itinerary of britannia cruise ship

Ship Specifications

City Bridgetown

City Southampton

City Castries

Britannia itineraries, 5 night western europe, 7 night norwegian fjords, 14 night scandinavia and baltic sea, 14 night british isles, 7 night spain and france, 14 night canary islands, 14 night mediterranean, 15 night caribbean, 14 night caribbean, p&o cruises fleet.

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P&O Britannia Itinerary

P&O Cruises 2024 itineraries of the cruise ship Britannia with homeports and ports-of-call including dates and times. Find out where the ship is sailing and future vessel deployment at the exact date with arrival and departure times. To track how busy is the port or to see when the ship intersects with other vessels we have included a separate column Ships in Port  The following monthly cruise ship calendar is updated frequently using the official itineraries released by the cruise line. You can also download a full year-round itinerary of the ship at the end of this page in a PDF format. This file is intended for the cruise ship crew, and their families to keep track of the ship’s itinerary.

• P&O Britannia Ship Info
• Double occupancy/max occupancy:  3650 / 4250
• Crew:  1300
• Tonnage:  141000
• Length overall:  1082ft (330m)
• Beam:  141ft (43m)
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Cruise Ship   Britannia

Cruises On Britannia

Ultimate Guide to P&O Britannia

P&O Cruises has been a much-loved cruise line with British cruisers for decades and offers traditional cruises to popular destinations such as the Caribbean, Mediterranean and Norwegian Fjords. In this ultimate guide to P&O Britannia , I share everything you need to know about the flagship to make the most of your cruise holiday.

Key Facts about P&O Britannia

P&O Britannia was launched in 2015 and was last refurbished in 2019. The cruise ship was built by Fincantieri (Monfalcone, Italy) and is a Royal Class ship, making it a sister to: Royal, Regal, Sky, Enchanted, Majestic and Discovery Princess.

Britannia has 1,836 cabins for up to 3,647 passengers and has 1,350 crew.

Where is P&O Britannia right now?

You can discover the exact location of Britannia cruise ship using this cruise tracker and take a look at the Britannia webcam from the Bridge.

Cabins on P&O Britannia

Britannia offers a range of cruise cabins to suit all budgets and preferences:

• Superior Deluxe Balcony (equivalent to a mini-suite)

Inside cabin

A standard inside cabin on P&O Britannia is 170 square feet, which is ample space for two people. This cabin has a TV, fridge and tea/coffee making facilities that are replenished daily.

There is generous wardrobe space with shelves and drawers, which I found was plenty of storage for a fortnight’s cruise.

There is a security safe to store any valuables and it’s worth mentioning that we could fit an iPad easily into it.

The en-suite bathroom is stocked with toiletries from The White Company and a notably there was a shower door (instead of a shower curtain).

Pool towels are already in your cabin when you arrive so that you can use them on the ship or at the beach.

An inside cabin is a perfect option for those who like to spend their time enjoying the ship’s facilities and public areas. I also like how dark the room is if you want to sleep or take a nap during the day.

Balcony Cabin

A standard balcony cabin on Britannia is 212 square feet, which is a good size space for two people. This cabin has a TV, fridge and tea/coffee making facilities that are replenished daily.

There is generous wardrobe space, shelves and drawers, which was the same amount of space as an inside cabin. The balcony has the addition of a small table and comfy chair.

The balcony has enough space for two chairs and a small table. I would say the size of the balcony is not huge but fine if you enjoy to sit outside and get some sea air.

The en-suite bathroom appears to be the same size as the inside cabin and is stocked with toiletries from The White Company. It has a shower with a door and pool towels are already in your cabin.

Superior Deluxe Balcony

A superior deluxe balcony cabin on Britannia is 281 square feet, which is a good option for families (sleeps up to four) or couples wanting a bit of luxury and inside space to relax. This cabin has two TVs, a fridge and tea/coffee making facilities that are replenished daily.

The cabins amenities are very similar to those of inside and balcony cabins but has the added bonus of a separate sitting area, which can be curtained off if the settee bed is required.

I would compare this to a mini-suite on sister ships with Princess Cruises.

The bathroom has the addition of a bath with the shower head over it, I think this is a luxury that many would be happy to pay extra for.

Suite cabin

For passengers wanting the ultimate luxury cabin or want to cruise as a family with enough space for everyone, a suite offers 382-689 square feet.

There are four grades of suite on Britannia and are located forward, mid-ship and in the aft. As it’s the most expensive type of cabin on Britannia, I’d fully recommend doing plenty of research before booking so that you choose the right one for you.

Take a look at this guide to choosing the best suite on Britannia .

A suite comes with a long list of perks and benefits:

• Priority embarkation/disembarkation
• Access to an exclusive hospitality lounge with a selection of teas, coffees and fresh pastries while you wait to board
• Exclusive welcome reception with hot and cold canapés and complimentary alcoholic drinks
• Box of chocolates
• Fresh fruit
• Daily canapes
• Coffee machine
• Breakfast in an exclusive venue (Epicurean Restaurant)
• Inclusive room service
• Butler service
• Full-size whirlpool bath
• Priority tenders (where applicable)

Dining on P&O Britannia

There are plenty of dining options on P&O Britannia, with complimentary and specialty restaurants to choose from.

There are main dining rooms, casual dining venues and specialty dining restaurants.

Main Dining Rooms

You will be allocated the Oriental main dining room for traditional set time dining if you enjoy eating at the same time every evening.

Oriental Restaurant   Breakfast: 08.00 – 09.30 (Sea Day) 07.30 – 09.00 (Port Day) Dinner: 1st sitting from 18.30, 2nd sitting from 20.30.

If you prefer a bit more flexibility in the time you eat, I would recommend dining at the Meridian main dining room or Peninsular main dining room.

You can choose the style of dining you’d like when you book your cruise on Britannia.

The main dining rooms all offer the same menu, which changes each night.

In my opinion the food is of a good standard and features traditional British dishes such as Beef Wellington and Bread and Butter Pudding. I particularly recommend the fish dishes.

Meridian Restaurant Lunch: 12.15 – 13.45 (Light lunch option – Sea days only) Dinner: 18.00 – 21.30

Peninsular Restaurant Breakfast: 08.00 – 09.30 (Sea Day) 07.30 – 09.00 (Port Day) Lunch: 12.15 – 13.45 Afternoon tea: 16.00 – 16.45 Dinner: 18.00 – 21.30

Once a cruise, there is a special Gala Night menu that shouldn’t be missed. This is typically offered on the first formal night of the cruise. Please be aware that this may differ on summer 2021 UK cruises.

Each dish in the main dining room is nicely presented and portion sizes are not too large so you can enjoy all three courses. If you have a larger appetite you can always order extra portions of any course.

Casual Dining Venues

On P&O Britannia you can opt for more casual dining options for breakfast, lunch and dinner with healthy and fast food choices, depending on what you fancy.

The buffet is open from 6am to 12 noon for breakfast. It can get very busy but signage at the entrances indicates peak times to avoid.

I would recommend leaving the main buffet dining area and finding a table outside for a peaceful start to the day, away from what can be chaos.

