When it comes to cruising, there’s something truly captivating about the allure of a French balcony. This unique feature on a cruise ship offers a luxurious experience that sets it apart from traditional balconies. But what exactly is a French balcony, and why is it so enticing?
A French balcony on a cruise ship is a floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door that opens to a railing, mimicking the feel of a veranda. However, unlike a veranda, passengers cannot step outside onto the balcony itself. Instead, the French balcony provides an open-air space and breathtaking views without sacrificing valuable cabin space.
French balconies are commonly found on river cruise ships, where space is at a premium. They offer passengers the perfect blend of comfort and elegance, allowing them to enjoy the surrounding scenery while still enjoying the comforts of their cabin.
Key Takeaways:
- A French balcony on a cruise ship is a floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door that opens to a railing.
- Passengers cannot step outside onto the balcony itself.
- French balconies are commonly found on river cruise ships.
- They provide breathtaking views and a luxurious experience without sacrificing cabin space.
- French balconies offer the perfect blend of comfort and elegance.
What is the Difference Between a French Balcony and a Veranda?
When it comes to cruise ship balconies, there are two popular options: the French balcony and the veranda. While they may seem similar at first glance, there are some key differences between the two.
French Balcony
A French balcony on a cruise ship is a balcony that cannot be stepped out onto. It consists of a floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door that opens to a railing, allowing for fresh air and the feel of a veranda. However, passengers cannot actually step outside onto the balcony itself. A French balcony is a space-saving design that provides passengers with breathtaking views and a luxurious experience.
Veranda
On the other hand, a veranda is a true balcony that can be stepped out onto. It typically features a small table and chairs, allowing passengers to sit outside and enjoy the view. Verandas offer a more traditional balcony experience, providing passengers with the option to step outside and fully immerse themselves in the surroundings.
| French Balcony | Veranda |
|---|---|
| Cannot be stepped out onto | Can be stepped out onto |
| Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door | Typically features a small table and chairs |
| No outside space | Allows passengers to fully immerse themselves in the surroundings |
Both the French balcony and the veranda have their own benefits and appeal. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and what type of experience passengers are looking for. Whether it’s the elegance and space-saving design of a French balcony or the ability to step outside and enjoy the view on a veranda, both options offer a unique and enjoyable cruise experience.
Cabin Types on River Cruise Ships
When it comes to river cruise ships, passengers have a variety of cabin types to choose from. Each cabin category offers a unique experience and level of comfort. Let’s take a closer look at the different cabin types available:
Riverview Cabins
Riverview cabins are located on the lowest deck of the ship and feature small windows below the waterline. While these cabins may not offer as much natural light or expansive views as other types, they provide a cozy and intimate setting.
French Balcony Cabins
French balcony cabins are the most common type of cabin on river cruise ships. They feature floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that open to a railing, giving passengers the feeling of a veranda without stepping outside. French balcony cabins are perfect for those who want to enjoy the surrounding views while staying comfortably indoors.
Veranda Cabins
Veranda cabins are similar to traditional balconies on ocean cruise ships. Passengers can step outside onto a narrow balcony and enjoy the fresh air and scenic views. These cabins are ideal for those who prefer a more open-air experience and want to fully immerse themselves in the beauty of the river and surrounding landscapes.
Suites
If you’re looking for a more spacious and luxurious option, suites are the way to go. Suites on river cruise ships provide additional living space, separate sleeping areas, and sometimes multiple types of balconies. They offer the ultimate indulgence and are perfect for those who want an extra level of comfort and relaxation during their cruise.
With these different cabin types available, passengers can choose the option that best suits their preferences and desires for their river cruise experience.
| Cabin Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Riverview Cabins | Located on the lowest deck with small windows below the waterline |
| French Balcony Cabins | Feature floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that open to a railing |
| Veranda Cabins | Similar to traditional balconies, allowing passengers to step outside |
| Suites | Spacious and luxurious cabins with separate living and sleeping areas |
Advantages of a French Balcony
A French balcony on a cruise ship offers several advantages to passengers. Firstly, it provides the opportunity to enjoy fresh air by opening the balcony door. The sliding glass door allows for a refreshing breeze to enter the cabin, creating a pleasant and invigorating environment. Passengers can experience the feeling of being outdoors while still enjoying the comforts of their cabin.
Another advantage of a French balcony is the ability to enjoy the view from the comfort of the bed. By opening the curtains and leaning out of the balcony, passengers can admire the breathtaking scenery without having to leave their cozy sleeping area. This convenience allows for a truly immersive experience, perfect for relaxation and enjoying the beauty of the surroundings.
