American Queen: Building the Future

[HostDave]

December 27, 2011
By Greg Brown, Executive Vice President

It’s funny, but sometimes the best way to move forward is to go back to the past. Down here at the shipyard in Sulphur, Louisiana, work on the Steamer American Queen has reached a fever pitch as we repaint, re-upholster, re-carpet and refurbish everything we can get our hands on! One of the most exciting projects has been the removal of the paddlewheel and disassembling it so we can replace the rotted boards and put her back into tip-top condition. Turns out that it involves more than a simple trip to your local home improvement store to accomplish this task. But it’s all part of moving closer to the American Queen’s return to service in April and the return of authentic Mississippi river cruising. So, to move forward, we have to go back to the past to rebuild a paddlewheel, which is somewhat of a lost art.

It’s impressive just how big and solid all the lumber is to build a paddlewheel – especially one as big as the American Queen’s! It’s a lot of work but it’s also a lot fun, so I feel like a kid again. But it’s also a reminder of what it’s like to be a parent. When I was little, the anticipation the night before Christmas was almost unbearable. It was hard to sleep knowing that Santa Claus would be arriving any moment. We would leave out cookies and milk and, miraculously, they had been eaten by morning. Of course, it never occurred to us that in his travels, Santa would have to eat millions of cookies and drink millions of glasses of milk every Christmas Eve as he traveled all around the world. We just figured that was why he was so fat, er “jolly.”

Of course, the most miraculous thing of all to greet my eyes on Christmas morning were all the toys, with train sets and other gifts all assembled and ready to use. It took a few years to find out it was my parents who labored most of the night to assemble everything. And then it took many more years before I was on the giving, not the receiving end, of all the whole process. After a belly full of cookies and milk at two in the morning, reading assembly directions and staying awake were more than just a small challenge!

I knew a few weeks ago when we took apart the giant 65-ton red paddlewheel of the American Queen that, inevitably, we’d have to figure out how to put it all back together again. But unlike the toys on Christmas Eve, the big paddlewheel didn’t come with assembly instructions. Instead, we had to write the instructions ourselves when we took it apart. That wasn’t a small challenge, either, but at least we knew they wouldn’t be in Spanish or Chinese!

Unlike buying a train set with all the parts, we had to assemble all the pieces for the paddlewheel ourselves. The first thing was to come up with a shopping list. And boy what a doozy it was!

Lumber
Mixed red and white oak, #2 Rough and Douglas fir
4x8x8 – 108 each
4x8x6 – 108 each
2x12x16 – 72 each
Shims – 72 each

Paint
100 gallons “gaudy red” to get things started

Hardware
130 Fabricated Endcaps Plain Finish
2592 3/4 X 6 Galv HHB Full Threads
216 3/4 X 10 Galv HHB 6" Threads
436 3/4 X 4 Galv Lag Bolts
3100 3/4 Galv LW
3100 3/4 Galv Nuts
2000 3/4 Galv FE
800 3/4 X 4 X 18 Sq U Bolt w 13" Thread
3200 3/4 Plain Nuts
216 3/4 X 8 1/4 X 1 X 1/2 Bent J Bolt
2 132 X 120ID X 1/8 Neo Dove Tail
8 SS Ovals 18"
105 1/4 X 4 7/8 X 3/16 Copper O Ring
108 3/4 X 8 3/8 X 3/16 Copper O Ring

As you can guess, we couldn’t just wander into Lowe’s or Home Depot and grab a cart and fill up. It took some searching around the area to get just the right wood of the highest quality but eventually we got everything gathered together and could start re-assembly.

The assembly instructions come in mighty handy at a time like this. Building one of the world’s biggest paddlewheels is also a big job, as you might guess. Doing it reminded me a bit of assembling toys on Christmas Eve. I love riverboats and adore the American Queen, so it truly is a labor of love. But it’s a lot more involved than assembling a train set and, I have to admit, a lot more choice words were thrown around in vain than on Christmas Eve. And, quite frankly, I would have killed for a glass of milk and plate of cookies as we toiled to reassemble that paddlewheel!

