Basics About The Tunica Queen Riverboat On The Mississippi River
Tunica Queen, voted the “Best Non-Gaming Attraction” in Tunica, is a 400-seat ship which will allow guests to experience the waters of the Mississippi River. “The Tunica Queen is considered a first-class traveler amenity which complements the real success of the Tunica gaming industry as well as the world-class Tunica RiverPark museum, where the Tunica Queen will dock along the Mississippi River,” once said Webster Franklin, CEO of the Tunica Convention. Tours offered by this riverboat will include sightseeing and dinner cruises.
Schedule
The riverboat has a new schedule starting from 2010, according to the Tunica CVB. “Because our travelers have really enjoyed our cruises so much, we are making the cruises last longer starting with this season, and we will offer one sightseeing cruise tour Tuesday through Friday,” said Lynn Barton, one of the Tunica Queen owners. There are two sightseeing cruise tours provided at 11.30 and 14.00 on Saturday and 13.00 on Sunday, said Barton. Dinner or entertainment cruise tours will be provided Friday as well as Saturday at 18.30. The cruises from during the evening will allow passengers to view the sunset in a wonderful ambiance over the Mississippi River. Cruises will be available later March through early November as well as in December for holiday parties or groups.
Tickets
According to the CVB, as of 2010, tickets for sightseeing cruises are only $15/adults, $14/seniors or $8/children with ages between five and twelve years old. Dinner or entertainment cruise tours are $47/adults, $44/seniors, $22/children with ages between five and nine years old, while for kids under four years old will be free of charge.
Dining/Entertainment
The 4-course dinner on the boat will include prime rib, roasted turkey, red beans, signature sides as well as dessert, along with a wide selection of wine and liquor. “There is lively entertainment on our riverboat for the sightseeing or dinner tours,” said Barton.
Special Events
The riverboat will host cruise tours for any type of occasion, which may include wedding ceremonies, business events, family reunions or birthday parties. Rates for group cruising are available for groups of twenty passengers and more. Get in touch with the office for details about the rates.
Location
Tunica is located about thirty minutes to the south of Memphis. This boat will leave from the Tunica RiverPark landing; the RiverPark is considered a nature trail, museum as well as overlook located on the harbor from the eastern bank of the Mississippi. This park will include over 100-acre riverside forest with walking trails for tours.
Basic Descriptions For A Few Historic Paddle-Wheeler Boats On The Mississippi River
The effect which paddle-wheeler steamboats along the Mississippi River was extraordinary. The convenience or speed of traveling to the south part of the nation was increased exponentially when this type of riverboats begun transporting people to New Orleans as well as other cities along the way and helped in the colonization of the South.
New Orleans
The very first paddle-wheeler riverboat which traveled along the Mississippi River has been considered to be New Orleans. The ship was built in 1811 in Pittsburgh, and it was considered to be a side-wheeler of 120 feet long and weighed 370 tons. On her first sail, this riverboat has been piloted by Nicholas Roosevelt, non other than Teddy Roosevelt`s great grand-uncle; a series of strong earth tremors being known as the New Madrid Earthquake happened. The New Orleans has continued its sail, arriving in January 1812 in New Orleans. The ship has been then placed in service between Natchez and New Orleans and after years of sailing, the boat hit a stump and sank.
Zebulon M. Pike
Zebulon M. Pike is considered to be the first navigator who reached St. Louis in 1814, the northernmost port along the Mississippi River. The riverboat was named after his name, a stern-wheeler which has been built in Cincinnati. The ship is considered to be the first paddle-wheeler designed specifically for passenger traveling. The Zebulon M. Pike was owned by the United States Mail Co., being the first to carry the United States mail.
Enterprise
The Enterprise was considered to be the first paddle-wheeler that made the journey from New Orleans to Louisville in 1815. On another occasion, having Henry M. Shreve as a captain, the stern-wheeler carried cargo for the army of Gen. Andrew Jackson and also run the British batteries to deliver supplies to Fort St. Phillip. His inventiveness broke the monopoly of Robert Fulton on steamboat design and was essential as it made possible steamboat travel in Western states.
Robert E. Lee and Natchez VI
A popular steamboat race took place in 1870 from New Orleans to St. Louis between the Natchez VI and the Robert E. Lee. Dubbed to Great Mississippi Steamboat Race, John W. Cannon, the captain of the Robert E. Lee tried to prove that his riverboat was the fastest. He refused to take any passengers or cargo and stripped his boat of excess weight. T. P. Leathers, the captain of the Natchez VI accepted Lee`s challenge having full cargo and passengers. The riverboats refueled on the move. Natchez was stuck on a mudflat for a few hours, so Robert E. Less was the ship which eventually won.
