At one end was the pursers' lobby and at the other was a ladies' lounge. In between, the open space was often divided by seating areas surrounding the piano, a heating stove and the bar. Unlike this single multipurpose room of a century ago, the American Queen boasts a number of gathering places. Her J.M. White Dining Room, however, brings to mind the main cabin of a traditional steamboat. Two decks high, with the ornate fretwork arches seen in photos of vintage steamers, the room is divided by a dropped ceiling in the middle, giving each half of the room a narrow, soaring appearance.
Diners can enjoy waterline views of the river through walls of mullioned windows.
Also on the first or Main Deck is the breathtaking Grand Saloon. Here, passengers can enjoy live entertainment in the evenings and a variety of activities during the day. Conceived as a miniature opera house in a prosperous river town in 1890, the Grand Saloon features a tall proscenium stage and is flanked by private box seats on the mezzanine. At the bow of the boat, a sweeping exterior staircase ushers guests up to the second-level Cabin Deck. Past the parlor and card room and leading to the Purser's Lobby is the antique-filled Mark Twain Gallery, which overlooks the J.M. White Dining Room and provides comfortable seating for reading or relaxing.