CRUISE SHIP: P&O Britannia, what guests can expect

The P&O Britannia, the flagship of P&O Cruises, offers guests a contemporary and family-friendly cruise experience with a focus on diverse dining and entertainment. Launched in 2015 and refurbished in 2024, this 3,647-passenger vessel blends English elegance with modern amenities, appealing to travellers seeking a lively and relaxed journey.

Guests aboard P&O Britannia can anticipate a lively, carefree cruise suitable for families and adults. The ship’s diverse dining, from fine dining to casual buffets, caters to all tastes, while its entertainment, including theatre shows and kids’ clubs, engages a broad audience. Spacious cabins, eco-friendly design, and a dedicated crew create a relaxed experience.

The 1,350-person crew fosters a warm, attentive atmosphere, with English as the primary language. The all-inclusive fare covers most dining, soft drinks, gratuities, and Wi-Fi, ensuring a seamless experience. The Oasis Spa offers a thermal suite, hydrotherapy pool, and treatments like massages, with fitness classes like yoga in a modern gym. Boutiques sell luxury goods, and bars like The Crow’s Nest provide live music and panoramic views. The Cookery Club hosts hands-on classes with guest chefs. Suite guests enjoy priority services and exclusive amenities.

Reception Areas: Stylish and Welcoming

The Grand Atrium, a three-deck space with a starburst sculpture and glass lifts, accommodates guests with a light-filled, open design. Connecting to restaurants, bars, and shops, it serves as the ship’s social hub. The 24-hour reception desk provides efficient support for excursion bookings and onboard queries. The My Holiday app offers digital guidance for dining and activities .

Dining: Diverse and Gourmet

Britannia’s 14 dining venues include complimentary and specialty options. Meridian, Peninsular, and Oriental Restaurants offer Freedom and Club Dining with English and international menus, including vegetarian and gluten-free choices. The Horizon buffet serves global dishes from 6am. to 2am. The Epicurean provides fine dining with modern English dishes like Beef Wellington, while Sindhu, by Atul Kochhar, delivers Indian fusion. The Glass House pairs wines with small plates, and The Limelight Club combines dining with live performances, both with a surcharge. Complimentary soft drinks, juices, and afternoon tea are included, with 24-hour room service available.

Entertainment: Dynamic and Varied

The Headliners Theatre hosts West End-style musicals and comedy shows. The Live Lounge offers nightly live music, while The Crystal Room, with its chandelier and coffered ceiling, provides ballroom and Latin dancing. The Limelight Club features cabaret dinners, and Brodie’s pub hosts quizzes and live sports. The Studio screens films and hosts talks, while deck areas offer four pools, including an adults-only Serenity Pool, and activities like basketball. The Reef kids’ clubs cater to ages 2-17, with teen discos and family-friendly shows.

Accommodation: Spacious and Modern

Britannia’s 1,837 staterooms across 13 decks include 448 inside cabins (159-236 square feet), 1,341 balcony cabins, and 48 suites. Balcony Cabins, at 212 square feet, feature private verandas. Suites, at 382-689 square feet, offer lounge areas, whirlpool baths, butler service, and access to The Epicurean for breakfast. All cabins include air conditioning, smart TVs, fridges, tea/coffee facilities, The White Company toiletries, and generous storage. Suite guests enjoy priority boarding and exclusive lounge access.