22 Essential Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your P&O Britannia Cruise

If you’re heading off on a P&O Britannia cruise, you’re in for an amazing adventure.

To help you get the very best from your time onboard, we’ve put together 23 of our favourite tips.

Whether it’s your first time sailing or you’re already a seasoned cruiser, these little nuggets of advice will help make your holiday even more special!

1. Choose Your Cabin Carefully

Britannia offers inside cabins, balcony cabins, and suites – but no outside (window-only) cabins. If you’re booking a balcony, watch out for the obstructed views on Deck 8 – they’re honestly not bad and can sometimes save you a bit of money. There are also brilliant single cabins available in both inside and balcony options, perfect if you’re sailing solo.

2. Try the Cookery Club

One of Britannia’s hidden gems is the Cookery Club, where you can join a hands-on class with professional chefs. You’ll get to learn new skills, cook delicious dishes, and of course, eat everything you make. It’s a brilliant experience and something a bit different from your usual sea day activities!

3. Save the My Holiday Page

The My Holiday page is your onboard planning hub and it’s an absolute must-use. Through it, you can book activities, reserve dining, and even check your onboard spending. We like to check it every morning – it really helps to stay organised and not miss out on anything exciting.

4. Book Dining Early

Dining is a huge part of the Britannia experience, especially when it comes to the speciality restaurants. Places like The Epicurean and Sindhu are extremely popular, and they often book up quickly. It’s best to pre-book dining 14 days before your cruise, and then reserve any others using the My Holiday app once onboard.

5. Check Out the Daily Horizon Newsletter

Every day, you’ll receive the Horizon newsletter in your cabin – and it’s packed with valuable information. It lists all the day’s activities, entertainment, and dining options, making it easy to plan your day. We recommend carrying it with you; it’s genuinely a lifesaver when you’re deciding what to do next.

6. Try the Epicurean Afternoon Tea

If you love afternoon tea, then the Epicurean version is a real treat you shouldn’t miss. Expect luxury teas, delicate sandwiches, and decadent desserts served in a beautiful setting. It’s a small extra charge, but absolutely worth it for a little bit of indulgence during your cruise.

7. See a Movie

Britannia has The Studio on Deck 7, a cosy little cinema showing a variety of films. Each day, the Horizon newsletter will tell you what’s showing, so you can easily plan a relaxing afternoon or evening. It’s a lovely way to unwind, especially if you fancy a break from the sun deck or an early night.

8. Wake Up Early for Scenic Cruising

There’s something magical about watching the world go by from the ship at sunrise. If you’ve got scenic cruising scheduled, set your alarm a bit earlier to grab a prime spot. We usually grab a breakfast from the Horizon buffet and find a nice window seat to enjoy the views.

9. Try a Formal Night

Britannia hosts Celebration Nights, and they’re a fantastic opportunity to dress up and enjoy a special evening. Dinner is usually a five-course affair designed by Marco Pierre White, and it’s absolutely delicious. Plus, it’s a great chance to get some really lovely photos to remember your trip.

10. Don’t Feel Pressured to Join Formal Nights

If dressing up isn’t really your thing, don’t worry – you won’t be the only one. You can always head to the Horizon buffet or book a table at The Beach House for a more relaxed evening. Sometimes we skip formal nights ourselves and enjoy a quieter evening at the spa.

11. Try Room Service Breakfast

Room service breakfast is brilliant, especially on busy port days when you’ve got an early start. For a small fee, you can have a continental breakfast delivered right to your cabin. We love enjoying it out on the balcony when the weather’s nice – a perfect, peaceful start to the day.

12. Explore the Outside Deck Areas on Deck 7

Although Britannia doesn’t have a full promenade deck, Deck 7 offers plenty of outdoor space to enjoy. The area near the Live Lounge at the back of the ship is stunning at sunset and not as crowded. It’s one of our favourite places to grab a drink, sit back, and soak in the sea views.

13. Make the Most of The Retreat

If you’re after a bit of adult-only relaxation, The Retreat is definitely worth considering. It’s a peaceful space with comfy loungers, attentive service, and a real feeling of exclusivity. It does cost extra, but it’s incredibly popular – so book as soon as you can!

14. Check Out the Silent Disco

The Silent Disco is one of the most fun events onboard – and you must give it a go. You pop on headphones, choose your music channel, and dance away while everyone around you does the same. It’s hilarious and so much fun seeing people dance completely differently depending on their choice of tunes.

15. Enjoy a Spa Day

The Oasis Spa onboard is absolutely lovely and well worth a treat. From massages to facials to full seaweed wraps, there’s plenty on offer if you feel like pampering yourself. Sometimes we book a spa day mid-cruise – it’s the perfect way to relax and recharge.

16. Catch a Live Show

Headliners Theatre is the main venue for nightly entertainment, and the shows are brilliant. Expect everything from musicals and tribute acts to comedians and dance performances. You can book your seats using the My Holiday app – and we recommend doing so early, especially on sea days.

17. Visit the Crow’s Nest for Cocktails

The Crow’s Nest on Britannia is hands-down one of the best bars at sea. It’s perfect for pre-dinner cocktails with stunning panoramic views of the ocean. Try their signature drinks and settle in for a relaxing, stylish start to your evening.

*BONUS* Enjoy a Hot Drink and Sweet Treat in the Atrium

Sometimes it’s the simple things that are the most enjoyable. Grab a coffee and a slice of cake and sit back in the Atrium while you people-watch or read your book. It’s a lovely little moment of calm in the middle of a busy day.

19. Use Virtual Queues

Britannia’s My Holiday app lets you join a virtual queue for main dining restaurants. It saves you physically standing in line and you’ll get a notification when your table’s ready. It’s a brilliant way to make the most of your time onboard without wasting a moment.

20. Use the Laundry Facilities

For longer cruises, Britannia’s self-service laundrettes are a total blessing. Bring a few laundry pods from home or buy them onboard and freshen up your clothes mid-cruise. It means you can pack lighter – and it’s nice not to be living out of a suitcase full of wrinkled clothes!

21. Make Time for Stargazing

If you’re lucky enough to get a clear night, head up to the open decks for a bit of stargazing. It’s incredibly peaceful and you’ll be amazed at how many stars you can see at sea. Bring a cosy blanket if it’s chilly and just soak in the magic of the night sky.

22. Try a Speciality Restaurant

Britannia has some fantastic speciality restaurants that are well worth trying. The Epicurean and Sindhu both offer unique, fine-dining experiences that feel like real highlights of the trip. There’s an extra charge, but it’s definitely worth it for a special night out onboard.

23. Enjoy the Pools

Britannia has several pools including the Riviera and Lido pools on Deck 16, the terrace pool on Deck 17, and the adults-only Serenity pool. Each offers something slightly different depending on your mood, from lively to peaceful. Pack your swimwear in your hand luggage and make the most of those sunny sea days!

Frequently Asked Questions on P&O Britannia

Is P&O Britannia a good ship for first-time cruisers?

Yes, Britannia is a brilliant choice for first-time cruisers! It’s easy to get around, offers a fantastic range of dining and entertainment options, and feels very relaxed but still special.

Do you need to pre-book everything on Britannia?

We recommend pre-booking speciality dining and spa treatments where you can. For most activities and shows, you can easily reserve spots using the My Holiday app once onboard.

Are there adult-only areas on Britannia?

Yes, The Retreat and the Serenity pool are both adult-only spaces where you can enjoy a quieter, more peaceful atmosphere.

Is the My Holiday app free to use?

Yes, the My Holiday app is completely free! You just connect to the ship’s Wi-Fi (you don’t need to buy an internet package) to use it.