Britannia

A few weeks ago I was lucky enough to have what the industry call a one day holiday on Britannia.  Nothing beats the feeling of stepping on board a ship you have never been on for the first time. Whether you’re new to cruising, or a veteran of the high seas. Combining the excitement of cruising with the sophistication of a five-star hotel, Britannia isn’t just the biggest ship ever built exclusively for the British market – she’s the most glamorous too. As you step onboard the spectacular ‘starburst’ centrepiece of her atrium comes into view.

She has everything you need for a relaxing holiday including plenty of restaurants, bars, pools, a luxurious spa, a gym, a theatre and shops. The children’s club facilities are the biggest I have seen on a ship. There is even night nursery onboard. The P&O Cruises exciting free-on-board programme for 2 – 17-year-olds is called The Reef. Split into four distinct age groups so that the needs and level of play in each group can be met. There are a whole host of exciting activities organised daily by our qualified and enthusiastic DBS-checked Reef Rangers, to keep children of all ages entertained safely throughout the day and evening and to ensure that they have the chance to make friends of their own age.

We had an opportunity to explore the 3 types of cabins. From the inside to the superior deluxe balcony they all carry the same soft pastel greys and browns in decor. The balconies are smaller than other ships but then they have more than most. There are no outside cabins onboard.

Britannia is 143,000 gt carrying up to 4,300 passengers. But she will soon be outdone by Iona. I would not call Iona a ‘large’ ship, she is a mega-ship. Iona will be around 180,000 gross tonnes, carrying up to 6,600 passengers.