Last Voyages of the Delta Queen Steamship Company

MQ returns to NOLA

I have been meaning to post something about the trip but have been overtaken by events. The Redhead and I were on the MQ for the Memphis to NOLA trip and had a blast. In fact, it may well have been the best trip I've taken on any of the boats.

I approached the trip with some trepidation after reading reports of the MQ being run down and in poor condition. I also had some concern about the trip even going after reading that there were mechanical problems in St Louis. As I understand it, a 12 foot hole was put in the side of the MQ below the waterline but was patched and the Coast Guard gave approval for the MQ to continue. We left Memphis on time and had no real problems with the patch on the trip. It was interesting to see the divers go in the water to check it though.

The crew seemed to be in a very upbeat mood and were very optimistic about next year. Many had already been offered contracts and were looking forward to returning. Food was good and our waiter kept us laughing during the meals.

The Redhead and I spent lots of time in the paddle wheel lounge and really enjoyed ourselves. This was the first time I had met Paul Penta and I found him to be the consumate entertainer in addition to being a really nice guy. He and his partner Hoyle Osborne played a wide range of tunes and were very generous in honoring requests. Paul's style of music and my tastes really clicked. The Steamboat Syncopants (sp?) were also great. The shows in the main lounge were some of the best I've seen on the riverboats.

Travis Vasconcelos was the Riverlorean and once again I was impressed with his knowledge and sense of humor. I especially enjoyed the last afternoon that we spent looking at his vast collection of steamboat photos and listening to him tell the stories that went with them. I learned a lot from Travis.

We had hoped to meet Bruno and several other .org folks but somehow we managed to miss each other. We were on a tour when they visited the MQ.

The Redhead and I had a really great time and we left feeling very upbeat about the future of the boats. It appears that MAL is putting a lot of money into refurbishment and redecoration. I'm looking forward to next season.

Bear

Deb and I agree.

Our cruise on the DQ was one of the best ever. The old girl was full of friends we have gotten to know on previous cruises and the crew, as usual, treated us like family. We also sensed the crew's optimisim toward the new owners and next year's season. The weather was perfect, I gained 4 pounds which I can't even begin to afford, got sprayed with condensate from MQ's calliope again (thanks Travis!), and had some great conversations with Jane Greene, fellow dot.orgers Ginnie Rhynders, Pat Traynor and Pat Carr and "crew" dot.orgers Travis, Mary and Chief Shenk. Deb and I are horribly spoiled as we expect the same great time every time we get on the DQ. As always, she didn't disappoint. Three and a half months 'til brown water time again...

It was cool to watch the two boats follow each other for three nights. The MQ was impressive, all lit up in the distance. I liked how the MQ's lounge lights flickered through the turning paddlewheel.

And the Riverboat Rhythm rocked. Thanks Walter, Jeff, Tom and Tony.

Bear, sorry we missed you and the redhead in Vicksburg.

Bruno

Ralph and I agree with Bruno, it was a fine trip on the old girl. It was good to be with so many folks we've met over the years and to hear once again Jane Greene's great stories. We got a marvelous view of the MQ on Thanksgiving evening at dinner at our window table. Heard the whistles, looked out and there she was, all lit up, heading up river from Baton Rouge while we were going down. Don't know how many noticed but it was a great sight.
Indeed the crew and staff seemed pretty upbeat and we all parted with promises to see each other next year. It's just too darn long to wait though.

Ginnie