Mississippi Queen – Basics Regarding One Of The Largest Paddle-Wheelers Ever Sailed Along The Mississippi River
The Mississippi Queen is considered to be the second largest paddle-wheeler river boat ever built. When it was built by the Delta Queen Steamboat Company back in 1976, this ship was the largest steamboat. It was a 7-deck Mississippi River ship which now is being owned by the Majestic America Line. The largest steamboat of the company is not considered to be American Queen.
The Mississippi Queen had over 200 staterooms with a capacity of over 400 passengers and a crew of around 150 members. The ship was 380 feet long, 68 feet wide and have a weight of over 3.300 tons.
The decor of the ship was All American, with fabric and floral wallpapers, crystal chandeliers, polished brass railings as well as beveled mirrors.
Most of its public rooms were located on the Observation Deck. The Grand Saloon has been the center of activity acting as a lecture hall, activity center and a showroom. The large dance floor has been well used on most of the river cruises, many of which have had a Big Band theme. The charming Wheel House was practically the glass enclosed observation area where the river charts and the riverlorian`s library were found.
The cuisine of Mississippi Queen has reflected a cross-section of some regional American specialties. There were many south-eastern favorites featured such as Black Bean Soup, Veggie Jambalaya, Fried Green Tomatoes, Bayou Stuffed Catfish, Blackened Sirloin, Louisiana Seafood Chowder or crawfish. Fish or steaks were been very well prepared and the desserts were always outstanding. There were two different seating for dinner at 17.15 and at 19.45.
The attentive American crew members added to the friendliness felt on board the river boat ships.
When in service, Mississippi Queen was an authentic stern paddle-wheeler with a wheel which measured over 22 feet, 36 feet wide and weighed over 70 tons. This paddle-wheeler featured a 44 whistle steam calliope, which was considered to be the largest on the Mississippi River. In 2008, Mississippi Queen was reported to be out of cruises service until one year after.
The Mississippi Queen has been laid up at Perry Street Wharf in New Orleans after it was gutted for renovation. However, this steamboat has been sold for scrap in the late spring of 2009. The boat was towed for its last time on March 24, 2011 to Morgan City to be cut down. Its dismantling had begun a short wile ago, on April 7.