The buffet has a rolling menu so there is always food available between 6am and 2am, here’s a guide to times throughout the day in the Horizon Court Buffet:

Breakfast: 06:00 – 12:00 Lunch: 12:00 – 15:00 Afternoon snacks: 15:00 – 17:00  Children’s tea: 17:00 – 18:00 Theme dinner: 18:00 – 21:30 Late night snacks: 21:30 – 02:00

The themed dinners in the buffet change nightly and offers a wide selection of cuisines from around the world. You can find the schedule for the buffet dinner themes on you in-cabin TV.

Other complimentary casual food options include:

• Pizzeria on Lido Deck 16
• The Grill on Lido Deck 16
• Grab & Go on Lido Deck 16

I particularly like the Grab and Go option as there are freshly-made individually wrapped sandwiches and salads that you can take from the fridges. This is a healthy alternative to the pizza and burgers also on offer on the Lido Deck.

Specialty Dining Restaurants on P&O Britannia

For an additional charge, you can book a table at one of P&O Britannia’s specialty restaurants.

You can book in advance before the cruise or once you’re onboard but be aware that once you get on the ship, dining times may be limited.

The Beach House

The cheapest specialty dining option on Britannia is The Beach House at just £7.50 for a three-course meal. It’s a pop-up restaurant situated in a section of the Horizon Court Buffet and is only open in the evenings.

I dined at The Beach House twice on my last cruise on Britannia and liked it’s casual atmosphere and tasty food.

The menu takes inspiration from Caribbean and American cuisines to deliver menu choices that are sure to appeal to families and friends looking for comfort food and hearty dishes.

The Beach House menu has vegetarian options and limited vegan options so it can be enjoyed by all preferences.

The Glass House

Situated in the ship’s atrium, The Glass House meticulously pairs light, tapas-style dishes with a selection of wines that cannot be enjoyed anyway else on P&O Britannia.

British TV presenter and wine expert, Olly Smith, has had a hand in the menu so it’s fair to say that some thought has gone into the food and drink on offer.

I’d recommend reading my blog post, dedicated to The Glass House and its menu .

A popular specialty restaurant on P&O Britannia is Sindhu , located on Deck 7. This restaurant offers contemporary Indian cuisine and is open for dinner every night from 6pm to 9pm and a light lunch on sea days from 11am to 4.30pm.

Sindhu has a cover charge of £20 per person, which is excellent value given the quality of the dishes. It can seat up 140 covers per night but beware, this still gets booked up in advance.

It has its own bar and lounge area in front of the restaurant that is a chilled area for pre or post-dinner drinks.

The Epicurean Restaurant

The Epicurean Restaurant offers modern, British fine dining and is located near the Crow’s Nest on Deck 16. This specialty dining venue is open for breakfast for suite guests and dinner for any passengers with an advanced booking.

The menu features a selection of classic and contemporary dishes, along with an extensive cheese menu, hand picked by cheese expert Charlie Turnbull.

You can also enjoy Eric Lanlard’s afternoon tea at The Epicurean on sea days but should be pre-booked.

The Limelight Club

If you enjoy dinner and a show, The Limelight Club offers just that. A variety of acts perform during the cruise, which differs depending on your dates and itinerary but can be pre-booked before your cruise.

I would say 80s and 90s musical acts are the main theme of the Limelight Club.

Four menus are rotated throughout the cruise so if you decide to watch more than one act, you won’t be stuck with the same menu.

The menu is limited and I personally think that there are a few strange combinations and textures but the performances certainly make up for that.

The cover charge varies according to the performers but expect to pay between £25 and £35 for a three-course meal.

Entertainment on P&O Britannia

Throughout the day on board P&O Britannia, there is entertainment and activities to get involved in.

I’d recommend watching my tour of Britannia to help you become familiarised with the entertainment venues on the ship.

You can also take a look at the 50 free things to do on Britannia included in your cruise fare.

Live music can be found in most of the bars and lounges in the evenings. If you particularly enjoy dancing, I’d recommend heading to The Crystal Room for big band music and ballroom dancing.

Headliners Theatre

The Headliners Theatre is a two-tier theatre seating 936 cruise passengers.

There is a selection of tribute acts, cabaret-style shows and guest performers throughout the cruise with P&O’s magic show, Astonishing, also making an appearance.

There are two or three performances per night to accommodate cruisers with different dining times so it’s very unlikely you’ll not be able to find a seat for one of the performances each evening.

The tiered seating means that you will always be able to see the stage and accessible seating is located near the Deck 7 entrance to the theatre.

Bars and Drinks on P&O Britannia

There are 13 bars onboard P&O’s Britannia so there’s no chance of going thirsty!

Beer lovers will find plenty of choice on the menu in Brodie’s, whilst wine connoisseurs should feel at home in The Glass House. Both of these venues offer drinks flights so that you can sample a selection of beer and wine before finding your favourite.

Brodie’s is P&O Cruises’ onboard pub, a hub for live music, sport and entertainment. This venue is named after P&O’s co-founder, Brodie McGhie Wilcox. You can expect British bottled beers, spirits and wine here.

This venue can get quite busy, particularly in the evenings when there are quizzes and games being hosted.

There are some quieter ‘break-out’ spaces along one side with comfy seating and the casino is situated on the opposite side. There is waiter service or you can order directly from the bar.

For classy cocktails, martinis and bellinis, I would recommend a visit to the Blue Bar in the atrium with the added bonus of people-watching.

It’s the main bar situated in the atrium and is a great place to meet friends and family before dinner. It’s very popular on formal nights as the place to sip your champagne or bellini. It gets quieter after dinner as passengers head off to the other venues so for a drinks with friends it’s a nice spot.

Live Lounge

On Deck 7 aft, the Live Lounge is an entertainment venue that offers live music and doubles as the ship’s nightclub.

On some occasions, this venue was completely empty and we popped in to get a quick drink at the bar. This is where the 80s night is held but don’t worry, fancy dress is not required or encouraged.

The Crow’s Nest

For fantastic front-facing views during the day and elegant drinks at night, The Crow’s Nest is a bar that can be found across the P&O fleet.

The bar isn’t open all day but in the evening it turns into a sophisticated piano bar for after-dinner drinks. This venue can be quite popular on formal nights.

If you enjoy sipping a cocktail and watching the wake view, the Sunset Bar on Deck 16 is a perfect spot. This is my favourite bar on Britannia and we enjoy spending some time here in the late afternoon, during sailaways.

Drinks prices are fairly reasonably and are no more than what you would pay on the high street. You can see the full list of drinks on Britannia with prices to give you an idea of what’s onboard and how much you should budget for.

A drinks package may be worth purchasing for your Britannia cruise but be aware that drinks packages are not available to purchase on short cruises.

There are alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks packages as well as a child’s package, which I think is excellent value. Take a look at the options so you can decide for yourself.

It’s important to note that drinks packages cannot be shared and therefore, P&O Cruises will not allow just one person sharing a cabin to buy a drinks package.

Laundry on P&O Britannia

I’m sure that when you’re planning your cruise on Britannia, laundry services are furthest from your mind but it’s useful information to know, especially for longer cruises.

The good news is that the launderettes found on the cabin decks are free to use, all you need is washing tablets. Check my complete P&O laundry guide for all the information you need.

