Britannia
Cruise line
P&O UK (P&O Cruises)
Britannia current position
Britannia current location is at North East Atlantic Ocean (coordinates 36.31432 N / -14.57711 W) cruising at speed of 17.1 kn (32 km/h | 20 mph) en route to Funchal. The AIS position was reported 1 hour ago.
All Itineraries Current PositionCurrent itinerary of Britannia
Britannia current cruise is 14 days, round-trip Spain Portugal And Canary Islands. The itinerary starts on 04 Oct, 2024 and ends on 18 Oct, 2024.
Date / Time | Port |
---|---|
04 Oct | Departing from Southampton, England hotels |
08 Oct | Funchal, Madeira Island Portugal |
09 Oct | Santa Cruz de la Palma, Canary Islands |
10 Oct | Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands |
11 Oct | Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands |
12 Oct | Arrecife, Lanzarote, Canary Islands |
14 Oct | Cadiz, Spain, Sevilla |
15 Oct | Lisbon, Portugal |
18 Oct | Arriving in Southampton, England hotels |
Specifications of Britannia
Year of build | 2015 / Age: 9 |
Flag state | United Kingdom |
Builder | Fincantieri (Monfalcone, Italy) |
Class | Royal |
Building cost | GBP 473 million (USD 770 million) |
Engines (power) | Wartsila (62.4 MW / 83680 hp) |
Speed | 22 kn / 41 km/h / 25 mph |
Length (LOA) | 329 m / 1079 ft |
Beam (width) | 45 m / 148 ft |
Gross Tonnage | 143730 gt |
Passengers | 3647 - 4406 |
Crew | 1350 |
Passengers-to-space ratio | 33 |
Decks | 17 |
Cabins | 1837 |
Decks with cabins | 8 |
Last Refurbishment | 2024 |
Sister-ships | Discovery Princess, Enchanted Princess, Majestic Princess, Regal Princess, Royal Princess, Sky Princess |
Christened by | HM Elizabeth II (The Queen of England) |
Owner | Carnival Corporation & PLC |
Operator | Carnival UK (via P&O Cruises UK) |
Britannia Itineraries
Date | Itinerary | Departure Port | Price from |
---|---|---|---|
2024 Sep 20 | 14 days, round-trip Northern Europe And Scandinavia | Southampton | |
2024 Oct 04 | 14 days, round-trip Spain Portugal And Canary Islands | Southampton | |
2024 Oct 18 | 14 days, one-way from Southampton to Bridgetown | Southampton | |
2024 Oct 18 | 15 days, one-way from Southampton to Bridgetown | Southampton | |
2024 Nov 01 | 14 days, round-trip Caribbean Islands Fly-Cruise | Bridgetown | |
2024 Nov 02 | 14 days, round-trip Caribbean Islands Fly-Cruise | Bridgetown | |
2024 Nov 15 | 14 days, round-trip Caribbean Islands Fly-Cruise | Bridgetown | |
2024 Nov 16 | 14 days, round-trip Caribbean Islands Fly-Cruise | Bridgetown | |
2024 Nov 29 | 14 days, round-trip Caribbean Islands Fly-Cruise | Bridgetown | |
2024 Nov 30 | 14 days, round-trip Caribbean Islands Fly-Cruise | Bridgetown | |
2024 Dec 13 | 14 days, round-trip Caribbean Islands Fly-Cruise | Bridgetown | |
2024 Dec 14 | 14 days, round-trip Caribbean Islands Fly-Cruise | Bridgetown | |
2024 Dec 27 | 14 days, round-trip Caribbean Islands Fly-Cruise | Bridgetown | |
2024 Dec 28 | 14 days, round-trip Caribbean Islands Fly-Cruise | Bridgetown | |
2025 Jan 10 | 14 days, round-trip Caribbean Islands Fly-Cruise | Bridgetown | |
2025 Jan 11 | 14 days, round-trip Caribbean Islands Fly-Cruise | Bridgetown | |
2025 Jan 24 | 14 days, round-trip Caribbean Islands Fly-Cruise | Bridgetown | |
2025 Jan 25 | 14 days, round-trip Caribbean Islands Fly-Cruise | Bridgetown | |
2025 Feb 07 | 14 days, round-trip Caribbean Islands Fly-Cruise | Bridgetown | |
2025 Feb 08 | 14 days, round-trip Caribbean Islands Fly-Cruise | Bridgetown | |
2025 Feb 21 | 14 days, round-trip Caribbean Islands Fly-Cruise | Bridgetown | |
