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Delta Queen News

23 Jan 2019

Inland River Cruising: 2019 Will Be Busy

The American Song (CREDIT: ACL)

One year ago, we reported on vacation river cruising, presenting an industry mostly on the optimistic side of growth and expansion for 2018. This year’s review is more geographically limited – to the Mississippi River, heartland cruises centered among New Orleans, Memphis, St. Louis and St. Paul – but with links important for a lot of smaller cities in between.Big picture:This industry is strong, at least among its two major players: American Cruise Lines and the American Queen Steamboat Company. Both have extensive and varied schedules for 2019.

04 May 2011

Cornel Martin Departs Waterways Council

Waterways Council, Inc. (WCI) President and CEO Cornel Martin has announced that he will be departing the organization at the end of June. On July 1, 2008, I was offered and accepted the job of President and CEO of Waterways Council, Inc. (WCI). Over the last three years, we have made great progress restructuring and improving the organization, working with the Corps of Engineers and industry leaders to develop a plan to provide for the long-term future of inland waterways infrastructure investment for our nation…

15 Jul 2008

Martin Named President and CEO of Waterways Council, Inc.

Cornel J. Martin has been named as Waterways Council, Inc.'s President and CEO (designate), effective August 1, 2008.

Cornel J. Martin has been named as Waterways Council, Inc.'s President and CEO (designate), effective August 1, 2008. Martin will transition alongside current President and CEO R. Barry Palmer, who will retire at the end of December. Palmer has served as President and CEO of Waterways Council for five years, and before that, served for 22 years as Executive Director of DINAMO, the Association for the Development of Inland Navigation in 's . Martin most recently served as CEO and Chairman of Direct Workforce…

22 Oct 2001

AMCV Files for Voluntary Petition, Reorganization Under Chapter 11

American Classic Voyages Inc., the largest U.S.-flag cruise company, announced on October 19 that it has filed a voluntary petition for reorganization under Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Code in Wilmington, Del. The company has ceased operations for its Hawaii vessels, the ms Patriot and the ss Independence, following the completion of their last cruises. cease operation at the completion of each vessel's cruise following the announcement. The Delta Queen steamboat, the company's National Historic Landmark flagship, will continue to operate its scheduled future voyages. In addition, AMCV said it intends to work with Northrop Grumman Corporation and the U.S.

24 Nov 2003

Vessels: Tall Stacks Draws 800,000 to Queen City

Every four years the excursion vessel segment of the commercial marine industry stages one of the largest festivals in the United States, yet except for the vessels that participate in it, little is known about this event. It overshadows the Workboat Show but receives little attention in the marine press. From an attendance standpoint, if this event were the World Series of Baseball, the Workboat Show would be T-ball for five-year olds. The event is called Tall Stacks and is held on the Ohio River every four year in Cincinnati, Ohio. The 2003 event was the fifth such Tall Stacks event and was attended by over 800,000 people during a five-day period in mid-October.

14 Jan 2004

Feature: Passenger Vessels : What's in Store in 2004?

The passenger vessel market is a classic mature marine market. Segments of it are doing well, while other parts have literally died. For example, the overnight segment of the market saw one substantial vessel delivered in 2003 with none on the horizon for 2004. The Empress of the North, a 360-ft. sternwheeler was put into service in September working the West Coast-Alaska route. Now that ice is a problem in Alaska, the vessel is working the Columbia River system in the Northwest U.S. The vessel was the largest vessel ever built by Nichols Brothers Boat Builders, Freeland, Wash. and is owned by American West Steamboat Company, Portland, Ore. Developing overnight service is the most difficult part of the passenger vessel industry to get established.

22 Jan 2004

Delta Queen Inducted into National Maritime Hall of Fame

The National Historic Landmark Delta Queen will be inducted into the National Maritime Hall of Fame at a January 24 ceremony at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, N.Y. A national committee of museum directors and maritime historians selected the Delta Queen for this honor. The legendary Delta Queen -- an American treasure since 1927 and the last operational steam paddlewheeler that has overnight accommodations -- is the only National Maritime Hall of Fame boat still plying the waters.

05 Dec 2001

AMCV Demise Sinks U.S. Cruise Building Hopes For Now

In the fall of 1999, American Classic Voyages (AMCV) announced plans to almost singlehandedly revive the business of building cruise ships in the United States. Critics claimed it couldn’t be done, but the ships steadily took shape on the building ways in Pascagoula, Mississippi. Two years, a sour economy and horrific terrorist attacks later, the dream of building cruise ships in the U.S. is seemingly dead, as AMCV filed for Chapter 11 and the Maritime Administration is unwilling, at press time, to fund the ships further. While the cruise industry was hurting prior to the terrorist attacks of September 11, the industry has been put into a seemingly perpetual tailspin as economic woes and fear of travel have conspired to leave ships far from full capacity.

