Delta Queen History

Awesome New Year’s Eve weekend!

Bill — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 18:22:24 +0000

New Year's Eve on the Delta Queen

Wow! We had such an amazing weekend performing aboard the Delta Queen for New Year’s Eve weekend. The Delta Queen team was at the top of their game for the huge boat-wide New Year’s Eve party. Special kudos to Hotel Manager Lloyd, Chef Joyce, and of course operators Leah Ann and Randy Ingram.

The New Year’s Eve event was marketed as a private event package including hotel stay, DJ and dancing down in the Orleans Room, Laura and I having a blast with the crowd in the Texas Lounge, and Joyce’s amazing food stations scattered downstairs, all along the Forward Cabin Lounge, and up in the Texas Lounge. What an amazing buffet!

Thanks so much to the wonderful guests that supported the Delta Queen by ringing in 2012 with us. We had so much fun with you and look forward to the next time we can all enjoy an evening together aboard the legendary Delta Queen.

Festive Halloween on DQ

Bill — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 16:08:32 +0000

Halloween on DQ

We had such a blast performing for the Halloween weekend aboard the Delta Queen. We enjoyed really festive crowds – especially the folks who came in costume. The boat is all decked out in autumn decor and looks lovely. Leah Ann and Randy Ingram continue to care for the boat and share her with the public. Make your reservation today!

Great Halloween Costumes at Delta Queen party!

Bill — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 15:13:32 +0000

PERFORMING ON THE DELTA QUEEN!

Bill — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 14:00:06 +0000

We are so excited to announce that we will be performing aboard the Delta Queen in Chattanooga, TN the first and last weekends of October — on October 1, 2, and again Octtober 28, 29, 30, and 31. We’ll be performing each evening in the charming and historic Texas Lounge with incredible views of the Tennessee River and picturesque Chattanooga. We would love for you to come visit, stay aboard, and enjoy some music, magic and laughs with us for a fun weekend. Visit the Delta Queen Hotel website at

www.DeltaQueenHotel.com

New owner acquires Delta Queen

Bill — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 16:13:11 +0000

Xanterra Parks & Resorts has completed the purchase the assets of bankrupt Ambassadors International, Inc. This includes the Delta Queen. For at least the foreseen future, this will not affect of the charter lease operation of The Delta Queen Hotel in Chattanooga, Tennessee. With her long-term future uncertain, I encourage you to experience the Delta Queen while you can. Visit www.DeltaQueenHotel.com for more information and reservations.

To read more about Xanterra’s acquisition, click here or click here.

Delta Queen parent company files bankruptcy

Bill — Sun, 03 Apr 2011 15:58:35 +0000

Ambassadors International, Inc., the parent company owner of the Delta Queen, has filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy. At least for the foreseen future, this will not affect the charter lease operation of the Delta Queen Hotel in Chattanooga, Tennessee. With her long-term future uncertain, I encourage you to experience the Delta Queen while you can. Visit www.DeltaQueenHotel.com for more information and reservations.

To read more about the bankruptcy, click here.

Happy Holidays from the Delta Queen

Bill — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 17:19:24 +0000

Laura and I have had such a great time performing on the Delta Queen for all the holiday parties, events, and festivities since Thanksgiving. What a wonderful place to spend a holiday getaway. Put it on your calendar for next year. The boat was decorated beautifully, and with all the poinsettias along the Grand Staircase, we thought it would make a perfect holiday card photo (see below). We hope to be back on the boat soon, but until then we wish you all the best and a very Happy Holiday.

Update on Delta Queen sale

Bill — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 16:30:11 +0000

Here’s a TV feature from the Fox station in Chattanooga about the pending sale of the Delta Queen:
Click here.

Rally on the River

Bill — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 14:26:54 +0000

The Rally on the River event yesterday was a big success and lots of fun. It was such an honor to get to be a part of such a special day. Much thanks to hosts Leah Ann and Randy Ingram for such a terrific event and for all their efforts on behalf of the Delta Queen. They work tirelessly to preserve the boat and to make sure she remains in Chattanooga to be cared for, cherished, and open to the public. On a crisp and lovely autumn afternoon, dedicated volunteers welcomed visitors aboard and gave tours of this fascinating National Historic Landmark. Steam was brought up enough to rotate the paddlewheel and that beautiful sight filled me with a wave of nostalgia. Travis Vasconcelos played the calliope, the whistle blew and we all felt like a bunch of kids having a play day! It was an absolute blast.

The evening event was fantastic. Guests enjoyed several food stations around the Delta Queen and aboard the visiting Belle of Cincinnati docked alongside. Each station had different delectable treats prepared fresh by a team of talented chefs. Each station had wines paired to complement the culinary treats. Dessert was served in the Orleans Room and Laura and I performed our “Delta Queen: A Musical Journey” show chronicling the Delta Queen’s amazing adventures and many songs we’ve uncovered written about the boat. A silent auction also helped raise additional funds. All these proceeds go toward the establishment of a non-profit organization to raise private funds for the maintenance and preservation of the Delta Queen. There are even grand goals of purchasing the boat from its current owners (former cruise operators Ambassadors International) to make certain the boat stays in Chattanooga and its historical integrity is protected.

We’ll keep you posted as things progress.

Here’s a little video we put together with some highlights from the November 4 afternoon events:

New Tea Room on Delta Queen

Bill — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 11:53:49 +0000

A true Victorian-style Tea Room has just opened on the Delta Queen. It is the perfect idea in the perfect place. They’ve set lovely tables in the Forward Cabin Lounge with beautiful views of the park and the river. The gorgeous tablecloths, silverware, and fine china highlight the elegant experience. Laura and I enjoyed a wonderful array of teas, delicious scones, quiche, cakes, etc. Every bite was heavenly! I highly recommend it!

Here’s a few photos and copies of the menu for your review. Click on any image to enlarge: