If you’re sailing on P&O Britannia and wondering what the bars are like, the first thing to know is that Britannia has a more traditional bar and lounge setup than P&O’s newer ships.
There is no SkyDome bar area like you get on Iona or Arvia, and the evening atmosphere is not centred around one huge indoor entertainment space. Instead, P&O Britannia bars are spread across the ship, with a mix of cocktail bars, lounges, pool bars, a British-style pub, a wine bar, coffee venues and late-night entertainment spaces.
That actually works quite well once you understand the ship.
Britannia has bars for different moods. You can have cocktails with sea views in the Crow’s Nest, a drink in the atrium at The Blue Bar, a pint in Brodie’s, wine and small plates in The Glass House, or a drink outside at the Sunset Bar overlooking the wake.
In this guide, I’ll walk through the main bars and lounges on P&O Britannia, where they are, what they’re best for, and which ones are worth looking out for during your cruise.
Watch My Full P&O Britannia Ship Tour
You can also watch my full P&O Britannia ship tour below to see the bars, lounges, restaurants, pool decks, cabins and entertainment venues as they look onboard.
P&O Britannia Bars Guide: How Many Bars Are on P&O Britannia?
P&O Britannia has a wide choice of bars, lounges and café-style venues, spread mainly across Decks 5, 6, 7, 16 and 18.
The main indoor bars are on the lower public decks around the atrium and entertainment areas. These include The Blue Bar, Brodie’s, The Glass House, Java Café, Market Café, The Live Lounge and The Crystal Room.
Higher up, you have the Crow’s Nest on Deck 16 forward, the pool bars on Deck 16, the Sunset Bar at the aft of Deck 16, and the Sports Arena Bar on Deck 18.
Some speciality dining venues also have a drinks element, especially The Glass House and The Limelight Club, although these work slightly differently from a standard bar.
The main thing to understand is that Britannia’s bars are not all the same.
Some are quiet and relaxed. Some are better for live music or quizzes. Some are more about the view. Others work best during the day around the pool deck.
That is why it is worth trying a few different venues during the cruise rather than sticking to the first bar you find.
The Crow’s Nest
The Crow’s Nest is one of the best bars on P&O Britannia if you want sea views.
It is located on Deck 16 forward, right at the front of the ship, with large windows looking out to sea. During the day, it can be a peaceful place to sit with a drink, read a book, or enjoy a quieter moment away from the busier pool decks.
In the evening, the Crow’s Nest becomes a popular spot for pre-dinner drinks and cocktails.
There is often live piano music in the evenings, which gives it a more relaxed, traditional cruise atmosphere. It is not the loudest bar onboard, and that is part of its appeal.
If you like quieter lounges, panoramic views and a more classic P&O feel, the Crow’s Nest is one of the venues you should definitely visit.
It is also useful on cooler-weather cruises, because it gives you sea views without needing to be outside on deck.
The Blue Bar
The Blue Bar is on Deck 5 in the atrium and is one of Britannia’s main cocktail bars.
Because it sits right in the heart of the ship, it has a very different feel from the Crow’s Nest. It is more central, more social and better if you like the atmosphere of the atrium around you.
This is a good bar for pre-dinner drinks, especially if you are meeting people before going to dinner or heading to one of the evening venues.
The Blue Bar serves cocktails, spirits, wine and other drinks in a more stylish setting, with comfortable seating and a good view of the activity around the atrium.
It is not the quietest bar onboard because of its location, but it works well if you like being in the middle of the ship’s evening atmosphere.
If you are new to Britannia, The Blue Bar is one of the easiest places to find because it sits close to Reception, Market Café and the lower atrium area.
Brodie’s
Brodie’s is Britannia’s traditional British-style pub.
It is on Deck 6 and is one of the liveliest bars onboard, especially in the evening. If you like a proper pub atmosphere at sea, this is the venue to look for.
Brodie’s serves beers, ales, ciders, spirits, wine and a wide gin selection. It is also one of the main places onboard for quizzes, games and live sport.
If there is a football match or other major sporting event being shown, Brodie’s is usually where you will find the biggest atmosphere.
The casino is also nearby, so this whole part of Deck 6 can feel busy later in the evening.
Brodie’s is not the place to go if you want a quiet, peaceful drink. But if you want a social bar, a quiz, sport on the screens or a more casual evening venue, it is one of Britannia’s key spaces.
It is also a good option if you are travelling solo, because pub-style venues can be easier places to sit without feeling too formal.
The Glass House
The Glass House is on Deck 7, at the top of the atrium.
