Dining with strangers at the same table might seem odd or even awkward, but for cruise passengers who enjoy a traditional dining experience, it’s part of life at sea.
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The thing is, you never know who will be sitting at the same table. People who regularly choose this traditional style of eating in the main dining room typically find it an enriching experience.
But for one particular pair of cruise passengers, the very vocation of their tablemates was grounds to request their removal.
Carnival Cruise Line Brand Ambassador John Heald recently took to Facebook to share a message he received on the incident.
“One question I want to chat about is one from yesterday and a lady who wrote to me demanding that she and her friend have a guest and his wife removed from the table they were sharing at dinner,” Heald began.
He went on to ask his colleagues what this couple had done to warrant such a request.
“Perhaps they had said something, done something that was inappropriate or perhaps they were Cruise Critic members,” he joked.
It turns out, the two ladies sitting with the couple were both vegan and didn’t appreciate what the couple did for a living.
“On the first evening of the cruise they did the introductions as usual. The farmer told the table he and his with were farmers,” Heald said. “They raised cows and sheep and that is what upset this lady so much. And as a non-meat eater and animal lover she decided to tell him what she thought of him and then told the Senior Maître D that they needed to be removed from their table.”
The farmer and his wife did end up moving to another table, but Heald stated that they were not moved because of the “ladies insistence”.
They were moved to a table for two and given the steakhouse selection compliments of Carnival.
In the end of his post, Heald reaffirmed his appreciation for farmers while stating that not everyone on a cruise ship shares the same views about animals. Carnival has a broad selection of vegan choices on their menus which is expanding all the time.
“I think it is safe to say that many of the almost 600,000 page readers here will admit they like animals. We like looking at them. We like petting them. And some of us like eating them. It really is that simple,” Heald noted.
Of course, there are many other options for eating on a cruise ship, and some cruise lines don’t even have a traditional dining experience in which passengers eat with strangers.
A more variable Anytime Dining or My Time Dining experience has been implemented by Carnival and Royal Caribbean. The main difference is that the wait staff may be different each night for this more adaptable dining option.
Norwegian Cruise Line introduced “Freestyle Dining” to the world over 20 years ago which means “you can dine when and where you want, with no fixed dining times or pre-assigned seating”.
Anytime Dining may still involve eating with other cruise passengers unless a request can be met for just your party.
One reason some cruise passengers still prefer traditional dining at set times is that they can get to know the wait staff, and the crew can better serve any specific dietary needs.
Norwegian Cruise Line is giving two of their cruise ships extensive renovations in 2025 that include the first movie and dining experience at sea.
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Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Bliss will receive new guest experiences in the next few months that include Silver Screen Bistro, expanded Cagney’s Steakhouse and Teppanyaki, new outdoor venues (Horizon Park), and expanded accommodations in The Haven.
Norwegian Breakaway Enhancements
Norwegian Breakaway will go into dry dock on February 19, 2025 and will emerge with new features on March 14, 2025.
The Silver Screen Bistro will be an immersive movie and dining venue that will replace the Spiegel Tent. It will be the cruise industry’s first movie and dining experience.
It will feature oversized recliners and retractable tables to revel in shareable handheld menu items including select dishes from the global fusion specialty restaurant, Food Republic.
Horizon Park, which is found on Norwegian Bliss, will be added to Breakaway and offer 360 degree views of the ocean. This al-fresco venue will boast an additional feature, an expansive stage for live music and entertainment.
The Stadium, which is found on Prima-class ships, will also be added as it features family-friendly games.
Moderno Churrascaria is going away to make room for an expanded Cagney’s Steakhouse. Ocean Blue will become Palomar and the Vibe Beach Club and The Haven Sundeck will be expanded.
Norwegian Breakaway will offer cruises in the Mediterranean once the enhancements are completed.
Norwegian Bliss Enhancements
Norwegian Bliss will enter dry dock on January 17, 2025 and emerge on February 2, 2025.
The cruise ship will also receive a Horizon Park with lawn-style games that include cornhole to giant Jenga. There will also be loungers for sunbathing on the top deck.
The Haven will receive updated accommodations that include the cruise line’s popular three bedroom suites (Premiere Owner’s Suites with Large Balconies).
Part of the ship’s Observation Lounge will be converted to 24 balcony staterooms and two club balcony cabins.
Los Lobos is going away to make room for an expanded Cagney’s Steakhouse. An expanded Teppanyaki will replace Coco’s and Palomar will replace Ocean Blue.
