Inside the Cheapest Cabins on a River Cruise Ship: What Are “Underwater” Cabins Really Like?

Many people dream of river cruising, but it can be expensive and out of reach for many.

The “bargain” prices you see advertised are usually the lowest category of cabin, often called “water level” or “underwater” cabins.

Don’t worry, you won’t be drowning but yes, these cabins come with quirks.

Your cabin certainly won’t look like the river cruise cabins you see advertised in glossy magazines or on TV.

Where Are These Cabins Located?

These are the lowest-grade cabins, located close to the waterline on the lowest passenger decks.

They are often nicknamed “underwater cabins” because you can be looking right out at water level, and if the ship is moving, the water can splash up over the window.

River cruise ships don’t have “inside” cabins like ocean cruise ships. So you will get the daylight through a small window, but you won’t get a large window or opening doors like you would on a higher deck.

What Do They Look Like?

The cabins are typically smaller than the balcony cabins on higher decks.

The windows are “half windows” or “fixed portholes” that sit just above the water.

They won’t have any opening windows or balconies.

What’s Included in the Price?

You will get the same service, dining, and entertainment as everyone else.

The housekeeping, the amenities, and access to all public spaces are identical.

The only difference is the cabin location and the lack of a view.

When my parents booked the lowest grade of cabin on TUI Skyla, they had a few issues with the cabin, including a cabin door that kept mysteriously opening by itself!

TUI very kindly moved them to a cabin on a higher deck, as they couldn’t fix the issue.

Find out all about it in the video below:

Pros of Booking an “Underwater” Cabin

There are some good points about booking these cabins:

• They are the cheapest way to experience a river cruise.
• They are a good option if you don’t plan to spend much time in your room.
• You’ll get the same itinerary and ship facilities, but for less money.

Cons of Booking an “Underwater” Cabin

There are a few disadvantages:

• The rooms can be darker, as there is limited natural light.
• They can feel more enclosed and claustrophobic.
• You may hear more engine noise or docking noises.
  • It can also be noisy if you go through locks in the middle of the night! Pack earplugs.
• When you are docked, and sometimes river ships dock side by side, you might only have a view of the concrete dock side or the bottom of a different river cruise ship.

Who Should Book One?

They are great for travellers on a budget. If you can only afford the lowest grade “standard cabin,” that will be fine.

All cabins are well-appointed and comfortable.

You will still get the same river cruise, but with fewer river views.

If you are more likely to be enjoying the top deck space or be off the ship exploring during the day, then these cabins are perfect. You are likely to only be in them in the evenings when it’s dark outside anyway.

They are a perfect, comfortable base for sleeping, washing and changing, but don’t expect to be sitting by your open sliding doors, enjoying river views as you sail along.

If you want the full river cruise experience, sitting by your own private Juliet balcony as the ship sails along, you might want to spend a little extra and upgrade to a higher deck.

I had one of these underwater cabins when I sailed with the luxury river cruise line, Uniworld.

The ship was ultra luxurious – but the cabin had to be seen to be believed!

Have a closer look at the cabin in the video below:

Before You Go

If you have only ever taken an ocean cruise, you will find river cruising very different. Read the article below to find out why:

7 Things Ocean Cruisers Get Wrong About River Cruising

River cruises are more expensive than ocean cruises. Find out why, and whether they are good value for money here:

Why Are River Cruises EXPENSIVE? – The Truth Behind The Price