Video: An Unusual Marriage at the Shipyard

Sometimes it takes a moving picture. Above is a video of a 23-ton red paddlewheel and American Cruise Lines‘ 150-passenger Queen of the Mississippi becoming one in maritime matrimony. The wheel certainly isn’t only for show — it can be used exclusively to propel the Victorian-styled boat — but a pair of 1,900 horse power twin engines will offer an alternative means of thrust. QOM, the first Big Muddy-based riverboat built in some 15 years, will be ready to roar in May, but won’t debut until August.

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5 Responses to “Video: An Unusual Marriage at the Shipyard”

1. Brian
   March 9th, 2012 @ 1:19 pm

   Judging by the music, it sounds like American Cruise Lines is reaching out to a younger demographic. A good move, I think. Nice video that appeals to that younger set, and to the techies/engineering types, while still having plenty of romantic appeal.

2. ACruiseGuy
   March 9th, 2012 @ 1:47 pm

   Dunno about attracting a younger demographic at all. Scratching my head a bit at that.

3. Robert
   March 9th, 2012 @ 2:06 pm

   Younger people won’t be able to afford cruises on this line unless they’ve won the lottery. The prices are outrageous.

   7 night Caribbean cruise on megaliners – $499 per person

   7 night Mississippi river cruise on American cruise Lines – $3,995

   And that’s in the lowest price cabin.

4. Edith
   March 9th, 2012 @ 2:42 pm

   Comparing apples and pears here. A paddlewheel is not an engine and an engine by itself cannot propel a ship. How can it be an alternative?

5. Dan
   March 9th, 2012 @ 6:38 pm

   @Edith I believe the “alternative” the article is referring to is the twin z-drive pods that offer alternative forms of thrust, as well as manuvering capability not afforded by a traditional stern wheel configuration.

   http://www.cruisecritic.com/slideshows/?ID=313&photo=12&StartRow=11

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