After the ship’s dry dock, the vessel will sail a 13-day cruise from Southampton to Miami for cruises to the Caribbean. After a short season in Miami, the ship will head to Seattle for sailings to Alaska.
David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line, gave the following statement:
“At Norwegian Cruise Line, our guests and what they value most is critical in order for us to develop experiences. Our goal is to provide them their very own best vacation.
“From creating new concepts that offer more outdoor gathering spaces for making memories with friends and family, to expanding dining options that consistently bring joy to our guests across our fleet, we’re providing more to do and more to enjoy for all types of travelers.”
In 2027, Carnival Cruise Line will celebrate their 55th birthday and America’s Cruise Line is planning a special ship meetup on three different days.
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This ship meetup from Carnival will take place on 11 cruises near Celebration Key and RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay.
During the meetups, the ships will simultaneously host Lido deck birthday celebrations. 10 Carnival Funships will participate in the meetup with Carnival Legend being in two of them.
Carnival’s 55th Birthday Celebration Meetups
March 9, 2027 Meetup: Four Ships Celebrate Near Celebration Key
From Mobile: Carnival Spirit will meet during an eight-day cruise that begins March 6.
From Jacksonville: Carnival Elation will sail on a five-day cruise that starts March 6.
From Tampa: Carnival Legend will sail a six-day cruise beginning March 7.
From Port Canaveral: Carnival Freedom will sail a five-day cruise starting March 8.
March 10, 2027 Meetup: Three Ships Celebrate Near RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay
From Galveston: Carnival Jubilee will sail an eight-day cruise that departs March 6.
From Tampa: Carnival Legend will sail a six-day cruise departing March 7.
From Baltimore: Carnival Pride will sail a seven-day cruise departing March 7.
March 13, 2027 Meetup: Five Ships Celebrate Near Celebration Key
From Miami: Carnival Celebration will sail a seven-day cruise departing March 7. Carnival Sunrise will sail a four-day cruise starting March 11 and Carnival Conquest will sail a three-day cruise beginning March 12.
From Port Canaveral: Carnival Vista will be on an eight-day cruise that departs March 6 and Carnival Glory will be sailing a three-day cruise that departs March 12.
You can see all of these 55th Birthday celebration cruises here. Prices start at $444 per person, based on double occupancy.
Carnival Cruise Line sailed their first cruise in 1977 on the original Mardi Gras. They currently have 27 cruise ships in their fleet, the second most out of all cruise lines.
In the spring of 2025, they will add two more ships to their fleet that are moving over from sister cruise line P&O Cruises Australia.
A cruise meant for celebration turned chaotic as a violent confrontation erupted aboard Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas just one hour after the ship departed from San Pedro, California, bound for Ensenada, Mexico.
The incident unfolded when an allegedly intoxicated passenger began hurling racial slurs, profanity, and threats before launching into physical assaults.
Video footage captured by fellow passenger Christopher Mikhail, who was celebrating his birthday and anniversary onboard, shows the dramatic scene as it played out.
The unruly guest is reported to have kicked a crew member in the face, punched another passenger, and chased guests through the hallways of the ship.
Crew members quickly stepped in to contain the situation, armed with zip ties, towels, pepper spray, and handcuffs.
“They just waited for him to kind of run out of energy,”
Christopher Mikhail, passenger aboard Navigator of the Seas
Mikhail described the ordeal as something straight out of a SWAT team movie, noting that the aggressive passenger was eventually subdued and placed in one of the ship’s two holding cells for the remainder of the trip.
Royal Caribbean has not released a public statement on the matter, but reports indicate that the crew’s response was swift and efficient.
Mikhail said he spent the remainder of his holiday recounting the incident to Royal Caribbean management and the FBI.
The Navigator of the Seas was on a short weekend cruise to Ensenada, Mexico, and had departed from the Port of Los Angeles.
Despite the unsettling start, there were no reports of significant delays to the ship’s itinerary.
Incidents like this highlight the challenges cruise lines face in maintaining onboard safety. Although cruise ships have security teams trained for such events, confrontations like these can disrupt the guest experience, especially when they happen so early in a voyage.
Royal Caribbean has a policy of zero tolerance for violence or unruly behaviour aboard its ships. It is likely that further investigations will be carried out, with the potential for legal consequences for the offending passenger.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
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Carnival Cruise Line has revealed fresh details about its upcoming integration of P&O Cruises Australia’s Pacific Adventure and Pacific Encounter, with the ships set to be rebranded as Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter.
