I can hear the groans chiming in already. And for many river cruisers, the opinion is a passionate one. Before we unpack some of the major cruise line categories, let's look at the industry as a broad whole.
Most cruise lines offer some version of the following categories:
Window View Cabins. These cabins come in a variety of sizes, typical of more traditional size staterooms with balconies in most cases. However, with the Window View, you will have a cabin that is technically, partially below water. The Window View is not like the large picture window you may have in your living room, but rather a narrow window near the top. This lets in natural light, as well as provides what we love to affectionately call, the "Duck Level View". While you may see a duck, or swan, pass by your stateroom window, it's more of verbiage than common. Before we dive into the pros and cons, and opinions....., let's cover the rest of the categories.
French Balcony Cabins. These cabins will have a large glass wall, looking out over the incredible landscapes as you sail down the beautiful river. The "French" part, comes from French Renaissance architecture where a balcony was just an open door to a railing. The same concept applies to the river cruise cabins. Usually a sliding glass door, most often left to right, but some offer top to bottom sliders, that provide an open air view as you sail. Again, pros and cons, with even more opinions soon.
Outside Balcony Cabins. Well, these basically speak for themselves. Most of these will hold a couple of small sitting chairs and likely a small cafe table, certainly not a large lounger, but coffee or wine on the balcony are some highlights to these.
French & Outside Balcony Cabins. Well, here we are. What many would argue as the best of both worlds. But we will unpack this down below. Not every cruise line offers these.
Suite Cabins. These luxury accommodations usually have a living room, extra large bathroom, and stunning bedroom. There are often very few of these cabins onboard, and carry a premium. On many lines, these are corner staterooms, that have multiple views.
Pros & Cons
Don't shoot the messenger here. I am just sharing the pros and cons of each category as my wife and I have experienced ourselves, and feedback from our many clients.
Window Cabins. The lovely "Swan View" or "Duck View" staterooms. The pro is in the price. When you see any pricing offer, it will reflect the window view cabin. The con is that you will lack a view as you sail down the river, and the biggest pro is the price. Many have the opinion that on a river cruise, you rarely spend time in your cabin, except to sleep and change for the day's adventure. Others have expressed that if the views are worth seeing, it's better to be on the sundeck or elsewhere onboard where you can see both sides of the scenery. Often, sailing is during the night, or during dinner and late evening. Scenery is visible from the dining rooms (usually), or outside with a cocktail. For others though, this just isn't an option. They want a VIEW, and we get it. That is why most cabins are above with balconies.
French Balcony vs Outside Balcony. Traditionally, but not always, the French Balcony is an interior space saving feature. Instead of dedicating precious space to the outdoors, they bring the space back "inside" and still allow for the balcony experience. Some of the cruise lines, like AmaWaterways, have made cabins famous with one of each style per cabin.
Suite Cabins. These luxurious accommodations sound expensive and while they are at the top of the chart, they also are the soonest to sell out. Occasionally there will be some suites left over when the Duck Cabins sell out, but it is not often.
Starboard or Port Side
Here is yet another can of worms of opinions. For reference: Starboard in on the right side of a forward moving vessel. Port side is on the left side of the vessel.
So, why the varied opinions? Some believe that Starboard is obstructed more often than Port side. Obstructed??? Yes. You see, the rivers in Europe, Asia, Africa and elsewhere have more ships sailing than ports to dock.
So how do they manage? Well, multiple vessels will "raft" together at a port. The "outside" vessel will then disembark by walking through another, or more, vessels to get to the dock. The last rafted vessel will still have a view over the water to the other side of the river. But some prefer the Starboard side as they have a likely chance to face town.
On most cruise lines, the Starboard cabins and Port side cabins are identical. Viking did something unique by putting larger staterooms on the port side.
So, let's get back to OBSTRUCTED. Yes, your cabin has a reasonable chance at some point on your cruise to be "rafted" next to another vessel. This means that your balcony/stateroom, will be immediately facing that of another, but obviously only while docked.
More Thoughts About Location
Most European River Cruise Ships have three decks plus the Sundeck. Below the Sundeck are three levels of staterooms. Usually your lowest level contains the Window Staterooms. The middle two decks with have a combination of the various balcony and suite options.
Here is a color coded deck plan from AmaWaterways that shows the various decks and other amenity locations throughout the vessel.
Keep in mind, the sundeck is NOT accessible by the elevator, which is not a requirement in Europe.
So, What Is Your Preference?
Have More Questions About Selecting The Best River Cruise Cabin? Give Us A Call: 800-983-1451
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