Before you put down serious money on an AmaWaterways river cruise—because let’s be honest, river cruises are expensive—it’s essential to understand what the staterooms are really like.
AmaWaterways cabins are not comparable to ocean cruise cabins. There are fewer categories, less overall space, and several important differences that can impact your comfort depending on how you travel.
We’ve sailed AmaWaterways multiple times and have stayed in every cabin category, from the lowest deck to the suite. In this post, we’re breaking down what actually matters, what’s worth paying extra for, and which cabin we’d choose if we were booking AmaWaterways again.
Hey, it’s Luxury Travel Docs. We’re not travel agents, we don’t receive free cruises, and price matters to us. We share honest, real-world cruise experiences because the opinions of ordinary travelers matter—and all profits from our social media are donated to charity.
Why Your AmaWaterways Cabin Choice Matters More Than You Think
AmaWaterways ships are small—typically around 70–80 cabins total—and itineraries are packed with daily excursions. While many travelers assume they won’t spend much time in their room, the reality is that space, layout, light, and noise can significantly affect how comfortable your cruise feels.
Before booking, here are the key factors you should consider.
1. Budget Reality
The price difference between cabin categories on AmaWaterways can be dramatic. On our most recent 7-night Enchanting Rhine sailing, brochure prices started around $2,799 per person for a fixed window cabin and climbed to nearly $6,800 per person for a suite.
That’s more than double the cost—so understanding what you’re paying for is critical.
2. Space & Layout
AmaWaterways cabins range from roughly 155 square feet in the lowest categories to over 350 square feet in suites. River ships must fit through locks and under bridges, so every inch is intentional.
Some cabins prioritize storage, others natural light, and others seating and bathroom space. The differences are more noticeable than most brochures suggest.
3. Balcony Expectations (French vs Twin)
Not all balconies are created equal. AmaWaterways offers:
- French balconies: Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors for light and fresh air
- Twin balconies: A French balcony plus a true outdoor veranda with chairs
But river cruising isn’t constant scenery. You’ll pass through locks, dock in industrial areas, and often raft next to other ships. Whether a balcony is “worth it” depends heavily on season and personal travel style.
4. Noise & Ship Location
Lower-deck cabins sit at the waterline and may hear more hull movement during locks. Cabins toward the rear of the ship can experience mild vibration when underway. If you’re sensitive to sound, choosing a cabin further forward can make a noticeable difference.
5. Accessibility & Convenience
Most AmaWaterways ships have elevators connecting the Piano, Cello, and Violin decks (not the Sun Deck). Deck plans clearly show elevator access, and Ama provides walking sticks and cane seats for guests who need them.
AmaWaterways Cabin Categories Explained (All Four Types)
Fixed Window Staterooms (Piano Deck)
Fixed window cabins are the most affordable option, averaging around 160 square feet. Located at the waterline, they feature a sealed window and a simple but efficient layout.
Despite the lower price, you still receive all core AmaWaterways inclusions: guided excursions, excellent dining, heated bathroom floors, and attentive service.
Surprising advantage: These cabins often have slightly more storage than French balcony rooms thanks to shelving beneath the window.
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| Category E (yellow) and Category D (orange) cabins |
French Balcony Staterooms (Cello & Violin Decks)
French balcony cabins come in two main sizes:
- Category CB: ~155 sq ft (higher deck)
- Category CA: ~170 sq ft (larger footprint)
Instead of a traditional balcony, these cabins feature a sliding glass door that opens for fresh air and light. Storage is slightly reduced compared to fixed window cabins, but the elevated position improves the view.
Twin Balcony Staterooms (Our Sweet Spot)
Twin balcony staterooms are where many travelers find the best balance. Sizes range from 205 to 235 square feet, and the layout feels noticeably more open.
You get:
- A true outdoor balcony with chairs and a table
- A separate French balcony for added light
- A larger bathroom with a longer shower
- Smart glass that brings natural light into the bathroom
Category A includes a small sofa that converts into a bed, allowing for a third passenger.
Suites (Limited & Luxurious)
Suites average around 350 square feet and are typically located on the Violin Deck. Most ships have fewer than 10, and they book quickly.
Suites include:
- Separate living and sleeping areas (no full doors)
- The largest bathrooms, often with soaking tubs
- Dual balconies (French + extended outdoor veranda)
- Additional storage and a convertible sofa bed
Extra amenities include sparkling wine on arrival, in-room coffee service, a stocked refrigerator, and unlimited laundry.
Watch Our Full AmaWaterways Cabin Walkthrough on YouTube
If you want to see the differences between AmaWaterways cabins instead of just reading about them, we highly recommend watching our full video walkthrough.
In this video, we take you inside every AmaWaterways stateroom category—from fixed window cabins to French balconies, twin balconies, and suites—so you can see the layouts, storage, bathrooms, and balcony styles for yourself.
We also share which cabin we personally book most often, which upgrades we think are worth the money, and which ones you can confidently skip depending on the itinerary and season.
You can watch the full video here: AmaWaterways Cabins Explained: What’s Worth the Upgrade?
Tip: Watching the video before booking can help you avoid surprises and feel much more confident about choosing the right stateroom for your travel style.
What to Wear & Bring for Small River Cruise Cabins
Because AmaWaterways cabins are compact, packing smart matters. Lightweight layers, versatile clothing, and space-saving accessories make a real difference.
For a complete breakdown, see our full river cruise packing list. Below are some of our most-used cabin-friendly essentials.
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| An easy wrap in Vienna for style |
Women’s River Cruise Essentials
- T-shirts or breathable UPF tops
- A warm fleece or light sweater
- Packable raincoat or puffer jacket
- Scarf or wrap like a pashmina
- Comfortable walking shoes and flats
- Anti-theft purse or slim crossbody
Men’s River Cruise Essentials
- Polos like the Helly Hansen Polo
- Casual button-downs (Helly Hansen)
- Warm layers like a fleece or pullover
- Trail comfort sneakers or walking shoes
- Anti-theft day bag or RFID wallet
So…Which AmaWaterways Cabin Is Best?
For most travelers, the twin balcony stateroom offers the best overall value. It provides extra space, excellent light, a usable outdoor balcony, and our favorite bathroom layout—without jumping to suite pricing.
That said, we personally sail fixed window or French balcony cabins often, especially on cooler-weather itineraries when we won’t spend much time outside.
Suites are wonderful for milestone trips or travelers who truly value space, but for most sailings, we prefer to stretch our cruise budget further.
The best cabin is ultimately the one that matches how you travel and how you use your space.
If you’ve sailed AmaWaterways before—or you’re planning your first trip—share which stateroom you chose in the comments. Your experience may help someone else book with confidence.
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