The move will double Carnival’s presence in Australia, with Carnival Adventure homeporting year-round in Sydney alongside Carnival Splendor, while Carnival Encounter will call Brisbane home, joining Carnival Luminosa during the Australian summer season.
The rebranding is scheduled to begin in March 2025, with both ships receiving significant upgrades and redesigns to align with Carnival Cruise Line’s signature “Fun Ship” experience.
“This transition presents a unique opportunity to combine the best of P&O Cruises Australia and Carnival Cruise Line as the brand expands its footprint in Australia,”
Kara Glamore, Vice President of Sales and Marketing
Key Carnival features such as the famous Fun Squad, 80s Rock-N-Glow Party, and Silent White-Hot Night will be added to the ships.
Guests can also look forward to free unlimited daily pizza from 11 am to 4 pm, with an additional charge for pizza outside these hours.
For families, Carnival’s popular Turtles program for toddlers under two years old will be introduced, allowing parents to drop off their little ones for supervised activities.
Additional family-friendly entertainment includes Build-a-Bear workshops and sensory kits from KultureCity.
Retaining P&O Cruises Australia’s fan-favourites
While the ships will embrace new Carnival features, several popular elements from P&O Cruises Australia will remain onboard. This includes Luke’s Bar & Grill, Luke’s Burgers, and New Zealand Natural ice cream.
Passengers will still be able to enjoy The Edge Adventure Park with its zip lining and climbing challenges, as well as exclusive access to the Byron Beach Club for guests staying in suites and select mini-suites.
The Blanc de Blanc show, known for its high-energy, cabaret-style performances, will also continue entertaining passengers on the newly branded ships.
“P&O fans will recognise many of their favourite dining and entertainment options, while experiencing the added fun and flair that Carnival is famous for around the world,”
Deborah Cogin, Vice President of Guest Experience
Carnival expects nearly 600,000 guests to sail from Sydney and Brisbane combined in 2025, solidifying its status as the only cruise line offering year-round sailings from Australia.
The two new ships will offer a variety of itineraries, including trips to Vanuatu, New Caledonia, the Great Barrier Reef, and even longer journeys to Fiji and Papua New Guinea.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
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Cruise Tails has announced that ‘Tails of the Seas’ has been chosen as the official name of its inaugural dog-friendly cruise, following a public naming contest.
The winning name was submitted by Shawn Loomis, who will be awarded a human-only cruise for two, courtesy of Margaritaville at Sea, as part of his prize.
“Thank you to everyone who participated in the cruise naming competition. It was amazing to see such enthusiastic participation from our community, and we appreciate all of the creative names shared. We will be opening more contest opportunities and are excited to give our community more chances to sail!”
Steve Matzke, Cruise Tails Captain
The first-of-its-kind cruise will follow a 7-day itinerary, visiting Key West, Progreso, and Cozumel. Pre-boarding events are planned to take place in Tampa in 2025.
The first wave of cabin applications for Tails of the Seas has already been filled, with demand exceeding expectations.
The second round of applications is now open, and prospective passengers are encouraged to apply soon as spaces are expected to fill quickly.
Growing demand for pet-friendly cruising
Cruise Tails is seeing significant interest from dog owners around the world, and the company hopes the passengers aboard the maiden voyage will follow its guidelines and act as ambassadors for responsible pet cruising.
If successful, Cruise Tails may relax pet-size restrictions on future voyages scheduled for 2026.
To support interested passengers, Cruise Tails has outlined important information on pet eligibility, health and safety protocols, shore excursions, emergency procedures, and liability on its website.
Cruise Tails, founded by Steve Matzke, is the world’s first dog-friendly cruising experience, allowing pets to join passengers on luxury voyages.
The concept ensures that dogs are not just welcome but celebrated as special guests on board.
Passengers can visit cruisetails.com to learn more and apply for a spot on the Tails of the Seas.
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The ship is packed with exciting family features, and has proven popular in the years since she debuted. I’ve made a list of some of the most fun MSC Virtuosa activities for families to enjoy on board.
1. Interactive Splash Park
MSC Virtuosa has one of the most exciting water parks at sea. Kids will love the water guns, huge tipping bucket and multiple interactive water elements in the Savannah Waterpark. It’s the perfect place to cool off on a hot day.
