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SPRING 2020 | Volume 6, Issue 2
THE MAKING OF A DREAM In honor of the American Queen's® 25-year anniversary, we will be telling the stories of the past.
There was a time in which the American Queen was nothing but a dream. She was a dream to build the largest, most opulent riverboat in the world. But this dream did not stay one. This dream became a reality: Longer than a football field, towering six decks in height and laced with fanciful gingerbread trim, she is a marvel of modern engineering. When Delta Queen Steamboat Company decided to add a third vessel to its collection, it made a big choice. The company invested a paramount amount of capital, time, brainpower and love into her building. And since her construction, this dream boat has journeyed through America’s heartland, offering unique perspectives on America’s history, culture and landscapes. This season, the American Queen has spent the majority of her time nestled in port in Louisiana. Dreaming, silently waiting to welcome her family on board once again. continued on next page...
NEWS INSIDE An American Queen Was Born Celebrate Good Times The Queen Lives On A New Era Savor the Flavors of the River Legends & Lore of the American Queen Remember When? What's New?
The Making of A Dream, continued...
CELEBRATE GOOD TIMES
This is her 25th year, and celebrations just aren’t the same without loved ones to share in the fun. So, this one’s for the American Queen.
An American queen was born, and she deserved a celebration unlike any other. On June 2, 1995, in the famed steamboatin’ port of New Orleans, the American Queen enjoyed her first christening by original godmother Angel Harvey, wife of broadcaster Paul Harvey.
For her original christening, as a nod to her connection to Louisiana, Delta Queen Steamboat Company chose to replace the traditional champagne bottle with a 4-foot-tall, 21.3-gallon container of Tabasco® hot sauce. This – the largest bottle ever produced – was sure to make this grand lady the “hottest” boat to paddle throughout the rivers. Our Paddlewheelers generally share stories of onboard happenings, but this time – in tandem with the world as it stands today – things will be a little bit different. We’ll celebrate the legacy that she has built within the pages of this newsletter – making sure her spirit is kept well, and showing her the love that she most definitely deserves. At the event, Harvey proudly declared, “I christen thee the American Queen. God bless the American Queen and all who sail upon her,” and cut the line. The crowd joined in cheer and song, and just like that, this legend was ready to begin her legacy.
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THE QUEEN LIVES ON In late 2008, the American Queen was repossessed by the U.S. Maritime Administration, which held a $30 million mortgage on her. She was relocated to the Beaumont, Texas, for almost four years. For the first time since the invention of the overnight passenger steamboat, the Mississippi River system did not have one operating on its waters. In 2010, three men with a vision decided to bring the world’s largest, most luxurious steamboat back to the water. John Waggoner – founder and CEO of American Queen Steamboat Company – and his two partners, offered to purchase the American Queen, and spent $6 million to renovate her, including several mechanical upgrades.
A NEW ERA Waggoner had saved the American Queen and was ready to introduce her to the world once again. A bottle of champagne breaking across her bow signaled the return of overnight cruising on the Mississippi River. On April 27, 2012, at the Beale Street Landing, Priscilla Presley re-welcomed the boat to its home on the rivers. The grand steamboat’s resurrection “brings back a lot of nostalgia for the heartland,” Presley dreamily stated at the Memphis christening. The American Queen was back – and more grand than ever before. She was ready to make America fall in love with river cruising all over again.
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Savor
THE FLAVORS of the RIVER
SOMETHING SWEET LEMON BARS
2 cups all-purpose flour for crust 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour for filling 1 cup confectioner's sugar Pinch of salt 2 sticks (room temperature) 4 eggs 2 cups granulated sugar 6 tablespoons fresh lemon juice Preheat the oven to 350 °F. Lightly grease 9x13x2inch pan.Make the crust by combining 2 cups flour, confectioner’s sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Cut in the butter to make a crumbly mixture. Press the mixture into the prepared pan. Dip your fingers into flour or confectioner’s sugar to keep the dough from sticking. Bake for 15-20 minutes. Meanwhile, to make the filling, mix the eggs, granulated sugar, 6 tablespoons flour and lemon juice. Pour this over the baked crust and bake for 25 minutes longer. Sprinkle with confectioners’ sugar, if desired, when the bars are done.
