Still learning about steamboating

Yes Jan, American Cruise Line is building a new overnight Passenger Sternwheeler named Queen of the Mississippi.

The QUEEN OF THE MISSISSIPPI is not steam powered. The only steam powered boats operating for hire on the Mississippi River System are the CHAUTAUQUA BELLE on Lake Chautauqua in New York, the NATCHEZ in New Orleans, and BELLE OF LOUISVILLE in Louisville, Kentucky. To operate a true steamboat requires more crew than a diesel boat, and more importantly, and much more difficult to find, steam engineers.

Frank X. Prudent;27373 wrote: The QUEEN OF THE MISSISSIPPI is not steam powered........ To operate a true steamboat requires more crew than a diesel boat, and more importantly, and much more difficult to find, steam engineers.

Thus, part of the reason there are no overnight steamboats on the Mississippi. I should point out that there are also no more stagecoaches to California.

Happy that there will be boats on the Mississippi next year,
Paul

Jan, let me expand on what Frank has said. He and quite a few others are "purists" in the "purest" sense. The AMERICAN QUEEN is a hybrid -- that is, she is powered by diesel engines, but yes, does have steam engines powering the sternwheel. She can operate that way if necessary, just not with a great deal of speed or maneuverability. She is, however, a steamboat.

the other steamboats

And to point out, the other three steamboats named: CHAUTAUQUA BELLE, NATCHEZ, BELLE OF LOUISVILLE are excursion boats. That is, they do not have staterooms and don't do overnight trips. Their trips are usually 2 or 3 hours and remain in the home harbor. So the AQ will be the only overnight steamboat operating next year.

Boats that require more than the turn of a key

And, be it ever so humble, the Graceful Ghost, 100% steam, is also on the Mississsippi River system doing short excursions. I think it behooves us to also mention the unfortunates that are in limboland, but could pop back into the scene ere long, we hope: Delta Queen, Julia Belle Swain.

Lexie Palmore;27385 wrote: And, be it ever so humble, the Graceful Ghost, 100% steam, is also on the Mississsippi River system doing short excursions.

Mae culpa! I didn't know that Lake Caddo was on the Mississippi System, otherwise I would have included her on my list.

All I can say is Wow..you are all great, I am so happy I found this website..I could never have gotten this much info any where else..Thanks for being so friendly and giving so much info to a newbe!!
Jan

My appologies Jan as I was well aware the Queen of the Mississippi is not steam I thought maybe you were looking for new Sternwheel overnight passenger vessels on the Mississippi river system.

More trivia

Historically, Caddo Lake saw about 200 different steamboats wending their way into Texas from the Mississippi, by way of the Red, during the 1800's. A big fat, well researched book has been written about it. Back then it was called Ferry (or Fairy) Lake. By the way, the history of steamboats in Texas has been egregiously overlooked by those who write Texas history textbooks. Tut, tut. Private individuals have taken up the slack and written some pretty good books about it.

I will tell you what I just learned about the American Queen. They have no handicapped veranda cabins..good to keep in mind. Just outside and inside!
Jan

The handicap rooms on the AQ all have bathtubs, which could be troublesome for people in wheelchairs or difficulty stepping into a tub. Of course that could be changed during the current visit to the shipyard. The AQ's handicap rooms are larger than the standard rooms in a given category, and have larger bathrooms with grab bars in place.

OK question for all of you that have been on board and know the ship and cabins..would a C category with a shower, opening on to the deck be appropriate for a person in a wheelchair..if she could walk into the room and leave the wheelchair outside? if so what happens in the rain?
Thanks so much,
Jancruz

An E room on the Texas would be less expensive, have a shower, and a much wider guard and overhead that would help keep the wheelchair dry in the event of rain.

Jan Im quite sure if you asked your cabin attendant or porter the wheelchair would be covered every night and they would supply with something to cover it in the afternoons if you wished. Steamboat crew are always happy to accomodate.

Thanks for the help..I took a C and my people seem very happy!
Jancruz1