Delta Queen Cancels American Queen’s 2006 Schedule

January 11, 2006

Delta Queen Cancels American Queen’s 2006 Schedule
January 11, 2006 – The Delta Queen Steamboat Co. has announced that the American Queen’s 2006 schedule will be cancelled "due to conditions in New Orleans and along the lower Mississippi River system."

Over the last few months, the American Queen has been in private charter and was expected to return to passenger service on May 31. The vessel has been housing refinery workers in Belle Chasse, La., according to company President Bruce Nierenberg.

Passengers booked on American Queen cruises in 2006 will receive a $100 per person on board credit when they rebook a cruise on either the Delta Queen or Mississippi Queen. A full refund also is available.

The Delta Queen will begin its spring schedule on April 21, followed closely by the Mississippi Queen on April 23.

In a statement posted on the company’s website, Nierenberg said, "we believe that New Orleans and the lower Mississippi area will recover, and we hope to be back with American Queen and the other boats in New Orleans as soon as possible."

For more information, call 800-543-1949 or visit http://www.deltaqueen.com/.