A little mouse told me P&O have a cheese expert joining the food heroes on board the Britannia!

How fantastic! Apparently the world famous cheese expert Charlie Turnbull, who owns the most delightful delicatessen in Shaftesbury, Dorset, is about to join the team of food heroes on-board the Britannia when she launches next March.

He will be advising P&O on the range of cheeses to be stocked in both the Britannia’s Market Café at and in the fine-dining Epicurean restaurant. Turnbull is also planning to travel several times a year to present cheese tastings and to host cheese-related shore excursions.

Joining with James Martin, Marco Pierre White, Atul Kochhar, “Cake Boy” Eric Lanlard and wine expert Olly Smith who have already signed up to contribute to Britannia’s food offerings.

Turnbull said “I am very excited about choosing a team of the best British and European cheeses for Britannia …  I will also be taking advantage of ports of call in the Mediterranean to guest some local cheeses, as well as getting on shore and seeking out local specialties to compare with our own.”

The Market Café will offer tasting notes for all the cheeses and suggestions to pair with wines and beers, while cheese will also be served in the Epicurean restaurant, high up on deck 16.

Obviously P&O are trying to develop the fine dining aspect aboard this brand new ship. I love cheese and wine at the end of a lovely meal! Let’s hope they include this within the main restaurant.

P&O have been subject to some the negative comments regarding the standard of food just recently on many of their other vessels, such as Azura. Could this be the step in the right direction for the cruise line? Perhaps if this proves to be a success they will roll out the idea onto other ships before their reputation in regard to the food quality is damaged further.

Britannia, currently being built in Italy, will join the P&O fleet next March. Carrying 3,600 passengers, it will be the biggest cruise ship built for the UK market. My only concern is that to provide such a step change in regard to the food served on board such a large ship, may be a little more difficult than they imagine. Cheese always comes with wine, so it may have been wiser to focus on one of the smaller adult only ships as a trial. What do you think?

Is this a step in the right direction?

Have you cruised with P&O recently? Have they let the standards slip?

I would love to hear your thoughts?

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