I went on a $7,075 cruise for 9 days. See inside my 344-square-foot suite with a glass sunroom and walk-in closet.

Jill SchildhouseNov 5, 2024, 21:55 IST

The Scenic Spirit is a fairly small luxury cruise ship. Jill Schildhouse<ul class="summary-list"><li>I went on a nine-day trip aboard the Scenic Spirit, a luxury river cruise that holds 68 guests. </li><li>My 344-square-foot deluxe room had a special area with a glass partition and tons of windows. </li></ul>Americans have been pretty <a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/why-americans-love-cruises-icon-of-the-seas-gen-z-2024-1">obsessed with cruises</a> this year, especially megaships that hold thousands and have as many restaurants and shops as a small city.But their vastness and lack of exclusivity aren't for every traveler. Enter the <a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/river-cruise-great-if-you-dont-like-cruises-opinion">luxury river cruise</a>. They're much smaller and more intimate than the big ships — often holding fewer than 150 travelers — and usually way pricier, too. An all-inclusive river cruise sailing can cost more than triple what you'd pay for a <a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/cruise-room-recommendations-for-family-what-to-avoid-review-photos-2022-5">basic cabin on a megaship</a>. This year, I went on one aboard the Scenic Spirit, which holds up to 68 guests. The nine-day cruise took us along the Mekong River through <a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/avoid-visa-mistake-no-middle-name-almost-ruined-trip">Vietnam</a> and Cambodia. Afterward, the trip continued with a three-night land-based tour of Siem Reap's iconic temples.Scenic is an <a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/regent-seven-seas-explorer-concierge-suite-cruise-photo-tour-2023-1">all-inclusive line</a>, so the price for this cruise and land tour includes lodging, onboard food and drinks, WiFi, excursions, transfers, luggage handling, port charges, tips, and taxes.Although I received this cruise complimentary, the rate for my sailing would have been about $7,075. Here's what my 344-square-foot deluxe cabin was like.

My room was roughly double the size of most entry-level megaship cabins.

The room felt quite spacious. Jill Schildhouse

There was a nice-sized living area with a sofa, coffee table, desk, and chair.

I had at least three different places to sit. Jill Schildhouse

The coolest feature in the room was the "balcony" area with the bistro table and two chairs.

I could basically create a separate room within my cabin. Jill Schildhouse

I found extra storage everywhere I looked.

I could store shoes underneath my sofa. Jill Schildhouse

All of my bags comfortably fit in the walk-in closet.

My luggage fit comfortably in the closet. Jill Schildhouse

I could easily watch the TV from my bed or the living-room area.

The bedroom area had a large TV that I could also see from the sitting area nearby. Jill Schildhouse

On Scenic Spirit, all suites have Scenic Slumber beds.

I liked playing with the settings on my bed to make it extra comfy. Jill Schildhouse

The bathroom was a nice size, with a roomy shower, a large vanity basin with storage underneath, a lighted makeup mirror, and a separate toilet.

I was able to store all of my toiletries in the bathroom area.Jill Schildhouse

The shower had some luxurious options, too.

The shower felt bigger than what you'd usually find on a cruise. Jill Schildhouse

Overall, the room was fantastic and I spent a lot of time in here.

I loved having a private view of the river as we moved along. Jill Schildhouse

Cookies on the Business Insider India website