2. Bowling Alley
The entertainment area on MSC Virtuosa has a full-sized bowling alley with two lanes. Here, you’ll also find lots of arcade games providing fun for all the family.
3. Galleria Virtuosa
This 100-metre long indoor promenade has a long domed LED ceiling. This space features eleven shopping boutiques as well as several bars and restaurants. It’s the perfect place to wander and socialise, whatever the weather.
4. MSC Starship Club
More than just a bar, The MSC Starship club will transport you to another world! It features a humanoid bartender by the name of Rob, who will make you cosmic cocktails and tell you jokes.
MSC Virtuosa has five swimming pools and one of the biggest waterparks at sea. The Tropical Pool has a retractable roof and four large hot tubs, which means that even if it’s raining you can still enjoy a day drinking cocktails by the pool.
6. Himalayan Bridge
Me on the Himalayan Bridge
If you’re feeling brave, have a go on this high ropes course which is located up on Deck 19, an incredible 80 metres above the ocean.
7. Water Slides
The MSC Virtuosa water park is the Savannah Aquapark, and kids and adults love the three twisting waterslides including a fun bowl slide that spins you round and round.
8. Kids’ Clubs
MSC Virtuosa has five dedicated kids clubs for ages from 0 to 17 years old with over 98 hours of kids’ activities each week. Kids can be entertained all day long with games, arts and crafts, competitions, parties and more!
Some of the features introduced for the MSC Virtuosa kids club include a silent disco and a Junior Detective game where they must solve puzzles in search of the truth.
New updates as of summer 2024 also include some exciting Guinness World Record quiz challenges and some conservation-themed learning. Plus the teens hours are now extended so you can leave them there from 3 pm until midnight!
9. Formula One Simulator
Climb into the driver’s seat of an F1 racing car and get your adrenaline-pumping with a virtual reality race.
10. Sportplex
Sporty types young and old can take part in all sorts of tournaments including tennis, football, basketball, table tennis and table football.
11. Swarovski Crystal Staircases
MSC Cruises ships are incredibly glamorous with thousands of Swarovski crystals used to make the staircases in the main atrium.
12. LEGO Experience
MSC Cruises has partnered with LEGO to create LEGO and Duplo-themed experiences, challenges and competitions for kids. There are over 64,000 LEGO bricks on the ship and kids may even be able meet life-sized LEGO people on board.
13. Le Grand Theatre
The theatre on MSC Virtuosa has 945 seats where guests can enjoy live performances every evening with three sittings per night.
14. Baby Club
MSC Cruises’ Baby Club has activities that parents and under-threes can enjoy together. There’s also the option to leave your toddler in the care of qualified childcare professionals while you relax.
15. Carousel Lounge
In the Carousel Lounge, you can enjoy spectacular entertainment up-close on the round stage as well as stunning sea views.
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Carnival Cruise Line has revealed exciting changes in store as it prepares to expand to four ships and double the fun to Australia starting in March 2025. Carnival is expanding with the addition of P&O Cruises Australia’s Pacific Adventure and Pacific Encounter, rebranded as Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter.
Two New Ships In 2025
This move will ensure P&O’s favorite dining and entertaining options remain, while introducing Carnival’s signature “Fun Ship” experience, giving guests the best of both worlds. Carnival, the world’s most popular cruise line, has cemented its commitment to Australia, as the leading cruise line offering Aussies year-round holidays at sea. Exciting New Features Guests will be thrilled to discover new additions onboard Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter, including:
Carnival’s Iconic Fun Squad: Bringing the brand’s trademark “Fun Ship” energy to life, the Fun Squad will host everything from hilarious comedy shows and trivia to deck parties and games, creating an unforgettable atmosphere for all ages. •
Turtles Kids Club: A brand-new childcare program for children under two, offering arts and crafts, story time, dancing, and sensory play under the guidance of qualified childcare professionals, giving parents a well-deserved break. • Free Daily Pizza: Guests can indulge in unlimited slices of happiness, served daily between 11 am and 4 pm.
Carnival Favorites: For the first time, guests onboard will enjoy beloved Carnival activities like Build-A-Bear workshops, the Conga for Kids line dance party, and the electrifying 80s Rock and Glow nights, adding even more fun to their experience.
