The Great Steamboat Race!

Hi Everyone,

I received this press release from the Delta Queen Steamboat Company
and thought it would be of interest. If you have missed any of my
news' postings, they are available on my web site.

Best regards,
Ray
LIGHTHOUSE TRAVEL
800-719-9917 or 805-566-3905
http://www.lighthousetravel.com


MISSISSIPPI QUEEN AND DELTA QUEEN SET FOR THE GREAT STEAMBOAT RACE IN
2005
Ends in St. Louis on Independence Day

"In the ‘flush times’ of steamboating, a race between two notoriously
fleet steamers was an event of vast importance. The date was set for
it several weeks in advance, and from that time forward the whole
Mississippi valley was in a state of consuming excitement. Politics
and the weather was dropped, and people talked only of the coming
race"…(Mark Twain's "Life on the Mississippi")

NEW ORLEANS, La.
Time was, when watching the giant steamboats race up the Mississippi
was a pastime enjoyed from the front porches of small river towns.
Passengers on the Delta Queen and Mississippi Queen will once again
relive The Great Steamboat Race of 1870 as the steamboats line up in
New Orleans on June 24, 2005 for an 11-night cruise to St. Louis,
arriving in time for the festivities of Fair St. Louis on the 4th of
July.

The Delta Queen Steamboat Company (a Delaware North Company) will
re-create the spirit of the first steamboat competition, held in 1870
between the Steamboats Natchez and Rob’t E. Lee. The two boats will
engage in a series of speed races between New Orleans and St. Louis,
vying for the famed "Golden Antlers." Not to be left out, the
passengers will compete in a series of events for the Commodore's Cup,
awarded to the boat with the most points.

Passengers and crew will compete in a series of events in river towns
along the way, such as the famous Floozie Contest, Captain Foghorn’s
Floating Follies, Steamboatin’ Olympics and the Great Americana Banner
Competition.

Serving as judges on the steamboats for all events will be Creole
chef, comedian and the Commissioner of Tailgating Joe Cahn; and the
"Last of the Riverboat Gamblers" Bodine Balasco. Celebrity guests
joining us during the special Great Steamboat Race of 2005 will be Jan
and Mickey Rooney, performing their "Let's Put on Show" for all
passengers in Natchez, and sports journalist and broadcaster, Ronda
Rich, who has written a book on NASCAR racing.

Passengers come from all over the United States – and often from
abroad – to experience this step back in time. And hordes of residents
along the levees eagerly anticipate the battle of the steamboats each
year.

At the Delta Queen Steamboat Company, we have a real love for the
past, of time long ago. Our vessels capture that spirit through fine
foods, entertainment, gracious service and luxurious appointments. The
Great Steamboat Race of 2005 captures the zenith of the Steamboatin’
experience.

The vacation ends in St. Louis when the two steamboats race for the
golden antlers, crossing the finish line at the famous Gateway Arch on
the 4th of July. Passengers will enjoy the spectacular fireworks
display from the decks of the steamboats that evening. It’s an
exciting moment not to be missed—a storybook ending to a journey that
has delighted travelers for more than a century, and will continue to
do so well into the future.

Free air and 50% off companion fare or 2-for-1 pricing are available
on select cabin categories, based on space availability.

For reservations on The Great Steamboat Race of 2005, contact your
travel agent.