P&O UK Britannia: Aussies on a British Ship

Looking for a practical guide before you book? This page gives you a quick, no-nonsense snapshot of the Britannia cruise aussies ask about. Launched in 2015, this modern British ship feels more like a stylish London hotel than a noisy mega-resort.

What makes it stand out: It’s a flagship vessel with clever layout, lots of dining options and plenty of quiet corners. The vibe is family-friendly and polished, not flashy. We’ll help you decide whether the scale suits couples, families or multi-gen groups.

Decisions you’ll master here: which cabins work best, whether a balcony is worth it, what’s included on board and what you’ll pay extra for. Want a balcony for sea days, or would you rather spend on experiences and shore time? We’ll make that choice easier. 😊

Key takeaways

• Britannia is a large, modern UK-style ship that feels polished and comfortable.
• Great for couples, families, first-timers and multi-gen groups seeking calm and choice.
• Plenty of dining options and smart layout with quiet spots to relax.
• We’ll compare cabins, balcony value and what the fare actually covers.
• Practical, down-to-earth advice to help you book with confidence. ✅

Why P&O UK’s Britannia appeals to Australian cruisers right now

For Australians after variety and a calmer aesthetic, this flagship-style ship is an easy fit.

Flagship feel with a modern British style

It feels premium without the glitz. Public spaces are spacious and quietly styled. You’ll find relaxed British touches rather than flashy decor.

Ship stats Aussies want to know

Quick facts so you can scan fast:

Capacity and atmosphere

Will it feel crowded? Not usually. The guests-to-crew ratio keeps service smooth and lines manageable.

Top decks separate family fun from adult space. That means children have dedicated areas while adults find quieter retreats.

If you like variety and a gentler vibe, keep reading — this ship ticks both boxes. 😊

britannia cruise aussies: what your onboard experience looks like

Step onboard and you’ll find the heart of the ship in a bright, three-storey atrium that makes navigation instantly simple. That first view tells you where the main bars, theatres and restaurants sit — great if it’s your first time on board.

The layout concentrates key venues across the lower decks, so moving between dinner, a show and a lounge takes minutes. It feels efficient at peak times and friendly for groups who want to stick together.

Dozens of private nooks mean you can slip away for quiet reading or an afternoon coffee. The ship’s many small spaces give a pleasantly uncrowded vibe.

On sea days you can rotate between pools, deck games, casual bites and live entertainment without feeling stuck. It’s easy to set your own pace — big-ship buzz or low-key downtime. ☕

• Who loves it: couples, families, multi-gen groups and new guests.
• Quick self-check: “Do you want a ship where you can be busy all day—or only when you feel like it?”

Cabins, balcony cabins and suites: choosing the best fit

Where you sleep shapes your days at sea — here’s how to choose wisely.

Inside options for value-focused travellers

Inside cabins are the smart-value pick if you plan long days ashore or busy decks. They are practical and comfy, with 24-hour room service for late bites.

Balcony choices for sea views

All outside staterooms now include a balcony, ideal for quiet mornings, sail-ins and sunset drinks. If you want fresh air and a private spot, a balcony delivers great value.

More space: Deluxe Balcony and suites

The Deluxe Balcony adds a separated sitting area for family rhythm and extra space. Suites step up with larger living areas and butler service for a VIP feel.

Solo and accessible options

There are limited single cabins (inside and balcony), so book early. Accessible cabins sit near lifts across categories for easier movement.

• Quick pick: Budget = inside, Sea views = balcony, Families = Deluxe, Luxury = suite.
• Standard in-room comforts include tea/coffee, mini-bar, TV on demand, safe and shower.
• Beds usually convert to a king; extra berths vary by cabin type — plan who sleeps where.

Dining on Britannia: main restaurants, flexible options and celebrity chefs

Food is a big part of the onboard vibe — plenty of everyday choices and a few splurge-worthy nights. Below is a quick, practical guide to what’s included, what to reserve and what’s worth paying extra for. 😊

Main dining rooms explained

Meridian and Peninsular run Freedom Dining — turn up when you like within service hours and sit at a flexible table.

