The Mail Buoy » Delta Queen Steamboat Company

Delta Queen Steamboat Company Celebrates America

Michael — Mon, 29 May 2006 14:45:01 +0000



		We're extremely proud to announce that Delta Queen has joined forces with American West Steamboat Company to bring you the very best in American river and coastal cruising. And to celebrate this momentous occasion, we have reserved space on three groups of our most popular Delta Queen vacations. For more information on these once in a lifeltime adventures, including sailing schedules and special offers, click here. CHOOSE FROM OUR FUN-FILLED LAST DAYS OF SUMMER *CRUISES, OUR FABULOUS FALL FOLIAGE* CRUISES, AND OURUNFORGETTABLE NOVEMBER TO REMEMBER CRUISES.** Enjoy the best that Summer has to offer on one of our Last Days Of Summer vacations. Experience nature's resplendent beauty on one of our spectacular Fall Foliage vacations. Or join us for our return to New Orleans on one of our November To Remember vacations. Plus, you can choose from special theme vacations like Civil War, Antiquing On The River, Quilting On The Queen, Country Music, Riverventures for families, Tall Stacks and more! The choice is yours. BOOK BY JUNE 30, 2006 FOR THE BEST VALUES ON 2006 CRUISES. GET UP TO 35%. PLUS, MANY VACATIONS INCLUDE FREE AIRFARE. We're celebrating a new Golden Age of Steamboats. So, what are you waiting for? To book, call Cruise Planners at 888-286-9827. To take advantage of this exclusive offer, you must mention offer code EBPR0506 when you call. We're looking forward to seeing you this year on the great rivers of America.

FREE Magazine Offer

Patricia — Tue, 25 Apr 2006 02:57:28 +0000

As readers of the The Mail Bouy, we know you want to get the latest information and best deals on cruising available. In June, we will be publishing a magazine free for our readers. We do this twice a year and partner with all the major cruise lines to publish the best deals and specials that are only available through us. Should you wish to receive your complimentary issue, please just drop an e-mail with your mailing address to letsgo@mycruiseplanner.info. Please note we will not use your e-mail address or contact you directly, unless you request us to. We do not want anyone to miss out on these special offers. In addition, over the upcoming months we are going to be offering special merchandise from various cruise lines to our readers. Please stay tuned to this space for more details.

Delta Queen Steamboat Company SOLD!

Michael — Sat, 08 Apr 2006 00:49:14 +0000

Just a little over two weeks after Delta Queen Steamboat Company announced that American Queen would be returning to the fleet in 2007 allowing to to operate a full three ship schedule in 2007, today even bigger news was announced. Ambassadors International and the owners of Delta Queen Steamboat Company have announced that they have reached an agreement for Ambassadors to aquire the Delta Queen Steamboat Company. Ambassadors International plans to combine the operations of Delta Queen and American West Steamboat Company under the Ambassadors Cruise Group subsidiary. Under the agreement Ambassadors International will acquire all three Delta Queen ships plus cash and other assets. The transaction still must be approved by the government but the deal is expected to close by the end of April. You can find Delta Queen President Bruce Nierenberg's letter to the public regarding the transaction after the jump. 04/07/06

Dear Friends of the Delta Queen,

As you all know, the Delta Queen Steamboat Company has been focusing on plans for the future. On behalf of all of us, thank you for your continued support. It truly means the world to us and our hundreds of crew members.

Over the last several months, we have been working diligently to create a strategic plan for the Delta Queen Steamboat Company and its operations going forward post-Hurricane Katrina. Over the past several years, Delaware North Companies has focused on stabilizing and growing the business by adding new itineraries and marketing programs, as well as providing economies of scale with its other world-class hospitality holdings and operations.

It is with the focus on our incredibly loyal and dedicated customer and associate base, that Delaware North Companies is pleased to announce that it has reached a definitive agreement to sell the Delta Queen Steamboat Company to Ambassadors International, Inc. (Nasdaq: AMIE), a world-class leader in the travel and tourism industry.

Ambassadors International clearly has the reputation and the dedication to the cruise industry through its outstanding operations of American West Cruises. Our decision was driven by the need to focus on growth opportunities in our core business and because of other investment considerations. Delaware North Companies decided it was in its best interest to find a company that could continue the tradition of excellence that has always been part of the Delta Queen. We have found that in Ambassadors International.