Furthermore, a French balcony is particularly beneficial during winter cruises. Passengers can appreciate the stunning views while staying warm inside their cabin. This is especially appealing for those who prefer to avoid the cold temperatures but still want to experience the mesmerizing landscapes and picturesque destinations that river cruises offer.
Overall, a French balcony provides a comfortable and enjoyable way to experience the surrounding views on a cruise ship. It combines the benefits of fresh air, convenient viewing, and a cozy cabin atmosphere, making it a popular choice for passengers seeking a luxurious and immersive cruise experience.
| Advantages of a French Balcony |
|---|
| Allows for fresh air and a refreshing breeze |
| Enables passengers to enjoy the view from the bed |
| Provides a cozy cabin experience during winter cruises |
French Balconies on Viking River Cruises
When it comes to cruising with French balconies, Viking River Cruises is a top choice for many travelers. Known for their elegant ships and exceptional service, Viking offers French balcony cabins that provide a comfortable and enjoyable experience for passengers.
The size of the French balcony cabins on Viking River Cruises may vary depending on the ship, but they typically range from 122 to 150 square feet. While slightly smaller than their standard staterooms, which feature half-height picture windows, these cabins still offer ample space and all the necessary amenities.
The highlight of Viking’s French balcony cabins is the floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that provide access to the balcony railing. With a simple slide, passengers can open up their cabin to fresh air and stunning views, immersing themselves in the beauty of the surrounding landscapes. Whether it’s the picturesque vineyards along the Rhine or the charming towns along the Danube, guests can enjoy the scenery from the comfort of their cabin.
French balconies are a signature feature of Viking River Cruises. Designed to enhance the overall experience, these cabins offer a unique blend of luxury and convenience. Passengers can indulge in the allure of a veranda-style cabin, complete with fresh air and beautiful views, all while cruising in style with Viking.
So, if you’re looking for a river cruise experience that combines luxury, comfort, and breathtaking views, consider booking a French balcony cabin with Viking River Cruises. With their impeccable service and exceptional amenities, you’re sure to have a memorable and enjoyable journey along the world’s most picturesque waterways.
Other Names for a French Balcony
A French balcony on a cruise ship is not only known by its original name but is also referred to by various other terms. These alternative names add a touch of linguistic variety and imagination to the concept of a French balcony, providing passengers with different ways to describe this unique feature.
One commonly used alternative name for a French balcony is a Juliet balcony. This term originates from the famous balcony scene in William Shakespeare’s play “Romeo and Juliet,” where Juliet appears on a balcony to speak to Romeo. The term “Juliet balcony” has been adopted to describe the type of balcony that cannot be stepped out onto but allows passengers to lean out and enjoy the view, just as Juliet did in the play.
Other names for a French balcony include open-air balcony, panorama balcony, false balcony, and balconette. These names are used interchangeably and all refer to the same type of balcony that provides passengers with the experience of leaning out and admiring the surrounding scenery.
“A French balcony by any other name would still provide the same delightful view.”
French Balcony Names:
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Juliet balcony | Refers to the balcony concept from Shakespeare’s play “Romeo and Juliet,” allowing passengers to lean out and enjoy the view. |
| Open-air balcony | Describes a balcony that provides fresh air and the feeling of being outdoors, even though it cannot be stepped out onto. |
| Panorama balcony | Suggests a balcony that offers a wide and breathtaking view of the surrounding scenery. |
| False balcony | Implies a balcony that appears to be the traditional type but does not provide external access. |
| Balconette | Refers to a French balcony that allows passengers to lean out and enjoy the view while standing safely indoors. |
Innovative Cabin Designs
When it comes to designing cabin spaces on river cruise ships, there has been a focus on innovation and reimagining the concept of a French balcony. Cruise lines are pushing the boundaries to maximize the use of space and enhance the overall experience for passengers.
AmaWaterways Twin Balcony Staterooms
AmaWaterways has introduced twin balcony staterooms, which offer the best of both worlds. These cabins feature both a French balcony and a standard exterior balcony, providing passengers with options for enjoying the views and the fresh air.
Avalon Waterways “Suite Ships”
Avalon Waterways has taken cabin design to new heights with their “suite ships”. One of the standout features is their triple doors that open up to 8 feet, creating a wide and airy French balcony experience. Passengers can fully immerse themselves in the surroundings and feel connected to the outdoors.
Emerald Waterways Infinite Balcony Concept
Emerald Waterways has introduced an innovative concept called the infinite balcony. This unique design features a floor-to-ceiling window that can be lowered with the push of a button, transforming the cabin into an open-air space. Passengers can enjoy the fresh air and panoramic views without having to step outside.
