3647
Passengers
1350
Crew
2015
Launched
2024
Last refit
143000t
Tonnage
330m
Length
23kts
Speed
15
Decks
GBP
Currency
About Britannia
Britannia, operated by P&O Cruises, is a large ocean resort ship launched in 2015 and last refitted in 2024. It accommodates up to 3,647 guests across 1,837 cabins. Passengers can count on 1,350 crew members to assist them while on board.
The scale of the ship allows for a broad range of facilities and venues, with plenty of choice across dining, entertainment and leisure. Britannia welcomes children on board.
Compare & book Britannia(25)
Destinations
Rivers
Countries
Britanniafrom
Southampton
Britanniafrom
Southampton
Britanniafrom
Southampton
Britanniafrom
Southampton
Britanniafrom
Bridgetown
Britanniafrom
Southampton
Britanniafrom
Saint John's
Britanniafrom
Southampton
Britanniafrom
Bridgetown
Restaurants, Bars & Cafés
On board, eight restaurants and eating venues, including two complimentary venues and six available for a supplement, are on offer. Guests can choose from French, British and Indian cuisine. There are also six bars and lounges for guests to enjoy.
Explore Restaurants, Bars & Cafés
Entertainment
Entertainment aboard Britannia comes in many forms. Options available to guests include the headliners theatre, the crystal room and the live lounge.
Explore Entertainment
Accommodation
Britannia has seven accommodation options to choose from. 57% have windows or balconies offering views of the scenery beyond and 14% are suites, meaning if you're dreaming of sailing away while taking in the sunset or indulging in a more spacious sanctuary at sea, you're in the right place.
Explore Accommodation
Ship Interior & Deck Plans
Britannia spans 15 decks. Explore the ship's deck plans to see every level.
Explore Ship Interior & Deck Plans
Reviews
![Norwegian Fjords were amazing!]()
The stops and scenery on this cruise were outstanding. The ship was lovely although I must admit I do personally prefer Azura. I would advise everyone to do at least 1 Norwegian Fjords cruise in their lifetime.
Reviews
![Relocation cruise - fantastic value for money]()
We enjoyed the relocation cruise where Britannia sailed from Southampton to the Caribbean - so much so that we have booked again! The downside is the number of sea days, but the crew keep you entertained and we enjoy the chance to really unwind. Compared to the cost of a full Caribbean cruise (which we have also done) this is fantastic value for money.
Reviews
![Beautiful Norwegian Fjords, Oslo, Copenhagen & Hamburg]()
Our 1st no fly cruise, enjoyed sailing from Southampton on P & 0’s Britannia.
Loved sailing in the Fjords with beautiful scenery & the ports of Stavenger & Olden where you could just get off the ship & start walking, especially in Olden.
Highlight of our cruise was the Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen where there was a flower festival.
Found Britannia perfect for us as older cruisers, plenty of of places to sit & relax, comfortable & traditional cruise ship.
Reviews
![Fantastic way to spend Christmas]()
Britannia is a beautiful ship,with plenty to do for those who like activities.We enjoy all the Christmas decorations and atmosphere on board.The only downside for us is that the dress code in the MDRs seems to be slipping each year!
Reviews
![A Caribbean cruise isn’t one holiday—it’s a seamless journey through multiple islands, each with its own distinct culture, character, and experience.]()
Caribbean Cruises: Not “Samey” — Completely the Opposite
If you have ever considered a Caribbean cruise but worried it might feel repetitive — just beach after beach — I completely understand.
Before my wife and I sailed the Caribbean on P&O Britannia, I had exactly the same assumption.
I was wrong.
Eight Islands, Eight Completely Different Experiences
Over the course of one cruise, we visited:
Barbados
Aruba
Curaçao
St Vincent & the Grenadines
Grenada
Antigua
St Lucia
Saint Maarten
What surprised me most wasn’t the beauty — you expect that.
It was how different each island felt.
Different pace.
Different culture.
Different energy.
This wasn’t one holiday. It was eight.
First Impressions: Barbados Sets the Tone
Our journey began and ended in Barbados.
For many UK travellers, this is your first real moment in the Caribbean — stepping off the plane into warm air, bright light, and that unmistakable turquoise sea.
It’s easy. Friendly. Welcoming.
Exactly what you want after a long-haul flight.
Every Island Has Its Own Personality
This is where my expectations were completely reset.
Aruba — Dry, sunny, almost desert-like. Dutch influence, pastel buildings, very polished.
Curaçao — Colourful waterfront, café culture, vibrant and lived-in.
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines — More rugged, less polished, a real sense of authenticity.
Grenada — The Spice Island. Markets, aromas, genuinely warm people.
Antigua — Famous beaches, but also history and hidden bays.
Saint Lucia — Lush, dramatic, and arguably the most romantic, with the Pitons rising out of the sea.
Saint Maarten — Dutch/French blend, great shopping, and that iconic low-flying aircraft landing.
Instead of repetition, it felt like a curated collection of destinations.
Supporting Local Communities — Where Your Money Goes Matters
One of the most rewarding parts of the trip was how we chose to spend our time ashore.
Rather than staying within the cruise bubble, we:
Walked into local townships
Bought spices directly from stallholders in Grenada
Drank in small, local bars
Used independent guides
This isn’t just about saving money — it’s about impact.
For many Caribbean islands, peak tourism only lasts a few months each year. Outside of that, there are quieter periods and the uncertainty of hurricane season.
Where you spend your money genuinely matters.
Is It Safe To Explore Independently?
