'BRITTANIA' WILL REFLECT THE VERY BEST

Contributed by Brian Wilson
UK Correspondent - Cruising Squared

Brittania (CAD Drawing)

The British Cruise Market has seen substantial growth in recent years and P&O have just laid the keel of their new liner – Britannia that will represent the best of the best for P&O Cruises.

Britannia will reflect the very best features from P&O’s current fleet, combining design, quality and innovation to create P&O’s best ship to date and will become the largest ship ever built exclusively for the British cruise market. It is certain to provoke excitement with a fantastic range of signature P&O Cruises features.

Whether you’re a “Brit” or not, Britannia will be one of the “must go to” ships in the future. Her base will be Southampton in the summer and the Caribbean in winter. 

Britannia’s maiden voyage will be in March 2015. In her first year, she will visit 57 ports in 31 countries, travelling some 90,000 miles

Here are some basic facts – the “stats” and “things to do”


• She is being built at Monfalcone Shipyard in Trieste Italy
• For the first time ever, P&O Cruises have taken the decision that British design company, Richmond International, will oversee the whole of Britannia’s interior design elements. The object is to create the perfect reflection of P&O’s 175 years of history, whilst adding modern design influences and touches, to welcome a new cruising era.
• At 141,000 gross tons Britannia will be the largest vessel ever built exclusively for the British market
• 3,647 passengers and 1,350 crew
• 1.313 Balcony cabins and 64 Suites, not forgetting inside and outside cabins
• 15 passenger decks
• For food and drink you’ll have a choice of 13 bars and places to eat
• A 3-tier feature atrium with Eric Lanlard patisserie, a Charcuterie and Gelateria as well as spectacular Star Burst Sculpture
• Restaurants include: - Sindhu from Atul Kochhar and Olly Smith's The Glass House, not forgetting Champagne Afternoon tea by Eric Lanlard served in the Fine Dining Restaurant and Al Fresco Dining
• Oasis Spa and Open Deck Retreat, Sports Arena, an Art collection worth in excess of £1million and a Library
• Four swimming pools including a Serenity "quiet zone" pool and bar

The 3-story atrium (CAD Drawing)

Let’s look at what else P&O have planned for you on Britannia

Britannia will combine the effervescent charm of cruising with the sophistication and glamour of a five star hotel - the “wow moments” will begin as soon as you get on board.

Your first sights are sure to be memorable as the incredible "starburst" centrepiece welcomes you to the 3 story Atrium (the main hub of the ship with a wide range of exciting features, innovations and much more.)

Eating on Britannia: - P&O’s tireless and dedicated effort to produce the finest dining choices possible for passengers on board is phenomenal. Britannia will continue this tradition and will offer more wow factors than ever - Britannia's 5 Food Heroes will lead the way - P&O has unveiled their best line-up yet of speciality dining rooms and celebrity chefs taking dining to the next level.

P&O’s 5 Food Heroes include Marco Pierre White, Eric Lanlard, James Martin, Atul Kochhar and of course, wine connoisseur Olly Smith.

Master Pâtissier, Eric Lanlard will bring his expertise to the Market Café and Britannia’s afternoon tea experience!

Michelin starred Chef Atul Kochhar draws inspiration from his native India, combining a love of spices with a passion for British ingredients. Atul has become a P&O favourite since his first restaurant, Sindhu was unveiled on board Azura.

Award winning wine expert Olly Smith is now a regular aboard P&O Cruises and this will be his third Glasshouse venue in the fleet. Sample a great selection of majestic wines, handpicked to accompany an array of sublime cuisine.

James Martin is one of Britain's most loved chefs and he heads the exciting cookery school - a fantastic idea and a venue certain to be popular on board.

Marco Pierre White was the youngest chef to ever achieve 3 Michelin stars. Today his restaurant empire includes some of England’s finest restaurants. On board Britannia, Marco 
is all about Gala Evenings.

Dining room (CAD Drawing)

Main Dining Rooms

The Main Dining Rooms are superbly designed blending a combination of history, heritage and traditions with contemporary innovations.

For lovers of Club Dining, the Oriental Restaurant is designated for guests wishing to choose their sitting and the same table each evening.

Alternatively you could choose the flexibility of Freedom Dining in the Peninsular and Meridian Restaurants. Opt for an early dinner one night and a late supper the next.

Variety is the spice of life and on Britannia the ever-popular buffet Lido restaurant will be open for breakfast, luncheon, afternoon tea and dinner, there’s even a midnight buffet too look forward to, if you’ve got the room!

Plus if you’re peckish by the Pool, visit the Grill for quality burgers, vegetable kebabs or The Lido classic fish and chips or opt for a freshly baked pizza from The Pizzeria.

Day time on Britannia – apart from the excellent food!!

• Choose from 4 pools (will it be the Lido, Serenity or Riviera pool today?)
• 13 bars and places to eat
• Want to relax, unwind and read a good book – then visit the beautifully designed Library where you’ll find a phenomenal range of titles
• If you are looking for more personal indulgence then head to Britannia’s Adults Only Oasis Spa and The Retreat where a wide range of treatments are available
• Day time entertainment is always a huge point of focus when designing a new ship as lectures, guest speakers and internet cafés have always been popular with guests

A stateroom (CAD Drawing)

But Britannia goes even further - on board you'll find a state of the art IT technology area where you can learn new IT skills and improve your knowledge of digital photography?

Let us not forget James Martin’s exciting cookery school. At this deliciously unique venue you can expand your culinary skills and create your very own culinary masterpieces under the guidance of the best in the business.

If you have a young family then the range of activities will impress you and your family. P&O have gone even further in that teenager even have their own designated spaces. You may have come across “Adult Only zones” – this could be the first time you have come across “Teenagers Only”.

Britannia has 4 separate areas for children – each with it’s own designated age range. What with special Pools, Art and Games zones, “Hang out” areas for teenagers (ah that takes me back – those were the days!!) - they will be spoilt for choice.

Smaller/younger children are not forgotten – there will be Story Telling times and Britannia‘s own advanced Nursery that will be available until late to allow parents some well earned “me time”