All you need to know about conservatory mini suite on Iona to help you decide if they are the right cabin for you.
When P&O Cruises launched Iona, they also introduced a new cabin concept called conservatory mini-suites.
Designed to bring the outside in, whether that is the stunning views of the Norwegian Fjords or the sun of The Mediterranean, these cabins bridge the gap between a standard balcony cabin and a full suite.
Read on to find out more about the conservatory mini-suites on Iona and if they are the cabin style for you.
What is a conservatory mini-suite on Iona?
Conservatory mini-suites are similar to standard balcony cabins except they have an additional lounge area between the main cabin and balcony. A bit like a conservatory that adjoins the cabin, hence the name!
So, if you are looking for a bit more space than a standard balcony cabin but don’t fancy a full suite these cabins are an option worth considering.
Furnished with a sofa and small table, the conservatory area is your own private space where you can relax or even entertain if you are travelling with others (or perhaps some new friends you may have made onboard!)
Separated from the main cabin area by a sliding glass door, the conservatory area also provides a handy space where you can enjoy a morning cuppa and sea view if you wake up before your travelling companion.
Layout of a conservatory mini-suite
(274sq ft)
The layout of the conservatory mini-suites is pretty much the same as the standard balcony cabins. The difference is the extra room between the cabin and the balcony.
In the main cabin area, you have a large double bed, a wardrobe with plenty of hanging space, a sofa, a desk and a fridge. There is also a flatscreen TV on the wall which can be angled out depending on if you want to watch TV in bed or sit on the sofa.
The bathroom is a good size. It has a shower (with panels, not the dreaded shower curtain), lots of storage space and an illuminated mirror. You’ll also find a toiletries pack filled with goodies from The White Company.
There are two layouts for these cabins, one where the bed is next to the wardrobe and one where the bed is next to the conservatory area.
There isn’t really much difference between the two but if you get one with the wardrobe next to the bed, it is worth noting that there isn’t much room to get in and out of the wardrobe. The door opens right up to the side of the bed. This also makes it a little difficult to use the full-length mirror.
Depending on the configuration they can sleep up to three or four people.
A sliding door separates the main cabin area and the conservatory. You can keep this open which gives the impression of a much more spacious cabin.
Inside, the conservatory area there is an L-shaped sofa, a table, mirrors along the wall and a few plants dotted about for decoration.
A folding door opens up the balcony space. Here you’ll find two reclining chairs and a small table. You can also keep these doors open. So, if the weather is not great or maybe the sun is a bit too much, you can sit in the conservatory and still enjoy the fresh air.
Location of the conservatory mini suites on Iona
Iona has 95 conservatory mini-suites which are located on decks eight and nine on both sides of the ship.
The majority of conservatory mini-suites are located on deck nine, 67 of them to be exact. The remaining 28 are located on deck eight, the promenade deck.
Deck Eight Conservatory Mini-Suites
- Forward – 8 suites
- Mid Forward – 20 suites
Deck eight on Iona is the promenade deck. Having cabins that face onto this deck has proved a little controversial among cruisers.
The main issue is the promenade that wraps around the ship and cabins on this deck have balconies that face out onto the deck. This means that people can see in (well if they are fairly tall) as they walk past and that you do not have a direct view of the sea. A few of these suites also have whirlpools in front of them so they are a little obstructed.
Deck chairs are also lined up in front of some of the suites. So if it is a sea day or you are in a sunny destination, you may have people sitting right in front of your balcony.
There is a frosted panel on the balcony which does give some privacy however, it is likely you will be aware when people walk past or sit there.
If you are quite sociable and like a chat with your fellow cruisers then they offer a great way to meet people. On the cruises I’ve taken on Iona, I’ve often had a walk around deck eight and there has always been the odd person or two looking out of their balcony saying hello or chatting to other passengers that are passing by.
However, if you value your privacy, the cabins in this area are perhaps ones to avoid. They are not bad cabins by any means. As long as you know what you are getting yourself into before you book there shouldn’t be any issues.
The images below are from a standard balcony cabin on deck eight but they give an idea of what the frosted glass is like and how the cabins overlook the promenade deck.
Read more | Cabins to avoid on Iona
Conservatory Mini-Suites on Deck Nine
The majority of the conservatory mini-suites on Iona are located on deck nine.
Aft – 9 suites
Mid aft – 32 suites
Mid Ship – 24 suites
These suites are above the promenade deck and provide mostly unobstructed views out to sea. However, there are a few things to be aware of when booking one of these cabins
Depending on what side of the ship you are on, conservatory mini-suites in the mid-aft area are over The Quays or The Olive Grove.
The Quays is Iona’s street food area and The Olive Grove is a Mediterranean restaurant. Both have outdoor dining areas so if you like your peace and quiet, you may potentially be disturbed by the hustle and bustle during meal times.
Also, some conservatory mini-suites on deck nine are overlooked slightly by cabins above.
Before you book, it is worth studying the deck plan to make sure you choose the right cabin location for you.
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Cabin grades for Conservatory Mini-Suites
When booking a conservatory mini-suite on Iona, there is a choice of four cabin grades.
CV – 24 suites on deck nine
CW – 52 suites, 32 on deck nine and 20 on deck eight
CY – 11 suites on deck nine
CZ – 8 suites on deck eight
The suites are graded by their location on the ship. The most expensive grade is CV which, as you might expect, has a midship location. CZ is the least expensive grade and those cabins are located on deck eight forward.
The Last Word
Conservatory mini-suites are a great addition to Iona. They provide the option of having a little more space without having to splash out on a full suite.
If you feel like escaping the activity around the ship or just want to put your feet up and relax, you have the ideal spot in your cabin.
That said, to make sure you get the the right suite for you, do take some time to look at the deck plan before booking. Not all conservatory mini-suites on Iona are equal. Some will have a slightly better location or may be priced more to your budget.
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