P&O Britannia FAQs

What is the dress code on p&o britannia.

During the day, casual holiday clothes can be worn such as shorts, t-shirt and summer dresses. You should avoid pool wear in the inside, lounges, bars and restaurants. Footwear must be worn inside.

Evening casual wear can be worn on non-formal nights of your cruise. This is best described as outfits you would wear to a nice restaurant. Smart dark denim can be worn with a nice top or open neck shirt.

Tracksuits, sports wear and trainers are not permitted in the evenings. If you are cruising in the Caribbean, tailored shorts can be worn in the buffet.

On Gala Evenings and Black Tie Nights you should wear something special. Typically on P&O Cruises, passengers choose to dress very formally with black being the overriding choice for many.

Many men decide to wear a dinner jacket and bow tie but don’t be put off by this. A dark business suit and tie is perfectly acceptable. Cocktail dresses, jumpsuits and ball gowns are worn by women.

How many swimming pools does Britannia have?

P&O Britannia has five swimming pools in total. There are two main pools on the Lido Deck, an adult-only pool in the Serenity area, a small terrace pool on the Sun Deck and an indoor hydrotherapy pool in the Spa.

Are you allowed to take alcohol on a P&O cruise?

Each guest aged 18 years (21 years in US ports) and older is allowed bring up to 1 litre of wine, Champagne, beer, spirit, or liqueur on board as they embark the ship for the first time only.

Alcohol over the 1 litre limit will be stored and returned to the guest before the end of the cruise. If this alcohol is consumed in the dining rooms, bars, restaurants or lounge areas, it will be subject to a corkage fee of £20 per bottle, per occasion which will be charged to the guest’s on-board account. 

Any alcohol purchased in port must be declared once you return to the ship. It will be stored safely for you and returned by the final evening of your cruise.

Is tea and coffee free on P&O Britannia?

Tea and coffee is free of charge on P&O Britannia except specialty teas and coffees from Costa Coffee. There is tea and coffee making facilities in your cabin, which are replenished daily.

Can I take bottled water on P&O Britannia?

Yes, an unlimited amount of water and soft drinks can be brought on board with you for your P&O cruise. There is one small bottle of water per person in your cabin on arrival.

How much is WiFi on P&O Britannia?

WiFi is not included in your cruise fare with P&O Cruises so if you want to be able to connect a device to WiFi on your cruise, you will need to purchase one of three WiFi packages available, starting at £7.75 per day. These packages are cheaper if you pre-purchase them at least three days before your cruise, using your My P&O Cruises account.

I opted for the Browse Package and found it allowed me to do did everything I needed such as social media and Googling port information.

P&O Britannia Tips and Advice

I hope that you’ve found this guide useful. If you have any questions about Britannia, I would be happy to help with any queries you may have. You can either use the Contact Me page or simply use the comment section below to ask your question.

Laura is a UK cruise blogger based in Cornwall, UK. She founded Cruise Lifestyle in 2016 to share useful advice about cruising, destinations and food. Last port visited: Bridgetown, Barbados Next port of call: unknown, but she can’t wait for cruising to resume safely!

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Britannia in the News

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Britannia Cruise Ship

Welcome aboard the P&O Cruises Cruise Line's magnificent vessel, the Britannia. A jewel of the high seas, the Britannia offers an unparalleled cruising experience in Northern Europe, combining exceptional comfort and cutting-edge amenities with an intoxicating itinerary. This ship offers a wide variety of stateroom options, from spacious suites with private balconies to cozy interior rooms, all adorned with tasteful décor and state-of-the-art technology.

For entertainment and relaxation, the Britannia is second to none. With a vast range of recreational facilities such as a [spa/wellness center, swimming pools, sports complex], this ship ensures every guest can find their preferred mode of enjoyment. The ship's entertainment program boasts a variety of performances, including [type of shows, e.g., Broadway-style shows, live music], that are sure to impress and delight.

P&O Cruises invites you to embark on a vacation cruise across Northern Europe on the Britannia cruise ship. During your trip, you will see a variety of towns and locations, some of which include glacier-carved fjords, man-made canals, Scandinavia, the Baltic Sea, Iceland, and the British Isles.

Ship Britannia from P&O Cruises

Northern europe with britannia cruise ship.

Discover the wonders of Scandinavian countries such as Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Finland with Britannia from P&O Cruises. Explore the gems of Russia, Baltic Sea and Norwegian fjords, where Vikings roamed and czars reigned. Cruise between some of the most fascinating cities in the world such as the fairy-tale charm of Estonia, the majesty of St. Petersburg to the warm spas of Iceland. Cruise with Britannia from the Northern Europe ports: Southampton, England;

5-day Northern Europe cruise from Southampton

Britannia, p&o cruises.

Date: April 21, 2024

Ports of Call: Southampton, Cherbourg, Rotterdam, Bruges, Southampton; View Itinerary

7-day Norwegian Fjords cruise from Southampton

Date: April 26, 2024

Ports of Call: Southampton, Stavanger, Olden, Alesund, Haugesund, Southampton; View Itinerary

Date: May 3, 2024

Ports of Call: Southampton, Stavanger, Olden, Flam, Haugesund, Southampton; View Itinerary

14-day Baltic cruise from Southampton

Date: May 10, 2024

Ports of Call: Southampton, Kiel, Stockholm, Stockholm, Helsinki, Tallinn, Copenhagen, Skagen, Southampton; View Itinerary

Date: May 24, 2024

Ports of Call: Southampton, Haugesund, Flam, Nordfjord, Stavanger, Southampton; View Itinerary

Date: May 31, 2024

Ports of Call: Southampton, Stavanger, Olden, Flam, Bergen, Southampton; View Itinerary

14-day British Isles cruise from Southampton

Date: June 7, 2024

Ports of Call: Southampton, Edinburgh, Invergordon, Kirkwall, Greenock, Liverpool, Cork, Southampton; View Itinerary

Date: June 21, 2024

Date: June 28, 2024

Ports of Call: Southampton, Haugesund, Flam, Olden, Stavanger, Southampton; View Itinerary

Date: August 30, 2024

Ports of Call: Southampton, Kiel, Helsinki, Helsinki, Tallinn, Visby, Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Southampton; View Itinerary

Date: September 13, 2024

Ports of Call: Southampton, Stavanger, Flam, Nordfjord, Haugesund, Southampton; View Itinerary

Date: September 20, 2024

Please note that port orders, dates, and itinerary details, including content, are subject to change. Verify specific details for your chosen sailing date on the P&O Cruises website.

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The Ultimate Guide to MV Britannia cruise ship: Everything You Need to Know

Cruise enthusiasts and maritime aficionados, gather around! If you’re seeking an adventure on the high seas with a touch of luxury, look no further than the MV Britannia cruise ship . This majestic cruise ship, proudly sailing under the P&O Cruises banner, has captured the hearts of travelers since its grand entrance onto the waves. Let’s embark on a journey through the captivating story and features of the MV Britannia, where history, opulence, and exploration intertwine.

Table of Contents

A flagship reborn: the legacy of mv britannia.

