The largest paddlewheel passenger steamboat ever constructed demanded the utmost in historic realism from its lighting design while requiring close adherence to the United States Coast Guard maritime river regulations. Creation of the warmth and elegance of the Victorian Age, provision of functional lighting levels to support a wide range of on-board activities, sensitivity to maintenance concerns, and operational restraints of a riverboat's electrical system, were just a few of the challenges put forth on the project.

The boat's signature spaces featured over twenty custom designed chandeliers and sconces. Each piece was inspired by Victorian light fittings uncovered in countless hours of archival research. Ceiling mounted "crystal baskets" furnish ambient lighting throughout much of the vessel, while discreetly placed accent lights rake wall treatments and highlight plant materials and artifacts.

An 1885 river town opera house was recreated as the boat's principal entertainment venue, where lighting plays an important role in creating the drama and emotion of the bygone era. Chandeliers provide the dining room with a soft, inviting illumination while the real functional lighting work and accenting is done by equipment concealed in the architectural fretwork.

One must think that the lighting design skill and devotion focused on recreating the romance of the Victorian Age would be appreciated even by Mr. Twain.

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