Sea ##going paddlewheeler has been in service since 1957 . Boat is last steam - powered paddlewheeler providing overnight passenger cruises . Vessel receives new protection from 1960s federal law . Safety of Navigation Act bars largely wooden boats from overnight cruises .
Delta Queen paddlewheeler has been in service since 1927 . Boat is last steam-powered paddlewheeler providing overnight passenger cruises . Vessel needs new exemption from 1960s federal law . Safety of Seas Act bars largely wooden ships from overnight cruises .