NEW ORLEANS, Feb. 23 -- The Delta Queen Steamboat Co. has
launched "Paddlewheel Deals," a cruise-only pricing program that offers
discounts of up to 50 percent or more off brochure fares on most river cruises
aboard the company's steam-powered sternwheelers from June through December
2001.

(Photo:
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20010223/DAF018)

Paddlewheel Deals start as low as $355* per person, double occupancy, for 3
nights on the Delta Queen and Mississippi Queen, and at $385* on the American
Queen. Cruises of up to 14 nights, departing from a dozen major river ports,
are featured.

Lee Robinson, vice president of sales, says, "Paddlewheel Deals enable
passengers to cruise throughout the Heartland and South for as little as $118
per day, including all onboard meals, activities and entertainment."

The Delta Queen Steamboat Co. offers round-trip air add-ons from more than
80 U.S. gateways for just $195 per person, plus air taxes and charges.

For reservations, contact your travel agent. For a complimentary, full-
color brochure and more information, call The Delta Queen Steamboat Co. toll-
free at 800-543-1949 or visit the Web site at
www.deltaqueen.com.

The Delta Queen Steamboat Co., tracing its roots back to 1890, is the oldest
American cruise line. Its paddlewheelers feature old-fashioned ambiance and
modern amenities.

The Delta Queen Steamboat Co. is a subsidiary of American Classic Voyages
Co. (Nasdaq: AMCV), the largest owner and operator of U.S.-flag, U.S.-crewed
passenger vessels. AMCV's cruise lines explore the inland rivers and coastal
regions of the Americas, and sail throughout the Hawaiian Islands. For
complete information, visit
www.amcv.com.
* Paddlewheel Deals are subject to cabin availability and do not include
port charges or taxes. This offer is capacity controlled, is not
combinable with other offers, and may change or be withdrawn at any
time. Other restrictions may apply.