New Ships Not Living Up to Expectation – Part 1 – Britannia

As we draw closer to the end of summer, I can’t help but think back to March and April when there was so much excitement about the launches of both Anthem of the Seas from Royal Caribbean, and Britannia from P&O.

I published many a blog and posted various Facebook and Google pictures of the status of the ships pre launch, with loads of little teasers about the new technologies and updated fancy restaurants on both ships, as well as the new chefs dining venues aboard such as Jamie Oliver on Anthem, and Marco Pierre White among others on P&O.

This summer was going to be a big, awesome, cruise fest with both of these behemoths battling it out for Southampton Supremacy!

Now as the reviews and reports start to filter through and come back to me from the hundreds of guests I booked over the last twelve months and earlier, I get the impression that they have sadly not lived up to the hype that surrounded them post launch.

So what’s the story?

For this weeks blog lets start with Britannia.

Now I was on the agents event back in March, a one night taster trip to have a walk around and sample what was on offer. I have to say I really liked the design of the ship, I thought she oozed class, but obviously one night cannot be a fair gauge compared to a full cruise.

The initial complaint I heard was, of all things, the central lifts in the main atrium – something that I didnt notice but this has caused massive uproar amongst regular P&Oers. To be honest with the new design and framework of the ship, it’s probably something that is to be expected. Not a fault, maybe an oversight. For people new to cruise they wouldn’t notice. But as I said to the regular P&Oers this has been seen as a big issue. My verdict: times change and ships modernise, so best to move on and enjoy what the ship does have an not what it doesn’t.

A few people have also come back to me to say that the service and general attitude of staff was way below par. I did notice the staff were a little more subdued but I wouldnt say rude. However my customers tell me they expect a lot more in terms of good service, and really it’s an area that P&O should be well versed in. I know the staff are trained to be a little quieter and more respectful on P&O but with some coming back saying words like, rude, disinterested, bored, not bothered etc etc. It’s not good. Come on Britannia, up your game – you are the future of the most popular British cruise line of all time!

Now if you are reading this and thinking, ‘oh no what have I let myself in for?’ Please do not fret!

I have also had some glowing feedback about Britannia as well.

In fact my most recent client said they would definitely sail on her again, they sailed as a family and spent a week aboard and thoroughly enjoyed it. They had cruised before but never with P&O. They enjoyed the food and facilites that Britannia has to offer. A few little niggles but it didnt stop them having a brilliant holiday. So very pleasing to hear indeed.

Other customers have also told me they have really enjoyed the Food Heroes theme, bringing aboard popular chefs like James Martin and Mary Berry, who customers can book cookery classes and experiences with – these have gone down a storm. So again fantastic praise. This is also quite a unique experience and I think P&O need to keep this up now as standard. Everybody loves a celebrity face aboard a ship when all said and done.

When I walked aboard Britannia my first thought was, this will be the ship to bring P&O into the modern age, and I still firmly believe that. It seems they may have to go back a few steps with the staff and maybe think about retraining some of them. Also I can’t help feeling that they maybe rushed Britannia a little. A few little things here and there that need sorting. But until I go on a full cruise I am an unfair judge.

The real test will be how she fairs over the winter season with the ever popular chartered Caribbean programme. This I think will be make or break for Britannia, and P&O must look to get those early creases ironed out. So good luck Britannia I hope you can satisfy everyone that has booked!

Thanks for reading part one of my blog, next time I will be feeding back about Anthem of the Seas – so tune in for that!

Until next time………