A Remarkable Reunion

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By Timothy Rubacky, Senior Vice President

There are a number of remarkable things that have happened as we have returned the American Queen to her rightful place as First Lady of America’s Rivers. There was a lot of hard work, new friends and unexpected challenges and wonderful surprises. When you’re taking on a task as large as refurbishing the world’s largest authentic steam-powered riverboat and creating an entirely new company to operate her, the surprising and the unexpected become a way of life.

However, perhaps the most remarkable thing of all is the unbelievable groundswell of support for our endeavor from those who were loyal guests of steamboating voyages under the American Queen’s past owners, most notably the legendary Delta Queen Steamboat Company. For many years, the Paddlewheel Steamboating Society of America hosted its honored repeat travelers from the Delta Queen, Mississippi Queen and American Queen on specially arranged insider experiences ashore prior to a Steamboating cruise. This was just to show appreciation, to create an environment to socialize and explore with like-minded travelers, and to come to know a port of call like a well-connected local.

During the American Queen’s four-year hiatus from the river, it was the first time in 200 years that there was no overnight steamboat service on the Mississippi River. Now that the American Queen has returned to service, the Paddlewheel Steamboating Society of America has been reestablished, to welcome and recognize Steamboaters in special ways throughout the year.

Last month, we had the pleasure of re-launching the Paddlewheel Steamboating Society of America in grand style as a special thank you to all past guests of the great steamboats who stood by us as we worked to set the American Queen’s big red paddlewheel turning again. We charmed guests in New Orleans followed by a week of sailing the Mississippi River on the American Queen. There were toe-tapping jazz, great stage shows and live dance music, a taste of French Réveillon as well as Cajun Christmas with bonfires on the levee. Guests experienced tours of antebellum mansions and plantation homes; all the Old-Fashioned Holidays décor, stories and experiences; and the finest cuisine and Southern Hospitality.

In true Delta Queen Steamboat Company tradition, we created a special pre-voyage program that began on December 12, two days before sailing. The program began at the fabulous Roosevelt Hotel. My first step into the block-long lobby of the world-famous Roosevelt New Orleans, a Waldorf Astoria Hotel, astounded me with its spectacular Christmas decorations. We also set up a special Hospitality Desk staffed with familiar faces of former Steamboating crew and office folks. In such plush surroundings, the afternoon Teddy Bear Tea was a real treat.

That evening, guests joined us in the historic and beautiful Blue Room for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres along with a Welcome Aboard reception hosted by the owners and senior management of the American Queen Steamboat Company, and by retired Paddlewheel Steamboating Society of America Membership Purser, W. Jeremiah Boone. The entire affair included a River Reverie of seldom heard, authentic Steamboat Era popular music and dancing, all provided by legendary former Mississippi Queen and American Queen bandleader, Tom Hook.

We kicked off the second day with a quintessential New Orleans style treat – a dazzling brunch at the Court of Two Sisters with many delicious dishes to choose from and some even custom prepared just for our loyal guests. What a truly New Orleans atmosphere! We dined on a surprisingly secluded patio right in the heart of the French Quarter with a jazz trio playing tableside. After brunch, a deluxe, guided motor coach tour took us through New Orleans’ historic Garden District featuring architecturally interesting, stately mansions, sub-tropical gardens, sweeping magnificent Live Oak trees, cast iron fences and balcony railings, and calmingly quiet streets. We had plenty of hosts on hand to assist guests in planning activities during the afternoon when everyone was free to explore the Crescent City on their own.

Guests hopped on the continuously operating shuttle from the Roosevelt Hotel to explore the French Quarter, which is unlike any other American neighborhood where quiet family residences, places of historical significance, and exquisite shops and art galleries exist in the same area as the raucous bars and music clubs of Bourbon Street. That evening, we all enjoyed cocktails and marvelous hors d’oeuvres at St. Charles Place, the home of Kevin M. Kelly, owner of Houmas House Plantation & Gardens. Situated on the oldest part of St. Charles Avenue, the grandest thoroughfare in New Orleans, this native son of the Big Easy has defined the majesty that is associated with its name by breathing new life into a former architectural treasure. Kelly considers his home to be the perfect property along St. Charles Avenue – where every New Orleans Mardi Gras parade passes during the season. Brilliantly transformed in 1997, the house is now adorned with Kelly’s exquisite collection of antiques and architectural elements, including some from celebrated old estates, now lost, that once stood on the street. Kelly has long been a fan of the American Queen, and the Reunion Voyage that followed included a visit of his plantation home on the river, Houmas House, on December 20.

From St. Charles Place, it was off to one of the most fun dinners we’ve all had in a long, long time. The premier Palm Court Jazz Café has New Orleans ambiance through and through, along with good food, a casual show, and perhaps the best traditional jazz band in New Orleans. It was the chance for our guests to better get to know one another and share stories of their time sailing the Delta Queen, Mississippi Queen and American Queen through the years.

The next morning after a sumptuous breakfast at the Roosevelt, everyone took a short bus ride back to 1941 where the National WWII Museum resides. This one-of-a-kind museum, designated by Congress in 2003, illuminates the experience during the World War II era, chronicling Pearl Harbor to VJ Day and the Home Front. The courage, teamwork, and sacrifice of the men and women who won the war that changed the world really came alive. The tour included the film Beyond All Boundaries, narrated and produced by Tom Hanks; a luncheon buffet; and the USO Show at the Stage Door Canteen. Best of all, the day continued with early boarding of the American Queen and a private, Members Only Champagne Reception with the Captain.

With the pre-departure festivities a thing of the past, it was time to get down to the business of Steamboating! During our seven-night voyage, we visited Oak Alley, St. Francisville, Natchez, Vicksburg, Baton Rouge and Houmas House. Our guests were thrilled with the whole experience and so were we. It was good to be among friends and our steamboating family for 10 days of shared memories and the creation of new ones.

If you want to be part of the fun in 2013, we have two special Delta Queen Steamboat Company and Paddlewheel Steamboating Society of America Reunion voyages planned. On September 7, the American Queen departs on a 6-night journey between St. Louis and Memphis and on December 14, leaves New Orleans for a 7-night Old Fashioned Holiday voyage roundtrip from the Big Easy. We’re still planning the special parties, receptions, tours and events but you can bet these are going to be the talk of the Steamboating community!