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. Delta Queen was launched on the Sacramento River in 1927, and offered overnight service between Sacramento and San Francisco until 1940. When the Great Depression brought an end to her trips, the U.S. Navy leased Delta Queen as a troops barracks and then a shuttle for a servicemen traveling to and from ships in San Francisco Bay.