P&O Iona Cruise - 1 Week in an Inside Cabin!

[@beckyjanejen]

I’ve been on 15 cruises and most have been in an inside cabin (including on Iona). I have no problem with them personally, if I could afford to I would switch it up sometimes and have a window or a balcony but I’m just grateful that I can cruise at all 😊. X

[@TravelBlogJamie]

❤️❤️❤️

[@beckyjanejen]

@@TravelBlogJamie I’m now spending Christmas on the Iona in an inside cabin 😄 x

[@MarinaAndJoeGo]

Thanks for another brilliant cabin tour video Jamie, entertaining and informative as ever 🤩 We are 100% #teaminsidecabin, although since having children we've gone for larger cabins more often than not. There's just nothing like a post lunch nap in the total darkness of an inside cabin to get you set for dinner and a busy evening onboard 😁

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Buuuut these cabins aren’t totally dark as they have an always-on light in the shower 😳

[@MarinaAndJoeGo]

@@TravelBlogJamie very true, although that can be overcome with some magnetic hooks and a shower curtain 😁

[@mrpineappleman7462]

Can’t wait think I’ll be waiting here for the next 11 days!

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Ha! There are probably worse places to wait?!

[@marypennington7324]

I'm on this ship tomorrow and we have a inside cabin. This is my frist time cruiseing So thanks of the video. I now have some idea of what l'll be getting.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Have a great time ❤️

[@Empress003]

I havent even watched but I liked it already because it IS YOU AND I LOVE YOUR VIDEOS!! 😊😊😊

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Haha! Thank youuuuu 🙏

[@DomPetesTravels]

We did inside cabin just links this on Iona last September. We had no problem with being inside. I do miss not being able to just step out and have a look outside. But like you say if it saves £££ - Then that’s more cruises to go on!😂

[@TravelBlogJamie]

I’d rather not though 😂

[@lyrickpoetry]

Really enjoyed your video, informative without being overly nit picky... and we are definitely "team inside", mainly due to value for money and that we like to cruise as often as possible. Will subscribe to see what else you get up to 🙂

[@TravelBlogJamie]

It’s definitely good value - no doubt about that!

[@HelenJohnson-jx1vc]

We went on our first cruise (Iona) in May in an inside and enjoyed it, but have booked for next June with a balcony to sit out and have a drink and enjoy the views 😊

[@TravelBlogJamie]

It’s going to be sooo much better!

[@lincolnroad3]

Nice video. Top tips 👍🏻👍🏻

[@TravelBlogJamie]

No problem 😌

[@markwall6651]

If your cruising do it correctly!! Inside cabins are for staff!!! Great review Jamie, was gonna book one for our son coming with us in Brittaniana in Sept, but now I’ll pay extra for a balcony - thanks your vid has set me back extra £££😂😂😂

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Buuuut i’m cruising 10 times this year soooo something had to give 😂 enjoy your balcony - good choice

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Can I survive my least favourite grade of cabin for a week?! 😮

[@wastedspace9739]

All walls and no windows make Jamie a dull boy. All walls and no windows make Jamie a dull boy. All walls and no windows make Jamie a dull boy. All walls and no windows make Jamie a dull boy. All walls and no windows make Jamie a dull boy. All walls and no windows make Jamie a dull boy. All walls and no windows make Jamie a dull boy.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

@@wastedspace9739 and sad

[@RyanFord-13]

Wow nice cabin that you and Matthew got on P&O Iona thanks for showing me around your cabin @TravelBlogJamie👍🏻.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

🫡

[@trendingwwwandw]

THanks for sharing your P&O Iona Cruise experiences L118

[@TravelBlogJamie]

👍👍👍

[@orchardmakeup7078]

I am inside every time. It’s usually £200 more for a window. I have the tv and a sunrise alarm. 🥰

[@TravelBlogJamie]

You can have mine the next time 😂

[@stuartdavies5191]

A really informative video- Thanks Jamie! Interested to see that teas and coffee are not delivered with breakfasts on Iona- they are on all other ships we have been on- our room kettle normally lives in a cupboard 😂. We are on Iona on Saturday, in a cabin on deck 16 with a ginormous balcony- We are looking forward to seeing the Norwegian Fjords again 🚢

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Oh that’s interesting - we were on Arvia and Ventura recently and no teas / coffees delivered for breakfast on those either! Enjoy the fjords and Iona ♥️

