All you need to know about Conservatory Mini-Suites on Arvia to help you decide if they are the right cabin for you.
Arvia is the second ship in the P&O Cruises fleet to have Conservatory Mini-Suites as a style of cabin. They were first introduced on Arvia’s sister ship, Iona, which launched in 2021.
More than a standard balcony cabin but not quite a full suite, these cabins were designed to bring the outside indoors. In Arvia’s case, this means the warm weather and dazzling ocean views of The Caribbean and Mediterranean.
Read on for information on Arvia’s Conservatory Mini-Suites, including their layout, what the conservatory area is like, and some tips on which cabins you might like to book and which to avoid!
Layout of a Conservatory Mini-Suite on Arvia
The layout of the conservatory mini suites on Arvia is very similar to the standard and deluxe balcony cabins. Except there is one key difference.
They have a lounge area between the balcony and the main part of the cabin. It is a little bit like a conservatory which I guess is probably how these cabins got their name!
Overall, it makes the cabin a lot larger and provides some extra space to relax in while enjoying your cruise. So, if you like to spend time in your cabin they are an option worth considering.
There are two layouts for these cabins. One where the bed is next to the conservatory area and one where the bed is next to the wardrobe.
It is worth being aware that there isn’t much room between the bed and wardrobe if you have this configuration. It is also a little difficult to use the full length mirror as there is no space to step back.
It’s definitely not a deal breaker when booking these cabins but be prepared. Unfortunately, you can’t tell which layout a cabin has from Arvia’s deck plans. It is a bit pot luck when you book.
In the main cabin area you have a double bed, which can also be configured as twin beds.
On either side is a small bedside table with two shelves. It is small but you can comfortably fit a glass of water or a book on here. If you have a twin bed set up, the tables will likely be in between the two beds.
There is a small lamp attached to the wall on each side too. So, you can still have some light even if your travelling companion has turned in for the night. You’ll also find a USB port hidden underneath the lamp too and a three pin plug socket by the light switch.
The rest of the main cabin area is taken up by a large sofa. There is also a small table which can be moved depending on where you are sitting. The small shelves under the table can hold the TV remote control.
On the opposite side of the cabin, is a desk/dressing table with a large mirror. Alongside the mirror are more plugs.
Next to the dressing table is a fridge where you can store some drinks for the room. On top of this you’ll find tea and coffee making facilities, including a Nespresso machine, kettle, cups, glasses, teabags and milk sachets.
Tip: If you prefer fresh milk in your morning cuppa, bring something with you on the cruise that you can fill with milk from the buffet and store in the fridge.
Above this a flatscreen TV sits on the wall. This can be angled so you can watch TV (or a movie) from the bed or the sofa.
Bathroom
Like standard cabins, the suites have a good sized bathroom with everything you’d expect – a great shower, lots of storage space and a huge illuminated mirror.
In a little extra touch you also get a pack filled with items from The White Company, who supply the toiletries across the P&O fleet.
Conservatory Area
Separated from the main cabin by a sliding door, is the conservatory area. This leads onto the balcony through a set of doors you open outwards.
This lounge like space is a great place to relax. You can use it to have a cuppa in the morning without disturbing your travelling companion if they are still sleeping. Or if you would like some fresh air and natural light but the weather is not quite nice enough to sit out on your balcony., the conservatory is a nice back up.
You can also use it as an extension to the cabin and make it feel more spacious by keeping the doors open.
Light and airy, the conservatory is furnished with an L shaped sofa and small table. There is no heating in here but with Arvia’s itineraries you hopefully won’t need any!
Read more | Steer clear of the pitfalls of picking a bad cabin with my guide to which Arvia cabins to avoid and tips on how to choose the right cabin.
Balcony
One of the joy’s of cruising is being able to sit out on your balcony and enjoy the sea view. You can do this and more on Arvia.
The majority of conservatory mini-suites come with the standard size balcony. However, there are a few that have a slightly larger balcony footprint.
One thing to note is that these cabins are marked on the deck plan as being overlooked balconies. However, you do have the conservatory area to move back into if you want some privacy.
I’ve read a few reviews and it doesn’t seem to be an issue for most people but something to be aware of.
On the balcony there are two reclining chairs and a small table.
Read more | 11 things to look out for on Arvia
Things to know about Arvia’s Conservatory Mini-Suites
Before you book a conservatory mini suite on Arvia, here are a few things worth knowing.
Location of the Conservatory Mini-Suites
The majority of Conservatory Mini-Suites are located on deck nine, 59 of them to be exact. The remaining 28 are located on deck eight, the promenade deck.
Cabin grades for Conservatory Mini-Suites
Arvia has four booking grades for the Conservatory Mini-Suites.
- 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, with CV the most expensive and CZ the least expensive.
How many people can stay in a Conservatory Mini-Suite?
Out of the 87 Conservatory Mini-Suites on Arvia, many can sleep up to three or four people.
There are 32 Conservatory Mini-Suites which can accommodate four people, 13 of these are on deck eight and 19 of them on deck nine.
55 Conservatory Mini-Suites can sleep up to three people, 15 of these are on deck eight while 40 of them are on deck nine.
If you are travelling with others, you may want to consider a cabin with an interconnecting door. There are four of these on deck eight and six on deck nine.
Of course, all Conservatory Mini-Suites can accommodate two people, and even just one if you are solo traveller that fancies a treat!
Conservatory Mini-Suites with obstructed views
All of the Conservatory Mini-Suites on deck eight overlook the promenade deck. This means you do not directly look out sea and that the deck wraps around the ship in front of your balcony.
Four of these cabins have obstructed views. However, perhaps not in the way you would expect.
They have infinity whirlpools located in front of them. Perhaps not what you would consider a traditional obstructed view but obstructed all the same. So, you may wish to avoid cabins 8309, 8310, 83111 and 8312.
Conservatory Mini-Suite Perks
Unfortunately, you don’t get the full range of suite perks with the conservatory mini suites. However, you do get a few extras including…
- champagne and chocolate in your cabin
- daily canapes
- fresh fruit
- mineral water
- fresh flowers
- inclusive room service
- atlas and binoculars
Read more | Guide to bars and restaurants on Arvia
Looking for More Information?
If you like to find out more about a specific cabin, I recommend taking a look at some of the Arvia groups on Facebook.
These groups are run by fellow cruise enthusiasts and you can find a gold mine of information to help choose a cabin.
For example, in the Arvia cabins and suites review group other passengers share their Arvia cabin reviews.
While in the Arvia P&O Cruises group, a list is being complied detailing which cabins have the bed by the window and which by the wardrobe.
As always, you need to keep your wits about you on social media and take things with a small pinch of salt however, the information and pictures in these groups can be very helpful.
The Last Word
Arvia’s Conservatory Mini-Suites are a great option to consider if you don’t want to splash out on a full suite but would like little extra room in your cabin.
The conservatory area provides an additional space where you can relax and enjoy the views whatever the weather.
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- 11 things to look out for on Arvia