This is one of Britannia’s most stylish venues and works as both a wine bar and a dining space. The drinks are curated by wine expert Olly Smith, and the venue focuses on wines by the glass, wine flights and food pairings.
It is a good choice if you want something a bit more relaxed than a full speciality restaurant, but still want a drink and something to eat.
You can order small plates, seafood, steaks and other dishes, so many passengers use The Glass House as an alternative dining option as well as a bar.
There is also a small outside area on Deck 7 near The Glass House, which can be a nice place to sit on a sunny day.
The Glass House is not the liveliest bar onboard, but it is one of the best if you enjoy wine or want somewhere that feels a bit more grown-up and calm.
It is also useful earlier in the evening before heading to the theatre, Live Lounge or dinner.
Java Café
Java Café is on Deck 7, opposite The Glass House and overlooking the atrium.
This is Britannia’s main coffee venue and is a useful place throughout the day. It serves speciality coffees, teas and other drinks, making it a good stop in the morning, after lunch or during an afternoon break.
Although it is not a bar in the same way as Brodie’s or The Blue Bar, it is still an important drinks venue onboard.
It works especially well if you want a coffee while staying close to the atrium, shops and lower-deck venues.
There is also a small outside area on Deck 7 near Java Café. This is one of the few outdoor areas on Britannia’s lower public decks, although it is also used as a smoking area, which is worth knowing before you sit there.
Java Café is a good option if you want a slower moment rather than an alcoholic drink, especially on sea days when you want somewhere to sit indoors.
Market Café
Market Café is on Deck 5, opposite The Blue Bar.
This is another café-style venue rather than a traditional bar, but it is still useful to know about because it offers coffee, cakes, pastries, chocolates and sweet treats.
It is particularly known for its handmade cakes and ice cream-filled doughnuts.
Because Market Café sits in the atrium, it is a good place to stop during the day if you want a coffee and something sweet while people-watching or taking a break from walking around the ship.
It is also close to Reception and the Explorer’s Desk, so many passengers pass through this area regularly during the cruise.
If you want a quieter café atmosphere, you may prefer Java Café depending on the time of day. But Market Café is very convenient because of its Deck 5 location.
The Live Lounge
The Live Lounge is on Deck 7 and is one of the most important evening venues on Britannia.
By day, it can be used for quizzes, activities and events. But at night, it becomes one of the main places for live music, guest acts, themed parties, DJ sets and dancing.
If you are looking for Britannia’s closest equivalent to a nightclub, this is it.
The Live Lounge is more casual and lively than the Crow’s Nest or The Glass House. It is where you go if you want to keep the evening going after dinner or after a theatre show.
It can get busy later in the evening, especially when live bands or themed parties are on. The atmosphere depends on the entertainment schedule, so it is worth checking the Horizon daily programme to see what is happening.
Although it is an entertainment venue, drinks are a big part of the experience here. If you enjoy live music with a drink in hand, this is one of the main venues you’ll probably use during the cruise.
The Crystal Room
The Crystal Room is on Deck 7 and is Britannia’s dedicated dance and events venue.
It has a more elegant, traditional P&O feel and is used for ballroom dancing, dance classes, live music, themed events and social dancing.
During the day, you may find dance classes or organised activities taking place here. In the evening, it can become a social venue with live music and dancing.
The Crystal Room is not a standard bar in the same way as Brodie’s or The Blue Bar, but it is still one of the places onboard where you may spend an evening with a drink while enjoying the entertainment.
If you enjoy dancing, or you like the more traditional side of cruising, this is one of Britannia’s standout venues.
It has not changed significantly since the 2024 refresh, so if you have sailed on Britannia before, it should still feel familiar.
Sunset Bar
The Sunset Bar is at the aft of Deck 16 and is one of the best outdoor bars on P&O Britannia.
This is one of the areas that had a noticeable update during Britannia’s 2024 refresh. The bar was refurbished with new furniture, updated décor and a fresher layout.
One of the biggest improvements is that the Sunset Bar is now completely non-smoking, which makes it a much more enjoyable place to sit.
The location is one of its biggest strengths. Because it sits at the back of the ship, it gives you views over the wake and works well for sailaway, warm evenings or a relaxed drink outside.
It is also a good alternative if the main pool deck feels too crowded and you still want to be outside.
On my cruise, I used the Sunset Bar as an alternative to fighting for sunbeds on one sea day, and it worked well. You still get the outdoor atmosphere, but without needing to be right next to the pool.
If you like aft views, this is one of the best bars onboard.
