Britannia

Britannia: an in-depth ship guide

Britannia is part of the P&O Cruises fleet and offers a cruise experience shaped by its ship design, onboard facilities and the destinations included in each itinerary. This guide is designed to help UK cruise passengers understand what to look for when comparing a sailing on Britannia, from accommodation and dining to entertainment, pools, wellness, family facilities and the practical details of spending time on board.

P&O’s mid-sized ships combine British cruising traditions with a wide range of dining, entertainment and leisure facilities, while the exact mix varies by vessel.

Accommodation and cabins

Accommodation on Britannia is normally offered across several categories, with the exact range depending on the vessel. Typical choices can include inside cabins, ocean-view rooms, balcony accommodation and suites. When comparing fares, check the precise cabin category, location, deck, occupancy and inclusions rather than relying only on the headline price. A balcony can be particularly useful on scenic itineraries where the ship spends long periods cruising alongside coastlines, fjords or islands, while an inside cabin can offer a lower-cost base for passengers who expect to spend most of their time exploring the ship and ports.

Suite and premium accommodation can add extra space and, depending on the cruise line and category, additional services or access to dedicated lounges and dining areas. Accessibility and connecting-room requirements should be confirmed before booking, as cabin layouts can differ significantly between ships.

Dining and drinks

Dining is a major part of the experience on Britannia. The precise venues depend on the ship, but modern cruise vessels commonly combine a main dining room with a buffet or casual restaurant, cafés, poolside options and speciality restaurants. Speciality dining may carry an additional charge, while selected venues and meals may be included in the cruise fare. Menus, opening times and reservation requirements can change, so passengers should check the current details for their sailing.

Drinks are another important part of comparing cruise prices. Some fares include selected drinks or packages, while others charge separately. Work out how much you are likely to spend on soft drinks, coffee, wine, beer, cocktails and bottled water before deciding whether a package represents value for your holiday.

Entertainment and things to do

Sea days are when a ship’s facilities matter most. Depending on the class and current programme, Britannia may offer theatre productions, live music, comedy, lounges, deck entertainment, pools, sports areas, fitness facilities, children’s clubs and other activities. Larger vessels can have a particularly wide range of venues, allowing different members of a family or group to choose different activities at the same time.

Families should check the age ranges and opening arrangements for youth facilities. Couples and adults travelling without children may want to look at quiet lounges, adult-only areas, spa facilities and evening entertainment. Passengers who enjoy fitness can also compare gym facilities, fitness classes and running or walking areas.

Facilities and onboard experience

P&O Cruises has seven ships in its current fleet, ranging from the large contemporary Arvia and Iona to the smaller adult-focused Arcadia and Aurora. Facilities vary by ship and can include theatre entertainment, pools, speciality dining, family areas, fitness and spa facilities, lounges, live music and outdoor deck spaces. On Britannia, the best approach is to check the current deck plan and ship-specific facilities before booking, because facilities can vary even between ships operated by the same cruise company. Features can also be changed, refurbished or temporarily unavailable.

• Swimming pools and outdoor deck areas, where provided
• Restaurants, cafés, bars and lounges
• Theatre, live entertainment and evening venues
• Fitness centre and wellness or spa facilities
• Shopping and practical guest services
• Family, children’s or teen facilities on applicable ships
• Speciality attractions and activities specific to the ship or class

Destinations and itineraries

The destinations available to Britannia depend on the season and deployment. A ship may move between regions during the year, so it is worth checking the exact itinerary rather than assuming that a ship always sails from the same home port. Popular regions across the major cruise lines include the Mediterranean, Norwegian Fjords, Canary Islands, Caribbean, Alaska, Northern Europe and worldwide routes.

For UK passengers, Southampton departures can remove the need for a flight on selected itineraries. Fly-cruise itineraries can open up a much wider choice of ports and longer-distance destinations. Always allow sufficient time between flights and embarkation where a fly-cruise is involved, and check passport, visa, travel insurance and health requirements for every country on the itinerary.

Who is Britannia suited to?

There is no single cruise ship that suits everyone. Britannia may appeal to passengers looking for the particular combination of facilities, destinations, accommodation and atmosphere offered by its class. Families may prioritise pools and children's facilities, couples may focus on dining and quieter spaces, while experienced cruisers may be more interested in itinerary, cabin location and included services. If value is the priority, compare the complete holiday cost rather than the advertised fare alone.

Booking a cruise on Britannia

Before booking, compare the sailing date, itinerary, departure port, cabin type, fare conditions, included dining and drinks, gratuities, Wi-Fi, transfers and any flights. Prices and availability can change, and facilities or itineraries may be amended by the cruise line. Our cruise-line guides are designed to help you research the options before you check the final live fare and booking conditions.

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