But more than anything else, rebuilding the American Queen’s massive red paddlewheel was a gift. It was a gift to all of us who have been excited since Day One to have the chance to bring her back to the rivers for the Great American Steamboat Company. It was a bit like being that little boy on Christmas Eve again, even though I know how the magic works. But perhaps most of all, I felt like I did assembling those toy train sets as a parent. Instead of seeing children’s eyes light up, we will get to see thousands upon thousands of guests delighted with the unique experience that is river cruising. We’re building happiness here at the shipyard and what I’ve learned is that when you’re giving that gift to others, there is no greater gift in the world.

[Marybeth]

I've always wanted to do a cruise on a paddle wheel ship. Thanks for the article.

[HostDave]

My mother cruised on this ship with its original owner and wasn't happy with it at all. She called it the cruise from hell and she wasn't a picky traveler. I'm curious to see what the new owners do with it. I'd be interested in giving it a try.

[HostDave]

If you'd like more information on the company, here's a link to their website:
http://www.greatamericansteamboatcompany.com

[HostDave]

It's just a BIT of a stretch to refer to their entertainment as "Award Winning" when they haven't even started sailing yet. They must be taking their PR from Crystal

[Marybeth]

Thanks for the link Dave. I'll have to explore it a bit.

[HostDave]

January 24, 2012
By Tim Rubacky, Senior Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Product Development

This past week, we reached one of our major milestones and the whole company is buzzing. For the first time in over four years, the Steamer American Queen has returned to New Orleans, embarkation port for her first voyage in April under the proud banner of the Great American Steamboat Company.

She started out in the government’s lay-up fleet in Beaumont, Texas since the Maritime Administration held the original mortgage and took ownership when she stopped sailing for her prior operators. As we’ve mentioned before, she was cared for properly and no mold or mildew took hold during those humid Texas summers. From Beaumont, she was towed to a shipyard in Sulphur, Louisiana where the bulk of the work to return her to service was accomplished. Her next journey was the tow to New Orleans for drydocking.

The American Queen in the New Orleans drydock as we enter the final push for her return to service.While in drydock, work that is impossible to carry out while the boat sits in the water is being undertaken. Her bottom has quite a bit of marine growth but that’s being scraped off and then her hull given a through pressure cleaning before a new coat of paint is applied. You also might notice from the photo that she doesn’t yet have a paddlewheel. Let’s just say that installing the rebuilt wheel is very, very high on the priority list!

There’s plenty of work ahead to give her the spit and polish you expect of a fine Victorian home but we’re encouraged that the biggest challenges in restoring the American Queen are behind us. Our newest opportunities are making certain we deliver the superb service and top-notch Southern cuisine that will make an American river cruise on the grandest steamboat ever built a vacation that has no equal.

Of all our early voyages, the one that will have no peer is our April 27, 2012 seven-night cruise from Memphis to Cincinnati. Why is it so special? Well, it marks her first departure from Memphis, our headquarters, and that’s where she will be christened. I invite you to join us as there is no better deal or no more exciting time. You’ll begin with a special 2-night luxury hotel stay at the Marriott Downtown in the heart of historic Memphis. You’ll be invited to attend a special welcome dinner at Charlie Vergo’s world-famous Rendezvous. Back in 1948, Charlie discovered a coal chute in the basement of his diner. He realized it was a perfect vent for a grill, and a Memphis BBQ legend was born. Sink your teeth into some ribs before they fall off the bone and savor the knowledge that this is the beginning of something very special.

