YTB Travel Chronicles

Up a Lazy River on the Delta Queen: The last original Paddle Wheel Steam Boat 

YTB Travel RTA, Wilbur Rice had watched the Delta Queen run up and down the Ohio River for years.  As a boy growing up in Louisville, KY, he had a dream of one day taking a cruise on board this majestic “Queen of the River.”  On April 27, 2007, his dream came true. He boarded the Delta Queen with his wife of 16 years, Barbara, on their anniversary, for a wonderful and truly unforgettable trip. 

            The cruise began in Memphis and ran up river to Cincinnati, with several stops along the way.  The “ports of call” were tiny river towns, preserved much as they were back in the 1940’s.  Lots of little shops and friendly folk were eager to show off their towns.  We learned to play the calliope and were awarded the “Vox Calliopus Certificate” for being able to produce at least 5 recognizable notes!  A main port visit was Louisville, Wilbur’s home town, during Kentucky Derby week.  Part of the festivities involved a race between the Delta Queen and the Belle of Louisville.  It was a fierce competition - so much so, that the Belle had to cheat to get ahead.  But, the Delta Queen prevailed anyway.  However, the Delta Queen was disqualified this year because she won fair and square.  And she lived again to race another year.

            However, the Delta Queen’s years may be numbered.  Several years ago she was designated as the only boat to become an historical landmark.  She is the only overnight vessel with a wooden super structure.  For years she has enjoyed an exception, awarded by Congress, to the rule that stated that any overnight vessel must have a steel super structure.  This law was intended for sea going vessels. The Delta Queen only navigates the waters of the rivers of the American East to Mid West.  She is only a few feet from the bank of the river at any time and has an impeccable safety record.  Many are working now to save the Delta Queen from extinction, as her legal exception comes up for renewal in Congress in 2008.  To learn more about how to help, go to: www.majesticamericaline.com/SaveTheDeltaQueen.aspx and http://www.save-the-delta-queen.org.  Thanks for helping us to save the Delta Queen.  This is a wonderful, historical cruising experience not to be missed!  Long live the Queen! 

Wilbur Rice retired from his career as a Licensed Massage Therapist in April 2006 with a dream to travel.  He has become an on-line travel agent.  His business partner and wife, Barbara, is an Occupational Therapist.  Barbara wears many hats: part time hospital OT; Wilbur’s travel and business partner; and, adjunct college instructor of Occupational Therapy Assistant Students at Manatee Community College.  The Rice’s have another cruise on the Delta Queen scheduled in the summer of 2008.