Basic Info About Twilight Cruises Along The Mississippi River
Stretching over 2.300 miles from the north part of Minnesota and emptying into the Gulf of Mexico, the Mississippi River is the largest system of waterways from North America. River traveling is considered an essential part of this majestic river, and you can take a river cruise from any number of ports. You may climb on board the Twilight riverboat and you will find out that such a cruise really has something great to offer.
About the Twilight Riverboat
The Twilight riverboat, a replica of Victorian steamboats, has been built in 1987 and it features 3 decks, sundecks which are complete with lounge chairs or dining salons. The Twilight heated and air-conditioned as well. You are able to take this riverboat for a cruise tours along the Mississippi River and enjoy the scenery of the Midwest along the cruise.
About the Twilight Cruises
On a 2-night cruise, you will begin at the Upper Mississippi at Le Claire, the home of Wild Bill Cody, and then travel more than one hundred miles to the Dubuque port, eventually making a return back up the Mississippi River. You do not stay on board during the night, but instead you will be able to disembark at Grand Harbor Resort from Dubuque. This beautiful resort will feature over 25.000 square feet of water park and a casino in the nearby areas.
Schedules & Prices
Cruise tours will normally begin at last week-end in late May and will be continuing until the late October. The cruise package will generally include various meals, fun activities and lodging.
As of March 2010, cruise prices will start from $330/person for any adult passenger, and $160/kids, based on occupancy. If you want to be sure of your spot on board this ship, it is recommended to book your place in advance.
So if you really want to see the historical part of North America along the Mississippi River, get on board the Twilight riverboat and enjoy an unique experience, very different than those traditional cruises on board large liners.
River Cruises
406 Franklin St.
(815) 845 2333
http://riverboattwilight.com
Delta Queen Riverboat Cruises – Basic Facts Which May Interest You About Delta Queen Cruises
Delta Queen Cruise – A Glimpse of History
The Delta Queen riverboat is an U.S. steamboat and it is also considered one of the National Historic Landmarks of United States. This boat has been used for sailing most of the major American rivers which connects with the Mississippi River, more exclusively in the American South. Starting from June 2009, the ship is being docked in Chattanooga and has been converted into a hotel. It is quite possible that the boat will be again found sailing the American rivers.
The Delta Queen which has over 280 feet in length is almost 60 feet wide and draws over 11 feet. The ship has a capacity if over 170 guests and a tonnage of over 1.600 tons. Its cross-compounded steam engine will generate almost 2.000 horsepower, powering a stern-mounted paddle-wheel.
The first 2 decks, the stem engine and the hull were order from William Denny & Brothers shipyard in 1924. The Delta Queen and the Delta King, her sister ship, were shipped in pieces to Stockton in 1926. The California Transportation Company assembled the two ships for their traditional Sacramento River cruise service between the two major cities, Sacramento and San Francisco, as well as for cruise tours along the San Joaquin River. At that time, these two boats were the most expensive passenger boats that were ever commissioned. The two ship were laid up and then bought by Isbrandtsen Steamship Lines for cruising out of New Orleans, after were driven out of service in 1940. During World War II, the ship were requisitioned by United States Navy for duty service in San Francisco Bay.
There were three United States Presidents who have manage to sail on Delta Queen: Jimmy Carter, Herbert Hoover and Harry Truman.
In 1946, Delta Queen was bought by Greene Line of Cincinnati and towed via Ohio and Mississippi rivers and the Panama Canal for refurbishing. In 1948, the ship entered normal passenger cruise service, plying the waters of Mississippi, Cumberland and Ohio rivers between St. Paul, Nashville, New Orleans as well as other various ports in between. The ownership of the boat has been changed a couple of times of the last 50 years, and starting with 1971, the ship operated with a presidential exemption to the law prohibiting sailing during the night for wooden superstructures.
In 1970, the Delta Queen riverboat was listed on the National Register of Historic Places and in 1989, the ship was declared a National Historic Landmark. Majestic America Line was the cruise company that operated the Delta Queen most recently.
Delta Queen Cruise – Five Steps On How To Take A Delta Queen Cruise
The Delta Queen is considered a historical landmark, has been built in 1926 and is one of the last United States stern-wheel river boats which is still in service. The ship is now being owned by Majestic America Line and has a capacity of about 176 passengers. Being based in New Orleans, the ship will offer sailing along the waterways of United State, including Mississippi, Tennessee or Ohio rivers, all year long. Passengers will find many interesting features on this great vessel.