You will attend the Gala Christening Ceremony followed by a special Inaugural Ball. Onboard, there will be a commemorative gift and events hosted by executives from the Great American Steamboat Company as we welcome you into our family. And for this once-in-a-lifetime voyage, we’re piling on the entertainment with the Harry James Orchestra and Storefront Congregation. Directed by Fred Radke, who played first trumpet for the master himself and is held in esteem by jazz greats, the incredible Harry James Orchestra stirs memories of the good old days with hits including All or Nothing at All, Ain’t She Sweet, Up a Lazy River and more. Storefront Congregation, a band known as “bluegrass’s newest sensation,” offers a smooth blend of bluegrass, country and blues.

The highlight of the cruise is a Steamboat Race in Lousiville. More than a century ago, one of the biggest thrills in the heartland of America was watching a steamboat race. You will experience the excitement firsthand on board the American Queen as she joins the Belle of Louisville to recreate this pre-Kentucky Derby traditional race in Louisville.

Spend a couple days Steamboating before visiting Henderson with its turn-of-the-century mansions overlooking the river. Another day Steamboating brings you to Louisville and the big race. Visit a vineyard in Madison, Indiana and then explore Cincinnati.

This cruise will be one for the record books and getting the American Queen into drydock is the start of preparing her for a long and fruitful life with the Great American Steamboat Company. We hope you’ll let us share her with you soon.

[HostDave]

January 27, 2012
By Tim Rubacky, Senior Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Product Development

The big paddlewheel of progress just keeps on turning. While we’re still reinstalling the paddlewheel on the Steamer American Queen, things are full steam ahead here in the office at Great American Steamboat Company. I’m excited to say that we will be hiring more than 300 new employees for the grandest, most opulent riverboat in the world,which will enter service in April. Photos of the American Queen as it returns to life are all over cyberspace. As you can imagine, it’s a very exciting time for all of us.

A Career Fair will be held in Memphis during the third week of February, details of which will be forthcoming. In preparation for the upcoming Career Fair, qualified applicants are encouraged to proceed to the company’s website, www.[url]GreatAmericanSteamboatCompany.com[/url] and click on the “Careers” link at the bottom left corner of the page. We will be seeking to fill numerous roles including but not limited to Hotel and Hospitality, Housekeeping, Culinary, Marine and Technical Crew and various Front- and Back-of-House positions.

Our commitment is to provide the best American river cruise experience ever. Just as our new red paddelwheel will need two pitman arms to turn, our commitment to service is powered by its own two engines.

One engine is an industry leading training program. We call the program, “Respect our Rivers.” Whereas other companies do a quick three or four days of training, our comprehensive program encompasses nearly three weeks. Through our “Respect our Rivers”program, all of our onboard team will learn everything from delivering our unique and genuine brand of hospitality to what it means to carry on the rich tradition of the fabled Delta Queen Steamboat Company and working on the American Queen. The training will begin March 24, 2012 in New Orleans.

The other engine is our crew. We have already built a solid foundation with the exemplary crew and officers that are bringing the American Queen to life as you are reading this. Between now and March, we are bringing on the rest of the crew. Working aboard the American Queen is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn and see America as Mark Twain saw it. Equally important, all of the crew positions include benefits.

If you or anyone you know is interested in working aboard the American Queen, we invite you to visit the website: www.greatamericansteamboatcompany.com. On the bottom left, click on “Careers” to see the current openings as well as job descriptions. Because of the interest and application volume, we ask that all inquiries be done through the website. Applications will only be accepted online and in person at the upcoming job fair.

We offer attractive compensation packages, comprehensive health and medical benefits, convenient shift rotations and tremendous opportunities for advancement and growth. As you would expect, we are an equal opportunity employer and support diversity in the workplace.

Don’t forget to visit the Great American Steamboat Company Facebook Page for the latest news, photos and lively discussions about the American Queen, Mississippi river cruising and our ports of call.

