Delta Queen Steamboat Co.

Not yet rated under new ownership.

Best For People Who Want:
An All-American vacation on the Mississippi River. Patriotic decor and an education in American history..

Should Be Avoided By People Who Prefer:
non-cerebral vacation past times such as tanning and umbrella drinks.

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Onboard Experience:
The Mississippi Queen is the second largest riverboat in existence, after Delta Queen's American Queen. She is an authentic steamboat with a 70-ton paddlewheel built in 1976 in celebration of the nation's bicentennial as a sister ship to the original Delta Queen, now a registered national historic relic.

As the mighty Mississippi rolls along, a "riverlorian" keeps you in touch with what you are seeing, and what historic events happens within sight of you. The boat touches down at small towns on the lower Mississippi (generally, when not exploring the upper continent rivers) long enough to take passengers on a tour of a real plantation, or the such treats as the Baton Rouge Museum of Living History.

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 calliope, (the largest calliope on the river with 44 pipes) is a steam driven organ whose music can be heard for five miles, announcing the boat's arrival to the locals.

Decor:
The decor is All American, with floral wallpaper and fabric, beveled mirrors and crystal chandeliers and polished brass railings. Staircases are red carpetted with ornate banisters, chair and divans are Victorian.

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.

Cuisine:
Mississippi Queen's cuisine reflects a cross-section of regional American specialties. Many Southern favorites are 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 Delta Queen company is well known for its support of New Orleans music, including everything from Scott Joplin Ragtime to authentic Dixieland Jazz and even modern jazz by some of the city's contemporary young artists.

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.

Cabins:
Mississippi 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.