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"Europe Sud"
One of the most common questions I receive from clients planning their first river cruise is surprisingly simple:
“What cabin should I book?”
Unlike ocean cruises where balconies are common, river ships are narrower and space is more limited. This means the type of cabin you choose can significantly shape your experience onboard.
Having sailed on multiple river cruise lines myself, I’ve noticed that the cabin terminology can be confusing. A French Balcony on one line may be very different from a Veranda on another. Some ships also have lower-deck cabins referred to Fixed Window Cabins, which come with their own pros and cons.
Let’s walk through the major cabin types and how they compare across three of the most popular premium river cruise lines: Viking, AmaWaterways, and Uniworld.
Most river ships offer four broad categories of accommodations:
Each category offers a different combination of space, views, and price.
These cabins are typically located on the lowest passenger deck, close to the waterline. Because of their position, the windows are usually smaller and may sit partially at water level.
They are known by different names depending on the cruise line, and I more often stay in one of these myself. More on this later.
Viking
Viking calls these Standard Staterooms, generally located on the lower deck of their Longships. They feature a fixed river-view window rather than a balcony door.
Uniworld
Uniworld typically calls these Classic staterooms, which also feature fixed windows rather than balconies.
AmaWaterways
AmaWaterways often labels these as Window Staterooms on the lowest deck.
They are often the most affordable way to experience river cruising. Since guests spend most of their time exploring destinations rather than sitting in the room, many experienced travellers happily choose them.
I am going to add a paragraph or two at the end to explain why I book these cabins and river cruising facts in general that may influence your cabin choice.
However, you should know a few things:
For travellers who care more about the itinerary than the room itself, they can represent excellent value.
A French balcony is not a step-out balcony.
Instead, it is a floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door with a railing, allowing fresh air and unobstructed views, but no outdoor seating area.
These cabins are extremely popular because they bring the outside scenery directly into the room.
Viking French Balcony staterooms are typically around 135 sq ft, featuring sliding glass doors that open to a railing.
They are found on the upper decks of Viking Longships and offer a bright interior with direct views of the river.
AmaWaterways offers French Balcony cabins on some ships, that can be from 155-170 sq ft depending on the ship. Many of their newer vessels replaced them with their signature Twin Balcony design, which I’ll explain next.
Uniworld ships frequently feature French Balcony staterooms around 18 m² (about 194 sq ft) depending on the vessel.
These rooms often feature luxury touches such as handcrafted beds, marble bathrooms, and premium bath amenities.
They offer:
For many travellers, this is the sweet spot of value and experience.
A Veranda cabin includes a true outdoor balcony with space to sit, typically with chairs and a small table.
These are less common on river ships simply because of space limitations.
Viking offers Veranda Staterooms of roughly 205 sq ft, including a private step-out balcony.
These cabins are larger than French Balcony rooms and include seating areas inside the cabin.
AmaWaterways has arguably one of the most distinctive designs in river cruising.
Their ships introduced the concept of Twin Balconies, which combine:
• A French balcony inside
• A step-out veranda outside
This design allows guests to enjoy the view in any weather.
Twin Balcony staterooms typically range from 210–235 sq ft depending on category. (
Some Uniworld ships offer Deluxe Balcony rooms with enclosed balconies or floor-to-ceiling windows that create a balcony-style space within the cabin.
The emphasis on Uniworld ships tends to be more on luxury interiors and larger room sizes rather than large outdoor balconies.
Suites are the most spacious accommodations on river ships and often include:
• Separate living areas
• Larger bathrooms
• Enhanced service levels
Viking Longships feature Veranda Suites and Explorer Suites.
These often include:
AmaWaterways suites typically feature the Twin Balcony design, offering both balcony types plus additional interior space.
Uniworld suites lean heavily into the luxury boutique hotel experience, with features like:
• marble bathrooms
• expanded living areas
• butler service for suite guests.
These suites can reach over 400 sq ft on some ships.
Although the cabin categories appear similar, each cruise line approaches design differently.
Viking
AmaWaterways
Uniworld
Having experienced these ships personally, here are a few practical thoughts I share with clients.
If your budget allows it, I usually recommend at least a French Balcony especially for your first river cruise. This category ususally sits in the middle of the price point, and you may find on a subsequent river cruise that you would like an actual outside balcony, or that a Fixed Window Class cabin would do.
River cruising is incredibly scenic, and the ability to open the doors and watch the world drift past your cabin adds something special. However, we personally do not sit in our cabin to watch the world go by. If there is something to see, we are either in the lounge which has floor-to-ceiling windows, or we are on the sundeck. We use our cabin pretty much just to sleep and get ready for the day.
Additionally, on a river cruise you are often out all day exploring, and most – not all but most – river cruises sail after dark and there is nothing to see.
Another consideration of your time in port, is that many times your river cruise longship may be “rafted” in port next to another ship. This means that you could shake hands with the person on the next ship. In these port scenarios you have no view.
If you enjoy sitting outdoors with coffee or wine, then a Veranda or Twin Balcony cabin may be worth the upgrade.
And if you love space, privacy, and added service, suites can feel like a small luxury apartment on the river.
The good news is that river ships are small, intimate, and beautifully designed. No matter which cabin category you choose, you are never far from the view. For us however, we are always in the lounge or on the sundeck when there is something to see.
Let’s talk about this so you can ask your questions and get first hand experience and knowledge.
Contact me for more information.
Ken Graham
Travel Advisor - Cruise Specialist
"Europe Sud"
Ken Graham
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