14 Dec 2001

Chapter 11 + Title XI + September 11 = Bad News for the Marine Industry

The recent confluence of three events, all strangely relating to the number 11, is presenting the U.S. shipbuilding industry with challenges greater than seen in many decades. American Classic Voyages (AMCV), owned by Chicago billionaire Sam Zell, is the nation's largest provider of Inland River and Hawaiian Island overnight cruises. In mid October, the company declared Chapter 11 bankruptcy and that action has led the Maritime Administration (MARAD) to cancel its Title XI loan guarantee on the $1 billion construction program. Called Project America, the program would have built two 1,900-passenger cruise vessels for the Hawaiian Islands tourist market. With the financing guarantee cancelled, the shipyard has permanently stopped working on the two cruise vessels.

30 Jan 2002

FMC Issues Notice

The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) has issued a notice stating that an item has been added to the schedule for the closed portion of the FMC meeting on January 30, 2002. The Commission has added consideration of an application of the Delta Queen Steamboat Co. to approve a revised escrow agreement for its passenger vessel certificate of financial responsibility. Source: HK Law

08 Mar 2002

Hall Elected President of PVA

Fred Hall was elected PVA 2002 President on Tuesday, February 19 during the PVA Annual Convention at MariTrends 2002 in Biloxi, Miss. Hall is Vice President and General Manager of the Bridgeport and Port Jefferson Steamboat Company, Port Jefferson, N.Y., a provider of ferry service across the Long Island Sound. This ferry service has been in business since 1883 and now operates three 100-vehicle/1000-passenger vessels. Prior to being elected PVA President, Hall has served as PVA Vice-President, PVA Secretary-Treasurer and co-chairman of the PVA Legislative Committee. He was also a founding member and a past chairman of the PVA Ferry Council.

19 Apr 2002

Uniworld to Bid for Delta Queen Steamboat

Uniworld intends to bid for the assets of New Orleans-based Delta Queen Steamboat Company. The assets include the Delta Queen Steamboat trademarks and logos plus the Mississippi Queen and Delta Queen, the classic American river steamboats. "As the leading provider of river cruise vacations for Americans in Europe, it is logical for Uniworld to expand its fleet to include vessels operating on the fascinating rivers of the United States," said Serba Ilich, President and CEO. "The acquisitions of the magnificent Mississippi Queen and the legendary Delta Queen would be a huge honor for our company, considering the great historic and commercial significance of the steamboats in the development of America," Ilich stated.

15 Apr 2002

Delta Queen Makes A Comeback

Following the decision to enter into bankruptcy this past October, American Classic Voyages has agreed to sell two of steamboats - Delta Queen and Mississippi to Chicago-based investment firm Waveland Investments LLC for $3.75 million. The company, which is privately-held, plans to take over the boats, effective next month. Mississippi Queen, which ceased operations in October, will resume its itinerary on May 7, while Delta Queen, which halted its schedule in January will begin sailing again on August 26. While the sale of the vessels was confirmed this past weekend, there is still a possibility that the vessels could be passed off to another buyer when they are auctioned off in Chicago on May 3 - provided that If another group outbids Waveland's offer.

07 May 2002

Bidding War Comes to an End

In what has escalated into a heated bidding war for what was left of American Classic Voyages' Delta Queen Steamboats, came to an end yesterday with Delaware North Companies sealing the deal with the steamboats' parent company. As originally reported on Marinelink last month, Chicago-based Waveland Investments and New Orleans-based Uniworld had submitted bids for the two steamships - Delta Queen and Mississippi Queen - the two remaining ships of the line, which declared bankruptcy this past October. Waveland submitted its $3.75-million bid, with intentions to take over the vessels following their auction on May 3. Delaware North, however had other plans.

12 Jul 1999

Melding The Old With The New

It's a timeless piece of history that is the newest deal going on in the cruise ship industry - the deal between the Delta Queen Steamboat Co. and Atlantic Marine, which calls for the building of two U.S. Coastal flag ships inspired by the former Fall River Line Vessels which ran from 1847 to 1937. It was the age in which water transportation was the only mode of distance travel. Henry Ford and the Wright Brothers had not yet become household names and the horse and carriage reigned as the only means of getting to and fro. Aristocracy held court on ships that sailed the high seas - namely the Fall River Line, which ran from New York to New England. Inspired yet? Executives at Delta Queen were - so much that they decided to model their current project after the famed line.

15 Jun 2000

From Madison Avenue To The Heat Of Miami

Since beginning his cruise industry career as Royal Caribbean's first ever marketing director — Roderick K. (Rod) McLeod has been an instrumental force in the cruise industry. He now heads up what is arguably the world’s most watched cruise ship newbuild program. Having a discussion with Rod McLeod is like talking to an old friend that you haven't been in touch with for awhile. Even though you may have not spoken for months — or even years — you always manage to find enough to talk about. That was the case when McLeod recently spoke with MR/EN regarding his current endeavors as president and COO of AMCV, as well as his past experiences — both professionally and personally.