In a press release issued today, Joe Ueberroth, President and CEO of Ambassadors International, Inc., said, "The combination of the Delta Queen Steamboat Company with American West Steamboat Company takes two significant regional businesses and creates a national, American cruise company. The operations will be combined under our Ambassadors Cruise Group subsidiary and be led by David Giersdorf. Our team is excited to offer our customers a selection of wonderful American itineraries across a fleet of luxurious sternwheelers with dedicated American crews. This acquisition will increase our number of vessels to five and the number of berths from 365 to approximately 1,400 berths, making us the largest operator in our category."

The transaction is subject to certain approvals but we expect to close by the end of April, 2006. We are confident that this transaction will be seamless to our customers and our associates.

We are fortunate to have passengers and travel agents who have been so loyal to this company over the years. For that, I am truly grateful. It is our hope that the strength of the Delta Queen Steamboat Company and the magic of its American journeys will fill the boats to capacity in 2006 and beyond.

Sincerely Bruce Nierenberg President, Delta Queen Steamboat Company

Delta Queen Steamboat Announces Changes to 2006 Schedules

Michael — Mon, 29 May 2006 14:45:01 +0000



		We're extremely proud to announce that Delta Queen has joined forces with American West Steamboat Company to bring you the very best in American river and coastal cruising. And to celebrate this momentous occasion, we have reserved space on three groups of our most popular Delta Queen vacations. For more information on these once in a lifeltime adventures, including sailing schedules and special offers, click here. CHOOSE FROM OUR FUN-FILLED LAST DAYS OF SUMMER *CRUISES, OUR FABULOUS FALL FOLIAGE* CRUISES, AND OURUNFORGETTABLE NOVEMBER TO REMEMBER CRUISES.** Enjoy the best that Summer has to offer on one of our Last Days Of Summer vacations. Experience nature's resplendent beauty on one of our spectacular Fall Foliage vacations. Or join us for our return to New Orleans on one of our November To Remember vacations. Plus, you can choose from special theme vacations like Civil War, Antiquing On The River, Quilting On The Queen, Country Music, Riverventures for families, Tall Stacks and more! The choice is yours. BOOK BY JUNE 30, 2006 FOR THE BEST VALUES ON 2006 CRUISES. GET UP TO 35%. PLUS, MANY VACATIONS INCLUDE FREE AIRFARE. We're celebrating a new Golden Age of Steamboats. So, what are you waiting for? To book, call Cruise Planners at 888-286-9827. To take advantage of this exclusive offer, you must mention offer code EBPR0506 when you call. We're looking forward to seeing you this year on the great rivers of America.

FREE Magazine Offer

Patricia — Tue, 25 Apr 2006 02:57:28 +0000

Delta Queen Steamboat Company SOLD!

Michael — Sat, 08 Apr 2006 00:49:14 +0000

Dear Friends of the Delta Queen,

The transaction is subject to certain approvals but we expect to close by the end of April, 2006. We are confident that this transaction will be seamless to our customers and our associates.

Sincerely Bruce Nierenberg President, Delta Queen Steamboat Company

Delta Queen Steamboat Announces Changes to 2006 Schedules

Michael — Mon, 29 May 2006 14:45:01 +0000



		We're extremely proud to announce that Delta Queen has joined forces with American West Steamboat Company to bring you the very best in American river and coastal cruising. And to celebrate this momentous occasion, we have reserved space on three groups of our most popular Delta Queen vacations. For more information on these once in a lifeltime adventures, including sailing schedules and special offers, click here. CHOOSE FROM OUR FUN-FILLED LAST DAYS OF SUMMER *CRUISES, OUR FABULOUS FALL FOLIAGE* CRUISES, AND OURUNFORGETTABLE NOVEMBER TO REMEMBER CRUISES.** Enjoy the best that Summer has to offer on one of our Last Days Of Summer vacations. Experience nature's resplendent beauty on one of our spectacular Fall Foliage vacations. Or join us for our return to New Orleans on one of our November To Remember vacations. Plus, you can choose from special theme vacations like Civil War, Antiquing On The River, Quilting On The Queen, Country Music, Riverventures for families, Tall Stacks and more! The choice is yours. BOOK BY JUNE 30, 2006 FOR THE BEST VALUES ON 2006 CRUISES. GET UP TO 35%. PLUS, MANY VACATIONS INCLUDE FREE AIRFARE. We're celebrating a new Golden Age of Steamboats. So, what are you waiting for? To book, call Cruise Planners at 888-286-9827. To take advantage of this exclusive offer, you must mention offer code EBPR0506 when you call. We're looking forward to seeing you this year on the great rivers of America.