Pool Bars on Deck 16
Deck 16 is the main pool deck on Britannia, and there are bars at either end of the pool area.
These are the bars you are most likely to use during the day if you are spending time around the Lido Pool and Riviera Pool.
They are convenient rather than quiet. You are close to the pools, sunbeds, Lido Grill and the main daytime atmosphere, so these bars are busy on sea days and warm-weather cruises.
If you are sailing in the Caribbean or Mediterranean, the pool bars become some of the most-used venues onboard during the day.
They are good for simple drinks, soft drinks, cocktails, beers and anything you want without leaving the pool deck.
The downside is that queues can build at busy times, especially around lunchtime or mid-afternoon when the pool area is at its busiest.
If you want a quieter drink, you may be better heading to the Crow’s Nest, Sunset Bar or one of the indoor lounges. But for convenience, the pool bars are hard to beat.
Sports Arena Bar
The Sports Arena Bar is on Deck 18 near the sports court.
This is a useful bar if you are spending time higher up on the ship, especially around the sports arena, shuffleboard, deck games or the quieter sunbed areas.
Deck 18 can be a good alternative when the main pool deck is crowded, so having a bar nearby makes it more practical to use this area for longer.
The Sports Arena Bar is not one of Britannia’s most glamorous venues, but it serves a useful purpose.
It is convenient, casual and well placed if you are watching activities, playing games or using the upper sun decks.
Because many passengers naturally stay around Deck 16 and Deck 17, Deck 18 is worth exploring if you want a different feel from the main pool deck.
Bars Inside Speciality Dining Venues
Some of Britannia’s speciality venues also work as part of the wider drinks experience onboard.
The Glass House is the most obvious example because it is both a wine bar and a dining venue.
The Limelight Club is another extra-charge venue where drinks form part of the evening experience. This is a dinner-and-show venue on Deck 5, offering a more intimate cabaret-style night with a meal and live performance.
Sindhu is mainly a speciality restaurant rather than a bar, but it is still part of Britannia’s evening dining and drinks scene, especially if you are booking a more special meal onboard.
The Epicurean on Deck 16 forward is another speciality dining venue where drinks and wine pairings can form part of the experience.
These venues are different from the main bars because the focus is more on dining or entertainment, but they are worth thinking about when planning your evenings.
If you want a more structured night, The Limelight Club or a speciality restaurant may be a better choice than simply moving between bars.
Where to Find Drinks Menus and Prices
If you are planning your cruise budget, it is worth looking at drinks prices before you sail.
P&O Britannia bars follow the wider P&O Cruises drinks menus, so prices are generally similar across the fleet, although menus can change over time.
You’ll find cocktails, wines, beers, spirits, soft drinks, coffees and non-alcoholic options across the different venues, but not every bar has exactly the same feel or selection.
For example, The Glass House is more focused on wine, Brodie’s has more of a pub feel, The Blue Bar is better for cocktails, and the pool bars are more about convenience during the day.
If you want to see current examples of drinks, prices and menus, I have a full P&O drinks menu and prices guide P&O Drinks Menu 2026 that covers what to expect onboard, including drinks packages, individual drink prices and whether a package might be worth it.
That guide is useful to read alongside this Britannia bars guide, because this article helps you understand where to drink, while the drinks menu guide helps you understand what you might pay.
Best P&O Britannia Bars Depending on What You Want
The best bar on Britannia depends on what kind of drink or atmosphere you want.
For sea views, the Crow’s Nest is one of the best choices. It is quiet, comfortable and has panoramic views from the front of the ship.
For cocktails in the centre of the ship, The Blue Bar is a good option. It has a stylish feel and sits right in the atrium.
For a traditional pub atmosphere, Brodie’s is the obvious choice. It is best for quizzes, sport, beer, gin and a more casual evening.
For wine, The Glass House is the strongest venue. It is also a good choice if you want small plates or a relaxed alternative dining option.
For late-night music and dancing, The Live Lounge is the main venue to look for.
For ballroom dancing or a more traditional cruise atmosphere, The Crystal Room is a good fit.
For outdoor drinks with wake views, the Sunset Bar is one of Britannia’s best spots.
For poolside drinks, the Deck 16 pool bars are the most convenient.
For upper-deck sunbathing or sports activities, the Sports Arena Bar on Deck 18 is useful.
For coffee, Java Café and Market Café are the main options.
Britannia works well because the bars feel different from each other. Once you find the ones that suit your style of cruising, the ship becomes much easier to enjoy.
Practical Tips for Using the Bars on Britannia
The bars around the atrium are convenient, but they can get busy before dinner and before theatre shows.
