Elegant sliding glass doors separate the balcony from the bedroom. With the glass doors closed, you have a cozy bedroom. With the glass doors open, the room becomes a large living space with a separate sitting area. Sheer curtains and/or heavy drapes can be drawn across the doors, either closed, or open, the way I have preferred them to be for the duration of my voyage so far.

Step across the “threshold” onto the balcony, and you’ll find an elegant table complemented by two antique chairs, with white frames and blue upholstery. A floor-to-ceiling window forms the exterior wall. The window is divided horizontally. With the push of a button, the upper section lowers so that it is flush with the lower section of glass. The result is an open-air balcony. Most nights, I have left the window open so that the sounds of the river lulled me into slumber. Mosquitos? With the push of another button, netting lowers so that you can enjoy the breeze without the bugs.

Uniworld's Maria Theresa - On The Danube