Despite being P&O's flagship, Britannia fell woefully short
Britannia Cruise Review
Contributor Level:
Purser
Cruises: 2-3 cruises
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 9
Review summary
Overall, my cruise aboard Britannia offered a mix of memorable experiences and areas for improvement. While the ship's entertainment, such as the magic show and Gravity performance, provided moments of delight, issues with dining, cabin accommodations, and onboard activities left me wanting more. The ship's visit to Olden and Flam stood out as a highlight, with its beautiful landscapes and rich cultural experiences. However, the port of Haugesund was underwhelming due to its industrial nature and lack of attractions, making it the weaker stop on my itinerary. Taking all factors into account, my cruise experience was a blend of highs and lows, leaving room for enhancement in several areas.Embarkation
No issues during embarkation.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
Disappointed by Britannia's culinary experience: tedious wait times, limited drink options, and a repetitive, unimaginative menu marred further by the negligence of The Peninsula, The Meridian, and The Epicurean in handling dietary restrictions. Despite pre-warning, I was served dishes with nuts and eggs, to which I am allergic. While The Epicurean offered enjoyable food, they served bread rolls with allergens. The Peninsula and Meridian fell short with their bland offerings and again, negligence regarding allergies. The buffet's mislabeled allergy cards posed a risk for allergy sufferers. Sindhu was the lone standout, delivering excellent food, though their over-attentiveness bordered on intrusive.
Onboard Activities
While the Britannia offered a variety of onboard activities, we found our options somewhat limited due to various circumstances. Our experience was primarily focused on the theater shows, which I have already discussed in a previous review.
Unfortunately, we were unable to attend any events at the Limelight Club, as it was fully booked well before the cruise commenced. Though we heard positive remarks about the performances, particularly the Robbie Williams tribute act, we cannot personally vouch for the quality of these events. We did, however, catch a glimpse of the Robbie Williams impersonator onboard, who certainly appeared to be an accurate portrayal.
As our cruise was headed towards a colder destination, we didn’t take advantage of the swimming pools, which would have otherwise provided additional entertainment options. We had considered booking the exclusive Retreat, but upon researching the pricing and availability, we discovered that it was only offered as an all-or-nothing package for the entire duration of the cruise, and at a significantly high cost. This inflexible booking option deterred us from exploring the Retreat further.
Overall, while there were a variety of onboard activities available on Britannia, we found ourselves restricted due to fully booked events, unsuitable weather conditions, and inflexible booking options. As a result, our experience with onboard activities was somewhat lackluster and did not meet our expectations for a flagship cruise ship experience.
Entertainment
Britannia's entertainment was a mixed bag – Phil Hitchcock's mesmerizing magic and the captivating Gravity show delighted, but the cancellation of Mr. Tickerton's Clockwork Circus left a disappointing void in the cruise's finale.
Service and Staff
Disappointing service and staff aboard Britannia – long waits for food and drinks despite a 3:1 crew-to-guest ratio, coupled with abrasive and unapproachable crew members, fall far short of Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas standard. However, the friendly and efficient cabin staff provided a bright spot in an otherwise underwhelming experience.
Ship Quality
Britannia's aging ship design and lackluster cleanliness leave much to be desired – leaking outdoor furnishings, untidy tables, and abandoned plates cast a shadow over the cruise experience.
Cabin / Stateroom
Our cabin aboard Britannia was passable, but not without its flaws. The room's furniture, particularly the drawers, showed signs of wear and tear, with noticeable damage and chipping. However, the bed was comfortable and provided a decent night's sleep.
The balcony, while small – a fact we were aware of prior to booking – was disappointing due to the presence of damaged and rusting chairs and table. This detracted from the overall experience of enjoying time on the balcony.
An unfortunate and persistent issue throughout the cruise was the unpleasant smell of stagnant urine in both our cabin's toilet and the public restrooms around the ship. This issue was quite off-putting and detracted from the overall comfort of our stay.
On a more positive note, our cabin crew member was friendly and attentive to our needs. She ensured our room was thoroughly cleaned and well-maintained. Additionally, when our toilet experienced a malfunction, it was promptly repaired, which we appreciated.
In summary, while the cabin offered a comfortable bed and a friendly cabin crew, the damaged furniture, small and unkempt balcony, and lingering unpleasant odors significantly diminished the overall satisfaction of our accommodations.
Ship tip
Exercise Due Diligence and Manage Expectations. Before embarking on a journey aboard Britannia, make sure to thoroughly research and plan for the aspects of the cruise that matter most to you, such as dining, entertainment, and accommodations. Keep in mind that the ship may not meet the high standards set by other cruise lines, so manage your expectations accordingly. Additionally, if you have specific dietary restrictions or preferences, it is crucial to communicate these clearly and repeatedly to avoid potential health risks. By being proactive and setting realistic expectations, you can make the most of your cruise experience on Britannia.
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Ports of call
Disembarkation
We took our own luggage off the ship, no issues with disembarkation at all.