Fun Favorites Here to Stay
The rebranded ships will also retain a range of P&O favorites, including the exclusive retreat Byron Beach Club, the thrill-seeking Edge Adventure Park, Luke Mangan’s specialty restaurant Luke’s Bar & Grill, as well as popular dining options Angelo’s and Dragon Lady. Much-loved show Blanc de Blanc also continues, ensuring a balance of the familiar and the new.
“P&O fans will recognize many of their favorite dining and entertainment options, while experiencing the added fun and flair that Carnival is famous for around the world,” said VP Guest Experience Deborah Cogin.
VP Sales and Marketing Kara Glamore added, “This transition presents a unique opportunity to combine the best of P&O Cruises Australia and Carnival Cruise Line as the brand expands its footprint in Australia.”
Once rebranded, Carnival Adventure will sail year-round from Sydney, joining sister ship Carnival Splendor. Carnival Encounter will homeport in Brisbane year-round, with Carnival Luminosa joining her during the summer season.
In 2025, nearly 600,000 guests are expected to sail from Sydney and Brisbane on Carnival, as Australia’s most popular cruise line.
“Carnival Cruise Line remains the only cruise line globally to demonstrate this level of commitment to Australia, sailing year-round and supporting thousands of local jobs while delivering unforgettable holiday experiences in Australia and the South Pacific,” said Glamore.
Pacific Adventure and Pacific Encounter will undergo a two-week wet dock in March 2025 before emerging as Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter, ready to continue their journeys under the Carnival banner.
Bookings for Adventure and Encounter can continue to be made via the P&O website www.pocruises.com.au until March 2025, while Splendor and Luminosa bookings are made via the Carnival Cruise Line website www.carnival.com.au.
Princess Cruises has rolled out a new hotline number that allows you to make dining reservations on their cruise ships easier than ever.
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Princess Cruises’ new Dine Line (1-833-805-DINE) is a 24/7 number that you can call to access dining reservations.
This phone number allows guests who are booked on an upcoming Princess cruise to book traditional, specialty, and experiential dining options on Princess cruise ships.
This includes 360: An Extraordinary Experience, Love by Britto and Spellbound by Magic Castle. However, Chef’s Table and Caymus Winemaker Dinners are not yet accessible through this number, but the cruise line is planning to add them soon.
It doesn’t matter if you cruising as a couple or with a group of 50, Princess’ Dine Line will help accommodate you according to your needs.
The Dine Line will also allow guests to purchase Princess Plus and Princess Premier packages, packages that turn your cruise into a nearly all-inclusive experience.
The packages include drink packages, WiFi, specialty dining and more.
In order to be able to use this new Dine Line from Princess Cruises, your cruise will have to be paid in full before you call.
However, there is an exception for Captain’s Circle Platinum and Elite members, as well as those booked in suites or a Sanctuary Collection stateroom. They will be able to access dining reservations through the Dine Line immediately after booking.
If you have an upcoming Princess cruise that’s paid in full, you can now use the 24/7 Dine Line at 1-833-805-DINE.
Cabins with French balconies are common on river cruise ships. Yet people who are used to sailing on ocean cruise ships may get a surprise when they see that the French balconies of river cruise ships are something quite different!
This post explains exactly what is a French balcony and helps you to decide whether you should book one or not.
French Balcony Cabins explained
A French balcony is a balcony that you cannot step out onto. It has floor-to-ceiling sliding doors that open to a railing, but no space for furniture. Also known as a Juliet balcony, a French balcony offers fresh air and the feel of a veranda, but with no outside space.
Other names for a French Balcony
When you book a river cruise, cabins with French balconies may be described with other words in the brochure or on the website. The exact names used vary depending on the cruise line.
Some other names for French Balcony include:
Juliet balcony
Open-air balcony
Panorama balcony
False balcony
Balconette
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French Balcony vs. Juliet Balcony
A French balcony and a Juliet balcony mean exactly the same thing. Both terms refer to floor-to-ceiling doors that slide or open inwards to reveal a railing that you can lean out of.
The name ‘Juliet’ (sometimes spelled as Juliette) comes from the Shakespeare play ‘Romeo and Juliet’. Shakespeare’s writing doesn’t actually mention a balcony, but that Juliet looked out of her bedroom window. However, performances frequently feature French balconies, so the nickname caught on.
There’s a reason river cruise ships tend to have French Balconies…
River cruise ships are fairly small, especially when compared to ocean cruise ships, as they have to be narrow enough to fit through locks. Having a French balcony saves space, meaning that you can enjoy a larger cabin.