Oriental follows traditional sittings with two fixed dining times and the same table for your voyage. Reserve ahead if you want set times or travel as a group.

Special nights and eateries

Gala Evenings are a highlight, featuring dishes by Marco Pierre White — perfect for a dressed-up night ashore-style.

Specialty venues (cover charge) include Sindhu for modern Indian flavours and The Glass House for seafood, steaks and wines picked by Olly Smith.

Casual and sweet spots

The Horizon buffet serves wide choices on sea days. Poolside you’ll find the Grill, a pizzeria and classic fish & chips for fast, familiar bites.

Eric Lanlard runs the Market Café — classic afternoon tea here is a must-try. The Cookery Club offers hands-on sessions with guest instructors invited by James Martin for food lovers.

• Quick practical tip: Included = main dining and buffet. Reserve specialty tables early. Pay extra for signature nights and cookery classes if you love food experiences.

Bars, lounges and nightlife: where Aussies unwind after hours

From top-deck sundowners to late-night bands, there’s a clear flow for how your evenings can play out. You’ll find easy rituals and a few lively options so nights feel simple to plan.

The Crow’s Nest for top-deck views and cocktails

The Crow’s Nest is the go-to for sail-away drinks and sunset cocktails. Take a moment up top for wide views and a relaxed bar vibe. It’s ideal before or after dinner. 🍸

Blue Bar, Java Café and easy drop-in spots

Blue Bar sits in the atrium and is a handy meet-up point. It’s casual and reliable between activities.

Java Café is your coffee-and-pastry stop. Pop in for a morning pick-me-up or an afternoon treat.

The Live Lounge: bands by night, nightclub later

The Live Lounge runs live acts in the evening and turns up the energy later. Choose it for singers and bands, then stay if you want a late-night dance floor.

The Limelight Club: dinner with a show

The Limelight Club bundles dinner and theatre in one. Book it when you want a full evening without moving between venues.

Balcony vs bar micro-prompt: If you have a balcony, try a private sunset, then head out for a post-dinner drink — best of both worlds.

Group tip: Use the atrium bar as a meeting point so everyone can join plans quickly. Keep plans flexible and let people pick the mood they want for the night.

Entertainment at sea: shows, speakers and big-ship energy

From full-scale theatre productions to impromptu deck performances, nights aboard stay lively and varied. Expect a clear evening rhythm that’s easy to follow and simple to customise for your group.

Headliners Theatre

The Headliners Theatre delivers West End-style productions with a striking LED backdrop. Shows feel polished and theatrical, with comedians and family-friendly musicals that suit couples and kids alike.

The Studio

The Studio is the ship’s flexible space. It hosts talks, guest speakers, films, plays, game shows and music recitals. Something’s almost always on, so you can switch plans if the weather changes.

Surprise moments

Don’t miss the pop-up acts. Dancers sometimes perform under the stars on deck, turning an ordinary night into a memorable moment. 🌙

• Set expectations: entertainment is a core strength — you can plan a full sea-day to show-night agenda.
• Plan smart: check the daily programme early and book must-sees, then leave space for surprises.
• First-timer tip: even if you prefer quiet time, there are plenty of indoor options so you won’t be bored on board.

For a similar sense of big-stage spectacle on other liners, see similar big-ship shows.

Pools, spa and fitness: facilities that make sea days worth it

Sea days on this ship balance active options with plenty of chill time, so everyone finds a rhythm. Four pools and four whirlpool spas spread across the decks give real variety. That means you can pick loud family energy or a quieter corner in minutes.

Pool and whirlpool spread

Four pools and four whirlpools mean you’ll usually find a spot that suits your group. The Serenity pool is the go-to calm zone when you want to switch off for an hour. Perfect for reading, slow swims or a quiet sun lounge.

