If you’re planning a cruise on P&O Britannia, there are probably a few practical questions you want answered before you sail.
Britannia is one of P&O Cruises’ best-known ships, and although she is no longer the newest ship in the fleet, she is still a very popular choice for Caribbean cruises, Mediterranean cruises, Canary Islands sailings and longer itineraries from Southampton.
Before my Britannia Caribbean cruise, I wanted to know the same things most people search for before booking or boarding. What is the dress code like? How does dining work? What is included in the fare? Are drinks packages worth it? What are the pools like? Is the ship lively or quiet? And what should you know before embarkation day?
This guide answers the main P&O Britannia FAQs in one place, based on my own experience onboard and the practical questions that come up most often.
P&O Britannia Caribbean Cruise: Your Questions Answered
Watch my full video guide to P&O Britannia, covering dress code, dining, drinks packages, entertainment, cabins, sea days, excursions and what the ship is really like onboard.
What Is the Dress Code on P&O Britannia?
P&O Britannia has two main evening dress codes: Evening Casual and Black Tie.
Evening Casual is smart but relaxed. This is the dress code you’ll follow on most nights of your cruise. For men, that might mean a polo shirt, collared shirt, chinos or smart dark jeans. For women, it might be a dress, skirt, trousers, jumpsuit or smart top.
The main thing to remember is that evening dress is different from daytime pool wear. Beachwear, sportswear and very casual clothing are not really suitable for the main dining rooms or speciality restaurants in the evening.
Black Tie nights are more formal. These are the evenings where many passengers dress up, and on Caribbean cruises you’ll usually have at least a couple of these, depending on the length of the sailing.
For men, Black Tie usually means a dinner jacket, tuxedo or dark suit with a tie. For women, it could be a cocktail dress, evening dress, smart trouser suit or something more formal than a normal evening outfit.
P&O’s own dress code guidance says that dark denim is not allowed on Black Tie or Celebration Nights, except in venues that remain Evening Casual. It also notes that tailored shorts can only be worn in selected venues on casual evenings, such as the buffet, The Beach House and The Glass House.
If you really do not want to dress up, you can still eat in more casual venues such as the Horizon Buffet. But on Britannia, quite a lot of passengers do make an effort on formal nights, so it is worth packing at least one smarter outfit.
What Are the Dining Options on P&O Britannia?
Dining is one of the strongest parts of a Britannia cruise, and there is a good mix of included and extra-charge options.
The main dining rooms are included in your cruise fare. These offer sit-down meals with a menu that changes throughout the cruise. Depending on your booking and sailing, you may have either Club dining, where you eat at a fixed time and table, or Freedom dining, where you can dine at a time that suits you.
On my Britannia Caribbean cruise, I had Club dining in the Oriental Restaurant at 6.30pm each evening. I really liked this as a solo traveller because it meant sitting at the same table every night, getting to know the people around me and having the same rhythm each evening.
The Horizon Buffet is also included and is open at different times throughout the day. It works well for breakfast, lunch or something quick, especially if you do not want a full sit-down meal. I used it mostly for breakfast and the occasional lunch, but I personally preferred the main dining room and speciality dining in the evening.
There are also casual options around the pool deck, including the Lido Grill, where you can get things like burgers, chips, chicken and pizza. This is useful on sea days when you want something quick without going into the buffet.
Afternoon tea is another classic P&O option and is included. If you enjoy scones, sandwiches and cakes, it is worth trying at least once during your cruise.
Britannia also has several speciality restaurants that cost extra. These include Sindhu, Epicurean, The Glass House and The Beach House.
Sindhu serves Indian-inspired food with a more refined feel. Epicurean is the fine dining option and is ideal if you want a more special evening. The Glass House is good for wine and small plates, while The Beach House is more relaxed and casual, but still feels like a treat.
On my cruise, The Beach House was the standout speciality dining experience. The lava rock steak was excellent, and it felt like a really enjoyable extra without being too formal.
You do not need to book speciality dining every night to enjoy Britannia. The included dining was good on my cruise. But if you want one or two special meals, it is worth booking something in advance or soon after you board.
