P&O cruises Iona Conservatory Mini Suite Cabin Tour

[@MarinaAndJoeGo]

Thanks for the fantastic mini suite tour 😍 This is such an informative and helpful video 😊 What an incredible cabin as well 🤩 we would definitely prefer one on deck 9 to one on deck 8 - not sure how we would feel about having everyone on the promenade able to look in 🤔

[@CruiseWithAmber]

Thanks so much for watching and all your support guys. I totally agree with you - the Deck 9 cabins appeal to me more too.

[@MarinaAndJoeGo]

@@CruiseWithAmber our pleasure - thanks for all the great videos 🤩 It will be interesting to see if there are any cabin changes on Arvia compared to Iona 😊

[@apox5308]

Helicopter ftw

[@sharongreenwood3158]

I wasn't aware that conservatory mini suites weren't directly overlooking the ocean. Your video has helped, so thank you.

[@CruiseWithAmber]

You're very welcome Sharon. It's one of the main reasons I make my videos - to help future cruisers know exactly what they're booking, so you can make the best choice for you. Thanks so much for taking the time to watch and comment.

[@philippayne6655]

I had a standard balcony room on deck 5. It was identical apart from obviously not having the conservatory. The biggest benefits were, total privacy and being able to use the balcony in poor weather due to having the cover of deck 8s walkway.

[@CruiseWithAmber]

I agree - The deck 5 cabins are definitely little undiscovered gems on Iona - @andykirstie have a great blog on their channel of their deck 5 cabin too.

[@joanstclair3026]

Ferry across the Mersey by liverpool Philharmonic

[@joanstclair3026]

Play ferry across the Mersey by Liverpool Philharmonic

[@fionawidzowski5576]

Excellent and very through walkthrough and guide to conservatory cabins. I personally wouldn’t want one on deck 8. Maybe deck 9. But the uninterrupted view of the ocean with no noisy sunbathers is my preference. Thank you.

[@CruiseWithAmber]

Hi Fiona - thanks so much for taking the time to watch and leave a comment. I'm so pleased to know you found the video useful. I'm hoping to load up more in the near future so hope you'll find those helpful too.

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Really not sure about these cabins. Like the idea of the split space but somehow doesn't feel right. Thought there would be a TV in the conservatory area too. Fair play Iona has tried some different types of cabins wonder if they will have a rethink for Arvia?!

[@sergel02]

Never been on a P&O ship (American here so a bit harder to book and get to) but that Conservatory mini suite looks amazing! I love brining the outside in, and hope more ships do that. Not sure how I feel about the balconies above overlooking you, and you not right at the water, but the room itself looks great!

[@CruiseWithAmber]

Thanks for watching! - I think I prefer the cabins on Deck 9 for this reason as they are a bit more private. It will be interesting to see how Carnival Mardi Grads compares as she's the same class of ship and she sails from the US so you may get a chance to catch her some time soon.

[@robertfisher2844]

I was on this ship 2 weeks ago its a stunning ship .the rooms are really nice there definitely isn't a lot of storage space admittedly. But to be honest that didn't bother me the 1 thing I noticed normally on cruise ships you can here people talking down the hallways going back and forth .I didn't hear nothing which was good .the ship is amazing I was shocked how small the swimming pools were compared to other p&o ships ive been on .the restaurants are great there is a great choice throughout the ship .at present the wearing of masks are definitely a thing on the ship .only when you are in restaurants or bars you don't need to wear them .if your in the main theatre you do .its no hassle .I would recommend this ship its amazing but definitely wouldn't want a balcony on deck 8 for sure .great video my room was the same on a higher deck worth the money for sure .

[@CruiseWithAmber]

HI Robert - thanks for your great comments and for stopping by to watch the video. Iona is a stunning ship. There are quite a variety of cabin layouts on this ship compared to other on P&O. Deck 8 is very much what I'd call a 'marmite' deck. I hope that makes sense 🙂

[@robertfisher2844]

Hi Amber thanks for your reply the ship is really nice and enjoyed the week which I was on it .I'm booked on the sister ship in February to the carabean. Hopefully that will still go ahead if all goes well .I've been on several p&o ships and enjoyed the different variations of what they have to offer rooms food and entertainment. Thanks for sharing your videos there amazing im glad you have enjoyed the cruising bug lol 😆

[@sarahbennett3941]

I've just found out that we've been upgraded to a conservatory suite for our cruise in May, fortunately it's on deck 9!

[@CruiseWithAmber]

That's such a great upgrade, Sarah - enjoy your cruise! are you headed to the Fjords on Iona?

[@angelahorton5745]

Great video Steph! Excellent presentation clearly detailing all aspects of the conservatory suites on decks 8 & 9. Whilst others will love it I hated it. The balcony is so far from the sea and lacking in privacy. Why only one foot stool? I would prefer the additional space was used for a bath and separate shower in the bathroom and a larger sitting room inside with sofa, armchairs and coffee table. Personally I'd be happier in a standard balcony cabin. I found this video extremely useful!