If you want a quieter pre-dinner drink, try the Crow’s Nest rather than staying only around Decks 5 and 6.
Brodie’s can be very busy during quizzes, live sport and popular evening activities, so arrive early if there is something specific you want to watch.
The Live Lounge is worth checking later in the evening if you want music or dancing, but the atmosphere depends heavily on the schedule.
The Sunset Bar is one of the best outdoor options, especially since it became non-smoking after the refresh.
Do not forget the bars higher up the ship. The Sports Arena Bar and pool bars can be useful if you are spending time on the upper decks and do not want to keep heading back inside.
If you are buying drinks individually, keep an eye on your onboard account during the cruise. It is easy for coffees, cocktails and poolside drinks to add up over a week or two.
If you are unsure whether a drinks package is worth it, use your likely daily habits as the starting point. Think about coffee, soft drinks, water, wine, cocktails and evening drinks, not just alcohol.
Britannia has enough variety that you do not need to use the same bar every night. Try a few early in the cruise, then settle into the ones that suit you.
Related Guides
If you want a full overview of the ship, including pools, restaurants, cabins, entertainment and layout, you can read my full guide to what’s onboard P&O Britannia.
If you want to compare the pool areas, sunbeds and The Retreat, my P&O Britannia pools guide covers the Lido Pool, Riviera Pool, Serenity Pool, Terrace Pool, hot tubs and busy sea days.
If dining is one of the most important parts of your cruise, my P&O Britannia Dining Options guide goes into more detail about what is included, what costs extra, and which venues are worth considering before you travel.
If you want to know what evenings are like onboard, my P&O Britannia entertainment guide covers the Headliners Theatre, Live Lounge, Crystal Room, Brodie’s, the casino, daytime activities, live music, quizzes and special event nights.
If you want to plan your drinks budget, my P&O drinks menu and prices guide covers drinks prices, menus and packages across P&O Cruises.
P&O Britannia Bars: Frequently Asked Questions
How many bars does P&O Britannia have?
P&O Britannia has a wide choice of bars, lounges and café-style venues, including The Crow’s Nest, The Blue Bar, Brodie’s, The Glass House, Java Café, Market Café, The Live Lounge, The Crystal Room, Sunset Bar, pool bars and the Sports Arena Bar.
What is the best bar on P&O Britannia for sea views?
The Crow’s Nest is one of the best bars for sea views because it is located at the front of the ship on Deck 16 with panoramic windows. The Sunset Bar is also a good choice if you prefer outdoor wake views.
Does Britannia have a pub?
Yes, Brodie’s is Britannia’s British-style pub. It is a lively venue with beers, ales, ciders, gin, quizzes, games and live sport.
Does Britannia have a wine bar?
Yes, The Glass House is Britannia’s wine bar and dining venue. It offers wines by the glass, small plates and other food options.
What is the best bar for cocktails on Britannia?
The Blue Bar is a good choice for cocktails because it is stylish, central and located in the atrium. The Crow’s Nest is also a good option if you want cocktails with sea views.
What is the best outdoor bar on Britannia?
The Sunset Bar is one of the best outdoor bars on Britannia, especially for wake views and sailaway. The pool bars on Deck 16 are better if you want to stay close to the main pool deck.
Is the Sunset Bar on Britannia smoking?
The Sunset Bar was changed as part of Britannia’s 2024 refresh and is now non-smoking, making it a more pleasant place to sit outside.
Where is the liveliest bar on Britannia?
Brodie’s is one of the liveliest bars, especially during quizzes and live sport. The Live Lounge is usually the best place later in the evening for live music, themed parties and dancing.
Does Britannia have a nightclub?
Britannia does not have a nightclub in the traditional sense, but The Live Lounge is the closest equivalent, with live music, DJ sets, themed parties and dancing later in the evening.
Where can you get coffee on Britannia?
Java Café on Deck 7 and Market Café on Deck 5 are the main coffee venues. They are useful during the day if you want coffee, tea, cakes or sweet treats.
Useful Cruise Items to Consider
These are a few simple items that can make your cruise on P&O Arvia more comfortable and help you stay organised onboard.
I personally use variations of these when cruising, and they’re all practical rather than essential.
Magnetic hooks Perfect for extra storage in your cabin
Packing cubes Keep your suitcase organised
Cruise luggage tags Protect your tags at the port
Travel Extension Lead UK For charging multiple phones, cameras, and laptops
Toiletry organiser Great for small bathrooms
You can also browse my full Cruise Essentials list for more useful items I use or recommend for cruise holidays.
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