Who has been on Iona?

[holidaysaver75]

Sitting in the atrium of Iona now in Stavanger. It’s really lovely and I would highly recommend it.

[Loulou127]

Originally Posted by holidaysaver75

Sitting in the atrium of Iona now in Stavanger. It’s really lovely and I would highly recommend it.

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That’s good to hear, how has the weather been for you, it’s been really blustery here for a few days x

[Loulou127]

What’s everyone’s cabin recommendations? are the mini suites worth the money?

[holidaysaver75]

Yesterday (sea day) was lovely. Today’s still t shirt weather but we’ve had some rain (though nowhere near as much as forecast).

With regard to mini suites, I can’t speak as to whether they’re worth it but I certainly wouldn’t want one on the promenade deck. They’re even more shockingly overlooked than they looked on YouTube. We’re in a deck 15 balcony and it’s really nice.

[kateb78]

Originally Posted by Loulou127

What’s everyone’s cabin recommendations? are the mini suites worth the money?

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We had a conservatory suite because we got it at a really good rate. We didn’t like it as much as we liked the deluxe balcony cabin because it felt much more cramped and narrower. I’m sure the space would be great for a warmer cruise but we didn’t get as much use of it on a cold cruise. Also check the deck plans because some of the conservatory suites are in very marmite locations (as mentioned above)!

Everything about the cabin was lovely and fresh though and the colours are much brighter than Azura.

[Loulou127]

Originally Posted by kateb78

We had a conservatory suite because we got it at a really good rate. We didn’t like it as much as we liked the deluxe balcony cabin because it felt much more cramped and narrower. I’m sure the space would be great for a warmer cruise but we didn’t get as much use of it on a cold cruise. Also check the deck plans because some of the conservatory suites are in very marmite locations (as mentioned above)!

Everything about the cabin was lovely and fresh though and the colours are much brighter than Azura.

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Thank you, would you know what’s the difference between a standard balcony cabin and a deluxe one?

[kateb78]

Originally Posted by Loulou127

Thank you, would you know what’s the difference between a standard balcony cabin and a deluxe one?

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Ah sorry, the deluxe balcony I was comparing to is on Azura. I’m not sure they have a comparable type on Iona.

Our friend had a standard balcony on Iona and it was the same as ours minus the conservatory. Unless there was an excellent deal, I would choose a standard balcony next time because you have a better choice of locations too.

[katiec68]

We have been on Iona twice and are booked on her again next December (too good a price not to book!)

Our first cruise on her was a staycation and we had one of the balcony conservatory balcony suites - we only booked it because it was a huge discount (with our Blue Light Card) and as we didnt have any ports we treated ourselves to more room.

Last November we were on her to the Canaries and at the last minute changed to an aft facing standard balcony - it was AMAZING!

I dont think the conservatory balconies are that much bigger - the "conservatory" bit comes out of the main cabin.

We loved the Quay for breakfast and lunch and the Keel and Cow for dinner - what a fabulous place to watch the goings on in the atrium!

We love the Epicurean but i think all the speciality restaurants are shut at the moment due to staffing issues.

You will find people on the Facebook groups moaning about everything under the sun... ignore them.

Your holiday is what you make of it - yes there may be issues along the way but we have rarely had a problem that wasn't solved with some OBC and a bottle of fizz!

[holidaysaver75]

Originally Posted by katiec68

We have been on Iona twice and are booked on her again next December (too good a price not to book!)

Our first cruise on her was a staycation and we had one of the balcony conservatory balcony suites - we only booked it because it was a huge discount (with our Blue Light Card) and as we didnt have any ports we treated ourselves to more room.

Last November we were on her to the Canaries and at the last minute changed to an aft facing standard balcony - it was AMAZING!

I dont think the conservatory balconies are that much bigger - the "conservatory" bit comes out of the main cabin.

We loved the Quay for breakfast and lunch and the Keel and Cow for dinner - what a fabulous place to watch the goings on in the atrium!

We love the Epicurean but i think all the speciality restaurants are shut at the moment due to staffing issues.

You will find people on the Facebook groups moaning about everything under the sun... ignore them.

Your holiday is what you make of it - yes there may be issues along the way but we have rarely had a problem that wasn't solved with some OBC and a bottle of fizz!

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Some of the speciality restaurants are open - definitely Sindhu and The Beach Club today. It seems a bit hit and miss.

[Leanne1977]

Originally Posted by holidaysaver75

Some of the speciality restaurants are open - definitely Sindhu and The Beach Club today. It seems a bit hit and miss.

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Yes these ones have been open throughout. I know that the Epicurean closed and they have stopped serving food in the Glass House for the time being.
I'm hoping staffing levels improve by January as we love the Epicurean and planned to try the food in the Glass House next time. 🤞