Are you planning a European river cruise with AmaWaterways and considering the Category D fixed window stateroom on the AmaLucia? This detailed review covers everything you need to know—stateroom layout, amenities, clever cruise accessories we bring along, and practical tips for getting the most out of your budget-friendly cabin. This type of cabin is available across multiple AmaWaterways ships, including the AmaBella, AmaCello, AmaCerto, AmaDante, AmaDolce, AmaDouro, AmaKristina, AmaLea, AmaLyra, AmaMora, AmaPrima, AmaReina, AmaSerena, AmaSiena, AmaSonata, AmaStella, AmaVenita, AmaVerde, AmaVida, and AmaViola.
What Is a Category D Fixed Window Stateroom?
The Category D staterooms on AmaLucia are located on the Piano Deck (the lowest passenger deck). These cabins are around 160 square feet and feature a large elevated fixed window that allows in natural light but does not open. You’re at water level, so you may have to go elsewhere on the ship to enjoy scenic views as the ship sails. You can see a little bit from the window but not very much.
Inside, you’ll find:
A comfortable bed (either two twins or one queen)
A small desk/vanity area
Wardrobe/closet space
Bathroom with shower and premium bath products
Flat-screen TV with on-demand movies and infotainment
Although the room is compact, it’s thoughtfully designed to make the most of every inch, and storage is surprisingly good for a ship cabin of this size.
These staterooms are perfect if you’re prioritizing the destination over the room. They offer the same excellent service and amenities that AmaWaterways is known for but at a more budget-friendly price.
The Difference Between Category D and Category E Cabins
You may have noticed both Category D and Category E cabins listed at the lower end of the AmaLucia’s pricing chart. What’s the difference?
Both categories are on the Piano Deck and offer the same size (about 160 square feet) and layout, including the fixed window. The main difference is their location on the deck:
Category D cabins are typically located closer to mid-ship, which can offer a smoother ride.
Category E cabins are often toward the front or rear of the deck.
In terms of value, Category E cabins are usually the least expensive on the ship, followed by Category D. Both are great choices for travelers who want to stretch their cruise budget while still enjoying the same food, excursions, and amenities as those in higher-priced cabins.
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| Category E (yellow) and Category D (orange) cabins |
What Is a French Balcony?
Once you move up from Category D and E, the next level of cabins on AmaLucia offers a French balcony.
So, what is that exactly? A French balcony is a floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door that opens to the outside—but there’s no walk-out space like a traditional balcony. You can slide the door open to let in fresh air and lean out to enjoy the views, but you won’t be able to step outside.
The main advantages of a French balcony are:
More natural light: The full glass door brightens the room.
Fresh air: You can open the door to let in the breeze.
A greater sense of space: Even though the square footage may be similar, the open glass and view give the room a more expansive feel.
If you’re deciding between cabin categories, the French balcony offers a nice middle ground between the budget fixed window cabins and the more expensive twin balcony suites (which have both a French balcony and a full step-out balcony).
Sleeping Area: Comfort & Convenience
The bed is convertible between two twin beds or a queen. Each side of the bed has:
A nightstand
Reading lamps
USB-A and universal 230 volt charging ports
The linens are plush, and the mattress is comfortable—important after a day of excursions! We also appreciate the blackout curtains, which keep the room dark for a restful night. We always pack a cruise-approved universal charging device to make charging multiple devices easy and allow us to charge at pre- and post-cruise hotels.
Storage: Make the Most of Your Space
Storage is surprisingly efficient for a compact cabin. You’ll have:
A wardrobe with both hanging space and shelving
A set of drawers and cubbies
Plenty of space under the bed for suitcases
Pro tip: We bring magnetic hooks to create extra hanging spots for jackets or bags. Note that the walls and bathroom door are not metal, so magnetic hooks won’t work there. To get around this, we also bring a suction cup magnifying mirror—perfect for makeup or shaving, as the bathroom doesn’t come with a magnifying mirror.
Desk, Outlets & Entertainment
The room has a small desk area/vanity with:
A flat-screen TV offering movies, news, and ship information
A mini-fridge
Universal 230 volt electrical outlets and USB ports (Europe-compatible)
We always pack a cruise-approved universal charging device to make charging multiple devices easy and allow us to charge at pre- and post-cruise hotels.
Bathroom Features: Thoughtful Details
The bathroom is compact but well-designed, with:
A single sink and well-lit mirror
Ample shelf space for toiletries
A glass-enclosed shower with a rain showerhead and handheld sprayer
Heated floors (a nice luxury)
AmaWaterways’ signature Pure Herbs toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, lotion)
A retractable clothesline in the shower for drying swimsuits or small items
Adding your own suction cup magnifying mirror is especially useful since the stateroom only provides a fixed one in the bathroom. An additional magnifying mirror allow more than one person to get ready at a time and allows for better lighting since you can move it around the room as you need.
How We Use the AirFly Pro with QuietVox
One of the best parts of an AmaWaterways cruise is the included excursions, where you’ll use a QuietVox audio system. This is a small receiver with an earpiece that allows you to clearly hear your guide, even in busy locations.
We always bring an AirFly Pro, which lets you connect your Bluetooth headphones to the QuietVox system wirelessly. This is a game changer if you prefer your own headphones for better comfort and sound quality. No more dealing with the wired earpiece provided—just plug the AirFly Pro into the QuietVox unit, pair your Bluetooth headphones, and you’re ready to go.
See our full video walkthrough and comparison to other cabins in this YouTube video:
Beverage Stations: Coffee & Tea Anytime
Although staterooms don’t have coffee makers, AmaWaterways offers 24/7 complimentary tea and coffee stations in the main lounge and near the Chef’s Table. You’ll never be far from a hot drink, whether it’s first thing in the morning or after a day of exploring.
Laundry & Hair Appliances: Know Before You Go
Laundry: Laundry services are available for a fee. For small items, we recommend bringing a small amount of travel detergent and using the retractable clothesline in your bathroom.
Hair tools: Personal hair straighteners, curling irons, and similar appliances are not permitted for safety reasons. AmaWaterways has approved hair appliances available to borrow on board—just ask at reception.
Why Choose the Category D Cabin?
Opting for the Category D fixed window stateroom is a smart way to save money while still enjoying the full AmaWaterways experience. You’ll have:
Full access to gourmet dining, drinks, and excursions
All the same onboard amenities as guests in higher categories with the exception of a suite that has morning coffee service and laundry service included.
A comfortable room for relaxing and sleeping
The trade-off? No balcony or fresh air from your cabin. But if you plan to spend most of your time on excursions or in the ship’s public areas, this is a great way to maximize your budget without missing out.
Our Must-Have Accessories for Category D
Here’s what we always bring to make the most of this cabin type:
Suction cup magnifying mirror (for makeup or shaving)
Cruise-approved travel adapter (non-surge protected)
AirFly Pro (to connect Bluetooth headphones to QuietVox units)
Travel detergent sheets (for hand-washing small clothing items)
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
The Category D fixed window stateroom is a fantastic choice if you’re budget-conscious but want the full luxury river cruise experience. With smart packing and a few personal touches, this cabin becomes a comfortable and functional home base for your adventure.
By understanding what to expect—and bringing along a few cruise-tested accessories—you’ll be well-prepared to enjoy every moment on board and ashore.
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