[@amandapeterken5228]

I love your videos. I am on Iona again next Jan/Feb have booked ocean view again nearly booked inside as I travel solo. I have had an inside on QM2 but really did not like the ship at all so felt very claustrophobic. Think I would give it a go if all that was available or was at a very cheap price. Looking forward to more videos.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Thanks Amanda ❤️

[@tinawebber8223]

Yet another informative review… I’m an inside cabin girl and I really much prefer them, however last time on Iona we had cabin 4611 which is aft and every night we suffered with vibration throughout the cabin 😢so next time we will definitely pick a different location but it will still be inside 😊

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Enjoy your inside cabins 😂

[@marecianoble5826]

Balcony only for me. I love sitting out and having a drink.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

I love doing this too

[@jsmith1071]

For the fjords I would definitely want a balcony!

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Absolutely

[@VicodinElmo]

3 factors I consider: 1. Price…obviously. Yes, I love an Outside or Balcony. However, if the price is right for an Inside cabin or there’s just an unjustifiably large price gap - a problem I’ve noticed most frequently with Britannia (why on earth did they not provide Outside cabins?), then I’m Team Inside all the way. 2. The location we’re visiting. If I’m somewhere thats sunny or I’ll be spending a lot of time up on the top decks (Caribbean or the Mediterranean, basically), then I’m also fine with an Inside. Not spending much time in the cabin anyway. Outside and Balcony are nice but it’s not the end of the world. The real clincher for me though is the views. If it’s somewhere like Alaska or Norwegian Fjords, then I feel like I’m missing out if I’m on an Inside. Even if the weather is a bit grim, I want to be able to watch the views as I pass through without necessarily having to be surrounded by hundreds of other people. I imagine I’d also be more than happy with an Inside if I was doing a transatlantic. I think it’d be quite cosy to be honest. 3. The quality of the cabins themselves. I’ve been in some surprisingly spacious Inside cabins - looking at your video, Iona ones look like they fall into that category. I’ve been in others that feel very boxy and a bit claustrophobic. The location of the cabin on the ship itself (assuming I know that in advance) is also important. I don’t want to be in an Inside if I’m right near lifts or stairwells. I’d also rather not be in the aft of the ship as I found that I tend to hear a lot of ship noise and vibration that I don’t experience to the same extent on some of the more external cabins.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Thank you for all these tips which I’m sure others will find really useful

[@ruthince2752]

Yes balcony for me as well Jamie what was Matthew thinking of ! Take care to you both watch another one soon

[@TravelBlogJamie]

I don’t know whaaaat he was thinking of! 😂

[@akay724]

Great video again Jamie. We have only done 2 cruises and have chosen balcony on both. I’m not sure if we’d ever go for an inside cabin as I do like to have natural light. We have also done this particular cruise to the fjords and I do think if you can a balcony is the best cabin to appreciate the fantastic views . Your inside cabin also seems very small in both room and bathroom and the wardrobe space would not suit me. Looking forward to seeing part 2 of this series of vlogs. X

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Once you go balcony, there’s no turning back

[@traceybartlam7737]

Has to be a balcony for me. Apart from relaxing on it I pop out first thing when I wake up and before I go to sleep. I just couldn’t deal with not being able to see out or have fresh air however I agree it’s personal choice.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

I’m with you all the way

[@paulwarlow3809]

Great review Jamie that inside would be no good for us because once she unpacked i would have to leave my clothes in the case under the bed 😂😂

[@TravelBlogJamie]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@michellecrawford7986]

Another great review thanks Jamie. Do you know what the third control on the aircon is for? Not + or - the other one. I’ve been on Iona twice and couldn’t work it out xx

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Hi Michelle - the ‘snowflake’ automatically changed the temp to the minimum (saves you repeatedly pressing the button)

[@philipdouglas5911]

Staying in a similar cabin on Britannia for my Caribbean cruise. There is only going to be me so the space should be fine. Hope that the wardrobe is going to be configured the other way round though. Going to be nice and cosy.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

The inside cabins on Britannia are much better than these imo

[@elainegrant10]

When we have had an inside cabin we always opted for two single beds as we feel it gives more room by the beds.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Yes that gives the sense of more room but we would rather not be separated

[@liseoppenheimer7255]

We were in 5537 on Iona in April, to Norway and loved it. Great location, close to lifts, laundry and gym. we were hardly there so no big deal. Too much else to do to spend $$$ on a balcony!

