The oval purser's lobby has comfortable chairs and a big couch, and this is where daily newspapers are put out for passengers. It seems to be the warmest of all the public areas. The lobby also has the boat's library and VCR collection, for those who want to pass time in the cabins. Down a sweeping, split staircase is the Lewis and Clark lounge, a favorite gathering place for cocktails before dinner. When the dinner bell rings, passengers step right into the Astoria Room, where they have been assigned to either the first or second seating.
Tables seat two, four or six.
The comfortable dining room is transformed into a showroom at night, presenting entertainment by the boat's personnel and others, ranging from big band music to country and western. Aft on the top deck is the popular Back Porch. As the cruise was about to end, passengers were encouraged to let the line know what they thought. The boat had been on the river less than three months by then, and lots of sharp pencils went to work. The department heads were seasoned, but most of the staff were college-age and inexperienced, though pleasant.