2025 Feb 22 | 14 days, round-trip Caribbean Islands Fly-Cruise | Bridgetown | |
2025 Mar 07 | 14 days, round-trip Caribbean Islands Fly-Cruise | Bridgetown | |
2025 Mar 08 | 14 days, round-trip Caribbean Islands Fly-Cruise | Bridgetown | |
2025 Mar 21 | 14 days, one-way from Bridgetown to Southampton | Bridgetown | |
2025 Mar 22 | 13 days, one-way from Bridgetown to Southampton | Bridgetown | |
2025 Apr 04 | 14 days, round-trip Spain Portugal And Canary Islands | Southampton | |
2025 Apr 18 | 7 days, round-trip Spain And France | Southampton | |
2025 Apr 25 | 7 days, round-trip Norwegian Fjords | Southampton | |
2025 May 02 | 7 days, round-trip Norwegian Fjords | Southampton | |
2025 May 09 | 14 days, round-trip Northern Europe And Scandinavia | Southampton | |
2025 May 23 | 7 days, round-trip Norwegian Fjords | Southampton | |
2025 May 30 | 7 days, round-trip Norwegian Fjords | Southampton | |
2025 Jun 06 | 14 days, round-trip Britannia 10-Year Anniversary Celebration | Southampton | |
2025 Jun 20 | 7 days, round-trip Norwegian Fjords | Southampton | |
2025 Jun 27 | 7 days, round-trip Norwegian Fjords | Southampton | |
2025 Jul 04 | 14 days, round-trip Northern Europe And Scandinavia | Southampton | |
2025 Jul 18 | 14 days, round-trip Mediterranean Islands | Southampton | |
2025 Aug 01 | 14 days, round-trip Mediterranean Islands | Southampton | |
2025 Aug 15 | 14 days, round-trip Mediterranean Islands | Southampton | |
2025 Aug 29 | 14 days, round-trip Northern Europe And Scandinavia | Southampton | |
2025 Sep 12 | 7 days, round-trip Norwegian Fjords | Southampton | |
2025 Sep 19 | 14 days, round-trip Northern Europe And Scandinavia | Southampton | |
2025 Oct 03 | 14 days, round-trip Spain Portugal And Canary Islands | Southampton | |
2025 Oct 17 | 14 days, round-trip Spain Portugal And Canary Islands | Southampton | |
2025 Oct 31 | 14 days, one-way from Southampton to Bridgetown | Southampton | |
2025 Oct 31 | 15 days, one-way from Southampton to Bridgetown | Southampton | |
2025 Nov 14 | 14 days, round-trip Caribbean Islands Fly-Cruise | Bridgetown | |
2025 Nov 15 | 14 days, round-trip Caribbean Islands Fly-Cruise | Bridgetown | |
2025 Nov 28 | 14 days, round-trip Caribbean Islands Fly-Cruise | Bridgetown | |
2025 Nov 29 | 14 days, round-trip Caribbean Islands Fly-Cruise | Bridgetown | |
2025 Dec 12 | 14 days, round-trip Caribbean Islands Fly-Cruise | Bridgetown | |
2025 Dec 13 | 14 days, round-trip Caribbean Islands Fly-Cruise | Bridgetown | |
2025 Dec 26 | 14 days, round-trip Caribbean Islands Fly-Cruise | Bridgetown | |
2025 Dec 27 | 14 days, round-trip Caribbean Islands Fly-Cruise | Bridgetown | |
2026 Jan 09 | 14 days, round-trip Caribbean Islands Fly-Cruise | Bridgetown | |
2026 Jan 10 | 14 days, round-trip Caribbean Islands Fly-Cruise | Bridgetown | |
2026 Jan 23 | 14 days, round-trip Caribbean Islands Fly-Cruise | Bridgetown | |
2026 Jan 24 | 14 days, round-trip Caribbean Islands Fly-Cruise | Bridgetown | |
2026 Feb 06 | 14 days, round-trip Caribbean Islands Fly-Cruise | Bridgetown | |
2026 Feb 07 | 14 days, round-trip Caribbean Islands Fly-Cruise | Bridgetown | |
2026 Feb 20 | 14 days, round-trip Caribbean Islands Fly-Cruise | Bridgetown | |
2026 Feb 21 | 14 days, round-trip Caribbean Islands Fly-Cruise | Bridgetown | |
2026 Mar 06 | 14 days, round-trip Caribbean Islands Fly-Cruise | Bridgetown | |
2026 Mar 07 | 14 days, round-trip Caribbean Islands Fly-Cruise | Bridgetown | |
2026 Mar 20 | 14 days, one-way from Bridgetown to Southampton | Bridgetown | |
2026 Mar 21 | 13 days, one-way from Bridgetown to Southampton | Bridgetown | |