FREE Magazine Offer

Patricia — Tue, 25 Apr 2006 02:57:28 +0000

Delta Queen Steamboat Company SOLD!

Michael — Sat, 08 Apr 2006 00:49:14 +0000

Dear Friends of the Delta Queen,

The transaction is subject to certain approvals but we expect to close by the end of April, 2006. We are confident that this transaction will be seamless to our customers and our associates.

Sincerely Bruce Nierenberg President, Delta Queen Steamboat Company

Delta Queen Steamboat Announces Changes to 2006 Schedules

Michael — Mon, 29 May 2006 14:45:01 +0000



		We're extremely proud to announce that Delta Queen has joined forces with American West Steamboat Company to bring you the very best in American river and coastal cruising. And to celebrate this momentous occasion, we have reserved space on three groups of our most popular Delta Queen vacations. For more information on these once in a lifeltime adventures, including sailing schedules and special offers, click here. CHOOSE FROM OUR FUN-FILLED LAST DAYS OF SUMMER *CRUISES, OUR FABULOUS FALL FOLIAGE* CRUISES, AND OURUNFORGETTABLE NOVEMBER TO REMEMBER CRUISES.** Enjoy the best that Summer has to offer on one of our Last Days Of Summer vacations. Experience nature's resplendent beauty on one of our spectacular Fall Foliage vacations. Or join us for our return to New Orleans on one of our November To Remember vacations. Plus, you can choose from special theme vacations like Civil War, Antiquing On The River, Quilting On The Queen, Country Music, Riverventures for families, Tall Stacks and more! The choice is yours. BOOK BY JUNE 30, 2006 FOR THE BEST VALUES ON 2006 CRUISES. GET UP TO 35%. PLUS, MANY VACATIONS INCLUDE FREE AIRFARE. We're celebrating a new Golden Age of Steamboats. So, what are you waiting for? To book, call Cruise Planners at 888-286-9827. To take advantage of this exclusive offer, you must mention offer code EBPR0506 when you call. We're looking forward to seeing you this year on the great rivers of America.

The Mail Buoy » Delta Queen Steamboat Company

Michael — Mon, 29 May 2006 14:45:01 +0000



		We're extremely proud to announce that Delta Queen has joined forces with American West Steamboat Company to bring you the very best in American river and coastal cruising. And to celebrate this momentous occasion, we have reserved space on three groups of our most popular Delta Queen vacations. For more information on these once in a lifeltime adventures, including sailing schedules and special offers, click here. CHOOSE FROM OUR FUN-FILLED LAST DAYS OF SUMMER *CRUISES, OUR FABULOUS FALL FOLIAGE* CRUISES, AND OURUNFORGETTABLE NOVEMBER TO REMEMBER CRUISES.** Enjoy the best that Summer has to offer on one of our Last Days Of Summer vacations. Experience nature's resplendent beauty on one of our spectacular Fall Foliage vacations. Or join us for our return to New Orleans on one of our November To Remember vacations. Plus, you can choose from special theme vacations like Civil War, Antiquing On The River, Quilting On The Queen, Country Music, Riverventures for families, Tall Stacks and more! The choice is yours. BOOK BY JUNE 30, 2006 FOR THE BEST VALUES ON 2006 CRUISES. GET UP TO 35%. PLUS, MANY VACATIONS INCLUDE FREE AIRFARE. We're celebrating a new Golden Age of Steamboats. So, what are you waiting for? To book, call Cruise Planners at 888-286-9827. To take advantage of this exclusive offer, you must mention offer code EBPR0506 when you call. We're looking forward to seeing you this year on the great rivers of America.

FREE Magazine Offer

Patricia — Tue, 25 Apr 2006 02:57:28 +0000

Delta Queen Steamboat Company SOLD!

Michael — Sat, 08 Apr 2006 00:49:14 +0000

Dear Friends of the Delta Queen,

The transaction is subject to certain approvals but we expect to close by the end of April, 2006. We are confident that this transaction will be seamless to our customers and our associates.

