Delta Queen Paddlewheelers Could Be Helpful Rebuilding Of New Orleans

The Delta Queen Steamboat Co. said today it will charter any of its three overnight excursion boats to entities that need to accommodate workers during the rebuilding of New Orleans. Bruce Nierenberg, president of Delta Queen, said the Delta Queen, Mississippi Queen and American Queen steamboats can be available for extended periods. He said the company would consider chartering the boats for three months or longer at a time. The boats, which normally carry passengers on multiple-night cruises up and down the Mississippi and other U.S. rivers, are equipped to provide a “full hotel operation onboard, including food, beveage, full housekeeping services and hotel accomodations,” Nierenberg said. The company will rent the vessels to companies, municipalities or government agencies that may need this type of service. The boats will berth at Delta Queen’s Robin Street Wharf or “other suitable location on the river as available,” he said.