2026 Apr 03 | 14 days, round-trip Spain Portugal And Canary Islands | Southampton | |
2026 Apr 17 | 7 days, round-trip Spain And France | Southampton | |
2026 Apr 24 | 7 days, round-trip Norwegian Fjords | Southampton | |
2026 May 01 | 7 days, round-trip Norwegian Fjords | Southampton | |
2026 May 08 | 14 days, round-trip Northern Europe And Scandinavia | Southampton | |
2026 May 22 | 7 days, round-trip Norwegian Fjords | Southampton | |
2026 May 29 | 7 days, round-trip Norwegian Fjords | Southampton | |
2026 Jun 05 | 21 days, round-trip Central Mediterranean Discovery | Southampton | |
2026 Jun 26 | 7 days, round-trip Norwegian Fjords | Southampton | |
2026 Jul 03 | 14 days, round-trip Iceland | Southampton | |
2026 Jul 17 | 14 days, round-trip Mediterranean Islands | Southampton | |
2026 Jul 31 | 14 days, round-trip Mediterranean Islands | Southampton | |
2026 Aug 14 | 14 days, round-trip Mediterranean Islands | Southampton | |
2026 Aug 28 | 14 days, round-trip Northern Europe And Scandinavia | Southampton | |
2026 Sep 11 | 7 days, round-trip Norwegian Fjords | Southampton | |
2026 Sep 18 | 7 days, round-trip Norwegian Fjords | Southampton | |
2026 Sep 25 | 7 days, round-trip Norwegian Fjords | Southampton | |
2026 Oct 02 | 9 days, round-trip Norwegian Fjords | Southampton | |
2026 Oct 11 | 5 days, round-trip Belgium And Netherlands | Southampton | |
2026 Oct 16 | 14 days, round-trip Spain Portugal And Canary Islands | Southampton |
Britannia Review
Review of Britannia
The 2015-built MV Britannia cruise ship is the largest vessel in the P&O UK's fleet. From this Royal-class are also the Princess Cruises liners Royal Princess (2013), Regal Princess (2014), Majestic Princess (2017), Sky Princess (2019), Enchanted Princess (2021) and Discovery Princess (2022). These are the ever biggest cruise vessels constructed by Fincantieri (Italy).
The vessel (IMO number 9614036) is currently UK-flagged (MMSI 235106595) and registered in Southampton.
History - construction and ownership
P&O Cruises is a subsidiary company and two brands owned by Carnival Corporation - P&O UK and P&O Australia. In 2000, P&O Cruises became subsidiary of P&O Princess Cruises, which merged with Carnival Corporation in 2003. P and O is the world's oldest cruise company, starting passenger shipping operations in 1822 on the routes connecting England with Iberia.
The 3700-passenger ship Britannia is the biggest ever cruise liner built especially for the British source market. The £500 million new-build is a result of four years of planning. P&O Britannia is 25,000 tons heavier than Azura and Ventura sister ships (previously the largest vessels in the P&O fleet). The Britannia ship alone boosts the capacity of the P and O line by almost a quarter – 24%. Britannia impresses with her Union Jack livery and offers British-style cruising with modern look and feel. Her homeport is Southampton.
Britannia has the most popular features of the P&O fleet, such as The Crow's Nest Bar, Atul Kochar's Sindhu restaurant, Olly Smith's The Glass House, as well as brand new amenities. P&O says that Britannia cruise ship engine power output (MAN diesel engines) is equivalent to 70 Challenger tanks’ power or 86 supercars Bugatti Veyron. Britannia cruise ship is also the greenest yet and designed to deliver greater levels of environmental and operational efficiency. The new form of the hull is expected to reduce fuel consumption by approx 20%. Along with the hull design, P and O changed the hull art as well – with the Union Jack flag 94 m / 308 ft long.