03 Aug 2000

Repair Market Gains Muscle

Shipyards around the world are facing increasingly stringent environmental rules and regulations, adding additional expense to a business sector with an already reputed thin bottom line. Nonetheless, to stay in business shipyards must continuously enhance their capabilities and compliance, in order to successfully woo and complete lucrative jobs. U.S. shipyards have aggressively been augmenting traditional repair expertise with the tools and systems needed to prosper in 2000 and far beyond. The ensuing editorial updates significant activities and enhancements at U.S. ship repair yards. Detyens Shipyards based in North Charleston, S.C., is continuing its upbeat course of developing trusted relationships with customers along the U.S. East Coast — specifically with Hvide Marine, Inc.

19 Oct 2000

AMCV Secures Financing For Delta Queen Coastal Vessels

American Classic Voyages (AMCV) has issued $76.4 million of bonds guaranteed by the Maritime Administration of the U.S. Department of Transportation (MarAd). The financing will be utilized for the construction of two coastal cruise vessels that will be built at Atlantic Marine, Jacksonville, Fla., for Delta Queen Coastal Voyages - a subsidiary of AMCV. MarAd's guarantee is made possible under the authority of Title XI of the Merchant Marine Act, 1936 - it represents approximately 87.5 percent of the total anticipated cost of the two coastal vessels - which includes shipyard and design costs, vessel furniture and fixtures, and interest during construction and guarantee fees. The vessels covered under the funding are known as Cape May Light and Cape Cod Light.

19 Oct 2000

AMCV Secures Financing For Delta Queen Coastal Vessels

American Classic Voyages (AMCV) has issued $76.4 million of bonds guaranteed by the Maritime Administration of the U.S. Department of Transportation (MarAd). The financing will be utilized for the construction of two coastal cruise vessels that will be built at Atlantic Marine, Jacksonville, Fla., for Delta Queen Coastal Voyages - a subsidiary of AMCV. MarAd's guarantee is made possible under the authority of Title XI of the Merchant Marine Act, 1936 - it represents approximately 87.5 percent of the total anticipated cost of the two coastal vessels - which includes shipyard and design costs, vessel furniture and fixtures, and interest during construction and guarantee fees. The vessels covered under the funding are known as Cape May Light and Cape Cod Light.

28 Nov 2000

AMCV Outlines Expansion Plans

American Classic Voyages Co., which is currently engaged in a high-profile effort to build cruise ships in the U.S., recently provided financial information on its expansion plans and its outlook for 2001. The 1,212-passenger ms Patriot, the first ship in American Classic Voyages' United States Lines fleet, just completed a $21 million refurbishment at Cascade General Shipyard in Portland, Oregon. The ship is in Los Angeles for the beginning of a series of inaugural activities that will introduce 6,000 travel agents to United States Lines. The ms Patriot will begin its permanent seven-night Hawaiian Island itinerary with its inaugural cruise on December 9.

28 Nov 2000

AMCV Outlines Expansion Plans

American Classic Voyages Co., which is currently engaged in a high-profile effort to build cruise ships in the U.S., recently provided financial information on its expansion plans and its outlook for 2001. The 1,212-passenger ms Patriot, the first ship in American Classic Voyages' United States Lines fleet, just completed a $21 million refurbishment at Cascade General Shipyard in Portland, Oregon. The ship is in Los Angeles for the beginning of a series of inaugural activities that will introduce 6,000 travel agents to United States Lines. The ms Patriot will begin its permanent seven-night Hawaiian Island itinerary with its inaugural cruise on December 9.

21 Nov 2000

Delta Queen Coastal Voyages Launches Second Ship

Just five months after the shipyard launch of Delta Queen Coastal Voyages' first vessel, the second ship in the new fleet was christened at Atlantic Marine, Inc., in Jacksonville, Fla., Friday, November 17, 2000. The 226-passenger coastal vessel will inaugurate nine cruise itineraries featuring the Great Lakes, Canadian Maritime Provinces and U.S. eastern seaboard in 2001. The ship launched Friday, the CV Cape Cod Light, will debut Aug. 4, 2001; its sister ship, CV Cape May Light, will enter service on May 5, 2001.

12 Jun 2002

American West Steamboat Purchases Columbia Queen

American West Steamboat Company is adding a third vessel, the Columbia Queen, to its fleet of luxury overnight small cruise ships that will operate on the Columbia, Willamette and Snake Rivers. In a recent auction held by the Maritime Administration (MARAD), American West Steamboat Company won the bid for the Columbia Queen, formerly owned by American Classic Voyages’ Delta Queen Steamboat Company. MARAD took possession of the Columbia Queen after American Classic Voyages filed bankruptcy in 2002. Pending the close of the sale, American West Steamboat Company will take possession of the Columbia Queen around mid-July at which time she will undergo some refurbishment before her first cruise on the Columbia River in the spring of 2003.

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