Unveiling the Majesty: Maiden Voyage and Inauguration

Discover how the MV Britannia made waves from its very inception. We delve into its maiden voyage, taking you through its ports of call in Spain, Italy, and France. But that’s not all – learn about the regal inauguration ceremony, where Queen Elizabeth II herself bestowed the ship’s name.

The Name That Echoes: Historical Significance

The name “Britannia” echoes through history and holds a special place in the hearts of P&O Cruises. Delve into the significance of this name, which draws a thread connecting the ship to the company’s past. Learn about the lineage of ships named Britannia and the traditions they carry forward.

Crafting Elegance: From Order to Construction

A ship’s journey starts long before it sets sail. Explore the timeline from the ship’s order in 2011 to the moment it was laid down on 15 May 2013 at the Fincantieri yard in Monfalcone, Italy. Experience the artistry and craftsmanship that went into creating this floating masterpiece.

Beyond the Horizon: Features and Facilities

A culinary odyssey: dining like royalty.

Indulge your senses with a feast fit for kings and queens. Discover the culinary wonders aboard MV Britannia, boasting 13 bars, 13 restaurants, and cafés that cater to every palate. Join celebrity chefs and cooks like James Martin, Mary Berry, and Atul Kochhar on a gastronomic journey that spans the globe.

Theatrical Spectacles: Entertainment Extravaganza

Step into a world of entertainment that rivals the grandeur of the high seas. Explore the ship’s 936-seat theater, where captivating performances come to life. Uncover how celebrated chefs, including Marco Pierre White, contribute to the gala nights that light up the onboard experience.

Luxury Redefined: Cabins and Comfort

Rest and relaxation find new meaning aboard the MV Britannia. With 1,837 cabins, including single cabins and suites, this ship offers a haven for every traveler. Experience a first for P&O Cruises – balconies in all outside cabins – and explore the ship’s four pools, including one dedicated to teenagers, and the serene Oasis Spa.

The Art of Refinement: Refit and Transformation

Journey with the MV Britannia through its transformation in dry dock. Explore the additions that breathed new life into the ship, including an art gallery, redesigned atrium, and shopping outlets. Discover how the ship emerged from this process more refined and captivating than ever before.

Charting New Waters: Voyages and Adventures

Mediterranean Magic: Summer Itineraries

Sail away to the sun-soaked Mediterranean during Britannia’s summer season. Explore the allure of destinations like the Norwegian fjords, the Baltic, the Canary Islands, and the Atlantic Islands. Uncover the richness of these itineraries and the cultural tapestry they offer.

Tropical Escapes: Winter in the Caribbean

When winter comes, the MV Britannia sets its course for the Caribbean. Immerse yourself in the magic of 14-night Caribbean itineraries that promise unforgettable experiences. Let the warm waters, vibrant cultures, and breathtaking landscapes be your guide to paradise.

Celebrities at Sea: Special Onboard Events

Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway took the stage live on board, marking a special moment in the ship’s entertainment history. Discover the allure of onboard events that bring popular shows and celebrities directly to the passengers, creating memories that last a lifetime.

The Heart of the Ocean: Technical Details

Building majesty: from blueprint to reality.

Explore the technical marvels that power MV Britannia. Dive into its impressive dimensions – from its length of 330 meters to its height of 70.67 meters – and learn about the propulsion systems that propel it through the waves. Delve into the numbers that make this ship a true engineering marvel.

Ownership and Operation: Carnival Corporation & P&O Cruises

Understand the ownership and operation behind the scenes. Learn how Carnival Corporation & plc and P&O Cruises collaborate to bring this grand ship to life. Discover the port of registry and the journey that takes place from the moment the ship was ordered in 2011 to its official maiden voyage in 2015.

A Voyage of Endless Discovery

As we lower the anchor on this journey through the MV Britannia, one thing becomes abundantly clear: this ship is more than a vessel; it’s a floating realm of elegance, entertainment, and exploration. From its rich history to its modern amenities, MV Britannia stands as a testament to the art of seafaring luxury. So, whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a budding adventurer, set your course for the MV Britannia and let its majestic presence sweep you off your feet into a world of oceanic wonder.

Now, with this article, the sails of knowledge are full, and it’s time to cast off into the realm of the MV Britannia. Bon voyage, fellow explorers!

Related FAQs

What is mv britannia and when was it launched.

MV Britannia is a flagship cruise ship under P&O Cruises. It was launched on 14 March 2015, with Queen Elizabeth II as the official namemaster.

What makes MV Britannia's dining experience unique?

MV Britannia boasts 13 bars, 13 restaurants, and cafés offering diverse cuisines. Celebrity chefs like James Martin and Atul Kochhar create culinary magic onboard.

What are the highlights of MV Britannia's entertainment options?

The ship features a 936-seat theater, gala nights with Marco Pierre White’s menus, and onboard events like Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway.

How does MV Britannia cater to relaxation and comfort?

With 1,837 cabins including suites and balconies in all outside cabins, four pools, and an Oasis Spa, Britannia ensures a luxurious and rejuvenating experience.

What are the technical specifications of MV Britannia?

MV Britannia is 330 meters long, 70.67 meters high, and has a tonnage of 143,730 GT. Its propulsion system includes Wärtsilä engines and electric motors, offering a speed of 21.9 knots.

Posted by Orbitshub

Published on 29th August 2023

Category(s) History and General

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The Cruise Blogger | Cruise Blog

Unpacking the myths about cruise holidays. Tried and tested cruising advice from a thirty-something former officer's wife.

Cruise ship review: P&O Cruises, Britannia

A few days ago I returned from a two-week Mediterranean cruise on board the P&O Cruises flagship Britannia. Launched in 2015, the ship carries 3,647 guests and 1350 crew. She weighs 143,000 GT and spends most the year cruising to Norway, the Canary Islands, the Western Mediterranean and the Caribbean. Britannia features 10 dining venues, 7 entertainment spaces and 8 bars/cafés. Before our cruise, Britannia was the only P&O Cruises ship in the existing fleet that I hadn’t sailed on, although I had looked around her twice in Southampton.

Our cruise departed from Southampton on June 3 rd , returning June 17 th 2018. This was a Strictly Come Dancing themed cruise and a number of Strictly celebrities came on board to give talks and perform shows and dance classes for guests. Celebrities included Craig Revel Horwood, Anton du Beke and 2017 champion Joe McFadden, along with dancers such as Pasha, Aljaz and Janette. Costumes from the show were displayed in the atrium and these were changed partway through the cruise.

Over two weeks we visited the ports of Alicante, Barcelona, Toulon, La Spezia, Civitavecchia, Cartagena and Gibraltar. The only port I hadn’t been to before was Toulon, so I was familiar with the other destinations on the itinerary. We chose this cruise because we wanted some summer sun outside of the school holidays. You’ll find a list of my favourite, and least favourite, things about Britannia towards the end of this post.

