The 82-year-old Delta Queen, once a popular cruise vessel on rivers in the American South, has been transformed into a floating hotel and lounge on the Tennessee River.

The Delta Queen steamboat stopped operating overnight cruises in October 2008 over fire safety fears. Now, the southern belle will find new life as a floating hotel in Chattanooga, offering tours, entertainment and jazz brunches to Tennessee travelers beginning in April. The new floating hotel will have 87 cabins, a kitchen and a lounge.

Don Clemens, a local resident of the town, told the news provider that watching the steamboat in its new glory brought back childhood memories.

The retired U.S. Navy official said: "I used to watch them run up and down the river when I was a kid. I am thrilled it is coming here.

"I've never been on it. I sat on the bank and watched it go by. They would have the steamboat races. It was fun just to see the big old thing and listen to the calliope."

© Adfero Ltd