DELTA QUEEN STEAMBOAT COMPANY NEW POLICY for 2007

DQSC New Policy for 2007

Hi Jo Ann,

Thanks for starting this topic.

Although we don´t know the new prices yet I fear that this years cruise might be our last one. The point which are hitting us most is the 50 % rule for 3rd/4th passenger (including children). Kids up to 17 were free in a triple so far. The other thing are those announced seasonal prices. As we are forced to travel in August-MidSep we can be sure to face the highest prices.

For sure it´ll be a very sad day for us when we have to admit that we can´t afford another cruise.

By the way, this new policy isn´t on the DQSC website yet. For those having a closer look on the DQSC website you might have realized that the old logo has gone and DQSC got a new name "Delta Queen Steamboat Company Operations, LLC" and that it "is a susidiary of American West Steamboat Company".

Carmen

New rates

This single is 200% sure she's been priced out of any future trips!

For all who haven´t seen the new policy yet:

PRICING will be seasonal – 7 different levels of pricing

FIT Early Booking Discounts:
10% Off bookings made prior to 9/30/06
Past Passenger Discount: 5%

NO FREE AIR Program in 2007

All bookings prior to May 25, 2006 will be honored.

BACK to BACK Discounts: 10% Off the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, etc sailing

SINGLE RATES: 165% of applicable fares for first class (C & CC), 200% of applicable fares in all other categories

3rd & 4th RATES: 50% of applicable fares – NO DISCOUNTS – PSSOA Not Combinable, includes children

PORT CHARGES (Fuel Surcharge no longer added):
(Includes Taxes, Transfers, Meet & Greet day of embark/disembark)
$99/pp 3 NT Cruises
$109/pp 4 NT Cruises
$119/pp 5 NT Cruises
$129/pp 6 NT Cruises
$149/pp 7 NT Cruises
$169/pp 8 NT Cruises
$199/pp 11 NT Cruises
Transfers are included with port charge. No refund if not used.

Revised Categories Shown Below:

DQ/ MQ/ AQ TBA
AAA now A / AAA now OS / AAA now ??
AA now B / AA now AA / AA now ??
A now C / A now BB / A now ??
C now D / B now CC / B now ??
E stays E / C now DD / C now ??
G now F / D now EE / D now ??
I now I / E now E / E now ??
--- / F now F / G now ??
--- / G now J / H now ??
--- / I now K / I now ??

Notice regarding Bookings and Cancellations:
Deposits are due 3 days after the booking is made.
Cancellation for non-payment will automatically take place on the 4th day.

DEPOSIT AMOUNTS:
$350/pp for cruises 3/4/5/6 Nights
$500/pp for cruises 7/8 Nights
$750/pp for cruises 11 Nights or Longer

Carmen

Carmen & Judy, Looks like we're in the minority of being concerned about the discounts being discontinued on our beloved boats. Maybe I am the only non affluent passenger they had!

I am mostly a lurker, but rest assured I am very concerned about the new rates and dare I mention it the loss of most of my favorite entertainers. Judy N

Jo Ann,

I guess we´re also far away from being affluent having spent on steamboating so far much more than we should have. I´m still waiting for the new rates but I fear they won´t be lower than the old ones.

Carmen

Also concerned

I also think we may have booked our last trips (in 2007 fortunately). We had splurged big on the Alaskan cruise on the EON and returned last night. It was wonderful, its a beautiful boat, rooms spotless and crew friendly. We did have some issues with service in the dining room and the food itself. Perhaps the DQ servers have spoiled us. Clara was the historian and did a fine job, as did the entertainers, a few of which were from DQSC. All the staff we talked to were excited about the addition of the Queens to their family. Alaska itself was spectacular and we're so happy we were able to go. Having said all that I have to say that we still prefer the grand lady herself. Unfortunately we are not among the affluent either and have pinched quite a few pennies to go on these trips so guess the good times will be over after next year.
I hope that Ambassadors LTD doesn't try to fix what ain't broke!!

Well, all I can say is that we'll have to wait to see the numbers. Let's face it, steamboatin ain't been cheap for a long time. With fuel prices doubling since D.N. bought the boats, it's no wonder that fares are increasing. Everything's going up. Been to the Grocery store lately? That said, most of us have a limit on what our budgets will allow for these cruises. In the past, I've been known to "break the bank" when booking trips. However, I too fear that this year's Tall Stacks will be my last trip for the forseeable future. Perhaps the new management will be able to fill the boats with the blue bloods only, but wouldn't that be a shame. Still, they're in it to make money, plain and simple.
So, what do they care if the rest of us can only afford to wave from shore?