Embarkation

We booked a suite giving us priority embarkation at Ocean Terminal in Southampton. This meant we were some of the first people on board the ship and we had our own embarkation lounge. Check-in took around half an hour in total. The embarkation lounge is really just a cordoned off section of the terminal, where you are offered tea, coffee, cake and biscuits. Within ten minutes of sitting down, we were ushered onto the ship so we didn’t have to wait long. Once on board we had a VIP buffet style lunch in the Peninsular Restaurant. A choice of hot and cold food was available, including pasties, sandwiches, battered prawns and sweet treats. Guests were offered a complimentary glass of Prosecco. By the time we finished our lunch (we boarded around 12.30pm) our cabins were ready and our luggage had arrived. The service was swift and efficient.

Accommodation

We researched the different type of cabins on offer before making our booking direct with P&O Cruises. We were aware that standard balconies on board Britannia are much smaller than those on Azura and Ventura. Therefore we opted for a suite, which would give us the additional space we required (extra cabin space and a larger balcony). We were allocated the Mistral Suite on Deck 14, B603. The suite is located towards the aft end of the ship, between the midship lifts and the aft lifts and aft staircase. You can see a video tour of our suite below, along with a video of our balcony further down in this post.

Booking a suite gives you a few additional extras which include: butler service, breakfast in The Epicurean, flowers, canapés each evening, a bottle of champagne and chocolates on arrival, priority embarkation, The White Company toiletries, bathrobe and slippers, free shuttle buses, umbrella, binoculars, VIP lunch upon boarding. I’ll be honest, we didn’t feel we really needed butler service and the flowers were not in our suite upon arrival. There was an issue getting hold of the flowers, although they did arrive several days later. For me, breakfast in The Epicurean was the biggest bonus of booking a suite and the service in the restaurant was impeccable.

You will see a few references to Azura and Ventura in this post, as there are many similarities between the three ships. Our suite was smaller than its equivalent on Azura and Ventura, but it was comfortable all the same. The bathroom was enormous and it was nice to see a proper shower door (cabins have these on Britannia instead of the old shower curtains). The toilet was separate from the rest of the bathroom, which did waste a bit of space. The whirlpool bath was very nice, although bring your own bubble bath as it isn’t supplied. The shower had a washing line, which was very useful.

The lounge area is compact but comfortable and both the lounge and TV have large, interactive flat screen TVs. The selection of free films on offer was very good and all P&O Cruises ships now offer condensed versions of BBC and ITV. The mattress on our bed was very comfortable and it was lovely waking up to a sea (or port) view every day. I missed not having a bedside table on my side of the bed though. The dressing table served as a bedside table but it was quite high. Storage space was very good although there are no facilities to hang full-length evening dresses (the wardrobes aren’t quite long enough so I hung mine on a wardrobe door) and draw space is limited. I recommend taking a full-length dress carrier with you, if you cruise on Britannia.

We were happy with the size of our balcony, although all balconies are narrow. We had two chairs, two footstools and two tables. A standard cabin has two chairs and one table. There are separators between balconies which you can open up if you are travelling with other people. I have included some photos of an Inside cabin and a Deluxe Balcony cabin below. The latter has a really good layout, with a double bed and sofa area. BUT the balconies are small (as you’ll see in the photo).

Our suite was situated close to the launderette, which was really useful. There were four washing machines, four dryers and four ironing boards and I never had a problem getting an iron or a machine. I always take my own washing powder with me, but they sell liquid capsules in the shop for £1 each.

Britannia ship tour

Before I start writing about the ship, I thought I would let you know that I will put together a Dining with P&O Cruises article, so I will discuss the main cover charge restaurants in that post. I also won’t discuss the ports in detail, as I often write individual destination port guides. We pre-booked just one excursion called The Vatican – Behind the Scenes, in Civitavecchia which was very good.

Britannia has an impressive atrium, which feels like an upmarket hotel lobby. It is dominated by a lit mirrored starburst centre piece and the whole space spans three decks. On the lower deck (5) the central area is peppered with comfy chairs and sofas. This space was used all the time by guests and was rarely empty. The Blue Bar, Art Gallery and Market Café are situated just off this central area. The shops are located just above on Deck 6. I didn’t think the perfume shop had as good a selection of products as some of the other P&O Cruises ships, but the rest of the shops had a good range. The Glass House and Java Café are on Deck 7 in the atrium area.

Although the central atrium has stairs, there is no central midship staircase. This has been a bone of contention for guests since the ship’s launch and the company are aware of the issue. Initially we didn’t think the missing staircase would be an issue. However as the cruise progressed we constantly had to fight for lifts and people decided to ‘go up to come down’ on regular occasions just so they could get in one. Although it is possible to use the forward and aft staircase, due to the size of the ship you end up walking long distances just to get the lift or stairs to another deck. I understand Royal Princess is also without a central staircase as both ships are the same design. That said, the staircase issue would not put me off sailing on Britannia again and, if you are mobile, I would urge it not to put you off either. It is more of an issue for guests with mobility problems or those with pushchairs and small children. The lifts are also quite small.

Bars, lounges and cafés

You are certainly spoilt for choice when it comes to bars on Britannia. As well as poolside bars, you’ll find a number of enticing options inside.

The Blue Bar: Larger and more spacious than on the Grand Class ships, the Blue Bar is located on Deck 5 in the atrium. It’s a great space for a pre dinner or pre show drink. The only downside is the dark interior.

The Glass House: A popular pre show drink spot, you can enjoy one of Olly Smith’s speciality wines in this trendy wine bar come bistro. The wines here are not available in the main restaurants and in the past I’ve tried some delicious tipples from Croatia, South America and Australia. You can also try the wine flight if you want something different. My favourite alcoholic beverage on board is Peller Ice Wine; we brought two bottles home with us!

The Crystal Room: This elegant lounge was used for a number of Strictly events, including meet and greets and dance classes. It’s located at the forward end of Deck 7, near Headliners Theatre.

Brodie’s: Britannia’s version of a British pub is very popular for live sporting events such as the World Cup. You can also try a range of specialist traditional beers and ales in this venue.

The Crow’s Nest: It’s great to see the popular Crow’s Nest reinstated on a newer P&O Cruises vessel. Boasting the most impressive panoramic views over the ship’s bow, this is a great spot to relax with a book or listen to the pianist in the evening. We used it several times pre and post dinner.

The Live Lounge: Britannia’s version of Manhattan and Havana (Azura, Ventura), this is a great spot for evening entertainment such as live music. It doesn’t have the screens at the back that the latter venues have, but you get an all round good view from most seating areas.

Sunset Bar: We used this bar the most, due to its location close to the buffet and its indoor/outdoor feel. It was a great spot to enjoy sailaway, particularly as the weather was so warm in the Mediterranean. The bar is laid out with white, grey and blue furniture and fake foliage separates the different areas. The port side section is a smoking area; so if you are a non-smoker, stick to the starboard side.

Arena Bar: This can be found next to the sports court, but it doesn’t open after 6pm. We never used this bar and it was always very quiet.

Java Café: This popular spot is the place to go for a Costa Coffee. There are tables and chairs outside the café on Deck 7, making it a great place to sit on a sunny day.

Market Café: Exclusive to Britannia, you can purchase special Eric Lanlard pastries and cakes from this café. I was also told they serve hot lunch dishes such as pie s (for a small fee) , but I didn’t find that out until the end of the cruise.