On the waterways of Europe, it’s often not warm enough to sit out on your balcony. A French balcony offers the advantages of great views and fresh air without wasting space on cruises where it’s simply too cold to sit out.
Walk-out balconies are rare!
Most river cruise ships don’t offer true balconies that you can step out onto, but some do. On a river cruise ship, a true balcony is known as a veranda, which is sometimes spelt as ‘verandah’.
There may be up to four cabin types on a river cruise ship:
Window –If your cabin is below the waterline, this may be a small window up near the ceiling
French balcony –Floor-to-ceiling sliding doors and a railing
Veranda – A true balcony that you can step out on to
Suite – Larger rooms, sometimes with a separate bedroom and living area
Unlike ocean cruise ships, you won’t find any inside cabins on a river cruise ship. This is because river cruise ships are narrow enough for everyone to get at least a window.
If you opt for a cabin with a window, be sure to check the size of it. Some cabins have standard windows, but others have very small windows that you may even have to stand on a chair to be able to see out of! Cabins that are below the waterline with a high-up window are sometimes affectionately known as ‘aquarium class’.
The difference between a French Balcony and a Veranda?
The main difference between a French balcony and a veranda on a river cruise ship is that you can step out onto a veranda but only lean out of a French balcony.
Verandas often have a small table and two chairs. However, many French balcony cabins have a table and chairs by the balcony, so that it gives a similar feeling to sitting outside and the view is just as good.
Some AmaWaterways ships actually have twin balconies, with a French balcony and a veranda within one cabin!
Different types of French Balconies
Not all French balconies are the same. Some have standard sized patio doors which slide across to open half of the space. Others have panoramic floor to ceiling glass that covers one wall of the cabin.
Dropdown French balconies don’t have sliding doors. Instead, the top half of the window can be lowered. These are the best kind of French balconies as the open section can be as wide as the cabin for the best views.
Photo credit: Crystal
Do you even need a balcony?
Given that most river cruise boat balconies are French balconies, you may be wondering if a balcony is worth it on a river cruise.
Whether to opt for a balcony or save money by booking a cabin with a window is a matter of personal preference. Think about how much time you are going to spend in your cabin when deciding if the upgrade to a French balcony or a veranda is worth it.
If you’re trying to decide between a French balcony and a window, I would say that the most important thing to consider is the size of the window, and whether you can actually see out of it, rather than the details of the French balcony.
To help you decide, here are some pros and cons of having a French balcony:
Advantages of a French Balcony
Fresh air – You can open up the balcony to let air into the cabin, unlike a window which probably won’t open
Admire the view from bed –Opening your curtains and admiring the view with a cup of tea before you get out of bed is very enjoyable
See the scenery from the warmth of your cabin– On winter cruises it can be very cold up on the top deck, so you may prefer to watch it from your room
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French Balconies on Viking River Cruises
French balcony cabins on Viking ships have floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors. Depending on the ship, they may be between 122 and 150 square feet in size and may be smaller or larger than standard staterooms which have half-height picture windows.
The following table shows the sizes of Viking French balcony staterooms compared to standard window staterooms and those with verandas.
River
Standard cabin
Cabin with French balcony
Cabin with veranda
Rhine
135 sq ft
150 sq ft
205 sq ft
Danube
135 sq ft
150 sq ft
205 sq ft
Main
135 sq ft
150 sq ft
205 sq ft
Elbe
135 sq ft
150 sq ft
205 sq ft
Douro
155 sq ft
150 sq ft
185 sq ft
Elbe
140 sq ft
122 sq ft
180 sq ft
Seine
150 sq ft
135 sq ft
205 sq ft
Volga
142-160 sq ft
n/a
225-240 sq ft
Many ships also have suites which will be larger and may have both French balconies and verandas.
Viking ships sailing exotic itineraries such as in Asia, Egypt and the Mississippi usually do not have the option of a French balcony.
To conclude
Step-out balconies are rare on river cruise ships, with French balconies being much more common. These offer many of the advantages of a true balcony, whilst saving valuable space on board.
Now you know the French balcony meaning, you can decide whether it’s right for you.
Whether to opt for a stateroom with a window, a French balcony or a verandah is a matter of personal preference. Whichever you choose, you’ll only ever see one side of the river. For the best views, you’ll want to head up to the sun deck where you can enjoy 360-degree views of the surrounding scenery.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