SOMETHING SAVORY
ZUCCHINI CASSEROLE
SOMETHING TO WASH IT DOWN
2 lb zucchini, thickly sliced 1 lb ground beef or sausage ¼ cup finely chopped onion ½ teaspoon salt ½ cup cubed processed cheese Parmesan cheese for topping
POMEGRANATE COSMO 2 oz. citrus-flavored vodka 1 oz. orange liqueur 2 oz. pomegranate juice ½ oz. fresh lemon juice Orange or lemon twist, for garnish
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Blanch zucchini in boiling water for 10 minutes. Drain and coarsely chop. Brown meat with onion in a skillet. Drain fat from meat, and combine with zucchini and processed cheese in a greased baking dish. Top with parmesan, and bake for 30 to 40 minutes.
Add all ingredients to a shaker over ice. Shake until chilled, and serve in a martini glass garnished with a citrus twist. 3
S & D L N O E R G E E L of the AMERICAN QUEEN KILLER IN THE GENTLEMAN’S CARDROOM
A STICKY SITUATION
It was June 17, 1995, and the American Queen, under the operation of Delta Queen Steamboat Company, settled in across the Ohio River from Troy, Indiana, for the night. Unbeknownst to the boat crew, the Newburgh Locks and Dam raised its gates – resulting in upstream water lowering seven feet. When passengers and crew awoke the next morning, the paddlewheeler was perched perfectly upon a sandbar from which it could not move. Word of the event spread, and crowds gathered, attracting the attention of national media outlets. Efforts to discharge the paddlewheeler by the crew, diesel-powered towboats and the Army Corps of Engineers were undertaken. Finally, on the third day, the American Queen was released from the grips of the sandbar and continued on her journey.
You may have noticed a boar’s head on a plaque in the Gentleman’s Cardroom of the American Queen. Well, did you know that he has a name? And a story? Killer – as he’s been titled – found his way into the boat by mistake. As legend tells it, one day Killer was swimming across the Mississippi River, got himself caught up in the paddlewheel of the Mississippi Queen, was flipped onto the boat and was served for dinner that evening.
THE GHOST OF MARY GREENE
Late-night American Queen wanderers might have the opportunity to meet Mary Greene as she sleuths through the hallways of the boat. Greene was a captain herself, and one of the original owners of Delta Queen Steamboat Company (Greene Line). Mary and her husband, Tom, were the ones to dream up the American Queen. This friendly ghost is rumored to walk the hallways of the boat each evening to make sure everything is all right before she goes to bed herself. Recent sighting locations include the Engine Room Bar and the Engine Room itself.
CARRYING THE TORCH
Did you know that the American Queen was the proud carrier of the torch for the 1996 Summer Olympics? In May of that year, the boat met with a Georgia State Patrol officer who delivered the torch. From there, she headed for Mound City, Illinois, where she delivered it so the flame could continue its 15,000-mile trek across the country to the big event. 4
REMEMBER WHEN?
Take a step back into 1995 with one of the American Queen’s original crew members.
“It was an honor to be a part of something so special,” said Robbi Haase. Thanks to Robbi for being a visual storyteller and sharing her crew album with us!
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March last year myself and my wife Jane sailed on the American Queen from Greenville to New Orleans, our first visit to the States. On our first night on board we went down to dinner in the restaurant, second sitting. We were shown to our seats at a table which seated six and we were first seated. A second couple came to the table and introduced themselves. Their names were Gary and Pricilla Moore. A coincidence as my name is Gerry Moore. Whilst chatting to them a third couple came to fill the other seats. They were English like ourselves and came from Blackpool, about 30 miles from us. A nice coincidence. I hadn’t taken much notice of the husband but looking at him I realized I knew him! We had worked together on a Nuclear Facility 43 years before and hadn’t seen each other over all that time. And here we were on The Mississippi sat next to each other. Needless to say, we talked a lot and enjoyed each other’s company all through our trip. We now keep in touch and meet up for a meal regularly. Thank you American Queen! -Gerry M.
Hello Dear Friends at American Queen Steamboat Company:
explain how the American Queen is truly an experience of wonder and awe that will last for the rest of my life. I felt like I had stepped onto a time capsule, and for one whole wonderful week lived in such elegance and luxury that I surely must have lived before when Mark Twain was alive.