[@TravelBlogJamie]

I’m glad that works for you but I absolutely prefer a balcony

[@cjcrawford7443]

No !!!no !!!no !!!how claustrophobic .Need to see the wonderful (or not so wonderful) ports and scenery..

[@TravelBlogJamie]

👍👍👍

[@bristolishome8049]

For the right price, I’d do an inside cabin and check for a last minute upgrade if possible. 🤞🏽

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Alas, we bid for an upgrade but no luck on this occasion

[@matthewthurlow1204]

We don’t mind cabins in Steerage on short/booze cruises in the Caribbean but for longer cruises, Balcony or Retreat suites are a necessity!

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Agreed 👍

[@scruff520]

I think for sailing into the Fyords if if can be done outside or balcony cabin required but it does depend on ones budget.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Absolutely agree

[@jackieaudus9829]

Used FCC last year had balcony .. more storage harder to get too next to bed.. inside on the old CMV Columbus (RIP) and that was bigger than the balcony cabin !!! Well nearly .. older ships bigger staterooms?

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Some older ships have very large cabins, yes

[@chrispnw2547]

Amazing, despite having a Bijou Modern cabin, you already lost Matthew somewhere in the cabin . Where did you stash him?

[@TravelBlogJamie]

I sent him out for a walk 😂

[@brummiegazz]

We are sailing on the Aurora in September across to Canada and down the eastern coast to NY and Boston, we have chosen a sea view cabin for this trip, so we can do another cruise in early 2024

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Sea view perfect 👍

[@BrittPederson-y2h]

Thanks for another great informative video Jamie. I have to admit I don’t think I could be in that cabin for a week. I much prefer natural light of an outside cabin or even better is the fresh air of a balcony cabin. I would rather have one cruise a year in a balcony cabin rather than two cruises in an inside. I would feel too claustrophobic. I really didn’t like the wardrobe design and lack of hanging space.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Wardrobe design was terrible wasn’t it!

[@chasingthebeach]

Random question, can you hear the fridge in the night? We are book on for August and it's a pet peeve of mine 😊

[@TravelBlogJamie]

No, not a peep

[@stravag6528]

Hi, Love your vids! Very informative. I was on Iona this month 3/6 to 10/6 on an inside cabin (9414) and my hanger configuration was left to right. Either I was lucky or you were unlucky :) They are indeed to small.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Yes, small and our configuration was bad

[@andybailey86]

I also had inside on Arvia and clothes rail was normal left to right and perfectly ample for two.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

@@andybailey86 fab - not in our cabin though 😂

[@andybailey86]

Wonder if all deck 4 cabins are like yours. Your cabin looks a foot shorter than other insides i have seen on Arvia and vlogs on Iona.

[@elainekirkham8215]

Inside cabin for us. Would rather have extra spending money for speciality restaurants or another cruise. We did miss breakfast the first day on iona as we slept so well and didnt know what time it was as no daylight 😂.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

I’m glad you enjoy them ♥️

[@TonyHarrisonthljb]

I'd definitely stay in one of it made the difference between being able to afford a cruise or not, or making it easier to book another cruise with the money saved. Other than that, wouldn't be my choice as it's great to be able to 'see the sea' at all times and just get that bit of quick fresh air on a balcony.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

I missed the natural light and hated getting changed quickly to run up 4 decks to see sail in 😂

[@TonyHarrisonthljb]

@@TravelBlogJamie Would be more of a thing for the other 2 adults in our house, but yeah - another factor. I think you hit the nail on the head too mentioning an inside on a Fjords cruise, although if happy to keep finding spots on public decks and not have that privacy of a balcony/ocean view then not so bad.

