How to Choose the Best Cabin on a River Cruise

Are you new to river cruising and not sure which is the best cabin to choose? You’re not alone! While every river cruise stateroom offers natural light, and many provide access to fresh air, location matters far more than most first-timers realise.

Unlike ocean ships, river vessels are built to fit very specific waterways, meaning they’re significantly smaller than ocean ships, so expectations should be adjusted — but space is used intelligently, storage is efficient, and the atmosphere on board is wonderfully relaxed. Think Boutique hotel rather than glitzy ocean liner.

This guide covers the key considerations when selecting your cabin, from deck position to noise levels, and why even the nicest balcony doesn’t always guarantee a view.

*Spacious and comfortable -a standard room on the Riviera Ship Georges Eliot*

What Makes River Cruise Ships Different?

Most European river ships are designed to fit through narrow locks and beneath low bridges. That means:

✅ Maximum length of around 443ft (135m)
✅ Width of 11m (37ft)
✅ Usually three passenger decks

Cabins tend to start at around 150 sq ft which, while smaller than a typical ocean stateroom, are brilliantly fitted out and designed to maximise space with:

Clever built-in storage
Plenty of shelves and cupboards
Well lit, luxurious showerooms
Lots of little extras to enhance your onboard experience - coffee machine, umbrella, radio, maps…
Room to store suitcases under the bed

If you’re used to ocean cruising, just prepare your expectations a smidge — boutique comfort is the theme here.

The Three Main Types of River Cruise Cabins

1. Standard Cabins

Found on the lowest deck, these offer natural daylight through a water-level window. It won’t open, and you won’t have much of a view — but the gently rippling reflections across the ceiling can be surprisingly hypnotic!

2. Balcony (Juliet) Cabins

River ships generally don’t feature step-out balconies due to space restrictions, but instead offer full-height windows that slide down or across. These staterooms are found on the upper and middle floors You’ll enjoy:

Fantastic unimpeded views
Fresh air when its needed - air-conditioning when it isn’t
The pure joy of watching scenery glide by from bed

3. Suites

Suites can be up to double the size of a standard stateroom and often include:

A small exterior space
Lounge area
Extra perks (mini-bar, premium toiletries, robes etc.)

You won’t get separate suite lounges or private restaurants on river ships — space is precious — but you’ll enjoy generous comfort.

*Cathy makes the most of her Juliette Balcony*

Where Your Cabin Is Matters

To choose well, consider:

1️⃣ The deck you’re on
2️⃣ Where the cabin sits along the deck
3️⃣ Proximity to public spaces

Let’s break that down 👇

1️⃣ The deck you’re on

Top Deck cabins command the highest prices and the widest views. However, because the sun deck sits above, you may occasionally hear crew activity during nighttime sailing and lock transits, which can involve bright lights and movement
Middle Deck is usually the quietest location on board, offering an excellent balance between comfort and view.
Lower Deck are more affordable, with windows providing some natural light. Views are limited and the window cannot be opened.

2️⃣ Where the cabin sits in the ship

✅ Avoid cabins at the very rear propulsion systems, vibration and occasional noise make the stern less peaceful.
✅ Middle deck cabins can be quieter in locks, when docking and if you have joggers using the top deck

3️⃣ Proximity to public spaces

✅ Avoid being too close to the lounge where noise from evening entertainment may carry through the corridor, if you are an early or light sleeper . Otherwise no problem

Room Service Breakfast as the world floats by — *Room Service Breakfast as the world floats past*

Stability and Seasickness

Motion is not an issue on rivers. Waterways are calm, and river ships do not roll like ocean vessels, so seasickness is highly unlikely. Cabin choice for stability simply isn’t a concern here.

Which Side of the Ship Is Best?

Unlike ocean cruising, there’s no “right” or “wrong” side:

All cabins face the water
Scenery is visible and close on both sides
Significant landmarks (such as Germany’s Lorelei Rock) are announced in advance, giving everyone time to head to the lounge or sun deck for a clear view

A Word on… Double Stacking

In busy ports, ships often moor side-by-side. When this happens:

🚶‍♀️ You may need to cross another ship to disembark
👀 Your view might be straight into someone else’s cabin (hello curtains!)

There’s no way to predict which side will face the dock — so don’t over-think it.

Our Top Three Rules for Choosing a River Cruise Cabin

Avoid cabins towards the rear
Avoid cabins too near the lounge
Choose the highest deck your budget allows

Simple. Effective. Tried and tested.

Sleep Smarter

If you’re a light sleeper, consider packing:

Earplugs
A sleep mask

While its true that night time lock transits can be brightly lit, quite noisy and busy but unless you’re a very light sleeper I wouldn’t worry too much - I managed to miss all of them!

*A peaceful berth in the centre of Rouen for Viking River Cruises*

Final Thoughts — The Cruise Addicted View

Choosing a cabin on a river ship is less about motion, and more about noise, light and convenience. With river cruise ships being pleasantly compact, it’s easy to get around — and every stateroom has access to fresh air and daylight.

But with just a little insider savvy, you can elevate your floating boutique hotel experience even further.

Search for your own river cruise adventure here and read more on River Cruising

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How to Choose the Best Cabin on a River Cruise