Britannia – Cruise Ship Review

Britannia ship review: Bella on a ship visit

Date: 15 May 2016

Reason for being on board: ship visit

Who are you? Bella from Ocean World Travel

Name of the ship: Britannia

Cruise line: P&O Cruises

Britannia ship review: an entertaining day on board

Food: On board Britannia there are plenty of dining options to suit your needs. The Epicurean restaurant is the most exclusive restaurant on board with set dining times. Specifically designed by Marco Pierre White, it is perfect for those special occasions. If you perhaps want a more relaxed meal, why not try the Horizon buffet – perfect for families with young children. On the Agent Ship Visit, I trialed the lunch menu in the main any time dining restaurant, there were 3 courses and 3 choices for each course to choose from. I had the tomato & basil soup to start, followed by the chicken tagine curry and then a warm cherry tart with cherry ice cream. It really was exceptional food and service!

Led by Britain’s favourite TV chef, James Martin, the cookery club is a brand new innovation for P&O cruises. The club provides inspiring classes taken from James’s favourite dishes. The team offer hands-on tuition classes to help you develop essential cooking skills and those all important presentation skills. There are also family classes available if you are looking for an activity to enjoy together.

Britannia cooking school

Britannia cooking school

Entertainment: The Crow’s nest is probably one of the most popular venues situated at the front of the ship. In the day The Crow’s nest is a peaceful setting with a relaxed atmosphere. Picture yourself here immersing yourself in a book taken from the library and drinking a hot cappuccino. In the evening the atmosphere changes; The Crow’s Nest is renowned for its cocktails and entertainment. It is a very sophisticated venue, perhaps you‘ll want to drop the kids off at kids club and head here to enjoy an evening of class and elegance.

Another venue for great entertainment on board is The Crystal Room. The Crystal room would be a great place for the whole family, it’s where a lot of the main evening entertainment takes place. For example, the Strictly Come Dancing themes cruises would use The Crystal Room to perform in.

Perhaps you fancy watching a show one evening, why not head to the Headiners Theatre. Britannia introduces a completely new era of on board entertainment. The theatre boasts dynamic shows and the slickest of production values. The Limelight club is the only adult only venue aboard which combines great food and dazzling entertainment, it’s a great choice for those seeking a less formal evening.

Strictly Come Dancing Dress

Britannia – Headliners Theatre

Strictly Come Dancing Dress

Facilities: The Kids Club facilities on board of Britannia really are something special. They really have thought of everything possible to ensure the kids on board have an amazing holiday experience too. With age specific clubs, a night nursery and hundreds of different activities The Reef is the place to be for under 18s. The fantastic on board programme for 2-17 year olds is completely free of charge. P&O really have thought of everything to ensure the whole family enjoys their holiday.

Overnight kids club

Kids club activities room

So, the kids are taken care of, now you can relax and unwind in the on board spa. The spa offers all the latest treatments for both men and women. You’ll also find saunas, steam rooms and even hair and beauty salons. The Oasis Spa features a hydrotherapy suite, a lash and brow bar, foot therapy and a salon. Escape to The Retreat, Britannia’s alfresco spa terrace. By day relax and indulge in treatments in shaded cabanas. By night sit underneath the stars and enjoy a glass of bubbly. If you’re more of an active person, head the fitness centre for a work out in the gym, or try out one of the many classes available throughout the day.

Spa – pedicure chair

Spa – treatment room

Gym

Outdoor jaccuzi

Accommodation: Britannia’s boutique style cabins are incredibly stylish and luxurious. The rooms feature large flatscreen TV’s with films included, perfect for those cosy nights in. All outside rooms on board have balconies and they’ve included 27 single cabins for solo travelers, many of which have balconies. If you fancy something a bit more special perhaps upgrade to one of the spacious mini-suites. In addition they come with added luxuries including comfy sofa’s, butler service, a lounge for entertaining, a dressing area and larger balconies with loungers.

Cabin

Type of décor: Britannia is designed for the future. There has never been a more stylish way of seeing the world! Britannia has been designed by world-leading interior designer experts, the ship was built exclusively for the British market and is definitely one of the most glamorous ships. From the moment you step aboard, she certainly creates an unforgettable first impression as the spectacular ‘starburst’ centerpiece of the atrium comes into view.

Atrium

Grand staircase

Courtesy of the staff: Britannia combines the excitement of cruising with the sophistication of a five-star hotel. This is certainly reflected in the customer service on board. The staff are incredibly friendly, approachable and willing to do just about anything to ensure you really enjoy your time on board.

What did you like most about the ship?

I found the design and décor of the ship truly inspiring. From the moment I stepped aboard I felt like I was taken through a journey of complete and utter luxury. They really have thought of everything from the large spaces down to the finer details, it is simply perfection! After being shown around Britannia and experiencing the food I certainly would consider booking my next cruise on Britannia.

What did you like the least of this ship?
The only thing I thought could have been improved was the size of the rooms. The suites in particular were a little cozy. They were certainly done to a high standard but I felt that they could have been a little more spacious.

Ship stats

• CREW MEMBERS 1,350
• PASSENGER CAPACITY 3,647
• NUMBER OF CABINS 1,837
• ENTERED SERVICE March 2015
• GROSS TONS 143,000