a bargain.
Greene Line later became The Delta Queen Steamboat Co. of New Orleans, and there are people who still remember the brave little boats making the journey down to the Panama Canal to get to the Gulf of Mexico and their new home port of New Orleans.
New federal safety laws enacted in the 1960s prohibiting wooden construction in passenger ships almost sent Delta Queen to the scrap heap, but due to the vigilance of a Bill Muster spreading a petition to acquire a million signatures, he won her a reprieve, and ultimately status as the only floating national historic treasure in the United States.
Today, the interior is replete with tiffany lamps, antique furniture, hardwood paneling, brass fittings, Siamese ironwood floor and a Grand Staircase crowned by a crystal chandelier. Passengers glide by pastoral scenery, through river locks, and into mid-American towns and cities in a style reminiscent of traveling gentry 100 years ago. The list of famous guests includes Princess Margaret of England and Former President, Jimmy Carter.
The glassed in engine room and Paddle Wheel Bar with floor-to-ceiling windows give passengers the unique opportunity of watching the mechanics in action. The riverlorian keeps you informed about the history and nautical aspects of your journey while plying the Mississippi and the rivers of Middle America. Delta Queen 's arrival at towns and cities along the route is announced by the calliope, the steam driven organ whose music can be heard for five miles. (This is the largest calliope on the river with 44 pipes.) It is a great occasion for many of the smaller towns visited with families coming down to watch as the stately riverboat arrives and departs.
The morning mist on the river gives an Impressionist image. Water fowl are frequently spotted along the river bank. Kite flying off the stern is a whimsical experience as you glide peacefully along, perhaps relaxing in one of the many rocking chairs on deck. A strong camaraderie develops between passengers and you feel welcome from the time you step 'aboard.
Decor: The authentic Victorian atmosphere is created by the use of floral wallpaper and fabric, beveled mirrors and light fixtures, chandeliers and polished brass railings. Cozy Victorian-style couches and overstuffed chairs along with Tiffany lamps and stained glass windows (in the Forward Cabin Lounge) add to the 19th-century ambience. Along hallways and in public rooms, paintings of river life and showcases filled with riverboat memorabilia add historical significance. The Grand Staircase is the most elegant area onboard with white wrought-iron and brass railings, chandelier suspended from a painting of cherubs among the clouds and a two-deck mirror as a backdrop.
Public Rooms:
Most public rooms are located on the Observation Deck. The Grand Saloon is the center of activity acting as showroom, lecture hall and activity center. The large dance floor is well used on these river cruises, many of which have a Big Band theme. The charming Wheel House is the forward, glass enclosed observation area where the riverlorian's library and river charts are found.
Located near the grand staircase, are a small library and games room, the cheerful Golden Antlers Bar with floor to ceiling windows and the Port Gallery where 24 hour coffee, tea, hot chocolate and fresh baked cookies are available.
The Dining Saloon seats more than 200 passengers but the high ceiling and picture windows give it an open, uncrowded atmosphere.
The two-deck Paddlewheel Lounge with floor-to-ceiling windows offers superb river views.
Downstairs is the bar and dance floor where sing-alongs and the Night Owls' Club take place. Cozy nooks for relaxing and river viewing are located on the upper level. This is a favorite spot for private parties, wine tasting, afternoon tea and the late night "Sweet Treat".
The Forward Lounge is a quiet gathering spot on Cabin Deck which includes the Purser's Office and Shore Tours Desk. A portrait of Mark Twain and large cage of finches add to the Victorian atmosphere.
The Calliope Bar is an outdoor bar located aft on Promenade Deck, near the bathing pool.
Services onboard include a gift shop, Beauty parlor, exercise room and theatre/conference center.
Cuisine: Delta Queen 's cuisine reflects a cross-section of regional American specialties. On our recent cruise in the Old South, many Southern favorites were featured including Bayou Stuffed Catfish, Louisiana Seafood Chowder, Black Bean Soup, Blackened Sirloin, Veggie Jambalaya, Cajun Cornish Hen, Fried Green Tomatoes and crawfish. Steaks and fish are well prepared and desserts were outstanding. There are two seatings for dinner at 5:15p.m. and 7:45p.m.
Open seating breakfast is served a la carte in the Dining Saloon or buffet style in the Grand Saloon. Continental Breakfast is available in the Port Gallery or in your stateroom between 6a.m. and 9a.m. Lunch options include open seating dining in the Dining Saloon, a soup, salad and sandwich bar in the Grand Saloon or hot dogs at the Calliope Bar on deck. Once on each cruise a "Family Barbecue Picnic' lunch is held. This is a buffet-style feast of Southern Fried Chicken, ribs, catfish, potato salad and more. Coffee, tea, hot chocolate and and fresh baked cookies are always available in the Port Gallery. Afternoon Tea, cocktail hour hors d'oeuvres and a late night "Sweet Treat" at 11:15p.m. are served in the Upper Paddlewheel Lounge.
Service: The helpful and attentive American crew add to the friendliness felt onboard the riverboats. Gentlemen hosts are on hand to dance with single ladies and assist with bingo and activities.
Entertainment:
Nightly shows in the Grand Saloon feature a talented troupe of two men and two women who sing, dance and entertain. Reviews focus on Broadway, Big Band, Ragtime, Dixieland and the music of the 50's and 60's. There are a number of talented pianists and singers performing in the Paddlewheel Lounge and during dinner in the Dining Saloon. River songs abound, such as "Old Man River", "Waitin' for the Robert E. Lee" and Mississippi Mud".
The Daily Riverlorian River Chat, tours of the Pilot House and talk by the Captain are very informative. Crafts classes, bingo, kite flying, movies in the theatre, galley tours and sing-alongs round out the roster of entertainment. There's also a chance to play the Calliope during the cruise.
On our "Old Fashioned Holidays" theme cruise, a Christmas decoration and cabin door decorating contest were held, there were several carol sing-alongs and a special Cajun Christmas evening of entertainment was a highlight.
Cabins:
Delta Queen 's 208 staterooms continue the riverboat's Victorian style with assorted floral patterns on wallpaper, carpets, curtains and comforters, beveled glass light fixtures and paintings of riverboat and period themes. All staterooms have air conditioning, wall-to-wall carpeting, telephones and private bathrooms with shower. Inside staterooms have upper and lower berths or twin beds. Most outside staterooms have private verandas; those on Main Deck have a large window. Suites are more spacious with larger verandas. They include a tub and shower and a daybed or sofa-bed in addition to twin, queen or king size beds. One suite is wheelchair accessible.
Fitness/Spa: A small exercise room and bathing pool are found onboard. There is a beauty salon but no spa facilities.
Attire: Dress is casual although many passengers enjoy dressing in the evenings when dresses, suits and pant suits are popular for the ladies and jackets for the men.
Tipping:
Delta Queen recommends the following gratuities, per person per day (including children), to be given out at the end of the cruise: Cabin Steward $4.50; Waiter $4.50; Busboy $3.25. For the Dining Room Captain, $5.75 per person per cruise, Maitre d' $4.25 per person per cruise. Porter, $2.50 per bag.
