The truth about Britannia!

There has been lots of talk over the past weeks and months about the exciting arrival of P&O’s new and eagerly anticipated ship Britannia! Probably one of the most exciting events for P&O for as long as I can remember was the arrival of Britannia to Southampton a few weeks ago, ready for her maiden voyage on the 14 March.  Those lucky guests who more than likely booked their cruise within an hour of it going on sale will be enjoying as we speak all this wonderful new ship has to offer. I can remember vividly the ship going on sale early last year and the maiden voyage literally selling out within the first hour…. that’s just how many passengers were so desperate to get on board.

As you can imagine when I received my invite to visit Britannia first hand, to be one of the very first people to sleep in the brand new beds, I was thrilled. I couldn’t wait to see the ship that promised to be one that would set P&O apart from the other cruise lines, an extra special addition to their fleet….  would she live up to my expectations? I can honestly in my opinion say that she did, in fact leaving the ship I only wished I was lucky enough to stay on board to enjoy the maiden voyage. Now don’t get me wrong a day and a night on board isn’t really enough to experience all a ship this size has to offer but you do get a very good feel for the ship, the atmosphere, what there is to do on board, the standards on board, the unique aspects to the ship that makes your cruise different to your other experiences.

Since returning I must admit I have read mixed reviews about Britannia. Some have loved her just as I did, some have been disappointed that she doesn’t have the wow factor they were expecting, some disappointed with the cabins, more specifically the size of the balcony cabins. I guess as with any reviews or blogs you read you do have to remember that it is only one person’s opinion and of course we all like different things. The comparison has arisen between the Britannia and the next ship to launch for Royal Caribbean, Anthem of the Seas and I have read a few times that people think Anthem will knock Britannia out of the water!..so to speak. I do agree that the Royal Caribbean ships certainly do have the glitz and the glamour and the ships have a real wow factor, but totally disagree that Britannia is lacking the wow factor. She has the wow factor, just a different type of wow. She is elegant and stylish, it’s like being in a very expensive hotel. The decor is luxurious and  has an glamour all of its own. As for being knocked out of the water by Anthem of the Seas…I don’t agree at all, Britannia has her own place and will stand proud. I’m positive she will become a favourite for those who have cruised loyally over years with P&O and those new to cruising with them.

Let’s look at the cabins…the cabin I stayed in was a balcony cabin , the grade without the sofa. It was stylish, lots of great storage space , in fact almost a walk in wardrobe, so lots of space for all your dresses and shoes…and suits! Tea and coffee making facilities which I for one like to have in my cabin as I know lots of passengers do. Both two and three pin plug sockets, full length mirrors.  All fantastic features in a cabin. The only thing I would say that the size of the balcony  was smaller than I had initially imagined it to be, but on saying that it was perfectly adequate and let’s be truthful is this going to spoil your cruise, of course not. I had a look at a good range of cabins on board from the single inside cabins to the higher grades of suites, and they were all beautiful…so tastefully decorated , calming colours and all you need in a cabin.

I think one of my favourite areas on board has to be the Retreat. This is an outdoor space for adults only complete with an exclusive pool, massage tables, cabanas….and even though I didn’t get a chance to experience this I can only imagine how relaxing it would be. Imagine a Caribbean cruise sat back in one of the cabanas , a good book and perhaps a cocktail! Even on a cold day docked in Southampton I could see how inviting this area would be on your cruise and coupled with the largest Oasis Spa for P&O it’s going to be a definate hit with passengers.

On board there are plenty of restaurants to choose from as you would expect from a ship this size. My favourite restaurant was the Epicurean, a fine dining choice that you can book and pay a cover charge of around £30 per person to dine in. The menu is both traditional and contemporary and I think this would be one not to miss whilst on board. I love the decor in this restaurant, just my kind of style.

Another amazing venue on board is the Cookery Club, this concept is going to be one of the things that makes Britannia stand out from the crowd. The cookery club itself as you can see from my photos has the individual cooking stations where you can be taught by the Celebrity chefs, including James Martin, Marco Pierre White and Eric Landlard. These cookery lessons will be available to pre book and not only are you taught by these amazing chefs you then get a chance to dine with them at the chefs table. What an amazing experience and a fantastic story to tell all your friends and family when you get home. It’s going to make P&O stand out and there isn’t another cruise line offering this and what a fantastic idea!

I could go on and on…. as I’m sure you can tell I was so impressed with Britannia that it’s hard not to want to talk and talk about her. If you would like to know more do get in touch and I can tell you more about this wonderful ship. I have added lots of photos for you to see and I hope they capture just how amazing Britannia really is. For a full video tour of  Britannia  take a look…almost like being on board!

Abbi x