What Is Included in the Price of a P&O Britannia Cruise?
Your P&O Britannia cruise fare includes quite a lot, which is one of the reasons P&O can offer good value.
Included in the fare are your cabin, meals in the main dining rooms and buffet, most daytime activities, theatre shows, live music, use of the pools, hot tubs and gym, and general entertainment around the ship.
One important thing to know is that P&O Cruises no longer adds compulsory daily gratuities in the same way some cruise lines do. Service charges are included in the fare, so you do not need to budget for a daily gratuity charge on top.
That makes budgeting easier, especially if you are comparing P&O with cruise lines where gratuities are added separately.
However, not everything is included.
Drinks, WiFi, shore excursions, spa treatments, speciality dining, professional photos, some classes and certain premium experiences cost extra.
So while you can enjoy Britannia without spending a lot more onboard, it is worth being realistic. If you want cocktails, speciality restaurants, WiFi and excursions, your final spend will be higher than the headline cruise fare.
Are Drinks Included on P&O Britannia?
Some drinks are included, but most bar drinks are not.
In the buffet, you can usually get basic drinks such as water, tea and coffee. At breakfast, juice is normally available. But alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, speciality coffees, bottled water, mocktails and cocktails are chargeable unless you have a drinks package or an all-inclusive package.
P&O Britannia has plenty of bars and lounges, including deck bars, the Sunset Bar, Brodie’s, the Blue Bar, the Crow’s Nest and other venues depending on where you are around the ship.
You can pay as you go, which is often the best option if you only have a few drinks a day.
You can also buy a drinks package. P&O currently lists several drinks package options, including Refresh, Alcohol-free, Classic and Deluxe packages, with prices varying by cruise length and whether you buy in advance. P&O’s drinks package page states that prices shown are for cruises of five nights or more.
Because drinks package prices and rules can change, it is always worth checking the latest P&O prices before you travel rather than relying on old screenshots or older videos.
Is the P&O Britannia Drinks Package Worth It?
The drinks package is only worth it if you will use it enough.
This is one of the most common questions people ask before a P&O cruise, but there is not one answer that works for everyone.
If you enjoy several alcoholic drinks each day, speciality coffees, soft drinks, bottled water and drinks around the pool, then a package may make sense. It can also make the cruise feel more relaxed because you know what you have paid upfront.
But if you only have a couple of drinks in the evening, or you are off the ship most days on a port-heavy itinerary, paying as you go may be cheaper.
Another thing to remember is that drinks package rules apply to the cabin, so you need to check who in your cabin has to buy the same package and what restrictions apply. P&O’s current package pages also explain that advance purchases through My P&O Cruises can come with a discount.
For a Caribbean cruise, it is tempting to think you will drink more because the weather is hot and you spend more time outside. But port days can also mean you are away from the ship for hours, so you may not use the package as much as you expect.
My advice would be to work out roughly what you would drink on a normal cruise day, add up the pay-as-you-go cost, and compare it with the package price. If the numbers are close, the package may be worth it for convenience. If they are not, paying as you go is usually the safer option.
What Is the Best Cabin Type on P&O Britannia?
The best cabin type depends on your budget and how you like to cruise.
For a Caribbean cruise, a balcony cabin is a lovely option. Having your own outdoor space makes a big difference in warm weather, especially in the morning or when you want somewhere quiet away from the pool deck.
A balcony is also useful on sea days if the sunbed areas are busy. On my Britannia Caribbean cruise, there were times when I chose to enjoy my balcony rather than get up early to find a lounger.
Inside cabins are usually the most affordable option. They do not have natural light, but they can be a good choice if you want to keep the cost down and you know you will spend most of your time around the ship or ashore.
Sea view cabins can be a middle ground, giving you natural light without the higher cost of a balcony.
Britannia also has solo cabins, which is useful if you are travelling alone. Solo cruising can be expensive when you have to pay a large single supplement, so having dedicated single cabins gives solo travellers another option.
For me, if the price difference is manageable, I would choose a balcony for the Caribbean. For cooler itineraries or very port-heavy cruises, I would be more open to an inside or sea view cabin if it made the cruise better value.
