February 2006
Steamboats Explore Strategic Rivers of the Civil War
Bring America's Most Costly War to Life

With Historians and Authors Aboard Each Cruise


NEW ORLEANS, La. (February 13, 2006) - The poignant period of the Civil War is know by many names: the War of Rebellion, the War for Southern Independence, the War of Northern Aggression, the War Between the States. It pitted brother against brother, divided families and loved ones, and brought many changes to the nation as we knew it.

The legendary Delta Queen and magnificent Mississippi Queen will explore this tumultuous time in our history during 6- and 7-night cruises in 2006. The Delta Queen Steamboat Company, a Delaware North Company, will take passengers on a thought-provoking and soul-stirring journey back into this time. Passengers will broaden their knowledge and gain new insights into the Civil War as they steam on the strategic Wilderness Rivers that were crucial to both sides, visit the battlefields and listen to the haunting music of the Blue and Gray.

Several of these special guest authors and historians will be part of each Civil War Vacation and escort passengers on optional visits to explore battlefields and experience living history re-enactments during these cruises:

* James "Bud" Robertson, the "unchallenged authority on Virginia's confederate soldiers," professor and Chairman of the History Department at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in Blacksburg, Va. Robertson has written more than 10 books and numerous articles on the Civil War.
* Richard McMurry, author of four major books on the western theater, including John Bell Hood and the War for Southern Independence, and Two Great Rebel Armies. He is currently finishing a biographical encyclopedia of Virginia Military Institute graduates in the Civil War (being himself a graduate of VMI).
* William C. "Jack" Davis, primary consultant for the A&E TV network's "Civil War Journal." Davis, the former publisher of the Civil War Times Illustrated, has authored more than 30 books on Civil War history.
* Dennis Brown, screenwriter and producer of the Lincoln at Gettysburg TV movie, The Perfect Tribute, and a professor of history at Webster University, where his courses include "Hollywood and the Civil War."
* Gloria Swift, Interpretive National Park Service Ranger and recognized authority on Shiloh; currently researching Monocacy Battlefield. Other assignments include Gettysburg and Harper's Ferry National Military Parks.
* Jeffrey D. Wert, author of six books including a biography of Gen. Custer, and the Pulitzer-nominated Gettysburg: Day Three. He has authored more than 100 Civil War articles, essays and columns.
* Edward Bonekemper, historian and author of A Victor, not a Butcher detailing his opinion that Gen. Ulysses S. Grant has been inaccurately portrayed historically.
* Robert Willet, noted Civil War author of the Lightning Mule Brigade which details Col. Abel Streight's raid on Rome, Ga. in which General Nathan Bedford Forrest pursued, engaged, and defeated a much larger force
* Brian Steel Wills, professor and chair of the Department of History and archives at the University of Virginia's College at Wise. Author of many Civil War books, including A Battle From the Start: The Life of Nathan Bedford Forrest.

While aboard, passengers will also enjoy the music of the Civil War performed by Civil War Balladeer Bobby Horton, and the sounds of Cathy Barton and Dave Para, and spend an evening with Abraham Lincoln impersonator, James Getty. All of this combined with our many onboard activities, cabaret shows, music and entertainment, fine dining in an elegant setting with everything from haute cuisine to American regional to down home cooking, provided by our all-American staff, a group of river veterans offering impeccable service.

Civil War Vacations will travel itineraries along the Cumberland, Tennessee, Ohio and Mississippi rivers, with 6- and 7-night cruises on the Delta Queen: May 11-18, Nashville to Chattanooga; May 18-24, Chattanooga to Memphis; May 24-30, Memphis to Nashville; July 17-24, Nashville to Chattanooga and August 7-13, Nashville to Cincinnati.

Two cruises aboard the Mississippi Queen: May 20-27, Memphis to Nashville, and May 27-June 3, Nashville to Memphis. Fares for a 6-night cruise begin at $1,880 and at $2,140 for a 7-night cruise; all fares are per person, double occupancy. Other discounts may be available at time of booking.

For reservations, contact your travel agent. For more information or a complimentary deluxe brochure, visit the company's Website at: www.deltaqueen.com or call the Delta Queen Steamboat Company toll-free at 800-543-1949.

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MEDIA CONTACT:
Lucette Brehm
Public Relations Manager
Delta Queen Steamboat Company, Inc.
(a Delaware North Company)
MAILING: POBox 6954, New Orleans, La. 70174
627 Delacroix Drive
New Orleans, LA 70131
504/585-0617 (office)
800-297-0976 (reservations)
504/884-8613 (cell)
504/585-0694 (fax)
e-mail
DeltaQueen.com (website)


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