The mighty waters of the Mississippi River system will continue to welcome two of the authentic paddlewheel steamboatsof the Delta Queen Steamboat Company in Spring 2006, but the companyannounced today that its American Queen schedule will be postponed until 2007, due to conditions in New Orleans and along the lower Mississippi River system, the steamboat's home base. Over the last few months, the American Queen has been in private charter.

Passengers will be given the opportunity to travel on one of the other steamboats in the company's fleet including the historic Delta Queen or the Mississippi Queen.

Bruce Nierenberg, president of the Delta Queen Steamboat Company, expressed his gratitude to the Delta Queen's loyal passengers and its crew as the company has developed its operating plan for the steamboats post Katrina.

"In October, we were certainly very excited to announce that in 2006, with very minimal schedule changes, the boats of the Delta Queen will be continuing their legacy of traveling the heartland rivers. Since then, we have come to more fully realize the extent of the issues of re-entering our primary market of New Orleans and the other ports along the lower Mississippi, the main base of operations for the American Queen vessel. Weare optimistic that we will be able to place the American Queen back in service in 2007.

The company cites that it has experienced strong positive momentum in bookings in the last few months and hopes this trend continues, but it is apparent that the upriver itineraries would have a difficult time supporting a three boat operation for the whole 2006 operating year.

"While we are disappointed about the postponement of American Queen, we are confident in the fact that travelers still love to experience America via steamboat. And while our operations are slowly coming back, we are fortunate to have the backing of Delaware North Companies and its vast network of resources, plus the dedication of some of the most loyal customers, employees and crew," said Nierenberg.

For additional information on the Delta Queen Steamboat Company, please visit their website at DeltaQueen.com