Is P&O Britannia Good for Solo Travellers?
Yes, Britannia can work very well for solo travellers.
One of the things I liked most was Club dining. Sitting at the same table each evening made the cruise feel more sociable and gave me familiar faces to talk to at dinner.
There were also plenty of places where it felt comfortable to sit on your own. The Blue Bar, Brodie’s, the theatre, the buffet, the pool deck and the balcony all worked well depending on the time of day.
On a Caribbean itinerary, excursions also make solo travel easier. You can join island tours, beach transfers, catamaran trips or organised excursions without needing to arrange everything yourself.
Britannia has a lively enough atmosphere that you do not feel isolated, but it is not so overwhelming that it feels difficult to find your own space.
If you are cruising solo for the first time, Britannia is a good ship to consider, especially if you like the idea of traditional dining, organised activities and plenty of venues in the evening.
What Is the Entertainment Like on P&O Britannia?
Entertainment is one of Britannia’s strengths.
The Headliners Theatre has production shows, guest singers, comedians and West End-style performances. These are included in your cruise fare, and they give the evenings a proper cruise ship feel.
On my sailing, I had seen some of the shows before, but I still enjoyed them. The standard was good, and it was nice to have something planned after dinner.
There is also live music around the ship. On my cruise, bands such as Pulse and Exile performed in venues including the Live Lounge, Crystal Room and out on deck. That variety helped keep the evenings feeling lively.
Brodie’s is the pub-style venue and is often busy. It is a good place for quizzes, drinks, live music and watching sport on the TV screens.
The Crystal Room is used for dancing and entertainment, while the Live Lounge is one of the livelier evening venues.
If you prefer something quieter, the Crow’s Nest is a good option for a more relaxed drink, often with piano music or a calmer atmosphere. The Blue Bar in the atrium was one of my favourite places to start the evening.
On Caribbean cruises, sailaway parties and deck entertainment also add to the atmosphere. The ship feels relaxed in the day and more lively at night, which suited the itinerary well.
What Are the Pools Like on P&O Britannia?
Britannia has several pool areas, and they each have a slightly different feel.
The main pool deck is the busiest area on sea days. This is where you will find the liveliest atmosphere, with pools, hot tubs, music, bars and lots of sun loungers.
The Riviera and Lido pool areas are popular because they are central and easy to use throughout the day.
The Serenity Pool is adults-only and feels calmer, although it can still get busy in warm weather.
The Terrace Pool at the aft of the ship has lovely views over the wake and is a nice place to spend time if you want a different atmosphere from the main pool deck.
There is also The Retreat, which is an adults-only paid area with loungers and a more private feel. This costs extra and should be booked if it is something you really want to use.
On a Caribbean cruise, the pool deck is naturally a big part of the experience. But it is worth knowing that sea days can be busy, especially around the most popular loungers.
Is It Hard to Get a Sunbed on P&O Britannia?
Sunbeds can be an issue on sea days, especially in the Caribbean.
On my cruise, some passengers were getting up very early to reserve loungers. P&O staff did try to manage this with stickers, but it did not stop the problem completely.
The one towel per guest policy helped a little, but some people still used books, flip-flops, sunglasses or other items to hold loungers.
That said, it did not ruin my cruise.
If you wanted a prime sunbed by the pool, you needed to be up early. But if you were happy with a chair, a different location, or sitting out later in the day, there were usually options.
On one sea day I found a single sunbed around 9.30am. On another, I found chairs near the Serenity Pool. On a different day, I sat at the Sunset Bar instead and enjoyed the atmosphere there. On the final sea day, I used my balcony because I did not want to get up early just for a lounger.
So yes, sunbeds can be frustrating. But if you are flexible, use different areas of the ship, or head out later in the afternoon, it does not need to spoil the cruise.
How Does Embarkation Work on P&O Britannia?
Embarkation will depend on where your cruise starts.
For fly-cruise Caribbean sailings, the process may feel different from a Southampton departure because flights, transfers and luggage handling are part of the overall experience.
