Just returned from a Viking River cruise and loved the balcony. We would sit out with a drink and watch the scenery go by at night and also coffee in the morning.
In our last river cruise we had a balcony. However, my next river cruise will be with a French Balcony. I found that many times, the ship was docked next to another river ship and our balcony was facing the neighboring ship's balcony and being that the ships were docked so close to each other, using the balcony under those circumstances was not an ideal experience. Other times, when we were not docked next to another ship, we were facing a retaining wall which also obstructed views. Because I would feel claustrophobic in a below water level standard cabin, I think a French Balcony would be a nice compromise. When the ship is moving, the French Balcony still affords breathtaking views at much less of an expense. The money saved would be better spent in special excursions to interesting places to see. The expense of a suite is just not worth it given the amount of time one spends in the cabin. Again, the French Balcony seems to be the best choice for river cruising. Just mho.
When I travel, I like to pick a lower grade room in the best hotel I can afford because the quality of the property and location determines my enjoyment. The same can be said for river cruise cabin. Your enjoyment is derived from the itinerary, food and ship common areas, not the room. While on an ocean cruise I will always want a balcony, on a river cruise I can pass. You have no sea days and you spend very few waking hours in your cabin. With river cruises often rafting up in ports, you might wake up to find your balcony is a foot or two from the neighboring boat. Unless there is an upgrade promotion, I’ll take a standard room on any river cruise especially when compared to a French balcony that offers less space for more money.
I agree with you. We've been on several river cruises, and if the spread between prices is significant (say, more than a few hundred per person) we'll opt for the lower level cabin over the French balcony.
Seems crazy to pay more to get a smaller cabin, especially as the longboats dock next to each other overnight so you can’t enjoy the view from a balcony ☹️
It is always worth it if one has the money, I would never have that spare cash hanging around. Any extra cash would go towards another trip. The cabins on the lowest deck with the high window is fine. Our shore excursions were included. Viking is more budget in their river ships than their ocean ships. Thx a lot.
I agree with you. We've been on several river cruises, and if the spread between prices is significant (say, more than a few hundred per person) we'll opt for the lower level cabin over the French balcony.
We’ve booked seven river cruises on Viking, always going with a veranda. We splurged on Douro cruise with a veranda suite. And once we’ve been upgraded to Explorer suite. If we were to travel in colder seasons, we would probably go with a French balcony. Yes, there are times when our veranda has been unusable due to ships being booked together in docks, and that is a bummer. But being able to enjoy the scenery from our veranda while sailing, or enjoying a nice wine in late afternoon is so worth the extra cost. I understand that many folks are budget conscious. But the extra $500 per person on an 8day trip is an ok amount for us. The extra privacy on the small river ships is another factor.
We love Viking. After taking many cruses with others over years, this is now our only one. We are up to 14 Viking cruses (river & ocean). We started in a Verandas (which is the minimum I would do), but now we are always buying a suite. (no we are not snobs), Advantages of a suite: much more space, 2 rooms the rear suites have a huge deck fully stocked refrigerator (including wine & beer), refreshed daily free fruit delivered daily free laundry we get room service breakfast most days free the on-board drink package
We enjoyed our French balcony room. It left us the ability to purchase extra excursion offered by Viking. I do agree the standard room on the lower deck isn't designed well. Our friends had a standard room.
I have been on Emerald Waterways, in a window cabin, and also on Uniworld Boutique in a French Balcony and they are similar in size to yours. All the ships are similar in that regard, unless, like you say, one is in a suite. I am a larger person and had no problem space wise. It is very North American to expect more space. If the cabins were larger, the ship would have less of them so the price would be higher. Thx.
Also…the veranda bathroom was great. The swing-in shower door was clever….it made the room larger, and since the floor material was the same throughout the room and shower……it made the room larger.
The price for a balcony room is ridiculous. Several thousand dollars for a very tiny balcony is not worth it. We also don’t like when docked , usually so close to another ship , that it feels uncomfortable having others just feet away. We would rather spend the extra money on shore excursions where we can see and do more things.
