French Balcony vs Full Balcony
Every kind of river cruise balcony, in plain language.
Get Free Quotes on the Cabin You WantEuropean river ships are long and narrow because they must fit through locks and under bridges. Every foot of width is precious, so cruise lines have invented several different ways to bring the outside in. Here is what each term usually means — but always check the specific ship, because the same name can describe different designs.
French Balcony
A floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door with a railing directly outside. Open it and the cabin fills with fresh air and the sound of the river; close it and it works as a giant picture window. You cannot step out or put chairs outside. French balconies are the most common “balcony” on European river ships and often the sweet spot for value.
Full (Step-Out) Balcony or Veranda
A true outdoor space, usually big enough for two chairs and a small table. Viking calls these Veranda staterooms on its Longships, which also have French Balcony staterooms. A full balcony is lovely on a scenic sailing morning or for a private glass of wine at sunset — but you will probably use it less than you imagine, because the best views are often from the sun deck.
Twin Balcony
AmaWaterways is known for “twin balcony” staterooms on many of its ships, which pair a French balcony with a separate step-out outside balcony in the same cabin. You get both the wall of glass and a place to sit outdoors.
Open-Air Balcony
Avalon Waterways’ Suite Ships use a wall-to-wall window that slides open, turning the whole sitting area into what Avalon calls an Open-Air Balcony. The bed faces the window, so the view is the first thing you see in the morning.
Sun Lounge
Scenic’s Sun Lounge design puts the balcony inside the glass. At the push of a button the top section of the window lowers, turning an enclosed lounge into an open-air balcony, and it closes again when the weather turns.
Which Balcony Should You Choose?
| If you… | Consider |
|---|---|
| Want fresh air and the view at the best price | French balcony |
| Picture yourself sitting outside with coffee | Full balcony, veranda or twin balcony |
| Want the most glass and the biggest view from bed | Open-air balcony or a ship with panoramic windows |
| Sail in shoulder season or winter | An enclosed design that can open, like a sun lounge, or a French balcony |
| Are ashore all day and on a budget | A riverview window cabin |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a French balcony a real balcony?
Not in the step-out sense. It is a full-height sliding glass door with a railing just outside. You can open it wide and stand at the rail, but there is no floor space for chairs.
Do full balconies make the cabin smaller?
On some ships, yes — river ships are limited in width by locks, so a step-out balcony can take space from the room. That is why some lines prefer French balconies or windows that open across the whole wall.
Can I use a balcony in winter?
Rarely for long. On Christmas markets cruises balcony doors mostly stay shut, so a French balcony or even a window cabin is often the better value.
Compare Balcony Cabins
Tell us which river and month you are considering and our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will compare balcony types and prices across ships.
Compare Balcony Cabins