[@CruiseWithAmber]

Thanks once again for your lovely feedback Angela, I agree, the CSMs would have been more suited to a location higher up on the ship (and perhaps a few at the aft). It would have been nice to see some more differentiation with the bathroom size and layout.

[@sirborisdumpling6161]

Completely agree Angela, this to me is the worse mini suite design that I have seen on any ship. I cannot understand why they have built this conservatory whilst diminishing what could be otherwise achieve with the space, even on an older ship "Adventure of the Seas" the mini suites had walk in wardrobes and lots of space instead of more cramped conditions just to get a conservatory. Terrible design and every customer should be warned about deck 8 bookings.

[@angelahorton5745]

@@sirborisdumpling6161 Steph's done a brilliant video very clearly showing the deck 8 cabins. Absolutely no excuse for anyone choosing the wrong cabin if they follow Steph. I wouldn't be at all surprised if the deck 8 cabins have to be used for guarantee cabins. I can't imagine anyone choosing them.

[@PaulSmith-lv9qp]

Thanks for posting this review, very interesting. We have booked one on a cruise later in the year on Iona. Just read your blog though, you suggest the priority check in is only for the Suites 😱, we were lead to believe when booking priorit check in & boarding was included. That’s important to us ☹️

[@CruiseWithAmber]

Hi Paul - thanks for watching - good news! - they have changed some of the perks since the maiden voyage now - Conservatory Mini Suite guests *DO* get priority boarding (hoorah!) - and if it's the same as the Arvia Maiden Voyages, CMS guests also get to attend the welcome on board reception in the main restaurant too (let me know if this isn't the case). I will be updating the blog and video description this weekend - so thanks for the reminder.

[@PaulSmith-lv9qp]

@@CruiseWithAmber that’s great news thank you. We don’t sail until November, will let you know if it’s changed. Still hoping we get a suite if someone cancels

[@stephaniecleopatra2457]

Hi there would you know of they still provide the pamper pack by the white company ? As it’s 2024 and just wanted to know if they have changed some of the perks

[@CruiseWithAmber]

Hi - thanks for watching. P&O have slowly changed the perks for the suites - but in quite subtle ways - i think the pamper pack is still available in the CMS but it's usually full size hand/body lotion and Handwash.

[@barbarataylor5918]

Great tour and info Thank you . Are there any extra benefits with the Arvia conservatory balcony rooms ?

[@CruiseWithAmber]

Thanks for watching Barbara. As far as i'm aware the Arvia CMS cabins have the same level of perks to the ones on Iona.

[@lizwalters8114]

Booked this for May deck 9 can't wait

[@CruiseWithAmber]

That's very exciting Liz - come back here and tel me what you thought of it. Have an amazing cruise on Iona and don't forger to visit the Olive Grove - I thoroughly recommend it (and the Baklava!)

[@josephhetherington7318]

Seems very narrow. Trying to get past the bed to the balcony could be a problem for some

[@nanojan1]

We booked suite next to the one on your video on deck 9 for June next year. Looks beautiful and I’m not bothered if people looking over us from above as we had that on Azura and we have a Super Deluxe on Ventura this September, what are you going to do that you don’t want anyone to see!! 😀😀

[@CruiseWithAmber]

Exactly!! Have fun! we had a SD on Azura too and i loved the cabin - didn't feel overlooked too much.

[@PPC2511]

I would love to go on this ship again

[@CruiseWithAmber]

yes it's a really lovely ship - i'd love to sail to the Fjords on Iona.

[@kaipress2881]

Hi. There are 3 of us staying in the conservatory mini suite. Is the separate bed/pull out sofa in the same room as the main bedroom or in a separate room (i.e. the main lounge area)?

[@CruiseWithAmber]

Hi - yes the bed is in the same room (it will be the sofa which the cabin steward will make up into a single bed in the evenings)

[@iloveanimals1964]

Gorgeous cabin👌🏻,as long as you get the right location

[@CruiseWithAmber]

I think this is one of the ones in the best locations- deck 9 and not above the smoking area. Plus it’s one of the cheapest grades in this class of cabin.

[@sarahfilbey275]

Thank you for this tour, Ive booked an early saver balcony cabin and am really hoping we arent allocated deck 8! Mainly because the view out to sea is obscured by the glass on the promenade deck. Also do you know when early saver cabins are allocated roughly? Is it 3 months before or a month? This is my first cruise so just wondered.

[@CruiseWithAmber]

I think Early Saver are also known as Guaranteed cabins aren't they? It all depends - in some cases I've been allotted my cabin in time to print my luggage tags out - about 2-3 weeks before I sail. Sometimes your cabin can change on the day you board (due to people cancelling within 48 hours of the sail date) If you do get a deck 8 which is not to your preference, you might want to see if you can ask to be moved when you get on ship by popping down to reception. Although moving on not guaranteed, it's always worth a try - but do it early and as soon as you get on board. I'm going to post a prom deck tour very soon with all the deck 8 cabin numbers on the video as I pass them.

[@andrewhopkins6038]

Do you get to eat in epicurean with conservatory suite

[@CruiseWithAmber]

Hi 👋 It’s only the B-grade suites that have breakfast in the epicurean.