Maybe someone is listening or clearer heads have prevailed. Whatever the reason I just got notice late yesterday that there are some discounts out there for 10 trips on the DELTA QUEEN and at least three on AMERICAN QUEEN in 2007. I have not gotten the MISSISSIPPI QUEEN specials yet. They all include Free Air. For the DELTA they are: March 17-24, April 12-20, April 27-May 4 (BELLE of LOUISVILLE race). If you haven't taken this trip - it's a must! So much fun with so many repeaters. Also specials on May 17-24, May 31-June 7, June 24-July 5 (Great Steamboat Race), August 2-10, September 28-October 1, October 15-22, November 18-25. On the AMERICAN QUEEN March 9-16, June 8-15 and November 17-24. These are for 2007 and must be booked by August 25, 2006. On the DELTA they apply to category's C,G and I (?). It may now be H from previous information received. On the AQ they are for C,E, & G. The discount varies per category and trip. But for my limited budget they are doable. If I didn't already have my trips for 2007 booked I'd be on the phone right now with my travel agent.

Also I'm sure there are still some specials for 2006 available - have your travel agent check with the company. Don't put off taking that trip on the DELTA QUEEN, MISSISSIPPI QUEEN or the AMERICAN QUEEN that you've always wanted to take. If you've ever thought you would like to do it, I'm sure you'll love it. I DID!!!!

CORRECTION! Need to make a small correction here folks. The "specials" for 2007 are not being offered by the company. These cruises had been prearranged by Phyllis Dale, travel agent extraordinare, before Ambassador International made the purchase. Phyllis has a link within this website. She does a stupendous job. But we are back to wishing someone in the company will realize that the prices they have right now won't work for many of us "repeaters".

Hi All,
These price increases are alarming to me as well, as I have only one voyage under my belt. Mom and I have one coming up this July, but that was only by the skin of our teeth. AND finally my husband finally sounds interested in the Kentucky Derby Cruise.

Bex, The Kentucky Derby Cruise is the most expensive cruise the DELTA QUEEN does, as it includes tickets to the Derby with all the trimmings. Since Ms. Dale can still offer discounted prices on the BELLE race trip the week before that cruise why don't you jump on that one? I've done it three years in a row. I can guarantee you it's LOTS of fun!

As a former building cost estimator, I cannot help wondering why the DQSB, LLD has such a complicated rate structure. If they were to calculate their costs, and surely by now someone has analyzed them, then add a reasonable profit they could do away with all of these weird privilege-rates. As matters stand now, only a fool or a sucker would pay their list prices. If they were to do away with early reservation, repeat trip, most room differential, group and other odd-ball discounts and simply charge a reasonable rate they just might attract sensible vacationers who simply want to know what the trip will cost. As it is, one must wonder which of his companion passengers got a better deal and feel cheated.

Jo Ann,
Please tell me more about the Belle, how many days, etc.

My email is [email protected]. Thanx

Well, for all those Delaware North critics, you got your wish. Now you have AI, but can you afford it !!

Mr. Wilson, many people, myself included, were already "priced out" by Delaware North long before AI came onto the scene. Can I afford to spend $3500 for a single exclusive room for 5/6 nights? Yes...however for what I get in return these days makes it hardly worth the effort, and I'd have a better return with that $3500 on Riverbarge or by renting a waterfront cabin for a few weeks.

Also, your friends @ D/N had hawked the DQSC boats toward "affulent retirees" and since cruising several times during the D/N reign, I continue to receive loads of "senior related" junk mail with the same minor mistake in my mailing address as the material DQSC has sent!

A friend of mine posted this in reply to your friend here...

http://www.steamboats.org/talkshop/messages/28581.html

I'll add one more point...IF AI improves the onboard services and overall quality on the DQSC boats, then their price IS worth it! If they don't...it'll be just another spin-out just like your past heros have tried to accomplish during the 26 years I rode the DQ...

I truly wish I had been around on the DQ during the Greene years!!!

Greene Line

Or as Captain Albert Kelly oft said, "It ain't the ole Greene Line..." How true.