River Cruising: 8 Tips for Choosing Your Perfect Cabin
- Cyndi
- Feb 16
- 4 min read
As river cruising continues to grow in popularity, first-time cruisers often find themselves overwhelmed by the various cabin options, deck levels, and amenities. This comprehensive guide will help you navigate the choices and find your ideal river cruise accommodation.
1. Understanding River Cruise Cabins: What Are Your Options?
River cruise ships offer several cabin categories, each with its own features and price points. Here's what you'll typically find:
Standard Cabins (Window Cabins)
Found primarily on the lower deck of ships like Riverside Luxury Cruises' Mozart and Scenic's Jasper, these entry-level accommodations feature fixed windows positioned higher on the wall. While they're the most budget-friendly option, they still provide comfortable living space (typically 150-175 square feet) and all essential amenities.
French Balcony Cabins
Popular on ships like AmaWaterways' AmaMagna, these cabins feature floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that open to create an indoor balcony effect. They're particularly appealing for those who want fresh air and views without sacrificing interior space.
Full or Twin Balcony Cabins
Found on premium ships like Uniworld's S.S. Antoinette, these cabins include a private outdoor space with seating. Typically measuring 205-235 square feet (including the balcony), they're perfect for scenic cruising through regions like the Rhine Gorge or Wachau Valley.
Suites
Luxury lines like Scenic offer various suite categories, from junior suites to grand suites. The Scenic Royal Owner's Suite, for example, provides up to 510 square feet of living space, butler service, and premium amenities like complimentary laundry and in-suite dining.
2. Choosing the Right River Cruise Cabin for You
When selecting your cabin, consider these key factors:
Budget: River cruise cabins can range from $200 to over $1,000 per person per night, depending on the category and season.
Time in Cabin: Will you use it mainly for sleeping, or do you plan to spend time relaxing there during scenic cruising?
Itinerary: Routes with spectacular scenery like the Middle Rhine or Danube's Wachau Valley might justify splurging on a balcony.
Season: Spring and fall cruises might make outdoor space less useful than summer sailings.
3. What's the Best Deck to Stay On?
Each deck level offers distinct advantages:
Lower Deck
Most affordable options (generally the smallest)
Stable in rough water
Limited natural light (small windows at water level)
Better for light sleepers (fewer overhead noises)
Middle Deck
Better views than lower deck
Generally quieter than upper deck
Good balance of price and location
Upper Deck
Premium views
Quick access to sun deck and lounges
Higher price point
Potential for noise from top-deck activities (like walking track)
4. Is a Balcony Worth It?
The balcony decision often depends on your itinerary and travel style. Scenic's "Sun Lounge" system, which converts your entire cabin into a balcony, offers the best of both worlds. Traditional balconies, like those on Uniworld's S.S. Joie de Vivre, provide dedicated outdoor space but reduce interior square footage.
I personally loved having a balcony (or a french balcony) for the access to the outside and scenery.
Consider a balcony if:
You're cruising through scenic regions like the Rhine Gorge
Traveling during peak summer months
Value private outdoor space for morning coffee or evening wine
Skip the balcony if:
Cruising in early spring or late fall and you don’t think you’ll spend much time on it
Planning to spend most time on shore or in public areas
Prefer maximizing interior living space as balconies can take up to 30% of a room
5. Can Three People Stay in One Cabin?
Triple occupancy is limited on river cruises, but options exist:
AmaWaterways offers connecting cabins on several ships and certain rooms which can accommodate a third person in a single pullout chair
Riverside Luxury Cruises' Mozart features select suites that accommodate three guests
Uniworld provides some triple-capacity suites on newer vessels
TIP: For comfort, consider booking two cabins for three people, especially on longer cruises.
6. How to Pick a Quiet & Comfortable Room
Location matters for noise sensitivity. Avoid cabins:
Below the main lounge (especially on ships like Scenic's Pearl class)
Near the dining room or kitchen
Adjacent to crew areas or service doors
Directly above the engine room
7. What Is a "Duck Room"?
"Duck rooms" or fixed-window cabins on the lower deck offer significant savings (often 30-40% less than higher decks). While the view is limited, these cabins on ships like AmaWaterways' AmaCerto provide the same amenities as higher categories. They're ideal for budget-conscious travelers who plan to spend minimal time in their cabin.
8. Special Considerations: Accessibility, Solo Travelers & More
Accessible Cabins
AmaWaterways leads with dedicated accessible suites on AmaMagna
Scenic offers modified cabins on newer ships
Riverside Luxury Cruises provides wheelchair-accessible options on Mozart
Solo Travelers
Uniworld offers single cabins on select ships
Many lines frequently waive single supplements during promotional periods (Riviera is great for this!)
Remember, the "best" cabin ultimately depends on your personal preferences, budget, and travel style. While a suite on the upper deck might seem ideal, a well-positioned middle deck cabin could offer better value and a more pleasant experience for your specific needs.
Ready to embark on your own river cruise adventure?
As a certified river cruise specialist, I love sharing the benefits this type of travel can bring you and your family. If you'd like to learn more about river cruising, let's chat!
To get started, fill out a trip request form and find time on the calendar that works for you for a quick complimentary consultation.
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