A few notes from the first AQ cruise

Bob is back!

Tried to post a second photo, but the airport internet now seems to have file size problems as well, will try laterl

Internet at home, some more from the trip

Pardon to those who have been on the AQ before, we only rode the DQ prior to the events a few years ago, so for us this was really a great experiance.

1. Bob is really back, better than ever. Here he is seen at New Orleans prior to departure. The only problems that day were scheduling, as his songs were interuped by the passing Natchez whistle and Calliope. He then had to break a bit early to allow passengers to attend the 4:30 safety meeting and muster station review.

2. The boarding sign we have all be waiting for the last 4 years...

The Natchez approaches and makes a loop

We had visits by the Natchez, the Creole Queen, and even the ferry boats went out of their normal route to make a wide circle next to the AQ.

If you look closely at the second photo one can see the steam from their Calliope

Bob took this in stride and changed his song to play along with the Calliope, a unique mix of steam and string powered music.

Also, in the third photo, the Natchez gave us a bit of whistle salute during the turning.

Three paddle boats at NO again!

The Creole Queen approaches her dock while the Natchez heads back to her dock. From the AQ, this makes 3 (operating) paddle-river boats at the same time.

The Creole Queen makes a backup move next to the AQ while docking

Steam Coaches (buses)

At most ports (Natchez, St. Francisville, Vicksburg) as part of the fare, each passenger gets to tour the town on GASC provided buses, which they have dubbed "Steam Coaches). No, not steam powered, but most are decorated in AQ motif. At the start of the day, to avoid crowds, passengers board using timed tickets (free) at about 15 minute intervals. You can hop on and off at designated stops along the route. This allows you to visit various venues at your own pace. After about 9:30 no tickets are needed.

It started out a bit rough as many folks did not understand or how it worked at the first stop, but as the trip progressed things worked out well.

They had 5 to 6 busses at most ports, so there was little waiting. I had to wait 10 minutes at the most.

Sorry for not posting more photos at this time, got a message that there was a server error. Will try later.

Steam Bus Photo...

One of the wrapped "steam coaches" running shuttle service in New Orleans between the Weston and the dock

Safety drill options

Make sure you have a life jacket on yourself, and any valuable bottles...

A few from onboard

The bell. Photo of THE BELL (MQ), would not load. I have been getting lots of error messages in German regarding the URL, will try again later.

From the Mark Twain Room

A tribute to our DQ, a great scale model built in the 1980's. Not sure if this was here before, first time for us on the AQ,

Meanwhile as departure approaches

The front porch swings and rocking chairs beckon passengers to start relaxing.

Departing New Orleans

Entertainment the first night

What better way to start a journey up the Mississippi than having Mark Twain himself entertain in the Grand Salon.

Osk Alley

First stop was Oak Alley, great to see a steamboat peaking above the levee again.

Travis gives the Calliope a few good keystokes before departing Oak Alley

And, passing Baton Rouge that night, on the way to St Francisville

Greeting at St. Francisville

As with all the stops, a party of locals met the AQ to welcome her back. Local merchants were especially happy to see riverboats back. At most ports, Mark Twain accompanied the AQ captain in presenting a small gift. The AQ delivered a piece of the paddlewheel board (removed during renovation, not from the current configuration!) with a rope nicely mounted.

More interior views

Every passener received a bottle of bubbly, and ours soon sported the extra life vest.

This time my wife Pat joined in the Mark Twain room photos.

And for a great start to dinner, Bob Shad, assisted by Jackie at the piano, entertained in the lounge area outside the dining room.

What better way to start the trip!

Greating party at Natchez

As with other ports, a group of townsfolk greated the AQ, here dressed in the riverboat period.

Signs like this adorned not only the ports, but could be seen dotted around towns on the bus routes. "Welcome home, American Queen"

More from Natchez

Closeup of the greeting board.

Finally.......kites and flags and sunset

I got my kite out and let it out for while on the return trip, south of Baton Rouge.

Great photos

Thanks for all the great photos - I especially like the wheel at night with the lighted bridges in NOLA and BR in the background. In the NATCHEZ whistle salute pix, that's Capt. Steve Nicoulin pulling the whistle cord as Capt. Troy Delaney steers. Debbie Fagnano was on the calliope. The Riverwalk dock is a great place for the AQ, as passengers have plenty to view even prior to departure. The model of the DQ has always been on the AQ in the Mark Twain, a fitting tribute to our great lady...

Riverlorians are back, Pilot house tours, and last post

Riverlorians Travis and Mary did a great job eductating new and former passengers as to the ways of the River.

Travis is seen on one of the pilot house tours, including the ever present warning "DO NOT TOUCH ANYTHING',...including the whistle button. Apparently the valve needed to control the whistle with a more traditional rope-pull is still on the way. In the meantime, just push the button, but it does not control the sound as well as cord will. Wait for the next trip!

And finally, Bob entertained in the Engine Room Bar on the last night of our trip.

Lets hear it for all the crew (old and new) and GASC for bringing back riverboating.

(and yes, we had a small "incident" in Vicksburg backing down the inlet to the River. Nothing bad, just put us about 3 hours behind, but we did get some great riverrunning to catch up!)