The Britannia ship is the eighth vessel to join P&O UK's fleet and named "to resonate with the forward-looking mood in Britain". Britannia is considered to be the most fitting name because of its famous long heritage, so suitable for the newest P&O addition – the favourite cruise line of Britain. Apparently, HM The Queen gave her permission to P&O use the name.
Two ships connected to the company have been previously named "Britannia". The first one entered service for General Steam Navigation Company in 1835. The second one, together with three other boats, was ordered to mark Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee (50th anniversary of her accession to the throne) and entered service in 1887. The "Golden Jubilee ship" had passenger capacity 410 (160 second-class plus 250 first-class) and cargo capacity 4000 tons. In 1888, on this Britannia sailed (to Bombay India) Winston Churchill, with his hussar regiment, and then fought on India's North-West Frontier (present-day Pakistan's KPK-Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province/occupied by the British between 1849-1947 via the East India Company).
Royal Yacht Britannia was the vessel decommissioned in 1997 by John Major government, but the name has been associated with P&O for a long time. In June 2013 a management shake-up at Carnival UK operations later saw the exit of Carol Marlow- the former managing director, and Peter Shanks – ex-boss of Cunard brand. Britannia is the first vessel for P&O Cruises since then. These departures were linked to boosting younger cruisers’ proportion at the UK arm of Carnival Cruises. Everyone who believes in the growth of the cruise industry now expects the new P and O cruise ship Britannia to mark a new era of success.
Her Majesty The Queen (1926-2022) was the royal godmother. She named the ship on March 10th, 2015, at Southampton's Ocean Terminal. HM The Queen was accompanied by Prince Philip and The Duke of Edinburgh. After the royal words "May God bless her and all who sail in her", The Queen pressed the button that released a Nebuchadnezzar wine (a giant bottle of sparkling wine, the equivalent of 20 regular bottles) to be smashed against the hull. This most special event was also marked by live band music performances – Her Majesty's Royal Marines band, and the Irish Guards’ Regimental Band. Also present at the naming ceremony were the Carnival Corporation's front men Micky Arison (chairman) and Arnold Donald (CEO), and also David Dingle (chairman of Carnival UK).
Decks and Cabins
MS Britannia staterooms (a total of 1837 total, in 35 grades) include 64x Suites, 1298x Balconies, 448x Inside and 27x Studios (single-occupancy cabins). The ship has no Oceanview cabins. Most staterooms are Balcony (sized 175-290 ft2). Cabin balconies are rather small (sized 35 ft2 / 3 m2). The largest accommodations are the Owner's Suites (470 ft2/44 m2, with terrace sized 210 ft2/20 m2).
The boat has 17 decks, of which 14 are passenger-accessible and 8 with cabins.
Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks
The rise on the world stage of British cooking is reflected in Britannia's dining options. The Epicurean Restaurant specializes in fine dining and molecular gastronomy. It features both contemporary and traditional dishes. The Glass House is home to nearly 40 different wines from all around the world, including labels from Greece, Croatia, and Japan. Wine expert Olly Smith pairs wine with food from the menu, featuring dishes like a Wagyu burger, sea bass ceviche with lime, lobster buns, Morecombe Bay and Devon crab sliders. The first British ship to offer cooking lessons at sea, The Cookery Club provides guests an opportunity to hone their cooking techniques under the watchful eye of food experts and chefs. Aboard the Britannia, passengers can cook alongside baking queen Mary Berry and TV chef James Martin. Michelin-starred chef Atul Kochhar teaches guests how to make dishes from Sindhu - his signature restaurant. Celebrity chef Marco Pierre White also runs a class, demonstrating his famous dishes whilst passengers cook alongside him.
While P&O UK has already linked up with celebrity chefs for Cookery Club school, Britannia will also act as a backdrop to the first at sea celebrity-led TV cooking contest, Battlechefs, from April 4. On April 2, 2016, the ship will be the setting for another first as she will host live Ant and Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway from the top deck.
Follows the complete list of Britannia restaurants and food bars.