[HostDave]

Steamboat's A-Comin'

February 8, 2012
By Tim Rubacky, Senior Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Product Development

It’s a phrase closely associated with Mark Twain and also one heard up and down the rivers every day during the 1800s. The cry of “steamboat’s a-comin’” promised a little taste of the outside world to local townsfolk and the chance to marvel at the great steamboats of the era, their white wedding cake superstructures towering above the banks of the river and topped by the impossibly thin smokestacks belching thick black smoke for miles around. They brought the mail, supplies, farm animals, cotton, firewood and, of course, passengers with tales of the wider world.

Today the mail, supplies, farm animals, cotton and firewood are gone. And there’s no great columns of thick black smoke, just the slight wisp that adheres to all environmental regulations. But the excitement is every bit as real, especially in New Orleans this past week when the great Steamer American Queen finally arrived at the wharf after her drydocking where the hull was scraped and painted.

We’re now in the home stretch. It seemed impossible just a few months ago when a team from the Great American Steamboat Company boarded the boat in Beaumont, Texas where she had been laid-up but carefully maintained by the Maritime Administration, her owners at the time. She was dark, quiet and a bit dusty. Now she is full of life as the crew swarms over her, polishing every bit of brass, cleaning every bit of marble, replacing every light bulb and making every bed.

Indeed, we are now at the point where we’re applying that last bit of “spit and polish” to have her ready to enter service in just two months’ time. She’s just a few weeks away from once again offering an authentic American river cruise experience.

We’re beginning to hire the crew and will soon be conducting a job fair in Memphis to round out the roster. Let me just say a few words about the crew so far. They’re really divided into two camps: the newcomers and the old hands. The old hands have been with us since Beaumont, Texas. They have worked 20-hour days for months now. They’ve been doing back-breaking work to ready the American Queen for service. There has been blood (literally…you’d be surprised just how sharp some of the equipment in the machinery spaces can be!), sweat (especially at the beginning as we were just getting portable air conditioning units on board as we disconnected from those used by the Maritime Administration to keep American Queen mold-free), and plenty of tears. Some of those tears were tears of frustration at the task ahead but mostly they were tears of joy at being able to be part of something bigger than ourselves, secure in the knowledge we are returning a piece of American history to the American people. Yes, it’s been a wild ride for the old timers.

Then there are the newcomers. They haven’t bled, been drenched in sweat or cried in frustration. They look around wide-eyed at the fenestration, the gilding and the Victorian grandeur of it all. They are as green as a shoot of corn in the spring. But here’s what sets our newcomers apart from any other group of people starting a new job. They are envious of what the old timers have gotten to do. They love the river, they love river cruising, they love the Great American Steamboat Company and they love the American Queen.

And they are genuinely upset they couldn’t have been here since the beginning. They wish they had skinned their knuckles down in the engine room. They are working up a sweat as they bring the boat back to life but would gladly have camped out on board in the 110-degree heat of late summer last year. The would have shed a tear for the incredible camaraderie of those first few weeks when a birthday celebration might involve nothing more than a 5-minute break and a box of Twinkies.

No, the extraordinary thing about our newcomers is their enthusiasm and their passion. The extraordinary thing is that they will polish a railing until it gleams brilliantly…and then keep polishing until their own reflection is perfect. The extraordinary thing is that they are working as hard as any group of people could possibly work yet they are downright jealous they weren’t onboard earlier and couldn’t have done even more!

This is the group of people who will soon be serving all of you. And as excited as folks in towns up and down the river will be when the first shouts of “steamboat a-comin’” are heard once again, that excitement can’t hold a candle to the excitement of our crew. Here in New Orleans last week, the steamboat has already arrived…both at the dock and in our hearts.

[HostDave]

Those Were the Days
February 16, 2012
By Tim Rubacky, Senior Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Product Development

As you can imagine, as each day passes and we move closer to the April 13, 2012 debut of the renewed, refreshed and reborn Steamer American Queen, excitement here at the Great American Steamboat Company continues to mount. We are working diligently to restore her to her inaugural beauty with all the original paint colors on the exterior and new soft furnishing inside that mimic the Victorian era when river travel in the United States was in its heyday. While she has had a few different owners through the years, the American Queen is looking just as she did when she debuted in 1995. Walking through the grandest river cruiser ever built, it’s easy to get swept up in the hoopla of those early days.

