Delta Queen A New Chattanooga Landmark

[Shelley "SoleMann" King]

Delta Queen Should Be Open For Business In Chattanooga In Early April
posted February 11, 2009

The historic Delta Queen riverboat arrived in Chattanooga shortly after noon Wednesday and it should be in business in its new home in early April.

Harry and Maura Phillips, who have leased the luxurious riverboat, expect to be offering rooms by then in the "floating hotel" that will be docked at Coolidge Park.

Mayor Ron Littlefield and County Mayor Claude Ramsey were among dignitaries awaiting the arrival of the Delta Queen after its 865-mile possible final voyage from New Orleans.

The Delta Queen is temporarily grounded after losing an exemption from Congress to continue plying America's waterways.

Mayor Littlefield, who went along on an hour's tour of downtown on the huge vessel, called it "a wonderful new feature of our riverfront."

Mr. Ramsey said it is "a great addition" to the amenities and attractions downtown by the river.

Bob Doak of the Convention and Visitors Bureau said, "I cannot think of anything better than the Delta Queen to complement what we already offer along the Chattanooga riverfront."

Bill Wiemuth, riverboat historian, made the trip up from New Orleans and introduced the speakers at a brief press conference on the riverboat.

He said he viewed the day "with mixed feelings" since it means the Delta Queen will be at least temporarily anchored.

Mr. Wiemuth said $1 million was spent to build the Delta Queen in 1927 at a time when a good riverboat could be built for $60,000. He said it ran between Sacramento and San Francisco before being bought by a Cincinnati businessman, who spent another quarter of a million dollars on it.

During World War II, it was placed into military service and was used to bring some wounded troops back from Pearl Harbor.

Sidney Slome, who will be running the floating hotel, said many fans of the Delta Queen will be coming from all over the country to tour it and spend the night.

He said a website about the new venture is already getting high traffic with many wanting to book a night.

He said the rates will be "very affordable" - from $89 to $175 for the largest suite.

[Edie Antoinette]

Nice! You going on it in April????

[Shelley "SoleMann" King]

I would not mind, i told advantage of this warm weather and went down there saturday, that thing is Awesome