French Balconies on Cruise Ships: The Ultimate Guide!

Cabins with French balconies are common on river cruise ships, but they aren’t like the balconies you see on ocean cruises. A French balcony is basically a floor-to-ceiling glass door that opens to a railing. You don’t step outside, but you can enjoy the fresh air and watch the river scenery from inside your cabin. It brings in lots of light and makes the room feel bigger. For many travelers, this is a smart choice without paying extra for a full balcony.

If you like sitting outside with a table and chairs, a verandah cabin might suit you better. These cabins give you a private outdoor space, but they usually cost more. For most first-time river cruisers, a French balcony gives almost the same experience at a lower price. You can enjoy the views, relax, and keep your room feeling bright and open. Choosing a French balcony doesn’t mean you’re missing out.

This post explains what a French balcony really is and helps you decide if it’s the right choice for your cabin.

What are French Balcony Cabins?

Photo Courtesy: Avalon Waterways

A French balcony looks like a traditional balcony at first, but it’s actually different. Instead of an outdoor space, you get full-length glass doors that open to a railing. You can’t step outside, but you still enjoy open views and fresh air. Many people call it a Juliet balcony because it works more like a large window than a sitting area. This style makes cabins brighter while keeping the room size the same.

On a river cruise, a French balcony adds charm without taking up space on the ship. You can slide the doors open and feel connected to the scenery right from your cabin. Towns, villages, and rolling landscapes pass by as you stand near the railing. This design creates a nice link between the cabin and the outside world, making the journey feel more personal and close-up.

French balconies are also found on ocean ships, giving travelers a way to enjoy sea views without paying for a bigger verandah cabin. The tall glass doors bring in natural light and let in the ocean breeze. While there isn’t space for chairs, many guests enjoy standing by the railing and watching the water. It’s a good option for those who like fresh air and views but don’t need an outdoor seating area.

What else a French Balcony is called?

A French balcony can sometimes be called by other names, so don’t be surprised if you hear it described differently. Cruise lines and travelers often use these terms to talk about the same feature. The idea is always the same, a large glass door that opens to a railing and brings in fresh air and views without an outdoor sitting area. Here are some of the common names you might see:

• Juliet Balcony
• False Balcony
• Rail Balcony
• French Window Balcony
• Balconette
• Open-air balcony
• Panorama balcony

The Idea Behind a French Balcony

The idea of a French balcony comes from the way river cruise ships are built. Since these ships are narrow to fit through locks and waterways, there isn’t enough space for large step-out balconies. Designers wanted guests to enjoy fresh air and views, so they came up with a smart solution.

A French balcony looks like a regular balcony, but doesn’t extend outside the ship. Instead, it has sliding glass doors that open to a railing. You can stand by the door, feel the breeze, and watch the scenery, all without taking up extra space on the vessel. These balconies also make the cabins brighter and more open. Natural light floods in, and the view of the river feels closer. It’s a design that saves space while still giving guests the joy of feeling connected to the outside world.

Let’s see how French balconies compare with other cabin types:

Different Types of French Balconies

French balconies come in a few different styles, and each one gives a slightly different feel. The most common type is the sliding door version. These usually open halfway, letting you enjoy the air and views while keeping part of the glass shut. Some ships go a step further with panoramic French balconies that stretch from floor to ceiling across an entire wall. Even when closed, they flood the cabin with light and make the room feel more open.

There’s also the drop-down style, which doesn’t use sliding doors at all. Instead, the top section of the window lowers at the push of a button. When it’s open, you get a wide, clear space that feels like the whole cabin wall has disappeared. Many guests love this design because it gives the broadest views and the best airflow without taking up any interior space.

What is the difference between a French balcony and a Veranda balcony?

A French balcony and a veranda balcony may sound similar, but they’re quite different when it comes to space and design. A French balcony, like the ones you’ll see on AmaWaterways ships, is more about giving you fresh air and wide views without stepping outside. In a French balcony stateroom, you’ll usually find sliding glass doors that open up to a railing. You can stand right at the edge, lean out for a breeze, and enjoy the river passing by, but there isn’t room for outdoor seating. It’s designed to save space on the ship while still letting you enjoy the scenery.

A veranda balcony, on the other hand, gives you your own private outdoor area. You can walk out onto a small platform with a table and chairs, making it feel like an extension of your cabin. On AmaWaterways, some staterooms even combine both styles, so you get the open-air feeling of a French balcony and the sitting area of a veranda. The choice often comes down to how much time you want to spend outdoors in your own space. If you like fresh air and views but don’t need chairs outside, a French balcony works well. If you want to sit out, have coffee, or spend more time outdoors, then a veranda balcony is the better fit.

On Viking River Cruises, the difference is very similar. Viking’s French balcony cabins also have sliding floor-to-ceiling doors that open to a railing, letting you enjoy the light and river views from inside. Their veranda cabins, on the other hand, offer step-out balconies with chairs and tables so you can spend more time outdoors. Choosing between them depends on how much outdoor space you want and how you plan to enjoy the scenery along your cruise.

French Balconies on Viking River Cruises

French balconies are one of the most popular cabin features on Viking River Cruises. Instead of a walk-out balcony, they have floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that open to a railing. This design saves space on the ship while still letting guests enjoy open views, fresh air, and lots of natural light. Many travelers like them because they give the cabin a brighter, more spacious feel without the higher cost of a full veranda.

Final Words

Thinking about booking a river cruise with a French balcony? It’s a smart choice if you love the idea of fresh air and wide-open views but still want the privacy of your own space. Sliding open the glass doors gives you the feeling of being outside without losing the comfort of your cabin. You’ll see the river landscapes drift by, enjoy natural light all day, and have the best views right from your room.

At CruiseBooking.com, we can help you find the perfect river cruise that fits your style and budget. Our team will guide you through the options so you can pick the right ship, itinerary, and balcony type. A French balcony makes the journey even more special, and we’ll make sure you get the most out of it. Contact us today, and let’s start planning your trip on the water.