The very first trip I ever took with your steamboat company was on the Queen over New Year's week of 2017. I went with my lifetime friend Barb D. from Florida. Apparently your personnel noticed that we were two older single women so they sat us in the dining room with three older single men; Tim M. from New Jersey, Vince S. from Georgia and Don B. from Arkansas.
I will never forget that trip, and when we departed the five of us were not certain if we would ever see each other again; yet we knew we were bidding farewell to kindred spirits who had all had the same glorious feelings of going back in time on the magnificent American Queen.
We ended up without a doubt having more fun that week than I guarantee you, ANYONE on the boat. Here we were, 5 single seniors from 5 different states who did not know a thing about each other. We hung together every day through dinner, the shows and the late-night bar, and got to know each other like we'd been friends forever. We laughed so much that everyone on the boat seemed to be curious about us, and what was our secret to the happy faces we all had. The secret of course, was the connections we had made on one of the most beautiful boats we had ever encountered.
-Vivian S.
Everything about that trip was made even better by the incredible personnel, the music, the food, the awesome feeling of going back in time on a boat like no other in the world. There are not enough descriptive words to
L-R: TIM M., VIVIAN S. & DON B.
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WHAT'S NEW? OCEAN VICTORY ™ : ALASKA AND BEYOND Our Alaska Expedition Cruise itineraries on the luxurious, state-of-the-art Ocean Victory are meticulously crafted to provide unique experiences and close-up views of nature’s magnificent handiwork. Thrill to the sights and sounds of calving glaciers on unforgettable visits to Frederick Sound, Endicott Arm, Dawes Glacier, Tracy Arm and North and South Sawyer Glaciers on a vessel Check out our designed and equipped to Ocean Victory brochure at get you almost close enough https://www.victorycruiselines. com/2021-alaska-brochure/. to touch them. Explore the region’s Tlingit, Russian and Norwegian cultures through dance, storytelling, a traditional feast and other unparalleled, hands-on adventures. You’ll forever cherish the sights of whales, porpoises, eagles, bears, sea otters and moose in one of the world’s most magnificent habitats.
BEYOND THE MISSISSIPPI We travel beyond the Mississippi River to explore the far-reaching veins of America’s heartland. The American Queen and her sister boats explore all throughout America in today’s operations – from the Pacific Northwest to the far-Eastern reaches of the Ohio River. With our Hop-On Hop-Off program, each day that we port in a river town becomes an opportunity to immerse yourself in the many different beauties of the American way of life. 7
HEALTH AND SAFETY While there are many unknowns with COVID-19, it is possible for us to help protect our employees and customers, and thus enable a safe return to business by following certain safety measures and guidelines. To make sure we’re on the right track, we are working with Ochsner Health to address concerns regarding COVID-19 by using Ochsner’s Safe to Return Employer Solutions. Ochsner Health is Louisiana’s largest non-profit, academic, healthcare system. In order to keep guests, crew and the communities it visits safe in the face of COVID-19, Ochsner has agreed to take on crew-testing and passenger-screening for the Mississippi River itineraries, in addition to providing AQSC medical consultation services and telehealth capabilities to guests on board any of our vessels. We've also implemented multiple processes to identify and combat the risk of COVID-19 on our boats. These include new steps in pre-cruise screening, crew screening and boarding processes. Both onboard and ground operations will feature enhanced cleaning procedures. For more information, visit our Health and Safety page: www.aqsc.com/ health-and-safety.
AMERICAN COUNTESS The American Countess cannot wait to welcome you aboard. She offers an intimacy that larger ships cannot, and the opportunity to create lasting relationships with others. Public spaces invite guests to enjoy all the American Countess has to offer – inviting places and warm nooks from which you can enjoy gazing out upon the river. Enjoy gentle breezes as you take a stroll around the walking track or relax in a rocking chair on the sun deck. The first deck features the Grand Dining Room, The Theater, Perks coffee venue and a modern fitness center. For a relaxing evening, head up to the Card Room for a friendly game, or The Library, brimming with both classic and new reading selections. The staterooms aboard the American Countess offer guests a stylish and sophisticated sanctuary to rest for the following day’s activities, complete with elegant fixtures and touches. Each stateroom is equipped with a full bathroom for ultimate comfort, a writing desk and plush bedding – all designed to give you optimal space to relax, unwind and enjoy your cruise.
