The room was excellent. it took us over a week to properly book a table for when we wanted to eat at night.There were two people at the point of booking,one the man was very good and tried to help when he could.The other a female was one of the most horrid people I have ever met on a cruise liner.Basically the ship was too big. To say I wont be going back is an understatement.
Following the death of my wife I opted for a solo cruise on P&O Britannia to the Caribbean from Barbados in mid-March 2023. It was important not to have to pay a supplement, which is a rip-off for those traveller's who do not have a choice, so P&O's Britannia offering, with all solo cabins on Deck 16 was well worth considering.
For those unsure Deck 16 is a prime location, with the Crows Nest, a beautifully quiet place to relax at one end of the corridor, and access to the lifts and/or Lido pool deck (and onwards to the Horizon Restaurant) within easy access on the other.
Post-Covid the organisation was perfectly done, both for boarding and leaving (simple terms), and it worked well, which included not having to worry about suitcases since leaving the UK, or for the return from leaving the ship.
There still needs to be some greater control over passengers wanting to be fed, arriving in swimwear, especially men with sweaty, uncovered bodies. Covering up is not etiquette, it is common decency to others. I do not really want to see muffin tops or beer bellies when trying to enjoy a meal.
The entertainment was quite outstanding, although the performers were sometimes stopped from performing planned second shows due to illness. When they are so good, not being able to see them again was disappointing, but understandable. Stephanie Webber's voice was incredible, Emmanuel Sonubi's comedic shows were hilarious, whilst Vocal Xtr3me's shows were quite outstanding. Well done to P&O for these acts.
I am thankful for the efforts to find me such a cruise, at a price that was solo acceptable, and on a trip where the weather turned out to be perfect for the whole 14 days.
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Chosen because of itinerary and more days on land than at sea. Had been on this ship more than 10 years ago. Ship recently refurbished so looks very smart. Balcony cabin more spacious than other P&O ships. Food generally good in main dining rooms though getting a table for 2 very difficult unless you are prepared for a long wait. Entertainment good, itinerary excellent (Santander is recommended, not often on itineraries). Ship had to have a deep clean so boarding was late but didn't detect high levels of sickness, just keep away from the buffet and Jacuzzis!
On the whole, good value and the only gripe was missing out on Guernsey with a day at sea instead. As there was warning that this would probably happen there was disgruntlement among the passengers that there appeared to be no effort made to find a substitute port of call.
Only our 2nd cruise (1st was the Caribbean on Arvia) but even though we were on a smaller and older ship we still had an amazing holiday. The destinations and tours we did were fantastic. Our only negative was we should have booked for 2 weeks instead of one!
Lots to love some not so good
Arrived at port had to wait to book in cabin with balconie very good no problem with luggage arrived on time was quite rocking in bed sailing for 2 days got to madera very nice but not a lot to do alot of old poeople on board which was fine food was nice staff very nice dont like the strict dress code though but others didnt seem to mind lovely weather in the canaries very pleasant cruise going to another cruise with pand o in november
Just as good as ever, Tenerife is great at Xmas and my Teide is stunning as is Madeira



