American Empress deck 1 plan (Explorer)

The “Showroom” is the ship’s show lounge for grand shows in the evenings and daily lectures, presentations, and trivia games. The show lounge is traditionally decorated in gold and red. It has a stage for live band music performances and a dancefloor. The Showroom is served by its own bar located at the back. Entertainment options here range from magician and comedy acts to smaller-scale show productions. The show lounge hosts the American Steamboat Company’s enrichment program, featuring daily lectures by the ship’s resident “Riverlorian” (river expert) and also by various guest lecturers. This programme is American Empress itinerary-based, and traditionally offers expert lectures related to the region's history, culture, traditions. Some of the sessions are “food and wine” themed. Regional wineries send onboard their representatives to talk about their wines and also offer complimentary wine tastings.

The Lobby area has the elevators, also the boat’s Gift Shop (selling logo merchandise, toiletries, clothes, luxury jewelry), the Purser’s Office (tours/excursions booking, information).

The “Astoria Dining Room” is the steamboat’s open-seating main restaurant for traditional/served Breakfast (7-9 am, incl fresh fruits, oatmeal, bacon/eggs, salmon, egg hash), Luncheon (11:30-2 pm, mostly cream-based soups, crab cake, variety of grilled cheese sandwiches, salads) and Dinner (5:30-8:30 pm, always including red and white meat, seafood and vegetarian dishes). The dessert menu has lots of pie choices (incl apple and berry) and ice cream. once-per-cruise, the Dining Room offers special regional wine paired dinner menu. Dinners include complimentary wine and beer also regional draft beers). The Dining Room’s dress code doesn’t allow T-shirts and shorts. The decor features massive crystal chandeliers, luxury dining amenities (deluxe table linens, ornate/heavy flatware). Tables capacity varies from 2-seats by the windows to 4-seats square and 6-8-seats round tables. Cusine is Pacific Northwest themed. Dishes are prepared with locally sourced fresh ingredients and products. And considering the American Empress itinerary – seafood options are also plenty.

The kitchen on the ship is called Galley.

Explorer Deck cruise cabins from 101 to 108, all of which are category D (“Outside Window”) rooms.