For all the talk of more and enhanced balconies on river cruise ships, there is one area that often gets neglected: the lower deck.
The lower deck dips partially below water level, meaning the cabins on this level can usually only accommodate smaller porthole windows that do not open.
But it appears that Tauck is seeking to address this drawback with a new design for some of its lower deck cabins. On its two newbuilds that are launching next year, eight of the lower deck cabins will feature a raised platform seating area with a small table and two chairs, and a raised ceiling that will accommodate a much taller window, the upper portion of which can be opened for fresh air.
The Category 3 cabins will be 225 square feet each. The larger windows will measure 98 inches by 114 inches.
It may seem like a small tweak, but with river cruise lines putting greater emphasis on larger suites, fancy balconies and multiple dining venues, the lower deck cabins, which tend to be smaller and darker, are seemingly getting increasingly removed the ships' enhanced areas.
Tauck itself has stated that its suites are often the first class of cabins to sell, and other river cruise lines have made similar statements. But the lower deck staterooms are a necessity in design and are also a critical component to successful capacity models. So it makes sense that at least one river cruise line is looking at ways to enhance these cabins. Because, let’s face it, the lower deck cabins need to sell well, too.