We are proud to introduce The Queen’s Collection™ in 2021. These thoughtfully planned cruises feature unique and special voyage programming. Lively onboard events pair with exclusive shore excursions to create meaningful, in-depth and unforgettable memories. From exploring the roots of iconic American music where it all began to thrilling to the hoofbeats of the Kentucky Derby® from special seating at Churchill Downs®, you can dive into whatever special events interest you. 8
MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS EXCITING NEW PROGRAM COMING IN 2020 – LOOK FOR DETAILS SOON.
ACTI VAT E YOUR MEMB ERS HIP TODAY Take advantage of all the benefits that await you by registering for our loyalty program. There are three ways to register: 1: ONLINE: www.AQSC.com/SSOA 2: ONBOARD 3: CALL: (888) 749-5280
Steamboat Society of America The Steamboat Society of America, our guest loyalty program, was created to recognize our past guests and offer the opportunity to enjoy exclusive benefits and embership, incentives for cruising frequently with us. In addition to our Classic m earned after completion of your first cruise on any of our vessels, we offer f our levels of elite membership – Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald and Diamond. Each level brings additional benefits, and is reached after cruising the designated number of qualifying nights with us.
• After membership activation, all Classic members will receive: • The Paddlewheeler quarterly newsletter • Advance information on new itineraries • Exclusive invitations and promotions • A designation pin mailed after activation and upon reaching each level milestone • A cocktail party hosted by the captain and senior officers onboard • Friends and family may come aboard for a tour and breakfast or lunch aboard the American Queen,® American Empress,® American Duchess™ or American Countess™ while in port when member is a cruise guest. Reservations required at least 14 days in advance. • Access for breakfast or lunch when the American Queen, American Empress, American Duchess or American Countess are in port near member’s hometown. Reservations required at least 14 days in advance.
RUBY
(35-69 cruise nights) All Classic benefits, plus: “Members only” luggage tags; a membership status name badge; a dedicated reservations line; a $50 onboard credit per member; pre-boarding privileges*
SAPPHIRE
(70-139 cruise nights) All Ruby benefits, plus: Preferred reserved dining room seating; an additional $50 onboard credit ($100 per member); complimentary laundry service**; a “welcome back” signed card from the captain, plus a set of exclusive notecards
EMERALD
(140-209 cruise nights) All Sapphire benefits, plus: A one-cabin-category upgrade at time of booking (subject to availability); a 10% discount in the onboard gift shop
DIAMOND
(210+ cruise nights) All Emerald benefits, plus: An additional $50 onboard credit ($150 per member); a two cabin-category upgrade at time of booking (subject to availability)
After reaching Sapphire, Emerald or Diamond status, members will be honored during an onboard Captain’s Presentation that includes gifts of a deluxe official wall certificate and a framed, signed painting by maritime artist Michael Blaser.
For questions or more information about the Steamboat Society of America, please visit our website at www.aqsc.com/ssoa, email ssoa@aqsc.com or call us at (888) 749-5280. *Benefit not available on American Empress voyages. **Complimentary laundry service is limited to one in-room laundry bag per 7-day cruise.; no dry cleaning services available. Only sailings operated by American Queen Steamboat Company® (as of April 2012) and Victory Cruise Lines® (as of May 2019) count toward membership level. Membership benefits are non-transferable, combinable with other applicable promotional offers and must be applied to future cruise travel; hotel nights do not count toward membership; cruise nights are calculated after completion of a cruise. Additional rules and conditions apply. Cabin-category upgrades are subject to availability, and available only up to category AAA on the American Queen, category A on the American Empress and category DS on the American Duchess. Vessel access and onboard visits by members: capacity-controlled on a daily basis, not available in ports of embarkation/disembarkation, reservations and government guest security information is required, guests must be accompanied by member and visits are limited to four per calendar year. Onboard Captain’s Presentations are held on the cruise subsequent to a member reaching Sapphire, Emerald or Diamond status. American Queen Steamboat Company reserves the right to change Steamboat Society of America program rules, benefits, terms and/or conditions at any time without notice. ©2019 American Queen Steamboat Operating Company, LLC 082619