In Croatia most of the smaller vessels dock overnight alongside each other making our luxury balcony virtually useless. The first morning I opened the curtains, wearing only my boxer pants, to find the guests on the neighbouring boat sitting and eating their breakfasts 🫢👀☹️
My travel companion and I need to have twin beds. I can't imagine how cramped the standard or French veranda would be then! For our upcoming cruise in March we are very excited to have a suite!
@@Eatsleepcruise1 We are doing Paris to Zurich. 2 nights ashore at either end. It's going to be awesome! Last year we did the Amsterdam to Brussels trip in a veranda cabin. Loved being out on the veranda watching the sights on shore going past!
Hey, I booked the same itinerary sailing one year after you, Mar 21/2026. With 4N extension Zermatt & Geneva. First time with Viking. So excited. Wanted to go on Mar 2025, However i have 10 other cruises coming up with RCL before Viking cruise. Couldn’t squeeze in anymore. I booked veranda cabin for this cruise, thinking of upgrading to suite. The suite price in Mar is the lowest of all. Only 2 suite cabin left for my date. Stilling debating.
2 things you didn't say, that would be very useful: you talk about the main deck, and deck 2, etc... then you show the ship with the little portholes at water level, then a deck with big windows above that, and another deck with big windows above that -- so, which of these 3 levels is "main deck", which is "deck 2", etc? You also mention "veranda" vs "French", but you don't say what the difference is, which one is considered better than the other, etc... can you clarify these points? Great video, thx!
Typical river cruise ships have a total of 4 levels. From top to bottom: * Level 3 - Top level, sun deck * Level 2 - Upper level, typically where the suites and nicer rooms are located * Level 1 - Main level, the lowest level with full windows and typically where the lobby/reception desk is located * Level 0 - Lower level, the one with just the portholes With a veranda there is space where you can actually walk out, whereas a French balcony just opens up for fresh air.
@@mikeriesco6174 a French balcony means there is no balcony to stand on. The window opens wide and there is a railing. A veranda has a small sitting space.
We were in cabin 214 which has a French balcony. It paid for itself the first night when I was awakened by a squeaking sound. I opened the drapes to be faced with a wall of wet concrete. I opened the sliding door and was able to both touch the wall and poke my head out. We were in a lock! Such a memorable experience.
We used Gate 1 Travel: For Tulip time. and 2 Danube. and 1 Eastern Danube. All very enjoyable. Their announcements / pre booking can ave you up to $1000.
We upgraded to a balcony since it was only $100 more during the sail. You really don't need a balcony. I think k we were out their two times. When the boats dock beside you, you can't enjoy the scenery always. I would like a window but a balcony is not necessary.
The gratuities go to more than just the servers; they are also shared with the onboard Program Director, stateroom stewards, galley staff, and nautical staff. Currently, the service charge is $20 per person per day.
Deb here. We just came back from a Viking river cruise that want to France, Germany, Switzerland, and Netherlands. We had euros which my husband needed to go into a museum in Lyon. It only took cash, no credit cards. I used Visa credit cards because of what I read on FB pages. People said AMEX is not widely accepted in Europe. I did use my Visa and had no problems using in stores.
@@richardgotshall2703 Deb here. I read that they can't accommodate wheelchairs, scooters and walkers. Our Viking ship had an elevator that went between the 2nd and 3rd floor only.
I've watched this video twice - some parts three times - and had to find different TH-cam videos to see the comparison that I think you are talking about. You appear to compare two different staterooms - a Standard Stateroom on Deck One with only two smallish windows, to the Verandah Staterooms that you cruised in, on Decks Two and Three, with floor-to-ceiling glass. I just came off an Emerald river cruise in France. One of the couples on board said they were going crazy in the dark and smaller-feeling Standard Stateroom, below the waterline on Deck One. They upgraded to the much brighter Verandah Stateroom and were considerably more content. In Riverboat Cruising, I don't believe that you can do a length times width comparison of Staterooms. Ocean and Riverboat Cruising are apples and oranges. Looking out a Balcony cabin into the vast expanse of nothingness on the Atlantic or Caribbean cannot be compared to watching people fish, cycle or camp on the riverbank, a fifty yards away. And, to me, that's what makes the Verandah Stateroom worth upgrading to, over the smaller and darker, though more economical, Standard Stateroom... which you didn't show. Or did I misunderstand?
