YOUR HOME AWAY FROM HOME

The joys of river and small ship cruising are many, but at the end of an exciting day of shoreside exploration, superb cuisine, and conversations with new friends, nothing is more rewarding than relaxing in your suite or stateroom. These personal havens feature luxe bedding, every amenity, fabulous views, thoughtfully designed bathrooms and a wonderful sense of comfort. And when you want a reminder of your glorious surroundings, private verandas, French balconies and panoramic windows are the rule rather than the exception.

Accommodations on the vessels chosen by Select Waterways evoke a feeling of what the Danes call “hygge,” defined as “a quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being (regarded as a defining characteristic of Danish culture).” And when you’re traveling, there is no greater feeling in the world.

ROOMS WITH A RIVER VIEW 

On a river cruise, staterooms can be a bit cozier than ocean-going vessels but still feature every possible amenity, from bar refrigerators to marble bathrooms. On the lowest deck, you’ll find windows set near the ceiling and on higher decks, small walk-out balconies as well as French balconies. There’s always a view as you glide along a river so keeping the curtains open and watching the shoreline slip by is a favorite pastime.

On river cruises, verandas, French balconies and the orientation of the furniture encourage you to be part of the scenery as it glides past. Floor-to-ceiling windows bring in abundant natural light and you can fall asleep each night watching twinkling hamlets, medieval castles and rolling vineyards unfolding before your eyes.

THE LUXURY OF SPACE AT SEA

On a small ship, stateroom sizes will vary depending on the cruise line. Luxury lines will often feature all-suite accommodations with large verandahs, comfortable seating areas and evening dining nooks. Bathrooms may have bathtubs in addition to showers. And most suites feature butler service as well. Coastal ships usually have smaller staterooms since the ship spends even more time in port. There may be more affordable inside cabins without a view.

Luxury ocean-going ships are adorned with staterooms featuring the finest linens, high-end furniture, soft lighting and notable artwork. They evoke a luxe feeling strikingly reminiscent of a boutique hotel ashore. Coastal ships are usually not as over-the-top but some recent vessels have brought the ocean standards to coastal cruising. Expedition ships range from comfortable but functional to elegant and opulent, depending on the cruise line. The trend is toward more luxurious expedition ships than in years past, and there are currently more than 20 such ships under construction for delivery in the next few years.