This is the biggest hesitation most people have.
Short answer: yes — with common sense.
Our experience was that local guides were:
Professional
Time-conscious
Proud of their island
They always asked our ship departure time and worked backwards.
And remember — risk isn’t unique to the Caribbean. You navigate it daily at home.
The practical approach:
Do basic research
Use well-reviewed local operators
Agree clear timings
Keep an eye on the clock
The payoff is a far more authentic, personal experience.
Beyond the Beach
Yes — the beaches are exceptional.
But if you stop there, you miss the point.
There’s far more available:
Local markets and townships
Scenic viewpoints and coastal drives
Rum distilleries and beachside dining
Rainforests, waterfalls, snorkelling
Catamaran trips and volcanic landscapes
A cruise lets you sample all of this — without repacking your suitcase once.
Life On Board Britannia
Back on P&O Britannia, there is a completely different rhythm.
Sea days become your reset.
And there is no shortage of options:
Bingo to ballroom
Black tie evenings to blackjack tables
Game shows like Deal or No Deal and Wheel of Fortune
The key is balance.
Explore hard ashore.
Recharge properly at sea.
That rhythm is what makes cruising work.
Dining Highlights
Britannia delivers where it matters — consistency and choice.
Main restaurants: reliable, varied, and well-executed
The Glass House: relaxed, excellent wine-led dining
Sindhu: standout experience — refined Indian cuisine, perfect for a special evening
It’s the combination of familiarity and quality that works so well after full days exploring.
Who This Is Perfect For
A Caribbean cruise is ideal if you:
Want multiple destinations without logistical hassle
Like a mix of relaxation and exploration
Value authentic, local experiences
Need reassurance that “it won’t all feel the same”
Enjoy having structure and flexibility
Bottom Line
If your concern is that the Caribbean might feel repetitive, it won’t.
Not if you do it properly.
Approach each island with curiosity, step beyond the port, and you will experience something far richer than just beaches.
You’ll experience contrast.
And that’s what makes it memorable.
Reviews
![Amazing first time trip.]()
Fjords was an amazing adventure
First cruise and definitely not my last
From southampton to stravanger and beyond was brilliant as was the Brittania.
Reviews
![Fantastic value for money]()
This cruise was the relocation cruise from Southampton to Barbados. It included only 5 port stops, so we had a lot of sea days, including 6 consecutive days. I like the sea days as you are forced to relax, especially if you don't buy the internet access package. The crew provide a good range of activities and entertainment to keep you busy. We did at least 3 quizzes a day, but plenty of other options were available. I'm not into the black tie nights, of which we had 4, but we simply ate at the buffet on those nights to avoid the need to dress up. The staff were excellent, especially considering that some were in training. We met some lovely people - and some we would prefer not to meet again! The ship is big enough to find like-minded passengers and avoid those with other interests. The food was average - there was a huge choice, especially in the buffet, but it was basically the same huge choice every day and a little more variety would be good.
Reviews
![Loads of Children on board]()
Looking forward to a peaceful cruise around the Canary Islands my sister and myself, however didn't realise that special offers were being given to parents sharing with their children - the children were £99 for the two weeks. In the theatre couldn't get in unless you went really early as children took up a number of seats, one family always sat down the very front and always walked out half way through the performance. In front of us we had two children fighting with one another and in the small performance room whilst the acts were trying to sing, on the dance floor kids jumping doing handstands and shouting. It is not always the children's fault as there was no adult supervision !
However the ports that we visited were great as was the weather most of the time and next time we know to double check dates with school holidays.
As an aside my sister and myself separate cabins as solo's had to pay the full amount for the cabins as though it was two people in both cabins. So our fares came to about £6000 for both of us combined, however we don't eat two meals each and only got one amount of onboard spending each ( just for solo passengers to be aware).
Frequently asked questions
Where does Britannia sail?
Britannia departs from Bridgetown and Southampton, sailing to Arctic, Caribbean, Europe, and Africa.
What do passengers think of Britannia?
Britannia has an overall rating of 3.8/5 from 153 reviews.
What cruise line operates Britannia and when was it built?
Britannia is operated by P&O Cruises. She was launched in 2015 and refurbished in 2024.
How big is Britannia?
Britannia has a gross tonnage of 143,000 GT, measures 330m long, cruises at 23 knots, and has 15 passenger decks.
How many passengers and cabins does Britannia have?
Britannia accommodates up to 3,647 passengers with a crew of 1,350 across 1,837 cabins.
What facilities and entertainment are on Britannia?
Britannia features 8+ dining venues, shows and entertainment, and spa and fitness centre. This is an adults-only ship (no passengers under 18).
What type of cruising is Britannia best for?
Britannia is ideal for cruises from the UK and ocean cruises. The onboard currency is GBP.
Is smoking allowed on Britannia?
Smoking is permitted on board Britannia in designated areas only.
Does Britannia have a swimming pool?
Britannia has a swimming pool on board.
What electrical sockets does Britannia have?
There are UK 3 Pin 240v sockets on board. Adapters are not provided.
Articles about Britannia
News
Enjoy star-studded entertainment on a British Isles cruise
Feb 22, 2023
•
1 min read
Recommendation
What you need to know about P&O Cruises
Apr 29, 2022
•
4 min read
Ocean Cruising
P&O Cruises summer 2024 itineraries from picturesque Ibiza to the awe-inspiring Arctic
Mar 24, 2022
•
3 min read
Recommendation
From Iona to Britannia, which P&O cruise ship is best for you?
Nov 25, 2021
•
3 min read
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