1. See United States “close-up.” Unlike other regular cruise vessels, the “Delta Queen” will be able to get very close to shore, offering guests the real chance of viewing fall foliage in the north and Antebellum homes in the south side of the country, of course, among many other interesting sights.
2. Listen to the calliope. Try to get in the mood of an United States river by simply listening to the genuine 1897 riverboat calliope play songs from the times when Mark Twain himself was a traveler of American rivers.
3. Admire the antiques and art on board the Delta Queen. This ship is decorated with a wide collection of genuine nineteenth-century United States art objects and furniture. Additionally, much of the vessel`s original moldings and woodwork are still quite intact.
4. You will also be able to participate in the Great Steamboat Race. This ships will participate each and every year in the Great Steamboat Race, which is held each and every year the week before the Kentucky Derby which takes place in Cincinnati. This social event will be generally accompanied by live concerts, a parade and fanfare.
5. You should take a theme sailing. Additionally to the Great Steamboat Race cruise, this ship will provide many other theme cruises as well. Among these will also be a number of fall foliage cruises as well as a few Civil War cruises, which will most certainly include various visits to Civil War battlefields or lecture on various history or event during the Civil War.
Delta Queen Cruise – Delta Queen Riverboat Cruise
You may sail on board this “grand lady” along the waters of the Mississippi River through the center of America as well as the Old South. The Delta Queen will bring back memories of those voyages from the nineteenth century with teak handrails, hardwood paneling, and ornate finishing. You will be able to find comfort in the Forward, Betty Blake and Texas lounges, as well as in a Victorian-style sitting room. On your riverboat cruise, you will able to watch the wonderful scenery for your relaxing rocking chair on the deck, or from your vantage from the viewing area of the Engine Room. All the staterooms of Delta Queen are exterior cabins which will include furnishings from the 19th century. Dinners will also be available, which will include Captain`s Dinner on your second cruise night and in the last night. These are generally formal dinners, so you will maybe wish to dress accordingly. Cruise tours will last from 3 to 12 days and among the departure ports, there will be Memphis, Cincinnati, St. Louis, Chattanooga or St. Paul. You may select to visit all manner of ports, from as the northern parts of Minnesota to the southern parts of Lousiana.
Mississippi River Cruises
5851 San Felipe, Suite 500
(800) 338 4962
http://mississippirivercruises.com
Mississippi Riverboat History – A Small Glimpse Of The History Of Mississippi Riverboats
The waters of the Mississippi River will run for over 2.300 miles through the entire nation of United States, all the way from Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. Throughout the entire history of North America, the Mississippi River has been an artery for commerce. Even with all the modern technologies, it is a lot cheaper as well as easier to move goods on this majestic river than overland. Riverboats have become associated with the Mississippi in the last few years, and the ships have a long history on this waterway.
Early History
According to the Wisconsin Historical Society, “the first European who saw the river inland was nobody else than Hernando de Soto, back in 1541.” The Mississippi River as well as the Mississippi Valley were claimed for France in 1682, and came into United States hands in 1803 when Louisiana was purchased.
First Steamboat
The first steamboat that plied the waters of this river was called the New Orleans, because of the most important city of the Mississippi at that time. Built in Pittsburgh back in 1811, it arrived in her namesake city in January 12, 1812, after it has traveled along the river.
Role in Early Settlement
Through the Midwest`s early settlement, rivers were the primary method of moving people or goods. Riverboats along the Mississippi River took wood and produce to markets along the river – which will include to New Orleans , for international export – and brought plenty of manufactured goods back to the communities upriver. According to the Tennessee Encyclopedia, “by late 1834, over 200 steamboats used the waters of the Mississippi River.”
Gambling Boats
Because states passed increasing laws against gambling in the 20s and 30s of two centuries ago, gamblers were obligated to move to the riverboats. This was mainly because the Mississippi River formed (and still forms today) a number of state borders; it wasn`t in the jurisdiction of any one state law.
The Twentieth Century
In the 20th century, mostly under Roosevelt`s New Deal in the 30s, the Mississippi river has been made easier for navigation. Lock, levees and dams were built. According to the Tennessee Encyclopedia, “by 1930 diesel-powered tugboats as well as barges had replaced the remaining steamboats.”
Modern Shipping
The Mississippi River has still remained important for shipping; around 300.000.000 tons of cargo move along the waters of this river each and every year. According to the PBR`s Diane Eastabrook, “one single barge can travel five time as far as a semi-truck and twice as far as a train with only a gallon of fuel.”
