Company bringing hospitality and attractions experience to landmark property
BUFFALO, N.Y. (Sept. 28, 2009) – Delaware North Companies expanded its client list earlier today. The wholly owned subsidiary Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts began operating the Queen Mary for five years beginning at midnight today. Uwe Roggenthien, who put Delaware North’s operation at The BALSAMS Grand Resort Hotel in the national spotlight, has been named general manager for Delaware North at the Queen Mary.
The historic passenger ship, owned by the city of Long Beach, Calif., has been docked in Long Beach Harbor since 1967. It was commissioned in 1926 by Cunard. Bigger, faster and more powerful than its predecessor the ship Titanic, the RMS Queen Mary lived a long life that included 1,001 successful Atlantic crossings. The ocean liner was the fastest and most opulent ship of its time. It ferried royalty, dignitaries, the rich and famous, World War II troops and afterwards, brides and children across the Atlantic.
Kevin Kelly, president of Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts, believes his bid for the hospitality contract was successful in part because of Delaware North’s reputation for managing unique properties, many of which are on the National Register of Historic Places, and because of its proposal to revitalize one of the grandest ocean liners of all time.
“We have a portfolio of special places,” said Kelly. “Our approach has always been to act as stewards of them and to tell their stories.”
The ship draws more than 1.3 annual visitors. It has 314 overnight guest rooms, several restaurants, conference and catering space, and a museum.