- The Limelight Club (supper club for specialty dining; offers live performances and the 3-course dinner menu)
- Meridian Restaurant (aft Dining Room; for Breakfast 7:30-9 am, and Lunch 12:15-1:45 pm/3-course menu; Afternoon Tea 4-4:45 pm.; club dinner dining at 6:30 or 9.30 pm)
- The Oriental Restaurant (aft MDR, with fixed seating dining at 6:30 and 8:30 pm)
- The Peninsular Restaurant (forward MDR, with fixed seating dining at 6:30 and 8:30 pm, open-seating breakfast and lunch; also serving Afternoon Tea 4-4:45 pm)
- Sindhu (Indian specialty restaurant, by A. Kochhar)
- Ocean Grill (specialty, by chef Marco Pierre White)
- The Glass House (steakhouse/seafood specialty restaurant and wine bar, by Olly Smith)
- Java Cafe (buffet-style restaurant)
- The Cookery Club (specialty restaurant and cooking club by James Martin)
- Fine Dining Restaurant (Epicurean Restaurant - specialty, dinner-only, by the Michelin star Marco Pierre White)
- Horizon Restaurant (Lido buffet; complimentary, self-service; with several food stations and floor-ceiling windows)
- Beach House (casual dining venue, dinner-only)
- Poolside drinks and fast-food bars – The Pizzeria, Lido Bar, Lido Grill, Riviera Bar, “Grab and Go”.
Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport
MV Britannia ship design is a masterpiece created by Richmond International – London-based architects, who anticipate today's Britain tastes. They are well known for creating “flowing” coherent interiors but with each area having an individual identity. While the Britannia ship may be a large vessel, every inch of the interior was carefully considered as to become breathtaking and striking. MV Britannia was designed to make guests feel special, and all of her was planned with flair and imagination. The Britannia ship offers the very best of Britain's contemporary design and an unprecedented number of facilities for passengers.
The vessel provides the best classic features of Aurora and Oriana, and a wide choice of the contemporary variety of Azura and Ventura. 13 cafes and restaurants, 13 bars, 15 passenger decks, 4 swimming pools, 9 jacuzzis – what more of all these could a traveler wish for? Another good decision on a practical level is the greater number of single cabins - more than on any other ship. Additional amenities include Complimentary 24-hour Room-Service, Internet/WiFi access, supervised kids program, laundry/self-serve laundromats, nursery.
Follows the complete list of Britannia lounges, clubs and other entertainment venues for kids, teens, and adults.
- Britannia Atrium (3-decks central open floor area and social hub); Atrium Shops (Regalia - clothes, souvenirs, gifts; The Wardrobe - brand fashion, watches, bags, hats); Chic - fashion boutique; Emporium - candy shop; Eternity - jewelry, Essence - perfumes)
- Market Cafe (Atrium patisserie by Eric Lanlard), Blue Bar (Atrium piano bar), Sunset Bar
- Brodie’s Pub; The Studio (multi-purpose lounge); Marlow Suite (multifunction room, doubles as Card Room)
- Headliners Theatre (836-seat, 2-decks, featuring grand scale productions, live performances, game shows)
- The Crystal Room (Lounge and Bar; daily dance classes, grand evening balls)
- The Live Lounge (music-dedicated venue; disco at night)
- The Crow's Nest Lounge (dance floor, a stage for live music; with floor-ceiling windows for panoramic views; hosts art classes, quiz games, cooking demos during the day)
- Casino; Ivory Suite (vow renewal and wedding services)
- Photo Gallery and Shop; Art Gallery; The Library (with Internet computers)
- Terrace Pool (adults only area, served by Terrace Bar); Riviera Pool area; Aqua Pool and Bar; Coral Pool and Bar
- adults-only relaxation areas ("Retreat" /VIP Spa terrace with private cabanas, and "Serenity")
- Oasis Spa complex (Treatment Rooms, Steam Rooms, Thermal Suite, Thalassotherapy pool, Beauty Salon)
- Gymnasium (complimentary equipment, Fitness classes; Yoga and Pilates at surcharge)
- Childrens' Facilities (Kids Play Area, The Reef Kids Programming Rooms, Nursery)
- Promenade (Walking Lane and Jogging Track); Sports Court (basketball, volleyball, football, cricket, tennis); Table Tennis; four Golf Net cages.
Itineraries
P&O Britannia itinerary program is based on homeporting in Southampton England and Bridgetown Barbados. The roundtrips include Caribbean Islands (from Barbados), ex-Southampton voyages along the Atlantic Coast, Baltic, Mediterranean, Canary Islands, "mini-cruises" to Guernsey (Channel Islands), Transatlantic repositioning crossings.
