BAY QUEEN

BC Ferries Vessel Out of Service

The Queen of Vancouver remains out of service until further notice due to a significant mechanical problem. BC Ferries’ engineers expect the gearbox on the vessel will not be repaired until next week at the earliest. As a result of the breakdown, BC Ferries will be canceling a number of sailings on Friday, March 4 and Sunday, March 6. In order to assist with anticipated traffic volumes on the Victoria run, the Queen of Esquimalt will be redeployed from the Tsawwassen – Duke Point route to conduct one round trip on Friday and Sunday departing Tsawwassen at 6:30 p.m. and departing Swartz Bay at 8:30 p.m. The Queen of Saanich, which usually provides supplemental weekend service, is now sailing as a primary vessel on the Tsawwassen – Swartz Bay route. This ship and the Spirit of Vancouver Island are providing service every two hours on the odd hour between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m.

Delta Queen Named Ship of the Year

Legendary Delta Queen, a National Historic Landmark, has been named Ship of the Year by the Steamship Historical Society of America. "Delta Queen is the last operating steamboat of her era and is one of the most historic vessels in the world," said William duBarry, president of the society. "No other vessel still operating in the U.S. is as historically important as she. Our members appreciate the commitment The Delta Queen Steamboat Co

BC Ferries Completes Investigation

BC Ferries has completed an internal investigation into the April 3 incident, in which unusually strong northwest winds caused Queen of Cowichan to break from its mooring lines at Departure Bay and drift on to an adjacent dock. Queen of Cowichan, which was moored at the outside terminal berth, broke its mooring lines at about 3:30 a.m., twisted free of the dock and went adrift, resulting in minor damage to the berth and an adjacent dock, and virtually no damage to the vessel.

Queen of North Grounds, Passengers Safely Evacuate

On Wednesday, BC Ferries' Queen of the North, hit a rock off Gil Island in Wright Sound. BC Ferries Emergency Operations Center confirms that all 101 passengers and crew were safely evacuated via BC Ferries lifeboats. Some of the passengers and crew have been taken to Hartley Bay, which is approximately 75 miles south of Prince Rupert. Others are on the Canadian Coast Guard vessel Sir Wilfred Laurier. Passengers and crew will then be transported to Prince Rupert via Canadian Coast Guard

Nautica Queen at Great Lakes Shipyard for Repairs

Great Lakes Shipyard, Cleveland, Ohio, will perform deck repairs to the Nautica Queen. The 124 ft long Nautica Queen was built in 1981 and is home-ported in Cleveland, Ohio on the west bank of the flats. The Nautica Queen can accommodate up to 400 passengers in the two enclosed decks and spacious observation deck on the top of the ship. The vessel hosts lunch and dinner cruises as well as Sunday brunch and also hosts corporate and birthday parties as well as wedding receptions.

Passenger Carries Hurt

American Classic Voyages Co. subsidiaries Delta Queen will trim its upcoming cruise schedule by a combined total of 27 cruises. Delta Queen Coastal Voyages will eliminate three cruises in 2001. Also, the 2002 summer and fall schedule of the 174-passenger Delta Queen will be enhanced to meet passenger demand for more variety. Moody's Investors Service confirmed the A2 senior ratings of Carnival Corporation, but changed the rating outlook to negative reflecting the uncertain economic and

American Queen to Make Debut

Majestic America Line American Queen will debut on March 9, 2007 On March 9, 2007, the American Queen, will make its debut as the flagship vessel for Majestic America Line. In 2007 the American Queen will cruise the mighty Mississippi and Ohio Rivers, showcasing our nation's rich tapestry of breathtaking natural beauty, distinct regional cultures and vibrant history for an extraordinary American experience guests will treasure for years to come

Passengers, Crew Safe after Ferry Sinking

On March 22, off B.C.'s north coast, rescuers plucked dozens of people from lifeboats after The Queen of the North, sailing south on a 450-kilometer overnight trip from Prince Rupert to Port Hardy along what's known as B.C.'s Inside Passage, hit a rock just after 12:30 a.m. and sank in choppy seas and high winds. All of the 101 people aboard - 42 crew members and 59 passengers - were rescued and accounted for. Most were taken to a community center in Hartley Bay where the town's residents

QM2 Passes Sea Trials

Cunard Line's flagship Queen Mary 2 returned from the sea after having completed her sea trials with flying colours. The largest, longest, tallest, widest, and at - $780-million - the most expensive passenger liner ever built underwent four days of rigorous testing of her power, manoeuvrability and vibration levels off the Brittany coast. The successful trials put QM2 right on schedule for her January 12 Maiden Voyage from Southampton, England, to Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Majestic to Upgrade Cruise Ships

Majestic America Line said that it plans upgrades to its entire fleet of cruise ships next year. Majestic established a Midwest operations office in St. Louis this fall. State room upgrades on the company's seven ships will include upgraded mattresses and linens, massage shower heads, and spa-quality robes and toiletries. Flat screen televisions with DVD players will be added on the American Queen, Mississippi Queen and Contessa ships.