Overpriced is in the eye of the beholder. It IS an expensive option. Is it good value? That is a matter of taste.
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River cruising caters to the well healed elderly who want to be pampered, and led around like sheep in port for a "cultural" experience.". Pathetic way to travel. We, along with the locals, laugh ourselves silly watching these folks wander about town, or being herded like cattle onto a bus. Far better to fly in, rent a car, and immerse yourself into the culture along any route chosen. Maybe stay in a castle, or explore a salt mine. Thousands of actual cultural experiences not requiring a lecture, or full payment a year in advance.
Why do you bother laughing at other people? Truly, why? Why not just realize we are all different and let others be. Goodness what a miserable way to approach humanity.
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@@SLKBoiler Humanity does not prefer to be treated like mindless cattle, but you do you. "Miserable" is the inability to think, or process data.
Just returned from a Viking River cruise and loved the balcony. We would sit out with a drink and watch the scenery go by at night and also coffee in the morning.
In our last river cruise we had a balcony. However, my next river cruise will be with a French Balcony. I found that many times, the ship was docked next to another river ship and our balcony was facing the neighboring ship's balcony and being that the ships were docked so close to each other, using the balcony under those circumstances was not an ideal experience. Other times, when we were not docked next to another ship, we were facing a retaining wall which also obstructed views. Because I would feel claustrophobic in a below water level standard cabin, I think a French Balcony would be a nice compromise. When the ship is moving, the French Balcony still affords breathtaking views at much less of an expense. The money saved would be better spent in special excursions to interesting places to see. The expense of a suite is just not worth it given the amount of time one spends in the cabin. Again, the French Balcony seems to be the best choice for river cruising. Just mho.
When I travel, I like to pick a lower grade room in the best hotel I can afford because the quality of the property and location determines my enjoyment. The same can be said for river cruise cabin. Your enjoyment is derived from the itinerary, food and ship common areas, not the room. While on an ocean cruise I will always want a balcony, on a river cruise I can pass. You have no sea days and you spend very few waking hours in your cabin. With river cruises often rafting up in ports, you might wake up to find your balcony is a foot or two from the neighboring boat. Unless there is an upgrade promotion, I’ll take a standard room on any river cruise especially when compared to a French balcony that offers less space for more money.
I agree with you. We've been on several river cruises, and if the spread between prices is significant (say, more than a few hundred per person) we'll opt for the lower level cabin over the French balcony.
Seems crazy to pay more to get a smaller cabin, especially as the longboats dock next to each other overnight so you can’t enjoy the view from a balcony ☹️
It is always worth it if one has the money, I would never have that spare cash hanging around. Any extra cash would go towards another trip. The cabins on the lowest deck with the high window is fine. Our shore excursions were included. Viking is more budget in their river ships than their ocean ships. Thx a lot.
I agree with you. We've been on several river cruises, and if the spread between prices is significant (say, more than a few hundred per person) we'll opt for the lower level cabin over the French balcony.
We’ve booked seven river cruises on Viking, always going with a veranda. We splurged on Douro cruise with a veranda suite. And once we’ve been upgraded to Explorer suite. If we were to travel in colder seasons, we would probably go with a French balcony. Yes, there are times when our veranda has been unusable due to ships being booked together in docks, and that is a bummer. But being able to enjoy the scenery from our veranda while sailing, or enjoying a nice wine in late afternoon is so worth the extra cost. I understand that many folks are budget conscious. But the extra $500 per person on an 8day trip is an ok amount for us. The extra privacy on the small river ships is another factor.
We love Viking. After taking many cruses with others over years, this is now our only one. We are up to 14 Viking cruses (river & ocean).