In general, you will be given information before you travel about when and where to arrive, what documents you need, and how luggage will be handled.
Once you check in, you will receive your cruise card or be directed through the boarding process. Your cruise card acts as your cabin key, onboard payment card and identification when getting on and off the ship.
It is always worth keeping essentials in a small carry-on bag. That means medication, documents, valuables, a change of clothes, swimwear if you want to use the pool, chargers and anything you might need before your main luggage arrives.
When you get onboard, it is also worth getting your safety briefing requirements completed early, checking your dining arrangements, and getting familiar with the ship before the evening gets busy.
How Does Disembarkation Work on P&O Britannia?
Disembarkation is usually organised in stages.
You will receive information near the end of the cruise explaining luggage arrangements, timings and what you need to do.
If you are flying home after a Caribbean cruise, your disembarkation process may be linked to your flight time and transfer arrangements.
On some cruises, you may be able to use self-disembarkation, where you carry your own luggage off the ship. This can be useful if you want to leave early, but it only works if you are comfortable managing your own bags.
If your luggage is collected the night before, make sure you keep anything you need for the morning in your hand luggage. That includes clothes, toiletries, medication, travel documents, phone chargers and anything valuable.
The end of a cruise can feel busy, so it helps to read the information carefully and know your meeting point or departure time in advance.
What Is the Atmosphere Like on P&O Britannia?
Britannia has a relaxed but lively atmosphere.
During the day, especially in the Caribbean, the ship feels casual and holiday-focused. People are by the pool, heading ashore, having drinks on deck or relaxing in the sun.
In the evening, the atmosphere becomes smarter and more sociable. There are shows, live music, bars, formal nights, quizzes, dancing and deck parties.
Compared with P&O’s newer ships like Arvia and Iona, Britannia feels a little more traditional. It still has plenty going on, but it does not have quite the same modern resort feel.
That can be a positive thing. On my cruise, Britannia felt polished, friendly and easy to settle into. It had enough energy without feeling too overwhelming.
For a Caribbean itinerary, the atmosphere worked very well. It was relaxed by day, lively by night, and special enough for occasions like New Year’s Eve.
Has P&O Britannia Had a Refit?
Yes, Britannia has had a refit.
P&O Cruises described Britannia as having a refreshed, modern look after her refit, with updates to public spaces and the ship’s appearance while keeping the familiar Britannia feel.
Reports on the refurbishment highlighted changes such as a refreshed colour scheme across public spaces, suites and cabins, enhancements to the Market Café, an expanded Loyalty and Cruise Sales area, and investment in crew areas.
From a passenger point of view, the changes are more of a refresh than a complete transformation. If you have sailed on Britannia before, the ship will still feel very familiar.
If you are new to Britannia, she still feels smart, elegant and well maintained. But do not expect the refit to make her feel like Arvia or Iona. Britannia still has her own style, and that is part of the appeal.
Is P&O Britannia Good for Families?
Britannia can work well for families, although she has a slightly different feel from Arvia and Iona.
There are pools, kids’ clubs, entertainment, casual dining options, family-friendly activities and plenty of port days where you can plan beach trips or easy excursions.
However, Britannia does not have some of the newer family-focused features found on the largest P&O ships. There is no SkyDome, no swim-up bar, no infinity pools and no Quays.
For families who want a big modern resort-style ship, Arvia or Iona may feel like the more obvious choice. But for families who want a more traditional ship with good entertainment, Caribbean ports and a slightly more classic cruise feel, Britannia can still be a very good option.
Is P&O Britannia Better Than Arvia or Iona?
Britannia is not necessarily better or worse than Arvia or Iona. It depends what you want from your cruise.
Arvia and Iona are newer, larger and more modern. They have more flexible dining options, bigger atriums, newer entertainment spaces and a more resort-style feel.
Britannia feels more traditional. The layout is easier to understand, the atmosphere is more classic P&O, and the ship feels a little more elegant.
On my Britannia Caribbean cruise, I preferred the food and overall atmosphere compared with my recent Arvia experience. Britannia felt more polished and consistent on that sailing.