Britannia returned to the UK/Southampton on March 25, 2016 (a year after the naming ceremony led by HM The Queen) being homeported in Barbados throughout winter 2015-2016. From the UK, the ship operated short-breaks to Northern Europe and longer cruises to the Mediterranean (during summer). For the Caribbean winter 2016-2017 season, the ship was homeported in Saint Lucia (Castries).
On June 27, 2021, Britannia became P&O UK's first liner to restart operations (following the 15+ months pause due to the Coronavirus crisis) leaving roundtrip from Southampton on a 4-night "Short Break" (cruise to nowhere) in the English Channel/along Devon's coast.
Britannia ship related cruise news
- Cruise Industry
CLIA UK & Ireland announces 2025 conference in Southampton
CLIA UK & Ireland has announced that its 2025 conference will be held in Southampton from May 22nd-24th. This annual event, now in its 17th year...
September 21, 2024 - Cruise Industry
P&O expands flight program for Caribbean fly-cruises from the UK
P&O Cruises has expanded its air program to enhance Caribbean fly-cruises scheduled between November 2025 and February 2026. This expansion aims...
June 30, 2024 - Cruise Industry
P&O Cruises UK offers special OBC/onboard credit promo for Mediterranean itineraries
P&O Cruises UK is offering additional OBC/onboard credit (spending money) for bookings made within the next month. Up to GBP 520 per balcony...
June 17, 2024 - Cruise Industry
P&O Cruises' Britannia sets sail after extensive refurbishment
P&O Cruises UK's flagship Britannia left from Southampton on April 21st following an extensive multimillion drydock refurbishment. The company...
April 24, 2024 - Cruise Industry
P&O UK unveils summer 2026 cruises with early booking discount
P&O Cruises UK has unveiled its summer 2026 program, accompanied by an enticing early-bird booking promotion. The itinerary collection...
April 17, 2024 - Cruise Industry
P&O UK's winter 2025-2026 cruise collection includes 12 new ports
P&O Cruises UK is enhancing its offerings for the autumn half-term in 2025 with the aim of attracting more families to its cruise ships. The...
October 11, 2023 - Cruise Industry
Cunard and P&O UK improve Wi-Fi connectivity with SpaceX's Starlink
Carnival Corporation's UK-based subsidiaries Cunard Line and P&O Cruises UK have unveiled plans to enhance Wi-Fi connectivity fleetwide through a...
September 18, 2023 - Accidents
P&O UK's cruise passengers injured after Britannia ship crashes into an oil tanker in palma de...
In a weather-related incident that occurred on Sunday, August 27th, P&O UK's Britannia ship moored in Palma de Mallorca encountered a situation...
August 29, 2023 - Accidents
VIDEO: P&O Britannia crashes into oil tanker amid Mallorca storm
Amidst a powerful storm on Sunday morning (August 27th), the cruise ship Britannia, operated by P&O UK from Southampton England, faced a maritime...
August 27, 2023 - Cruise Industry
Barbie joining P&O Cruises UK's ships Arvia and Iona for summer 2023
P&O Cruises UK has introduced dedicated family zones on its 5 family-friendly ships during the 2023 summer holiday season. Passengers on P&O...
July 29, 2023 - show more news
Other P&O UK cruise ships
Britannia Wiki
MS Britannia is currently P&O UK's largest liner, as well as the ever-biggest built specifically for the UK market, Fleet's next largest vessels are Azura and Ventura. The interior was designed by "Richmond International" - UK-based hotel design company. On February 22, 2015, the vessel was delivered at the Fincantieri Monfalcone shipyard. The ceremony was attended by Enrico Morando (Italy's Deputy Minister of Economy and Finance), Micky Arison (Carnival Corporation's Chairman), David Dingle (Carnival UK's Executive Chairman), David Noyes (P&O UK's CEO), Vincenzo Petrone (Fincantieri's Chairman) and Giuseppe Bono (Fincantieri's CEO).
P&O Britannia (Monfalcone shipyard/hull number 6231) is powered by Wartsila marine diesel engines (models 12V46F and 14V46F) generating total power output 62,4 MW.
First Mediterranean cruise (2015, March 14) was a 14-day roundtrip from Southampton to Gibraltar, Barcelona, Monaco, Civitavecchia-Rome, Corsica, Cartagena, Cadiz. First Transatlantic cruise crossing (2015, October 23) was a 14-day itinerary from Southampton to Bridgetown Barbados, visiting Madeira (Funchal), St Maarten, St Lucia, Dominica, Grenada. First Caribbean cruise (2015, November 6) was a 14-day roundtrip from Barbados to Aruba, Grand Cayman, Jamaica (Ocho Rios), BVI (Tortola), St Maarten, Antigua, Dominica, Grenada.