We started in a Verandas (which is the minimum I would do), but now we are always buying a suite. (no we are not snobs),
Advantages of a suite:
much more space, 2 rooms
the rear suites have a huge deck
fully stocked refrigerator (including wine & beer), refreshed daily
free fruit delivered daily
free laundry
we get room service breakfast most days
free the on-board drink package
Thanks for sharing! What has been your favorite Viking cruise?
We enjoyed our French balcony room. It left us the ability to purchase extra excursion offered by Viking. I do agree the standard room on the lower deck isn't designed well. Our friends had a standard room.
Which ship and itinerary?
I am a Viking Ocean fan…..hands down. The cabins on the river ship are minuscule. For river cruises, AMA can’t be beat for cabin luxury and size.
I have been on Emerald Waterways, in a window cabin, and also on Uniworld Boutique in a French Balcony and they are similar in size to yours. All the ships are similar in that regard, unless, like you say, one is in a suite. I am a larger person and had no problem space wise. It is very North American to expect more space. If the cabins were larger, the ship would have less of them so the price would be higher. Thx.
We had a veranda…loved it. It “extends “ the room….it might be psychological, but it made room feel much larger. We would do it again.
Also…the veranda bathroom was great. The swing-in shower door was clever….it made the room larger, and since the floor material was the same throughout the room and shower……it made the room larger.
The long desk area was very nice….also made room feel larger, and always a place to put something on.
The price for a balcony room is ridiculous. Several thousand dollars for a very tiny balcony is not worth it. We also don’t like when docked , usually so close to another ship , that it feels uncomfortable having others just feet away. We would rather spend the extra money on shore excursions where we can see and do more things.
In Croatia most of the smaller vessels dock overnight alongside each other making our luxury balcony virtually useless. The first morning I opened the curtains, wearing only my boxer pants, to find the guests on the neighbouring boat sitting and eating their breakfasts 🫢👀☹️
My travel companion and I need to have twin beds. I can't imagine how cramped the standard or French veranda would be then! For our upcoming cruise in March we are very excited to have a suite!
That is great to hear. What itinerary?
@@Eatsleepcruise1 We are doing Paris to Zurich. 2 nights ashore at either end. It's going to be awesome!
Last year we did the Amsterdam to Brussels trip in a veranda cabin. Loved being out on the veranda watching the sights on shore going past!
Hey, I booked the same itinerary sailing one year after you, Mar 21/2026. With 4N extension Zermatt & Geneva. First time with Viking. So excited. Wanted to go on Mar 2025, However i have 10 other cruises coming up with RCL before Viking cruise. Couldn’t squeeze in anymore. I booked veranda cabin for this cruise, thinking of upgrading to suite. The suite price in Mar is the lowest of all. Only 2 suite cabin left for my date. Stilling debating.
We found two outlets near the balcony door handle: one 110 and one 220.
2 things you didn't say, that would be very useful: you talk about the main deck, and deck 2, etc... then you show the ship with the little portholes at water level, then a deck with big windows above that, and another deck with big windows above that -- so, which of these 3 levels is "main deck", which is "deck 2", etc? You also mention "veranda" vs "French", but you don't say what the difference is, which one is considered better than the other, etc... can you clarify these points? Great video, thx!
Typical river cruise ships have a total of 4 levels. From top to bottom:
* Level 3 - Top level, sun deck
* Level 2 - Upper level, typically where the suites and nicer rooms are located
* Level 1 - Main level, the lowest level with full windows and typically where the lobby/reception desk is located
* Level 0 - Lower level, the one with just the portholes
With a veranda there is space where you can actually walk out, whereas a French balcony just opens up for fresh air.
@@mikeriesco6174 a French balcony means there is no balcony to stand on. The window opens wide and there is a railing. A veranda has a small sitting space.
You talk about a ‘stand up’ shower? I’m not familiar with this term. What other sort is there?
Enjoy your videos. You do have an unusual halting cadence in your speech though that took some time getting used to.😀
Thank….you…
Can the beds be split into two separate beds?
Yes. I'm going next week and was told that the beds can be split.