The American Queen first took to the river under her own power on March 12, 1995. While today we know she sails the rivers as gracefully as a swan glides across a lake, it certainly wasn’t a sure thing back then. The boat contains vintage steam engines that would have to turn a 60-ton paddlewheel and no one knew if it would work properly. At first, it seemed things were going fine.

The giant red paddlewheel begin to run and the American Queen slowly moved forward. So far, so good. But a paddlewheel has to work just as effectively in the other direction so that it has the power to stop the boat and to run it backwards up to the wharf. The paddle was stopped, the engines reversed and she didn’t budge. Power was increased and steam was whistling throughout the engine room but the wheel would not go into reverse. Back to the drawing board.

We understand a little something about having to rebuild a paddlewheel. Now, if we could only find the instructions!It took two months to figure out and correct the problem: the paddlewheel was literally too efficient. The paddleboards converted virtually all of the motion of the steam engines into thrust to move the boat forward. But the engines don’t have the same amount of power running in reverse and the giant paddlewheel boards couldn’t overcome the resistance of the river to move in the opposite direction. So, the engineers cut a foot of each side of the paddlewheel and each paddle was reduced from three bucket boards to just two. Basically, this cut the surface area of the paddlewheel by 33%. Finally, the American Queen could back-up! Problem solved.

The next challenge was an unexpected one. From the shipyard, the boat was supposed to travel the Intracoastal Waterway to New Orleans. There was just one hitch: she was just a couple feet too wide to fit through the last of the locks leading to New Orleans. That meant she would actually have to go out into the open waters of the Gulf of Mexico which, when you’re a riverboat with a very low freeboard and a flat bottom, isn’t a very good idea. Clearly, the American Queen wasn’t designed for ocean travel.

So, the lower portion of the paddlewheel was removed, the wheel was lashed with a chain so it wouldn’t turn and just the small z-drives provided the propulsion like extremely powerful outboard motors. In early May, she headed out into what proved to be a calm gulf and she made it to New Orleans without even getting her upper decks wet. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case as she was docking at Robin Street Wharf. After a greeting by helicopters, camera crews, banners and jazz bands, she was subjected to a thorough drenching. A storm engulfed the city and the skies dumped 16 inches of rain on New Orleans in just three hours. The water piled up on the decks and ran into the boat, flooding the pilothouse, Grand Saloon, Mark Twain Gallery and the Gentleman’s card Room. The water even got beneath the wood floors of the Front Porch of America. It took almost a full week to repair the damage. Carpet from 42 of the cabins was removed and laid in the warm Louisiana sun to dry. One person described the scene as looking like “a giant quilt.”

But all was in order when Angel Harvey, wife of ABC radio personality Paul Harvey, released the ropes that held the world’s largest bottle of Tabasco sauce so that it could smash against the hull. The American Queen was finally ready for the public.

Thankfully, we haven’t had to battle any deluges this time around and the American Queen is looking every inch the most majestic riverboat in the world. We’ve schedule the christening for Memphis with some wonderful surprises up our sleeve (we can’t reveal details just yet) and all those booked on the first voyage out of Memphis will, among other things, be our guests at the naming and a Gala Inaugural Ball as well as be treated to special events ashore.

We’re getting excited here in Memphis at the prospect of the American Queen’s arrival. She’s tested, tried and true so the uncertainty of the early days is gone. We’re certain you’re going to love her as much as we do as she makes her grand return to American river cruises.

Enough nostalgia, now it’s time to get back to work! We still have to put the finishing touches on the new River Grill up top and there’s always some brass that needs polishing!