River Cruise Suites

River ship suites are smaller than ocean ship suites — the hull width is limited by locks — but they can feel generous for a river vessel. A suite typically gives you a separate or defined sitting area, more storage, a larger bathroom and the best balcony on board.

What a Suite Can Include

• More floor space, often with a sofa or armchairs facing the river.
• A balcony that is larger than the standard ones, or a wraparound outdoor area.
• A bigger bathroom, sometimes with a tub or double sink.
• Extras such as butler service, a stocked minibar, priority reservations or in-suite breakfast on some lines.

The extras vary a lot. On luxury lines, butler service can be part of every suite; on others, suite guests get more space but much the same service as everyone else.

Is a Suite Worth It?

It is worth it if you will spend real time in the cabin: on longer itineraries, on rivers with long scenic cruising days, if you are celebrating, or if you simply want room to spread out. It is harder to justify on a busy one-week cruise where you are ashore from breakfast to dinner. A middle ground is the top balcony category below suites, which often gives much of the view for less. Another option is to book a suite only for the longest leg of a combined itinerary — ask us whether your line allows a cabin change between back-to-back cruises.

For luxury lines and all-inclusive fares in more depth, visit our sister site Luxury Riverboat Cruises.