Delta Queen and the Market Street Bridge
photo by Mark Herndon
The historic Delta Queen on Thursday morning passed the final hurdle for opening as a "floating hotel" docked at Chattanooga's Coolidge Park.
The City Beer Board approved a beer permit for operators Harry Phillips and Sydney Slome.
Mr. Phillips said the Delta Queen is still awaiting a decision from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for a "permanent mooring" at Chattanooga.
He said the riverboat will have a few overnight guests this weekend as it gears up operations, then it will be seeking to fully book the 88 cabins, including the latter part of the Riverbend Festival.
It took about five months to get all the permits, including those from the city, the health department and the Army Corps of Engineers.
After owners of the famed, 82-year-old riverboat were unable to convince Congress to give all the permissions for it to continue plying America's rivers, Mr. Phillips was able to obtain a lease and move it from New Orleans to Chattanooga.
He said if the boat had remained much longer in New Orleans, it would have begun to deteriorate.
Mr. Phillips said he "never, ever" will make changes to the iconic riverboat. He said that if it is ever able to travel the rivers again, it will be in top shape to do so.
There will be a restaurant and a bar on the Delta Queen. The restaurant will initially serve breakfast to guests and visitors.
The restaurant soon will offer a gourmet meal and show to the public for about $35 on Friday and Saturday nights. The show will focus on the heyday of the riverboats.
Cost to book a cabin will range from $89 to $155. Bookings are online at deltaqueenhotel.com.
Mr. Slome noted that only well-to-do people could afford the price of up to $6,000 to cruise on the Delta Queen, but now it is available at an affordable price.
The Delta Queen has about 25 employees and that number will ramp up to 40-50.
Mr. Slome said many former Delta Queen guests from around the country have been contacting him about making a return visit and reliving old memories. He said many of those are in their 70s or 80s.