There are two additional things I want to highlight. As I am pregnant, this was an alcohol free holiday for me. I was really impressed with the selection of soft drinks on offer, including mocktails (Bananaberry is my favourite), alcohol free beer, gin and cider and general soft drinks. P&O Cruises are known for their reasonably priced alcohol and soft drinks and I hope that doesn’t change (unless they introduce drinks packages).

The second thing I want to highlight is the Gin Tasting Masterclass, which costs £15 per person and operates fleet wide. Bar Services Manager Avalon was one of the instigators of this event which started on Azura and he did an excellent job teaching us about gin from across the UK. You get to try four gin cocktails and five gins for £15, which is good value. Avalon very kindly arranged for me to have non-alcoholic versions of the cocktails. He also hosts martini, rum, tequila and mixology classes on selected itineraries. You may also be interested to know that we attended a Sundowner Cocktail event which took place on the Observation Deck as we sailed away from Cartagena. This was very good and for £25 you get to try a range of exotic cocktails whilst mingling with officers. This also operates fleet wide.

Restaurants

I’d heard lots of negative things about the food on Britannia before our cruise. In my opinion the food was nice and it was no better or worse than any other P&O Cruises ship. Britannia’s Food and Beverage Manager Abel is very hands on with his team and he is meticulous in ensuring that guests have a positive dining experience. He hosted a behind-the-scenes brunch (which runs fleet wide) which was first trialled on Azura a couple of years ago when we were on board. For £25 guests can take a tour of the galley followed by a brunch showcasing items from the select dining venues. This was one of the highlights of the cruise for me and I really recommend it to others. The tour was very interesting and the lunch afterwards was delicious.

There are three main restaurants: Oriental Restaurant (Club Dining) and the Peninsular and Meridian Restaurants (Freedom Dining). We ate in the Peninsular Restaurant, as we were Freedom Dining.

The Horizon Buffet is situated on Deck 16 and offers the usual themed buffet in the evening, along with breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and kids tea during the day. Hand washing stations mean that guests can wash their hands properly before dining. The buffet is cleverly segmented so that it doesn’t feel too big. In the evening, one side is used as The Beach House speciality restaurant.

We ate in the Glass House twice. Here you can sample three small plates as a main (or starter) followed my main courses and desserts. You pay for what you eat so there isn’t one standard cover charge. I recommend the lamb kebabs and ox cheek balls to start. The haddock and chips was also superb and so is the surf and turf.

The Epicurean is Britannia’s fine dining restaurant. A one off fee covers you for three courses. I tried ox cheek as a starter, lamb and cheese. My husband had Indonesian prawns, which looked incredible. We also had Eric Lanlard’s special afternoon tea in The Epicurean on the last sea day. We’d tried it on other ships and it is delicious. For a £15 supplement you get an elaborate choice of sweet and savoury options along with an extensive tea menu.

Of all the restaurants on board Britannia, I enjoyed Sindhu the most (£25 per person). That might be because I was craving spicy food a little bit though! Atul’s Signature Dish is my go-to main course but I also tried the tandoori chicken, which had a good kick to it. Sindhu feels more like a traditional Indian restaurant when comparing it to the same venue on other ships. It also has a lovely bar area which is completely separate to the restaurant.

The service in all the speciality dining venues was superb. Upon making our booking our butler made the restaurants aware that I was pregnant and waiting staff took this into account on each occasion.

Swimming pools

There are three good-sized swimming pools, one small splash pool and a number of Jacuzzis. The main family pools can be found on Deck 16, between the Rivera Bar and Poolside Grill. You’ll find dining outlets dotted around Deck 16 by the pools. These consist of a pizzeria, grill, ice cream parlour and a Grab-and-Go snack bar. Unlike other ships, the music around the pool never seemed to be too loud and it didn’t dominate the area, which was great. There are a number of comfy sofas spread around Deck 16 and 17 and many can be found in shaded areas. I really liked having the option of using these sofas instead of having to use a sunbed.

We spent most of our time in the quiet zone by the Serenity Pool, Deck 17 forward. You rarely heard noise from the Deck 16 pools and this area was very peaceful. I believe it is an adult only area, as I never saw any children in the vicinity. The pool is much bigger than its equivalent on Azura and Ventura – the Oasis Pool. The water was nearly always warm which was a real bonus for me! There are shaded and open areas and I really liked the covered cabana, which provided sofas and shade. The Serenity Bar services this area and this is where I would purchase my daily freshly squeezed orange juice (I highly recommend it, it’s delicious). The Retreat is located at the far end of the Serenity Pool section.

Spa and The Retreat

Unlike the rest of the P&O Cruises fleet, Britannia’s spa can be found on Deck 5, close to Reception. Due to its location, the spa doesn’t benefit from lots of windows, which is a bit of a shame. My husband had a massage, which he said was very good. We tried out the hydrotherapy pool which you can purchase access to on a one-off basis or as part of a spa package. The pool is smaller than Arcadia’s hydrotherapy pool and it is completely enclosed, so there are no windows like Arcadia’s has. In the same room you’ll find the hotbeds. Due to the noise from the pool, it is quite difficult to relax on the hotbeds and I imagine in peak periods this area does get busy. We spent a total of 30 minutes using these facilities, so it’s only really worth the money if you are likely to use it for a longer period of time.

The gym is separate from the spa on Britannia and it is located on Deck 17. If you are using the swimming pools on Deck 16, the gym has the closest changing rooms to the pool areas. The gym is the best I have seen at sea, with fabulous sea views, a great selection of equipment and separate rooms for fitness classes.

The Retreat can be found towards the forward end of Deck 17 by the Serenity Pool. A special card is needed to access it and it cannot be pre-booked before the cruise, unless you purchase a special spa package. Access to The Retreat was sold out during our cruise, although we did have a look around it whilst we were in port. We spoke to a number of guests who used it on a daily basis and they loved it.

Cookery School

We had a look around the cookery school but we didn’t partake in any classes. The classes cost £45 each. Anton du Beke hosted a dinner in the Cookery School for a small number of guests and it cost £85 per person.

We were invited onto the bridge where I was able to take some superb photos along the side of the ship and across the bow. Captain Wesley Dunlop kindly posed for a photo with me and it was lovely chatting to him and Deputy Captain Andrew Wolverson, whom we have known for several years. The bridge is located at the forward end of Deck 14. The only way to access it normally is on the Behind-the-Scenes tour, which operates fleet wide.

Entertainment

As this was a Strictly Come Dancing cruise, most of the entertainment was Strictly themed which was understandable. We didn’t book the cruise for this reason, as we don’t normally watch the show. However, I did go along to the talk with 2017 winner Joe McFadden and that was interesting. The main Strictly shows were ticketed and all guests were allocated a set ticket, which you could then change for another day/time. The theatre seats over 800 making it larger than Ventura and Azura’s theatres. It can be accessed from Deck 6 and Deck 7. The Headliners Theatre Company performed a number of shows during the cruise, including Stephen Mulhern’s new Astonishing magic show.

We tended to dine frequently in the speciality restaurants, which took up a lot of our time in the evenings (I’ll cover these in my food and drink post) but we did go to three very good shows, these were:

• Tom Binns – Star and co-creator of the BBC’s Hospital People. His show was very funny!
• Chesney Hawkes and Darren Day at the Limelight Club. Both had incredible voices and it was lovely to meet them after the shows.

