River Cruise French Balcony and Other Balcony Types
A French balcony is not a balcony you can sit on. Here is what it is, and every alternative the river lines offer.
Get Free River Cruise Suite QuotesThe river cruise French balcony is the most common “balcony” on river ships — and the most misunderstood. Here is how it compares with every other option.
French Balcony: The Basics
A French balcony is a full-height glass door that slides open to a railing. There is no outside floor, so there is nowhere to put a chair, but the room gains light, air and the sounds of the river. Because the space stays inside, French-balcony cabins can feel larger than step-out balcony cabins of the same size.
Good for
- Travelers who are ashore most of the day
- Shoulder-season and winter sailings, when you would not sit outside
- Keeping more floor space in a smaller cabin
The Alternatives
Step-out balcony
A real outdoor balcony, usually just large enough for two chairs and a small table. Viking’s Veranda Suites on Viking Ve add a full veranda off the sitting room and keep a French balcony in the bedroom.
Twin balcony
AmaWaterways’ signature: a French balcony and an outside balcony in one stateroom. On AmaMagdalena in Colombia, AmaWaterways says every room and suite has one.
Sun Lounge and drop-down window
Scenic’s Sun Lounge, fitted in Balcony, Junior and Royal Suites, opens with the touch of a button; Emerald’s Panorama Balcony Suites have a floor-to-ceiling window that drops down electronically, leaving an indoor decked area. Both give you a balcony you can use whatever the weather.
Open-air balcony
Avalon’s Panorama Suites have a wall-to-wall window that opens wide — Avalon says seven feet wide in Europe — with the bed facing the view.
Which Should You Choose?
| If you… | Consider |
|---|---|
| Want fresh air and the most indoor space | French balcony |
| Want to sit outside with a coffee or wine | Step-out or twin balcony |
| Travel in spring, autumn or December | Sun Lounge, drop-down window or open-air balcony |
| Want the view from bed | Avalon Panorama Suite or a suite with the bed facing the window |
French Balcony Questions
What is a French balcony on a river cruise?
A floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door with a railing just outside. You can open it for air and sound but cannot step out. Viking’s French Balcony stateroom on Viking Ve, for example, is listed at 135 sq ft with a floor-to-ceiling sliding door.
French balcony or step-out balcony?
A French balcony keeps more of the room inside, which matters in a small cabin. A step-out balcony lets you sit outside but takes space from the room. Twin-balcony cabins on AmaWaterways give you both.
Can I keep the French balcony open at night?
Usually yes, while docked or sailing slowly; crew may ask you to close it in locks or bad weather. Bring an eye mask in summer — northern European dawns are early.
Which Balcony Is Right for You?
Tell us how you like to spend time on board. Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will match you to the right cabin and send free quotes.
Ask Our Advisors