[@gabrielstevens3884]

I'm looking at doing this exact cruise next year but I think might upgrade to a room with a window. I have a question. For each of the stops did you have to go through some sort of immigration or can you just leave the ship? I've never been on a cruise so not sure how this works. I know with flying you go through passport control and get it stamped each time.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Just disembark when in ports on this itinerary - keep ID with you - super easy

[@sh8k3y]

Im literally getting butterflies. I have an inside next june, i have only stayed in seaview and balcony 😢

[@TravelBlogJamie]

I’m certain you’ll be more than fine 😂😂😂

[@sh8k3y]

@Travel Blog Jamie hope so. Can't wait for your vlog. You very nice passenger 🤗

[@TravelBlogJamie]

@@sh8k3y I miiight not be in this vlog 😂😂😂

[@sh8k3y]

@@TravelBlogJamie 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@Gazzab6]

We’re in one of the 4 berth cabins (14.467) in Jan 2024 which is square shaped. I hope the rail in the wardrobe is sideways (left to right) and not front to back like in this video - what a stupid design. It makes me wonder what planet some designers are on sometimes, they seem to go for how it looks instead of practicality. 🙁. A very informative video and I like how you did a wide angle view of the room so the viewer can get an idea of the size and layout of the cabin. I’ve watched two videos of the square shaped cabin and none of the authors did the wide angle shot so thank you for doing that.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

You’re welcome and hope it goes ok for you

[@Gazzab6]

@@TravelBlogJamie Thanks Jamie. I’ve just seen a video of a cabin with a sofa bed like our cabin and the rail was across the wardrobe so fingers crossed.

[@frugalitystartsathome4889]

We survived a fortnight on Britannia in an inside without killing each other…I like your cabin, it would be more than sufficient for me BUT for the Fjords I agree, I would want a balcony and something nice and cool to drink as I sailed by of an afternoon / evening…

[@TravelBlogJamie]

I’m very happy for you to have my cabin 😂😂😂

[@natasha8966]

Going this month my cabin number is 4448 inside so excited to be just on the ship

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Enjoy!

[@natasha8966]

@@TravelBlogJamie thanks, be my first time on a cruise, love your videos such helpful information.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

@@natasha8966 awww thank you - really appreciate that

[@vinceryan9447]

Well it’s out the way now… anymore inside escapades or was this a one off

[@TravelBlogJamie]

I think 2 more 😭 but they will be bigger and one is on Disney Wish so I’ll be ok in that one 😂

[@aussiejohn5835]

I think you chose the wrong cruise to test the inside cabin. You needed a balcony to enjoy the magnificent views especially in the mornings. You can also escape the screaming hoards of people if the need arises without missing any of the views.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Sorry, I don’t think I was clear, this wasn’t a test of an inside cabin. I’ve had an inside cabin before on other ships, just not for a week and nothing this small. I’d always go with an ocean view / balcony usually. Since we have multiple cruises this year and this was booked after those, it was this or nothing. Would always cruises rather than not cruise.

[@aussiejohn5835]

@Travel Blog Jamie I was being sarcastic. I would definitely make the same choice but I thought it was a shame that you couldn't have a balcony on this particular cruise.

[@breadyegg]

I think I'd feel quite claustrophobic and trapped in a hotel room (on land) that had no windows. On a cruise ship it just feels cosy.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Oh really? It’s certainly cosy!!

[@RobinH8869]

Interesting. What was the price difference between the inside and the other cabins on that cruise?

[@TravelBlogJamie]

A few hundred more per person for a balcony - definitely worth it imo

[@chrispnw2547]

The Ocenview is a slight premium, but it feel very spacious. Unfortunately, they appear hard to come by.

[@emmaludlow8173]

We don't mind an inside, especially in cold weather cruises. We've stayed in an Iona inside before on deck 9 and can't remember the wardrobe configuration being that poor, maybe they vary a bit 🤔

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Oh Emma I don’t think I’ll ever do another standard inside on Iona again 😭

[@CruisingWheelchair]

Do you know if the £2.50 room service tray charge is also applicable for suites?

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Sorry I don’t know

[@KirstyG64]

Fortunately i give my partner zero input when booking holidays! 😂

[@TravelBlogJamie]

😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@john07973]

What's the score cost wise , detergent, conditioner etc in the launderette?