The Limelight Club is unique to Britannia. It is similar to the old supper clubs, whereby you pay a £25 supplement, which gives you a three-course meal and live entertainment. There were four artists performing in the Limelight Club over a two-week duration and there were four different menus that were rotated.

Our first meal was disappointing compared to our second meal (which was superb) but I think this was just due to the menu on offer that night. Guests arrived at the club at 6.30pm and the show finished around 10pm. Entertainment Host Jo B was an excellent compère for both shows and she was very attentive, personally working her way around the room chatting to each table which was a lovely touch. My husband and I are big fans of Jo, having sailed with her on other ships. She was very popular with the guests.

I love the fact that Britannia has a cinema/lecture theatre called The Studio situated on Deck 7. Films were shown two to three times a day depending on where the ship was. Film choices ranged from 80s movies like Flashdance to modern day hits The Mountain Between Us, Peter Rabbit and The Greatest Showman. Britannia does not have a sea screen like Azura.

Children’s facilities

Britannia’s youth club caters for children aged between 2-17 and children are split into four age groups. There is a Night Nursery for children between the ages of 6 months and 4 years of age, operating from 6pm-2am nightly. On board facilities include a splash zone and teens’ sun deck. The youth team organise a fun-filled programme of entertainment covering everything from treasure hunts to sporting events. Family cabins with pull-down berths or sofa beds are available.

Things I liked most about Britannia

• Serenity Pool
• Décor – I liked most of the décor, which was fresh, contemporary and stylish
• The Limelight Club
• Galley tour with brunch
• Gin Tasting Masterclass
• The sinks for hand washing in the buffet and grill areas
• The Crow’s Nest – it’s great to see this popular bar on board one of the newer P&O Cruises ships
• The Library – tucked away next to the Crow’s Nest, this small but perfectly formed library proved popular on our cruise.
• The outdoor seating/café area on Deck 7

Things I liked least about Britannia

• US plug sockets in cabins (there were some UK sockets too). We brought European adapters so were very surprised to find American sockets when the ship doesn’t go to America (or have American passengers).
• The dark interiors – Blue Bar, Sindhu, Headliners Theatre and the Limelight Club all had dark interiors, which felt oppressive at times (although the décor was stylish).
• The missing midship staircase
• The sunbeds – this is a personal issue I had on Ventura too and it’s not really ship specific. The metal sunbeds are very uncomfortable due to a gap in the seat, and I prefer the older plastic style.

Some of the main differences between Azura, Ventura and Britannia

• Cabins and balconies are generally smaller on Britannia
• Britannia has a Crow’s Nest instead of The Planet Bar or Metropolis
• The Crystal Room replaces The Tamarind Club and Malabar
• Britannia’s Sindhu bar feels much more inviting and people seem to use it even when not dining
• Britannia’s Headliners Theatre doesn’t have bars separating deck 6 and 7, meaning there is nothing obstructing your view
• The Epicurean on Britannia has no outdoor space but the décor is much lighter than that on Ventura and Azura
• Only Ventura has a roof over her pool
• Britannia has more sofa and shaded areas outside
• The Limelight Club is unique to Britannia

I was really impressed with Britannia as a ship, although it took me a while to find my way around. I spoke to a number of guests who were repeat cruisers and she seemed to have a loyal following. As our cruise fell outside of the school holidays, the age range varied but we only saw a few younger children on board. I would say that a large portion of guests were aged 50+ but I did notice a few couples in their twenties and thirties (although not many). I would be interested to see what the regular entertainment is like on a non-themed cruise, but I imagine it doesn’t differ too much from the other ships. I don’t know if I would book a suite again just to have a bigger balcony and sofa area, considering we spent a lot of time on deck. But I did like the look of the Deluxe Balcony cabins which also had a sofa.

If you like larger ships, plenty of select dining options and lots of deck space then it’s worth considering a cruise on Britannia. If you are a fan of smaller, more intimate ships and more exciting itineraries then it won’t be for you.

You can read my other P&O Cruises ship reviews here . I will be writing Dining with P&O Cruises and Cruising When Pregnant posts soon.

16 comments

We were on this cruise and looking from another perspective, we had a Balcony cabin towards the Aft section and had no problems with lack of stairs or busy lifts. What I thought was the lifeboat drill ‘mad scramble ‘ should and could have been staggered so not so many were on the stairs at once and provision should be made for those who cannot climb more than two or three sets of stairs- ie Deck 12 to the Muster was ok but a struggle climbing up again and in a real emergency impossible. Another review missed was the Live Lounge – the inexperienced management did nothing to stop those watching the first show leaving the venue so that those wanting to watch the second could have a seat. I would also have thought that allowing so many to stand was dangerousl, overcrowding the exit areas, and violating health and safety! as was allowing Italian coach companies to transport people on excursions in old coaches with no seat belts! Yes! we enjoyed our cruise and only travel with P&O but with a little more thought to safety and not profit, it could be described as near perfect.

Hello Moira, thanks for your comment and for sharing your experience. I can’t comment on any scramble for the lifeboat drill as we didn’t experience any issues but I understand the stairs do get busy on most ships. It’s unfortunate it hindered your experience on the first day. We went to see Tom Binns in the Live Lounge (I briefly referenced it) but we didn’t experience overcrowding during our show. I don’t know what the company’s policy is for clearing the room before the next show, but I suspect as it’s a public lounge they cannot force people to leave if they choose to stay in the room. We did one tour to Rome and we had seatbelts (as I used mine) and the coach was fairly new, but the standards do vary from port to port. Hopefully this hasn’t put you off cruising with the company in the future.

We were on this cruise to! A good summary.

Hi Anna I found this really helpful. We go on our first ever cruise on Britannia in August. I am really worried about missing out on some of the great things on offer and really appreciate your tips for the cocktail tasting and the limelight evenings (I was tempted by this but not sure if it would be worthwhile but you have temptemted me). I was a little unsure whether to take my wheelchair as I occasionally have issues walking long distances again you have convinced me I should take it). I am super excited but reluctant to book anything as I can’t seem to find a schedule of what activities are on at what times each day. I guess all will become clear I just hope I don’t miss out as evening gets booked up. Thankyou fof taking the time to do this blog I really appreciated it Kind regards Brianne

Hi Brianne. It’s great to hear you are going on Britannia soon. She is a lovely ship. Bookings for the Limelight Club won’t be on your Cruise Personaliser until a few weeks before the cruise but we booked Darren Day when we were on board. Also the gin tasting, cocktail sundowners and brunch will be bookable once on board as you can’t prebook these before the cruise. You will also get a daily newspaper which will break down the activities for the day ahead. It is probably worthwhile taking your wheelchair and then at least you have the option of using it, should you need to. Have a fabulous time!

Faaaabulous review! I’m reading it now because I just disembarked today haha…

I did the cookery class with Marco Pierre White and also tried almost all the speciality restaurants. It was so difficult to fit it all in a week :’)

Thanks Emma 🙂 I’m so pleased to hear you had a good time! I saw the photos from your cookery class and it looked fun. What was your favourite restaurant?