These innovative cabin designs are a testament to the cruise industry’s commitment to providing passengers with a luxurious and immersive French balcony experience. Whether it’s the combination of a French balcony and an exterior balcony, the wide-opening doors, or the infinite balcony concept, these designs offer unique and exciting ways to enjoy the beauty of the surroundings while onboard a river cruise ship.
| Cruise Line | Innovative Cabin Design |
|---|---|
| AmaWaterways | Twin Balcony Staterooms – Combination of French balcony and exterior balcony |
| Avalon Waterways | “Suite Ships” – Triple doors that create a wide and airy French balcony experience |
| Emerald Waterways | Infinite Balcony Concept – Floor-to-ceiling window that transforms into an open-air space |
French Balcony Vs Juliet Balcony
When it comes to cruise ship balconies, two terms that often come up are French balcony and Juliet balcony. Although they refer to the same concept, there are some subtle differences between the two.
A French balcony on a cruise ship is a floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door that opens to a railing. This design creates the feeling of a veranda, providing fresh air and breathtaking views. Passengers can lean out and admire the scenery, but they cannot step outside onto the balcony itself.
On the other hand, a Juliet balcony is also a floor-to-ceiling door that opens inwards to reveal a railing. This type of balcony is named after the famous balcony scene in Shakespeare’s play “Romeo and Juliet,” where Juliet is often depicted looking out of a balcony. While the term “Juliet” balcony is often used in theater performances, it has also caught on in the cruise ship industry to describe this type of balcony.
| French Balcony | Juliet Balcony |
|---|---|
| Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door | Floor-to-ceiling door that opens inwards |
| Opens to a railing | Reveals a railing |
| Passengers can lean out but not step outside | Passengers can lean out and enjoy the view |
While the terms French balcony and Juliet balcony are often used interchangeably on cruise ships, it’s important to understand the slight differences in terminology. Ultimately, both types of balconies offer passengers a wonderful way to experience the views and create lasting memories during their cruise.
Final Thoughts
The French balcony on a cruise ship offers a unique and immersive experience for passengers. Its floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors open to a railing, providing fresh air and breathtaking views. While it may not offer an actual outdoor space, the French balcony still allows passengers to enjoy the feel of a veranda and take in the beauty of their surroundings.
With their space-saving design, French balconies are a popular choice on river cruise ships. They offer a luxurious and comfortable experience, allowing passengers to admire the scenery and relax in their cabins. Whether opting for a French balcony or another cabin category, passengers are sure to create cherished memories during their cruise.
So, if you’re seeking a cruise experience that combines elegance, comfort, and stunning vistas, consider choosing a French balcony cabin. Indulge in the allure of this unique feature and enjoy a truly memorable journey along the rivers.
French Balcony FAQ
What is a French Balcony on a Cruise Ship?
A French balcony on a cruise ship is a balcony that cannot be stepped out onto. It is a floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door that opens to a railing, offering fresh air and the feel of a veranda, but without any outside space.
What is the Difference Between a French Balcony and a Veranda?
The main difference between a French balcony and a veranda on a cruise ship is that a veranda is a true balcony that can be stepped out onto, while a French balcony is a balcony that can only be leaned out of.
What Cabin Types are Available on River Cruise Ships?
River cruise ships offer a variety of cabin types, including interior cabins, Riverview cabins, French balcony cabins, veranda cabins, and suites.
What are the Advantages of a French Balcony?
French balconies on cruise ships provide fresh air, allow passengers to enjoy the view from their bed, and offer a comfortable way to experience the surrounding views.
Do Viking River Cruises Offer French Balcony Cabins?
Yes, Viking River Cruises is known for its French balcony cabins, which range in size from 122 to 150 square feet.
What are Some Other Names for a French Balcony?
A French balcony on a cruise ship may also be referred to as a Juliet balcony, open-air balcony, panorama balcony, false balcony, or balconette.
What Innovative Cabin Designs are Available for French Balconies?
River cruise lines have introduced twin balcony staterooms, wide and airy French balconies with triple doors, and infinite balcony concepts to enhance the French balcony experience.
What is the Difference Between a French Balcony and a Juliet Balcony?
French balcony and Juliet balcony are two terms that refer to the same concept on a cruise ship, with both involving floor-to-ceiling doors that open to a railing.
What Cabin Categories and Sizes are Available on River Cruise Ships?
Common cabin categories on river cruise ships include window cabins, French balcony cabins, veranda cabins, and suites, with each having its own size and features.