Sincerely Bruce Nierenberg President, Delta Queen Steamboat Company

Delta Queen Steamboat Announces Changes to 2006 Schedules

Patricia — Tue, 25 Apr 2006 02:57:28 +0000

The Mail Buoy » Delta Queen Steamboat Company

Michael — Mon, 29 May 2006 14:45:01 +0000



		We're extremely proud to announce that Delta Queen has joined forces with American West Steamboat Company to bring you the very best in American river and coastal cruising. And to celebrate this momentous occasion, we have reserved space on three groups of our most popular Delta Queen vacations. For more information on these once in a lifeltime adventures, including sailing schedules and special offers, click here. CHOOSE FROM OUR FUN-FILLED LAST DAYS OF SUMMER *CRUISES, OUR FABULOUS FALL FOLIAGE* CRUISES, AND OURUNFORGETTABLE NOVEMBER TO REMEMBER CRUISES.** Enjoy the best that Summer has to offer on one of our Last Days Of Summer vacations. Experience nature's resplendent beauty on one of our spectacular Fall Foliage vacations. Or join us for our return to New Orleans on one of our November To Remember vacations. Plus, you can choose from special theme vacations like Civil War, Antiquing On The River, Quilting On The Queen, Country Music, Riverventures for families, Tall Stacks and more! The choice is yours. BOOK BY JUNE 30, 2006 FOR THE BEST VALUES ON 2006 CRUISES. GET UP TO 35%. PLUS, MANY VACATIONS INCLUDE FREE AIRFARE. We're celebrating a new Golden Age of Steamboats. So, what are you waiting for? To book, call Cruise Planners at 888-286-9827. To take advantage of this exclusive offer, you must mention offer code EBPR0506 when you call. We're looking forward to seeing you this year on the great rivers of America.

FREE Magazine Offer

Patricia — Tue, 25 Apr 2006 02:57:28 +0000

Delta Queen Steamboat Company SOLD!

Michael — Sat, 08 Apr 2006 00:49:14 +0000

Dear Friends of the Delta Queen,

The transaction is subject to certain approvals but we expect to close by the end of April, 2006. We are confident that this transaction will be seamless to our customers and our associates.

Sincerely Bruce Nierenberg President, Delta Queen Steamboat Company

Delta Queen Steamboat Announces Changes to 2006 Schedules

Michael — Sat, 08 Apr 2006 00:49:14 +0000

Dear Friends of the Delta Queen,

The transaction is subject to certain approvals but we expect to close by the end of April, 2006. We are confident that this transaction will be seamless to our customers and our associates.

Sincerely Bruce Nierenberg President, Delta Queen Steamboat Company

The Mail Buoy » Delta Queen Steamboat Company

Michael — Mon, 29 May 2006 14:45:01 +0000



		We're extremely proud to announce that Delta Queen has joined forces with American West Steamboat Company to bring you the very best in American river and coastal cruising. And to celebrate this momentous occasion, we have reserved space on three groups of our most popular Delta Queen vacations. For more information on these once in a lifeltime adventures, including sailing schedules and special offers, click here. CHOOSE FROM OUR FUN-FILLED LAST DAYS OF SUMMER *CRUISES, OUR FABULOUS FALL FOLIAGE* CRUISES, AND OURUNFORGETTABLE NOVEMBER TO REMEMBER CRUISES.** Enjoy the best that Summer has to offer on one of our Last Days Of Summer vacations. Experience nature's resplendent beauty on one of our spectacular Fall Foliage vacations. Or join us for our return to New Orleans on one of our November To Remember vacations. Plus, you can choose from special theme vacations like Civil War, Antiquing On The River, Quilting On The Queen, Country Music, Riverventures for families, Tall Stacks and more! The choice is yours. BOOK BY JUNE 30, 2006 FOR THE BEST VALUES ON 2006 CRUISES. GET UP TO 35%. PLUS, MANY VACATIONS INCLUDE FREE AIRFARE. We're celebrating a new Golden Age of Steamboats. So, what are you waiting for? To book, call Cruise Planners at 888-286-9827. To take advantage of this exclusive offer, you must mention offer code EBPR0506 when you call. We're looking forward to seeing you this year on the great rivers of America.

FREE Magazine Offer

Patricia — Tue, 25 Apr 2006 02:57:28 +0000

Delta Queen Steamboat Company SOLD!

