Why This Huge Cruise Balcony Is A Bad Choice | P&O Iona

We snagged a massive balcony on Iona - it was bigger than the cabin itself! But, our excitement didn't last long in cold and windy Norway. Find out if you should try to book one of these balconies, or if a regular-sized one might be better for your cruise.

👉 Follow me on social media

About Cruise Mummy:
My name’s Jenni and I’ve worked in the cruise industry since 2015. I was recently voted Favourite Cruise Travel Influencer at the 2022 Wave Awards.

My goal is to help as many people as possible to make the most of their cruises and my cruise blog helps around 1 million people each month.

[nowelshboyo]

I stayed in cabin 10514 on Iona a few weeks visiting Norway from 6th May. It was the same larger cabin which faces the aft. There were no issue with wind. The cabin was awesome for me and the kids. You are only on show, if you walk to the end of the balcony. You can just put the chairs at the end of the middle walls. So you can keep warm, and still have plenty of room, and not be on show. We had three chairs and a table. Agree about your comment about the light :)

[tinysmallfryskitchen]

We (first time cruisers) recently had one of the Aft ones on Deck 10 and loved it. Perfectly sheltered from the wind for the early morning Sail in to Olden. It was raining for the the Olden sail away and we were nice and dry and still able to enjoy the music and flag waving. We felt slight movement only on the day where it was a force 8 and we had a missed port, but nothing too bad. We Loved this type of cabin so much we have booked one again for a two week med cruise next year.

[PostcardAndAPint]

Really interesting! We’ve never had a balcony cabin. This does look lovely, but yes you pointed out some relevant points. Cheers 🍻

[pearceglen]

Had both 17320 and 10320 on Iona - both with the bigger balconies and disagree, would always go for the extended balcony over a standard (as long as P&O charge the same). Never had a problem with natural light or the fact you're overlooked. As you say there are very few balconies on Iona that aren't overlooked in someway.

[vincentryanborres]

thanks for sharing this and giving us idea. cheers!

[VikPaints]

We had one of these cabins too. Initially we thought it was great but then over the week realised you felt like you were on show or overlooking everyone else because the balcony sticks out so much. Yes it was a bit darker inside too. Mixed feelings about it to be honest but I wouldn't pay extra to get one.

[FraserAtSea]

I’ve been looking for a decent review of one of these cabins - I’m so surprised they’re the same price, but do think I’d be really aware of everybody looking at me sitting out there, ha!

[cruisewithmyfather]

Onboard now and just booked it. Hope your enjoying the Marella 😊

[weimingxie]

Hi, whats the beds like for additional two people to sleep in the same cabin?

[lockers]

Cabin 17219 is fantastic, stop whingeing 🤣🤣

[Barley]

Totally disagree we had no problem with lookers or looking in. In fact we had sun when the other cabins didn’t! Loads of space. Don’t be put off by this review. But of course people should make up their own minds if it would suit. You cloggers should consider that you opinion is not always the correct one !

[colindaly]

Hello, , we booked iona got inside cabin deck 4 but p&o have just offered us deck 16, a smaller balcony cabin 4 a couple of hundred pounds, what u think.. our 1st cruise norwegian fjords, ta