Economy Sinks Last US River Cruise Line

[herrmill]

It appears that economic downturn has done in the last of America's overnight river cruise lines as the only hotel barge in America, River Barge Excursions (http://www.riverbarge.com/default_real.asp), folds.

http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/lifestyle/stories.nsf/travel/story/7e0003f957bbafdf86257528006a18db?OpenDocument

It was a unique concept started in 1998 by converting 2 river barges & tow into a floating hotel. Here's a cruise review (http://www.suitecruising.com/riverbargexplorerreview.htm) with plenty of photos to give you a better idea on what it was like to take a US barging holiday. Granted, its not quite the same as barging through Europe, but still would have made an interesting holiday.

As an update to the Majestic America Lines (http://www.majesticamericaline.com) saga, the CEO of their parent company recently resigned while the company seeks buyers to sell all or part of the fleet that is currently laid up on New Orleans. Given the present economic climate, it looks as though its going to be a tough sale.

At least there is renewed momentum underway to lobby Congress for Delta Queens' SOLAS exemption, even going so far as to get President Bush involved before he leaves office. That would be one executive order (http://www.mariettaregister.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=734&Itemid=1) from Bush that I'd like to see. Lets hope DQ gets her deserved reprieve as well as a new owner in 2009. If you're so inclined, write a letter to your congressmen & local papers to help spread the word.

Chuck

[norgale]

I've never seen anything like that before. How well maintained do you suppose that barge is? Does the whole thing split where the two barges come together? Would take a bid drydock to do that bottom. Actually a nice looking boat. Pete

[jerryj98501]

Chuck, Here are some additional photos I took while on the Ohio River on the DELTA QUEEN this summer in Cincinnati. Jerryj98501

[towboatjoe]

I got about 69 photos of the river barge from up in Russell and Catlettsburg, KY. Here's Mr Wally, the bow boat they use to steer the bow in tight places and a night shot. It's remote controlled from the pilot house.

[Aerominded]

So, where is the wheel house on that? very top deck? couldn't be the tow boat... no forward viz from there! :confused:

[herrmill]

Here's a long angle shot that I found that shows the pilot house on the top deck of the second accommodation barge.

I didn't know of this company until stumbling across the article while looking up in news on Delta Queen. Apparently the owner had a long background in barge & towing business, & certainly thought outside the box with this concept. I'd be interested in knowing how well received it was over the past decade of operation, occupancy rates, etc.. before it was done in by rising fuel costs & economic downturn.

[jeepers1940]

She made a stop in Natchez one afternoon a few years ago. It was a very impressive "rig." Got some pictures of her - somewhere in the archives.

[Aerominded]

Thanks Herrmill! :)

It does look like an impressive rig! I guess by being a multi barge arrangement, it could be a "big boat" but still go through the locks, etc. along the way... Neat!

[norgale]

When you look quick at the series of pictures from Jerry the barge looks like a train.
I assume the unit that is remotly controled is the bow thruster unit that Joe is refering to. With the pilot house so far astern and very limited vision from the tug I would also assume that there would be an observer at the bow windows in contact with the captain while manovering at dockside or entering locks.
Running this bargerig up and down any river had to be a stressful job. It would be nice if we could get ahold of plans for the rig as it would make in interesting model for all the tugboat fans out there.
Really nice pictures guys. Thanks for posting them. Pete

[toesup]

Here's Mr Wally, the bow boat they use to steer the bow in tight places and a night shot. It's remote controlled from the pilot house.

Shouldnt that be Mr Wall-E? :rolleyes:

Any details on how its controlled?.. any details on how its powered?..
Electric?.. Diesel?..

Thrusters?.. 'Z' Drives?.. :confused:

[Kmot]

This is sad. I am really glad I got to go on the American Queen recently. I guess that must have been it's last cruise on the Miss.

[towboatjoe]

So, where is the wheel house on that? very top deck? couldn't be the tow boat... no forward viz from there! :confused:

Here's a close look.