European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - November 18, 1985, Darmstadt, Hesse Aboard the Mississippi Ueen by Bob Dvorchak associated press t he rhythmic churning of the Mississippi Queen s two Story paddle wheel has spellbinding elect on Frank prudent Arlve boat Junkie who has taken 11 cruises on the giant Steamboat. I m an incurable says prudent 25, watching the Frothy Wake in the Ohio River. I really cannot get enough of it. As Long As my Wallet holds out i la never get tired of the Mississippi Queen is an anachronism continues prudent manager of a lithograph Supply store in Covington. By. People can get from Point a to Point b 20 times faster. But there s a Tranquillity Here. You can forget All your troubles and get pampered by the Crew. It s my investment in the grand steamers once the country s main form of River transportation Are now vacation vessels. The Mississippi Queen built Tor $27 million in 1976 with the elegance of a floating Palace and the amenities of an Ocean liner is one of the last steamers offering overnight trips. Billed As the largest Steamboat in the world it rules the Rivers with stately sovereignty. Size alone is imposing 368 feet Long 68 feet wide and 80 feet High with its twin telescoping smokestacks fully extended. Weighing 1,684 tons it can haul 424 passengers with a Crew of 175. The of Ait Lippi Queen recently made its inaugural trip up the Ohio River from Cincinnati to Pittsburgh its seven decks towering above less Royal River traffic. It barely squeezed under several Bridges. A retinue of pleasure boats and houseboats escorted this Blu blood of boats through the water while on the Riverbank spectators cheered its passing. It s the biggest piece of machinery Ever to come up this River says Commodore Harold Demarrero owner of a distinguished White Beard and Handlebar Mustache. There has t been More than a Quarter of a mile that there has t been somebody on Shore in the pilothouse a River Captain commands the boat from a throne like room. Steering Sticks the Modem replacement for the wooden wheel control the left and right rudders. Radar depth screens and other modern contraptions help guide the lady through the Channel and locks. Capt. Philip Ritchie a sixth generation Riverman whose ancestors boated with Mark Twain has piloted 300 vessels Over the past 43 years. For Ritchie nothing matches the Mississippi Queen. This is the Creme de la Creme says Ritchie. 59, in a syrupy Southern drawl that originated in Paducah. By. It s a dream to handle. She s something special. There s something about cruising the River that s soothing. It s just a Romance. Everyone dreams of taking a trip on the River. And this is a romantic vessel. I be heard it described As a giant wedding cake. It s a floating luxury hotel a Hilton on a the boat it a Marriaga of past Charm and modern technology. Images of Scarlet o Hara Rhett Butler and Huck finn Are conjured up by polished brass rails hostesses in antebellum gowns and a boisterous steam Calliope said to be the largest in the world. It also has air conditioned Cabins a movie theater swimming Pool Sauna gym Library Beauty shop and four bars. The boat has a steel Hull and superstructure. Its exterior was designed by James Gardner the designer of the Queen Elizabeth ii. The Mississippi Queen travels year round on 980 Miles of the Ohio River and 1,700 Miles of the Mississippi River. Cruises Cost $115 to $425.per Day including five Dally meals. Staterooms have private decks and lounge chairs for sightseeing. Tha boat is owned by the Dalti Queen co. Of new Orleans which have the last two . Stern wheelers making overnight River trips. The company also owns the Delta Queen a floating piece of nostalgia built 59 years ago. The stars and stripes Page 15