Hi Anna can you help me.we want to go on our first cruise and unsure which ship to choose between azura and Britannia .what are the main differences and which do you prefer,any advise wil be appreciated.regards tracey

The main difference between the two is size and itinerary. Britannia is bigger than Azura and is a newer ship with a very different layout inside. You will find she carries a lot more people and has a slightly bigger selection of bars and restaurants. Azura is very popular with repeat cruisers, due to her friendly atmosphere and pristine interiors. Azura is a great ship if you want to try something large that isn’t too overwhelming and is a good option for a first-time cruiser. It’s very hard to comment as I like both very much and it really does come down to where you want to travel to and whether you would prefer having the extra facilities on board Britannia (plus the extra people). One thing worth noting though – Azura and Ventura are almost identical. Although Ventura is slightly older, she has a roof over one of the pools which Azura doesn’t have. This is great if you are thinking of travelling to colder countries.

I hope that helps. It might be worth heading over to the Cruise Critic website which should have breakdowns of everything on board both ships – from itineraries to cabins, food and entertainment.

Anna, My wife and myself will be heading off on our first cruise in February 2020 (14 nights in the Caribbean on the Britannia). I’m getting a bit of “Cruise-review overload” at the moment, but I really thought yours was interesting and comprehensive.

I do have one question you might be able to answer. I have a small action camera I will be using on the ship and shore excursions etc. I note that you can “buy” some time on the PCs for internet browsing. I wouldn’t want access the internet (I’m on my holidays after all!) but I would like to be able to use the PCs in the library to transfer videos from the camera onto a flash drive. Would you know if this is possible?

Many thanks for your comment. As far as I know the computers are just for internet browsing. Your best option would be to ask P&O directly, or speak to the Librarian/Reception when you get onboard.

Please can anyone say if there are glass lifts on Brittania .

Hi Rosalind. There aren’t external glass lifts like there are on Arcadia. I don’t recall glass lifts around the atrium, but you might be best having a look at one of the online 360 tours of the ship.

Thank You Anna Ill do that.

Hi, I’ve booked a cruise for 2020 for four of us on the Britannia. We have a balcony cabin A314 I have searched but cannot find any pictures of how the beds are situated as I would be really interested to find out how we all fit into a cabin to sleep. Do you have any pictures or know how the bed are. Many thanks louise

Hi Anna.. it was really good to read about your experience on the ‘Britannia- we go on our 1st ever cruise in September on the Britannia and wanted to ask about the retreat area? I know you said that you can’t pre-book this .. but have been reading about guests rushing out to reserve their sunbeds around the other pools with their towels and no-one around to police this..it’s so annoying & petty.. but hopefully can try and book retreat as soon as we embark.

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Britannia deck plans

Deck layouts, review of facilities, activities, amenities.

Britannia deck plan review at CruiseMapper provides newest cruise deck plans (2024-2025-2026 valid floor layouts of the vessel) extracted from the officially issued by P&O UK (P&O Cruises) deckplan pdf (printable version).

Each of the Britannia cruise ship deck plans are conveniently combined with a legend (showing cabin codes) and detailed review of all the deck's venues and passenger-accessible indoor and outdoor areas. A separate link provides an extensive information on Britannia staterooms (cabins and suites), including photos, cabin plans and amenities by room type and category.

MV Britannia (2015-built, last refurbished in 2019) is a Royal-class cruise ship with sisterships (in the Princess Cruises fleet ) Royal Princess (2013), Regal Princess (2014), Majestic Princess (2017), Sky Princess (2019), Enchanted Princess (2021) and Discovery Princess (2022). Britannia is the largest liner in P&O Cruises UK's fleet and also the ever-biggest passenger ship constructed for the UK source market.

Britannia cruise ship deck plan shows a total of 1837 staterooms for 3647 passengers (max capacity is 4406) served by 1350 crew-staff. The boat has 17 decks (14 passenger-accessible, 8 with cabins), 10 dining options (restaurants/cafes/food bars), 13 lounges and bars (4 of which outdoor), 9 entertainment venues, 4 swimming pools, 9 Jacuzzis (outdoor whirlpool hot tubs), 12 elevators (4 forward, 4 midship/panoramic, 4 aft), no wraparound Promenade. The ship features full Wi-Fi coverage (shipwide) and a multi-million art collection throughout.

Note: On P&O Britannia ship, launderettes are located on decks A, B, C, D, E, F, G. These are passenger use laundry facilities (open 8 am - 10 pm, complimentary), complete with dryers, washers, ironing boards. Detergent costs extra, or you can use your own. Dry cleaning (called Wascomat or Aquatex /eco-friendly wet cleaning) is available, with service charges per item. List with dry-cleaning prices is available in all cabins.

Britannia ship’s Interior is designed by “Richmond International”. This is a leading UK designer company with quite a number of famous British hotel projects.

P&O Britannia deckplan changes 2019 refurbishment review

The cruise liner's first drydock refurbishment was in 2019 (October 8-22) at Damen Shipyard Brest (France) . During the drydock works were implemented the following changes:

• All interiors were refreshed (shipwide).
• ( Landing Deck 5 / midship Lobby) a permanent Art Gallery was added (adjacent to Blue Bar / Atrium bar)
• (deck 5 midship) The Atrium was redesigned with new color schemes and relaxed live entertainment (music, informal acts).
• (deck 5 midship) Market Cafe's menu upgraded with new gourmet sweets (recipes by Eric Lanlard / French patissier and celebrity chef)
• (deck 5 forward) To Oasis Spa and Salon (ship's wellness complex) were added two express pods for treatments - one for high-tech spa massages, the other for express skin treatments and LVL lash lifting.
• ( Tween Deck 6 ) The onboard shopping was upgraded with new luxury brands - Jo Malone London (candles), Tom Ford (designer fashion), Michael Kors (designer clothing and accessories, handbags, watches, shoes), Clifton (custom design clothing), Edinburgh Gin (alcohol).
• ( Main Deck 7 midship-starboard) Java Cafe (buffet restaurant's) menu was upgraded with alcoholic beverages.
• (deck 7 midship-aft-starboard) Photo Gallery upgraded with Dixons Electronics Hub selling gadgets (imaging, computing, audio) from premium brands like Amazon, Apple (electronics, computer software), Microsoft (software), Sony (electronics, gaming), Canon (imaging and optical products), Fitbit (trackers, wireless wearables), GoPro (action cameras), Bose (audio devices / headphones, speakers, wearables).

On MS Britannia, P&O UK also introduced a try-before-you-buy program with consultant-managing tasting tables in the ship's beauty and make-up areas.

Deck layouts

Deck 04 - g-infirmary-crew cabins, deck 05 - landing-lobby-spa, deck 06 - tween-shopping, deck 07 - main-lounge, deck 08 - g, deck 09 - f, deck 10 - e, deck 11 - d, deck 12 - c, deck 14 - b-bridge, deck 15 - a, deck 16 - lido-pool, deck 17 - sun-kids-teens-adults pool, deck 18 - sports-promenade.

Britannia deck plans are property of P&O UK (P&O Cruises) . All deck layouts are for informational purposes only and CruiseMapper is not responsible for their accuracy.