Fitness and active options

The fully equipped gym supports your routine. Plus, there are fitness and dance classes, a sports court and golf nets. If you want to keep training or just move a bit between meals, options are easy to find.

Spa, wellness and adults’ space

The spa and salon offer treatments, a steam room and a hydrotherapy suite — ideal as a treat on consecutive sea days. The Retreat is an adults-only space for quieter cruising, so couples and parents can recharge.

• Sea day plan: swim → spa session → light lunch → fitness class → quiet deck time.
• Range: multiple pools and whirlpools mean flexibility for families and couples.
• Prompt: Are you a ‘pool-and-book’ cruiser or a ‘classes-then-cocktails’ cruiser? 😊

For a wider look at big-ship pool and spa setups, see this big-ship pool and spa guide.

Kids, teens and family cruising on Britannia

Family life onboard is built to be simple, playful and reliably routine-friendly. You’ll find clear spaces for all ages so days flow without stress.

The Reef kids’ clubs (complimentary) and age-specific programs

The Reef is complimentary and split by age so children settle quickly. Staff run structured activities that build confidence and make new friends.

Why it helps: age-specific groups mean better games, safer supervision and true downtime for parents. You can drop off and enjoy a break. 😊

Family pools, sports arena and dedicated children’s tea

Family pools and a sports arena burn off energy on sea days. These are the best spots for noisy play and simple fun.

There’s a dedicated children’s tea with kid-friendly favourites like pizza and jelly — a routine-helper that keeps evenings calm for everyone.

Family-friendly shore time: treasure hunts, beaches and adventure-style trips

Shore excursions include treasure hunts, water parks, beaches and adventure trips. They’re easy to book and very kid-approved.

• Tip: Travelling with kids who love structure—or kids who just want the pool? You can plan for both.
• Multi-gen note: Grandparents, parents and little ones can all do their own thing without hassle.

What’s included onboard and what costs extra

A clear split between included perks and paid experiences makes budgeting simple on board. Below is a tidy checklist so you can decide quickly what to pay for and what’s already covered.

Included essentials

• Main meals: dinner in the main dining rooms and the Horizon buffet are included.
• Snacks & entertainment: casual bites, theatre shows, live music and daily activities are part of the fare.
• Ship facilities: pools, whirlpools, gym areas and most public spaces are free to use.

Paid extras to plan for

• Specialty restaurants (cover charge) such as Sindhu and The Glass House.
• Spa treatments, some classes and premium experiences like cookery sessions or tastings.
• Certain signature evenings (for example, Gala menus by Marco Pierre White) may carry supplements.

Cabin comforts and room notes

All cabins include tea/coffee facilities, a mini-bar, large on‑demand TVs and 24-hour room service for late nights or slow mornings.

Your bed, storage and standard amenities are set; balcony cabins add private outside space and a simple upgrade to sea views.

Service, tipping and alcohol policy

Service and tipping: tipping isn’t needed onboard, which keeps budgeting straightforward and removes awkwardness.

Alcohol allowance: each adult may bring up to 1 litre of wine/beer/spirits when first boarding. Anything over the limit is stored and returned near the end of your voyage.

Budget prompt:

Are you aiming for a mostly included trip — or happy to add a couple of premium meals and spa sessions? Decide now and you’ll avoid surprises at the end of your stay on board.

Conclusion

For travellers who want variety without the chaos, this ship offers a roomy, hotel-like experience with clear choices.

Who it suits: families, couples and multi‑gen groups who value calm public spaces, lots of dining and flexible entertainment. The layout makes big-ship life feel manageable.

Choose your accommodation to match how you travel: inside cabins for value, a balcony cabin for sea‑day bliss, or suites for extra space and butler service. Your bed setup is flexible and you can order room service any time.

Low fuss on board: tipping isn’t needed, included basics are clear, and there are plenty of options to fit different budgets. If you want a sailing that fits your dates and budget, compare offers and lock in the cabin category you’ll actually enjoy. 😊