River Cruising advice please
 

I am booking a 14 night Uniworld River Cruise from Budapest to Amsterdam.
Is it worth paying an extra $2000 per person for the full wall to ceiling windows that open to a French Balcony or will the picture windows suffice.
I note the floor space is the same so it is quite a lots for a bigger window.
Advice please
Thanks

No, it's not really worth the extra money for a French balcony but we were glad we did. On our first river cruise, we opted for the cheaper cabin on the bottom level of the boat and didn't like the extra noise and vibration from the engines, and the sealed windows. On our next cruise, we chose a cabin on the middle deck, so much more expensive but so much quieter and we really enjoyed having the window wide open to enjoy the scenery and the fresh air.

Hmmm, thanks Marg, I was thinking flying from Australia, I would rather put the money towards business class flights,figured you are trapped in your plane seat, but can walk around and use the lounges and deck on the boat.
Still undecided.

OK I think this depends on your ship, I'd ask the cruise line how noisy it is in the lower deck. I've been on 3 river cruises and 4 ships to Alaska. On the river cruises you are out of the room much of the time,except to sleep, and we still had very good window views even on the lowest level on our river cruise ship. It was quiet on our ship also but this probably depends on the ship, age of ship and what cruise line you are taking. I personally don't think it is worth it, but I'd ask first. I've done Viking and Tauck and wouldn't spend the extra $2000 on it, but this depends. Sue

Thanks Sue, we are on Uniworld River Princess, the cabin is on the main deck so in the middle, not the lowest level.
I do balconies on ocean voyages, but you have more time at sea on those.
I appreciate your comments.

I have done five river cruises with Uniworld and I think they they are superb but there is no way that I would even consider paying $4,000 extra for a cabin just for a French balcony. First, with the extensive touring program there is very little time spent in your stateroom except to sleep. Second, on most cruises travel is at night. Third, when in port, you can expect to be ratted quite often with another ship and half the time you will be up against the jetty and in either case will want to keep your curtains closed. As all cabins on most Uniworld ships, including River Princes, are the same size, except for the suites, I can see no reason to waste money for a larger window.

We have done several river cruises on Uniworld and like them very much. We have had a French Balcony on two cruises and not on the others. I didn't miss it at all. You aren't in the room enough to worry about having one. I'd put the money towards business class - especially coming from Australia. Have a great time!!

Thanks Laverendrye and Cali, you have saved me $4000!!!
The drinks are on me :)
You have confirmed what I was thinking.
Many thanks Sharon

Rafting is a big issue in the busy season. It isn't worth paying extra to see the side of a barge or even another tour boat. If it were free, sure, why not. But it isn't.