In late October 2001, three of America's six steam-driven paddlewheelers were suddenly tied up due to bankruptcy of the parent company, American Classic Voyages, and facing a very uncertain future. The management failures and cost excesses of the past owners that caused the company failure have been well documented and need not be recounted. What is important is that out of the ashes of American Classic Voyages has come the Delta Queen Steamboat Company. It is back on America's rivers and moving forward with a full head of steam. Purchased last May by Delaware North Companies of Buffalo, NY for $80 million, the new company is "well positioned to resume it place as the premier provider of inland river vacations," said Tom Carmen, president of the new company.