[@TravelBlogJamie]

I recommend you take your own - they sometimes sell in the shops onboard I’ve been told although I haven’t seen any

[@barnum4244]

Did you have nobody in the neighbouring cabins? Our experience was that our cabin on this deck had such thin walls that let you hear what your neighbours were thinking, never mind talking! At least you've experienced the fun of the Iona Inside Cabin that is dressing by braille using the wardrobe. As for inside cabins, we prefer a balcony but not at twice the price of an inside. We'll take two cruises inside over one in a Balcony.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Yes, 3 sets of immediate neighbours but never heard anyone

[@barnum4244]

@@TravelBlogJamie Odd. The paper thin walls we encountered are one of the reasons we can't face going on Iona again.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

@@barnum4244 we’ve sailed on her 3 times and never noticed Noise from neighbours

[@nadyaozdogan1780]

Where do you dry your swimming suit if you have no balcony? 🤔

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Washing line in bath room

[@EmsM4]

Oh no. I'm a first time cruiser and I've booked to go on this cruise in a month's time. I booked inside as it was only £500 each and the balcony was about £600 more in total at least. Looking at it, it looks so small, and I have to share it with my teenage son. 😬 Arghhhhh. HELP! I thought I read that they got rid of the charge for room service?

[@TravelBlogJamie]

No, room service charge hasn’t gone anywhere. What about an ocean view cabin instead of inside / balcony?

[@EmsM4]

@Travel Blog Jamie might look into it, but it's gone right up in price now.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

@@EmsM4 but you’d pay the price it was at the time of booking

[@EmsM4]

@Travel Blog Jamie oooh. Looks like I'll be spending an hour on the phone to them tomorrow morning. Thanks for the info!

[@EmsM4]

@@TravelBlogJamie just realised, I could get deck 8 since I wouldn't have the option of selecting the room. Think I'd rather stick with inside than be on show like that lol. 😕

[@Bessie66]

First time cruisers it must be “ok” as so much excitement and exploration on a first cruise surely????

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Erm, yeh, sure 😂

[@TerenceGeorge-u4i]

Hi Jamie with the shower cubicle I am 6ft 4 and 20 st will I fit

[@TravelBlogJamie]

No idea - didn’t measure it tbh

[@jennyrandle6814]

Oh my gosh we were on the same cruise as yourself !! It was our first cruise and we had a deluxe balcony cabin (it was for our 25th Wedding Anniversary !!) I would say it was well worth it - nothing compares to opening your curtains to that amazing view !! ❤

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Balcony cabins are the best

[@TravelBlogJamie]

@@kelseyshuck3738 and you’re stupid

[@tonynewman1694]

Natural daylight for us and looks very small , we would not cope with that wardrobe. We spend a fair bit of time relaxing in the cabin . Keep up the great work 😁😁

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Yup, way too small 😩

[@scotstubbie]

Just home from Iona our first cruise I’m so glad we changed form inside to sea view cabin the window seat is a great place to sit and relax.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Good choice, Andrew!

[@scotstubbie]

@@kelseyshuck3738 ?????? What has that even got to do with me ???

[@bettycollins3960]

Being slightly claustrophobic, i know i just couldn't enjoy an inside cabin. Must be able to see out. And if money was not a factor then i would love a balcony every time for the access to fresh air. I, too, cannot accept the "only sleeping and showering in it" argument. Let's face it, I'm a prima donna who knows what she likes! ❤

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Ha! I love this comment ❤️

[@Bessie66]

If you are use to steak ….. you ain’t gonna have burger 😂

[@TravelBlogJamie]

What about a steak burger 🤔

[@Bessie66]

@@TravelBlogJamie Jamie …. You would probably want garnish and sides mate! 🤣🤣🤣

[@sh8k3y]

I'm going to feel claustrophobic 😢

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Maybe change cabin in that case

[@sh8k3y]

@Travel Blog Jamie I think I will. I don't mind an inside but it looks so small.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

@@sh8k3y it’s small, yes

[@sh8k3y]

We have upgraded to a balcony 😊😊

[@TravelBlogJamie]

@@sh8k3y smart move!

[@carmelshepherd6739]

I would never go inside cabin if balcony expensive I have window 😊

[@TravelBlogJamie]

👍👍👍

[@GavinCoyle-k5i]

I would not stay in that cabin to small

[@TravelBlogJamie]

It is indeed

[@Dancefmlivecom]

I've booked with Emma cruises for 13th January 2024 for 2 weeks on this inside cabin. Paid the extra for center of the ship aswell, This would be OK for me as I'm on my own and it'll be my 45th birthday 🎂 on the 16th of January Just a quick one.. you showed laundry room, is the machines FREE to use or coin operated, as I've been told, just bring my own washing pods from home ?

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Machines free to use - bring washing pods though

[@Dancefmlivecom]

@TravelBlogJamie yeah thought so... when I do my video of my trip I will mention this, its small details that peeps need to know stuff like this... thanks for your reply.