Reviews
![One itinerary, many personalities: how a P&O Britannia Caribbean cruise combines varied islands, local encounters and relaxed on‑board comforts in a great‑value escape from the UK winter]()
Caribbean with P&O Britannia: Far More Than Just Beaches
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4 out of 5)
My wife and I recently sailed the Caribbean on P&O Britannia, a round‑trip ex‑Barbados itinerary taking in Aruba, Curaçao, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, Antigua, St Lucia and Saint Maarten. I had worried it might feel “samey”, just beach after beach, but this cruise completely changed my mind.
Each island had its own personality. Aruba felt dry, sunny and cosmopolitan with its Dutch architecture, while Curaçao’s colourful waterfront and cafés gave it a vibrant, lived‑in feel. St Vincent and the Grenadines was more rugged and unpolished, with a strong sense of real Caribbean life, and Grenada’s markets and spice stalls lived up to its “Spice Island” nickname. Antigua offered those classic beaches alongside historic sites and viewpoints, St Lucia was lush, mountainous and wonderfully romantic (helped by our overnight stay there), and Saint Maarten’s Dutch–French mix and low‑flying planes were a fun finale. Rather than blurring into one, each stop felt like a mini‑holiday.
A highlight for us was choosing to support local communities wherever we could. We bought spices directly from stallholders in Grenada, enjoyed local beers in small bars and booked some excursions with independent guides rather than only through the ship. The local operators we used were professional, very conscious of sailing times and clearly proud of their islands. With a bit of homework and the usual common sense, going independent felt safe and rewarding, and it was good to know more of our spend stayed in the islands.
On board, Britannia looked in good shape following her 2024 refit and offered plenty to do. Sea days fell into a relaxing rhythm of time by the pool, quizzes and game shows, the odd flutter in the casino and evening entertainment that ranged from ballroom and live music to game‑show‑style events like Deal or No Deal. We never struggled to find something that suited our mood.
We were also impressed with the food. The main dining rooms delivered consistently good dinners with enough variety over the cruise, while The Glass House offered a more informal setting with interesting wine pairings. Sindhu was our standout meal: beautifully presented Indian‑inspired dishes and a sense of occasion that felt perfect for a special night.
Our balcony cabin was comfortable and practical, with decent storage and a balcony that made sea days and sail‑aways feel special. Our cabin steward kept everything spotless and struck that ideal balance of friendly but unobtrusive, which reflected the general standard of service on board. In terms of value, we felt the combination of varied ports, included dining and entertainment, and the convenience of unpacking once made this an excellent way to see the Caribbean.
Overall, I would happily recommend this P&O Britannia itinerary, particularly to UK guests considering their first Caribbean cruise or anyone worried that “the Caribbean is all the same”. This sailing showed us just how different the islands can be, while the ship provided a comfortable, activity‑packed base to return to each evening. A solid 4 out of 5, with special praise for the ports of call and speciality dining.
Already booked our next Caribbean cruise but this time exploring the British & US Virgin Islands, The Dominican, Republic, San Juan with a few days pre and post cruise nights in Philadelphia
Reviews
![Travel]()
Good travel and good food
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).
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![Brilliant holiday]()
Enjoyed going to Norway beautiful country enjoyed other tours we went on and the food they supplied on the tours shit was lovely. Food was lovely. Enjoyed it thoroughly
Reviews
![Great time]()
Efficient service in all departments. Was worried that ship might be too large having been used to smaller ships. This wasn’t a problem. Outside of school holidays so ship probably quieter, only preschool travellers.
Reviews
![Baltics in Spring]()
We went on the Northern Europe and Scandinavia 14 night cruise. We visited Kiel, Tallinn, Helsinki, Stockholm, Copenhagen and Skagen.
We had a fantastic time. Britannia is a great ship. We had a balcony cabin, midship, on deck 11. It was lovely, really quiet and comfortable.
We had club dining for breakfast and dinner, and used the buffet for lunch.
We will definitely be going on Britannia again.
Reviews
![Total let down]()
The waiting to board the ship was one of the worst we have experienced.
There where no dancers or production shows on this cruise.
This was there Flag Ship, it was the worst P&O cruise we have been on.
Reviews
![P & O, not my cup of tea!]()
I've been cruising for a number of years, probably completed around 30 cruises, having traveled on MSC, Celebrity, RC, Marella, Carnival. This was my first time with P & O and I was very disappointed. I just felt it had no atmosphere around the ship. Despite many passengers, everywhere was very quiet, the entertainment team were a but lack lustre, the comedians were awful, the shows not great and the musical bands around the ship not fantastic either! I even found that there were some nights, over the course of the fortnight, that I went to bed around 10pm out of boredom. The only great night was the karaoke. They need to put that on more instead of running activities that cost more money such as the horse racing, which wasn't too bad, but deal or no deal was so boring! So P & O is not for me. On a side note and not the cruise line's fault, one night an older English man asked me whereabouts in Scotland I was from. He then proceeded to say that there was a lot of Scottish people on board and said he was surprised that Scottish folk could afford to go on a carribbean cruise!
Reviews
![A wonderful holiday]()
A fabulous 14 days onboard Britannia. Cabin was a good size and well looked after, food was lovely. Staff were helpful and polite. My only negative is the shore excursions - one of which was cancelled and a second had times changed.