Michael — Sat, 08 Apr 2006 00:49:14 +0000

Dear Friends of the Delta Queen,

The transaction is subject to certain approvals but we expect to close by the end of April, 2006. We are confident that this transaction will be seamless to our customers and our associates.

Sincerely Bruce Nierenberg President, Delta Queen Steamboat Company

Delta Queen Steamboat Announces Changes to 2006 Schedules

Michael — Sat, 14 Jan 2006 05:14:40 +0000

As a company whose operations are centered on the Mississippi, Hurricane Katrina had a large impact on Delta Queen Steamboat Company. For starters, Delta Queen moved their headquarters to western New York, and cancelled the 2006 season of the American Queen.. Bruce Neirenburg, President of Delta Queen Steamship Company has announced other details about the upcoming year. More details and the entire statement from Mr. Neirenburg after the jump... Dear Friends of the Delta Queen Steamboat Company, As you all know, the Delta Queen Steamboat Company has been focusing on plans for the future. On behalf of all of us, thank you for your continued support. It truly means the world to us and our hundreds of crew members. Over the last several months, we have been working diligently to create a strategic plan for the Delta Queen Steamboat Company and its operations going forward post-Hurricane Katrina. I know many of you are wondering what the plan entails and the specifics of what will happen in 2006. While the plan is fluid, I would like to take this opportunity to share some important points. As you know, we have temporarily relocated the headquarters of our operations to Western New York, home to our parent company, Delaware North Companies. We have had the complete support, both financial and administrative, of Delaware North over these last few months. The company has provided significant resources to the Delta Queen associates, as well as we have been able to leverage resources from around their entire global system. After the immediate impact of Katrina was dealt with we announced our revised plans for spring sailing 2006 schedules in October. The Delta Queen will begin its spring schedule on April 21, followed closely by the Mississippi Queen on April 23. We had planned that the American Queen would begin its schedule on May 31. As you know, the American Queen has been chartered for the last few months in support of the Gulf Coast rebuilding effort in the energy sector. For the past several years, the American Queen schedule was built around the New Orleans and lower Mississippi region. Economic experts cite that this region will probably not be able to support normal, traditional tourism operations until spring 2007, at the earliest. Given this condition, we tested the feasibility of all three boats touring the upriver areas throughout 2006. After much examination, we have decided this would not be a viable solution given the saturation in the market with the other two Delta Queen boats. Therefore, after much deliberation, we have decided to cancel the American Queen voyages from the end of May through the end of November 2006. The American Queen will be berthed at our Robin Street Wharf during her 2006 lay-up after her charters are completed later this winter. While this is certainly disappointing news about the American Queen, we are hopeful that the dedication and support that you our customers have exhibited over the years remains. All of us continue to be very optimistic about the future of the Delta Queen Steamboat Company. First, we know our Delta Queen passengers are incredibly loyal, and while we were forced to significantly curtail our fall and winter operations since Katrina, we have seen some positive booking momentum since November. Second, we know we have one of the strongest crews in the industry, and we are hopeful that they will continue to put their faith in us as we focus on a full return in 2007. Finally, we believe that New Orleans and the lower Mississippi area will recover, and we hope to be back with American Queen and the other boats in New Orleans as soon as possible. As it relates to the Delta Queen and Mississippi Queen, their schedules will remain intact with very few changes for 2006. If you are one of our customers currently booked on the American Queen, I would like to personally invite you to travel on the Delta Queen or Mississippi Queen in 2006. All passengers who were booked on a cancelled American Queen cruise will receive a $100 per person on board credit when they rebook a cruise on either the Delta Queen or Mississippi Queen. If you don’t find an itinerary to your liking, we will gladly issue a full refund. Our reservations staff in New Orleans is ready and waiting to make the necessary changes for you and your travel agent in support of what ever vacation decision you make with us for 2006. As for our associates, since the American Queen has been in charter, the impact is relatively compact. For those associates who are affected, we will be working to find alternative employment within the Delta Queen or Delaware North system. We are fortunate to have passengers and travel agents who have been so loyal to this company over the years. For that, I am truly grateful. It is our hope that the strength of the Delta Queen Steamboat Company and the magic of its American journeys will fill the boats to capacity in 2006, and when the waters and ports of the Southern Mississippi and specifically New Orleans are ready for our guests, we will bring the American Queen back into full operational service. Sincerly, Bruce Nierenberg President, Delta Queen Steamboat Company