But that does not mean Britannia is the right ship for everyone. If you want the newest facilities and the widest range of casual dining, Arvia or Iona may suit you better. If you want a comfortable, sociable, traditional P&O ship with strong entertainment and good food, Britannia is a very good choice.
Is P&O Britannia Worth Booking?
Yes, I think P&O Britannia is worth booking, especially for a Caribbean cruise.
The ship offers a good balance of included dining, speciality restaurants, entertainment, bars, pools and outdoor space. It feels smart without being too formal, lively without being too chaotic, and traditional without feeling outdated.
The main things to be aware of are the busy pool deck on sea days, the sunbed situation, and the fact that Britannia does not have some of the newer features found on Arvia and Iona.
But if you like the idea of a more classic P&O cruise, Britannia is still a strong choice.
For me, the combination of Caribbean ports, good dining, lively entertainment and a welcoming atmosphere made it a very enjoyable cruise.
P&O Britannia FAQs
What is the dress code on P&O Britannia?
P&O Britannia has Evening Casual and Black Tie dress codes. Evening Casual is smart but relaxed, while Black Tie nights are more formal and usually involve suits, dinner jackets, cocktail dresses, evening dresses or smart formal outfits.
Does P&O Britannia have formal nights?
Yes, P&O Britannia has formal nights, usually called Black Tie or Celebration Nights. The number will depend on the length of your cruise, but on a typical Caribbean cruise you should expect at least a couple.
What dining is included on P&O Britannia?
Included dining usually covers the main dining rooms, Horizon Buffet, casual poolside food and afternoon tea. Speciality restaurants such as Sindhu, Epicurean, The Glass House and The Beach House cost extra.
Is the buffet good on Britannia?
The Horizon Buffet is useful for quick and casual meals, especially breakfast and lunch. It is convenient, but for dinner I personally preferred the main dining room or speciality dining.
Are drinks included on P&O Britannia?
Basic drinks such as tea, coffee and water are available in some venues, but most bar drinks, soft drinks, speciality coffees, bottled water, cocktails, wine and beer cost extra unless you have a package.
Is the drinks package worth it on Britannia?
The drinks package is worth it if you will drink enough each day to justify the cost. If you only have a few drinks, paying as you go may be cheaper.
What is the best cabin on P&O Britannia?
For a Caribbean cruise, a balcony cabin is a great choice because you can enjoy the warm weather and have your own quiet outdoor space. Inside cabins are better if you want to keep the cost down.
Is Britannia good for solo travellers?
Yes, Britannia can work well for solo travellers. Club dining, organised excursions, solo cabins and sociable venues make it easier to meet people while still having your own space.
Is Britannia good for the Caribbean?
Yes, Britannia works very well for Caribbean cruises. The outdoor decks, pool areas, balcony cabins, entertainment and relaxed atmosphere suit warm-weather cruising.
Is P&O Britannia too busy?
Britannia can feel busy on sea days, especially around the pools and sunbeds. However, there are quieter areas around the ship, and it does not feel crowded all the time.
Has Britannia had a refit?
Yes, Britannia has had a refit, with refreshed public spaces, cabins and other updates. The changes are more of a refresh than a complete redesign, so the ship still feels familiar.
Is P&O Britannia worth booking?
Yes, P&O Britannia is worth booking if you want a comfortable, elegant ship with good food, strong entertainment and a traditional P&O atmosphere.
Useful Guides to Plan Your P&O Britannia Cruise
If you’re planning a cruise on Britannia, these guides will help you go deeper into the areas that matter most before you sail.
For a full look around the ship, my what’s onboard P&O Britannia will help you understand the layout, main venues, pool areas, bars, restaurants and public spaces before you board.
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 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 you want to know where to drink onboard, my P&O Britannia bars guide covers the Crow’s Nest, Blue Bar, Brodie’s, Glass House, Sunset Bar, pool bars, Live Lounge and other venues.
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 before sailing, my P&O drinks menu and prices guide covers drinks prices, menus and packages across P&O Cruises.
Together, these guides will give you a clearer idea of what to expect and how to make the most of your time onboard.
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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