During winter, the ship cruises in the Caribbean on roundtrips from Barbados. The ship was homeported in Port Castries (St Lucia) during winter 2016-2017 season. It also offers fly-cruise deals from UK (Southampton England). P&O UK's "flight and cruise" deals to the Caribbean are inclusive of discounted airfare to and from Barbados or St Lucia.
P&O Britannia refurbishments review
The ship's first drydock refurbishment was in 2019 (October 8-22) at Damen Shipyard Brest (France). During the drydock works were implemented the following changes:
- All interiors were refreshed (shipwide).
- (Landing Deck 5 / midship Lobby) a permanent Art Gallery was added (adjacent to Blue Bar / Atrium bar)
- (deck 5 midship) The Atrium was redesigned with new color schemes and relaxed live entertainment (music, informal acts).
- (deck 5 midship) Market Cafe's menu upgraded with new gourmet sweets (recipes by Eric Lanlard / French patissier and celebrity chef)
- (deck 5 forward) To Oasis Spa and Salon (ship's wellness complex) were added two express pods for treatments - one for high-tech spa massages, the other for express skin treatments and LVL lash lifting.
- (Tween Deck 6) The onboard shopping was upgraded with new luxury brands - Jo Malone London (candles), Tom Ford (designer fashion), Michael Kors (designer clothing and accessories, handbags, watches, shoes), Clifton (custom design clothing), Edinburgh Gin (alcohol).
- (Main Deck 7 midship-starboard) Java Cafe (buffet restaurant's) menu was upgraded with alcoholic beverages.
- (deck 7 midship-aft-starboard) Photo Gallery upgraded with Dixons Electronics Hub selling gadgets (imaging, computing, audio) from premium brands like Amazon, Apple (electronics, computer software), Microsoft (software), Sony (electronics, gaming), Canon (imaging and optical products), Fitbit (trackers, wireless wearables), GoPro (action cameras), Bose (audio devices / headphones, speakers, wearables).
On MS Britannia, P&O also introduced a try-before-you-buy program with consultant-managing tasting tables in the ship's beauty and make-up areas.
Drydock 2024 (conducted in April) included upgrades to various areas, including all public spaces, all passenger and crew staterooms, redesigned Lobby Hall (an extension of the Loyalty Desk and Cruise Sales Desk), enhancements to the Market Cafe, a substantial renovation of the crew areas. The children's splash pool zone was revamped with interactive water features. The Sunset Bar's capacity was increased with extra seating.
Fun ship facts
During its first year of service (March 10, 2015 - March 25, 2016), the Britannia cruise ship:
- sailed more than 90000 nautical miles (103570 ml / 166680 km)
- hosted 730 theater shows
- served 94457 meals
- operated 43 itineraries (visiting 31 different countries and calling on 61 seaports).
During that time, the ship carried 116900+ passengers, who consumed ~375000 cocktail drinks, ~2,8 million cups of tea, 292000+ scones.
The vessel was laid down in 2011, its name was announced in 2013. P&O Britannia features a 308 ft / 94 m long Union Jack flag on hull's bow - world's biggest of its kind. The vessel is the first Monfalcone-made cruise ship with 2 funnels. The last ocean liner with 2 funnels (SS Eugenio C) was delivered by Monfalcone shipyard in 1966.
For the naming ceremony was used a nebuchadnezzar British Brut NV (from Winston Estate Winery, England's Sussex region). For the cruise ship's christening event, thousands of bottles "Rose Vintage 2011" and "Brut NV" were delivered.
MV Britannia ship's godmother was Her Majesty The Queen of Great Britain (Elizabeth II/1926-2022). On the naming ceremony, she was accompanied by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh and Prince Philip. The event took place in Southampton on March 10, 2015. The list of other P and O cruise ships named by British Royals includes Oriana (April 6, 1995, by HM The Queen), Aurora (April 27, 2000, by HRH Princess Royal) and the ships Oceana and Adonia (both named on May 21, 2003, by HRH Princess Royal and her daughter Zara Phillips).
The cruise ship's namesakes are the ferriesSpirit of Britain (P&O FERRIES) and Stena Britannica (STENA LINE).