Yes
We were in cabin 214 which has a French balcony. It paid for itself the first night when I was awakened by a squeaking sound. I opened the drapes to be faced with a wall of wet concrete. I opened the sliding door and was able to both touch the wall and poke my head out. We were in a lock! Such a memorable experience.
Loved going through the locks!!
just get the french balcony. It feels expansive, is full vies and no windy balcony to go out on.
Thanks for the tip. Which river cruise did you do?
We used Gate 1 Travel: For Tulip time. and 2 Danube. and 1 Eastern Danube. All very enjoyable. Their announcements / pre booking can ave you up to $1000.
We upgraded to a balcony since it was only $100 more during the sail. You really don't need a balcony. I think k we were out their two times. When the boats dock beside you, you can't enjoy the scenery always. I would like a window but a balcony is not necessary.
True. It’s good for scenic sailing.
Tips for restaurant waiter for 7 day cruise, for couple is 300 eur.
The gratuities go to more than just the servers; they are also shared with the onboard Program Director, stateroom stewards, galley staff, and nautical staff. Currently, the service charge is $20 per person per day.
When we go ashore to explore villages, will we need Euros? Or will the shops and restaurants take AMEX?
Deb here. We just came back from a Viking river cruise that want to France, Germany, Switzerland, and Netherlands. We had euros which my husband needed to go into a museum in Lyon. It only took cash, no credit cards. I used Visa credit cards because of what I read on FB pages. People said AMEX is not widely accepted in Europe. I did use my Visa and had no problems using in stores.
Do you know if there are wheelchair accessible rooms? Because I'm not seeing it here
Most European riverboats are NOT accessible because there is no elevator.
@@richardgotshall2703 Deb here. I read that they can't accommodate wheelchairs, scooters and walkers. Our Viking ship had an elevator that went between the 2nd and 3rd floor only.
Even though the elevator can get a wheelchair between the bottom and middle decks, we often had a few steps to climb to get to the gangway.
but what about the food experience?
We have a separate video about the entire experience. Thanks.
On a port-intensive itinerary, the benefit of a balcony is negligible.
This is true.
Beware the sun deck was closed completely for five days recently because the river was running too high so we were glad to have our balcony
I've watched this video twice - some parts three times - and had to find different TH-cam videos to see the comparison that I think you are talking about. You appear to compare two different staterooms - a Standard Stateroom on Deck One with only two smallish windows, to the Verandah Staterooms that you cruised in, on Decks Two and Three, with floor-to-ceiling glass.
I just came off an Emerald river cruise in France. One of the couples on board said they were going crazy in the dark and smaller-feeling Standard Stateroom, below the waterline on Deck One. They upgraded to the much brighter Verandah Stateroom and were considerably more content. In Riverboat Cruising, I don't believe that you can do a length times width comparison of Staterooms.
Ocean and Riverboat Cruising are apples and oranges. Looking out a Balcony cabin into the vast expanse of nothingness on the Atlantic or Caribbean cannot be compared to watching people fish, cycle or camp on the riverbank, a fifty yards away. And, to me, that's what makes the Verandah Stateroom worth upgrading to, over the smaller and darker, though more economical, Standard Stateroom... which you didn't show.
Or did I misunderstand?
A French balcony is more than adequate.
They should remove about four rooms, so comfortability can be offered.
No. River cruises are overpriced.
Overpriced is in the eye of the beholder. It IS an expensive option. Is it good value? That is a matter of taste.
River cruising caters to the well healed elderly who want to be pampered, and led around like sheep in port for a "cultural" experience.". Pathetic way to travel. We, along with the locals, laugh ourselves silly watching these folks wander about town, or being herded like cattle onto a bus. Far better to fly in, rent a car, and immerse yourself into the culture along any route chosen. Maybe stay in a castle, or explore a salt mine. Thousands of actual cultural experiences not requiring a lecture, or full payment a year in advance.
Why do you bother laughing at other people? Truly, why? Why not just realize we are all different and let others be. Goodness what a miserable way to approach humanity.
@@SLKBoiler Humanity does not prefer to be treated like mindless cattle, but you do you. "Miserable" is the inability to think, or process data.