[StBernard] Delta Queen's Final Trip Ends Tonight

[Westley Annis]

Delta Queen's Final Trip Ends Tonight
WDSU.com
updated 12:20 p.m. CT, Thurs., Nov. 6, 2008
NEW ORLEANS - The Delta Queen arrives in New Orleans at 6 p.m. tonight,
ending 40 years as the only wooden passenger ship cruising the Mississippi
River.

Construction on the ship began in 1924, and it's cruised many waterways
throughout the country during its long history.

On Aug. 1, 2007, Majestic America Line announced that the Delta Queen would
cease operations permanently at the end of the 2008 season.

The Delta Queen was listed on the National Registrar of Historic Places in
1970 and was declared a national Historic Landmark in 1989.

Last month, the 82-year-old paddle-wheel vessel stocked up and departed
Cincinnati, headed down river to the Crescent City.

When it gets here, time will have run out on the Old Lady of the River.

Lobbyists have been active on Capitol Hill in an attempt to save the old
vessel. But despite their efforts, a special exemption to maritime law ran
out Oct. 31, and the Delta Queen won't be allowed to carry tourists on
overnight trips anymore.

URL: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27576563/