[@FraserAtSea]

The interior design of this room is lovely, but the sea looks like it's SO FAR AWAY from the bed - the room must feel quite dark when you're out at sea!

[@CruiseWithAmber]

I agree - the pallet is very calming as far as the interior design goes. The layout of the bed and sofa alternates between cabins. I think if your door is on the the right hand side of the cabin (as you enter from the corridor) your bed will be furthest away from the window.

[@MidshipsCruise]

You already made it on Iona! Lucky duck!!

[@CruiseWithAmber]

It was the cruise I was looking most forward to - I've been waiting so long to sail on her. Do you have a cruise on her booked or planned?

[@standrewpics]

No no not that deck 8 . Same with carnivals Mardi Gras . Cabins dreadful you share your balcony with people seated over side and people walking by .

[@andrewhopkins6038]

What is your advice for 4 people going on iona would you say suite or balcony

[@CruiseWithAmber]

This just popped up on my comments (apologies it's taken me so long to respond) its a great question - If your budget allows for a B-grade suite a suite then i would definitely opt for this - you will have extra space in the cabin and also have the suite perks (such as priority tenders which can be a godsend on any tender ports on your itinerary) if you want help choosing a B-Grade Suite I've written this blog post: cruisewithamber.co.uk/po-cruises-iona-best-suites/ alternatively - However if you have a specific budget in mind, you might want to look at 2 balcony cabins next to each other as an alternative - ok you wont get suite perks but you'll get as much space, 2 bathrooms and a nice long balcony space and beds for all 4 passengers (as opposed to a sofa bed for 2). We've done this a few times when our budget wouldn't stretch to a suite.

[@andrewhopkins6038]

Which are best suites on iona that can accommodate 4 people

[@CruiseWithAmber]

@@andrewhopkins6038 Hi Andrew - I've added a link to my blog post cruisewithamber.co.uk/po-cruises-iona-best-suites/ which runs through the pros and cons of each suite - it all depends on what you're after - as personal preferences can differ (for example i prefer the aft suites as they are near to the kids clubs and they also have much bugger balconies.) All forward suites accommodate 4 people whereas only a selection of Aft suites accommodate 4 people.

[@andrewhopkins6038]

Originally we were going for conservatory suite but later as we wanted more room decided to go for a suite travel agent put us in ionian suite . Deck 12 . The med suite is my favourite

[@CruiseWithAmber]

@@andrewhopkins6038 very nice - good choice - plus you'll get all the suite perks too. The Med Suite is my favourite too as we should have ben sailing in in back in 2020.

[@iloveanimals1964]

Are bathrobes available in a standard balcony please?☺️

[@CruiseWithAmber]

No, bathrobes are just in conservatory mini suites and suites.

[@iloveanimals1964]

@@CruiseWithAmber Aww that's disappointing,I'm glad you told me,thankyou. I'll take my own 😊

[@lizevans4534]

Are the sofas comfy ?

[@CruiseWithAmber]

Hi Liz - as they double up as a bed, they are more of the ‘firm’ sort than the ‘soft and sink into it plush’ sort of sofas - if that makes sense?

[@amercer89]

Not even a bath 😢

[@CruiseWithAmber]

Only in the suites

[@sarahbennett3941]

The cabins look lovely but it doesn’t look like there’s much storage space, especially with those narrow shelves and tiny bedside tables.

[@CruiseWithAmber]

my tip (due to lack of drawers) is to take some packing cubes - they are not a perfect solution, but I found using the packing cubes as makeshift drawers to be useful. There are also some collapsable drawer organisers in IKEA that might be useful too.

[@sarahbennett3941]

@@CruiseWithAmber That’s a good idea, I have some of the IKEA folding organisers already. Thanks

[@sedwards8121]

This appears to be one of the poorest ship designs I have ever seen, especially the Deck 8 balcony cabins opening on to the promenade deck. The balconies appear to have little privacy either looking outwards or from above. Given the extensive leisure and outdoor dining facilities, as well as a smoking area, on the promenade deck I would imagine the noise levels would be quite high as well.

[@bronwynp2000]

I agree, I really don't like this design

[@mandyfalloon3354]

When on Arvia i walked passed these many times and i personally wouldnt want to be in them , people were looking in as they went passed no privacy

[@CruiseWithAmber]

Agree - the deck 8 ones might not be as private as the Deck 9 ones. I've got a couple of blog posts which outline which ones these are on both Iona and Arvia: ARVIA: cruisewithamber.co.uk/arvia-conservatory-mini-suites-all-you-need-to-know/ IONA: cruisewithamber.co.uk/iona-conservatory-mini-suites-all-you-need-to-know/

[@peterbradley9284]

Deck 14

[@sharonmann2768]

The benefits that are listed are no longer correct.

[@CruiseWithAmber]

Yes, you're right - P&O have updated a few benefits since this video was recorded in her maiden season. The updated list of benefits are in the video description. Let me know if I've missed anything.

[@wellardsmith3629]

Deck 8... NO THANKS!

[@FraserAtSea]

Happy Birthday! @thesolotraveller_uk ♥️