P&O Britannia pools are one of the main things passengers ask about before sailing, especially if you’re cruising somewhere warm like the Caribbean or Mediterranean.
Britannia has a more traditional pool deck setup than newer P&O ships like Iona and Arvia. There is no SkyDome, no swim-up bar and no infinity pool built into the aft of the ship. Instead, Britannia has several outdoor pool areas spread across the upper decks, with the main pools on Deck 16, the adults-only Serenity Pool on Deck 17, and the smaller Terrace Pool at the aft of the ship.
On a warm-weather cruise, especially in the Caribbean or Mediterranean, these areas become some of the busiest parts of the ship.
That does not mean you cannot find space, but it does mean you need to understand how the pool areas work, where the quieter spots are, and what to expect on sea days.
In this guide, I’ll cover the pools on P&O Britannia, the hot tubs, The Retreat, sunbeds, and the reality of the sunbed situation onboard.
Watch My Full P&O Britannia Ship Tour
You can also watch my full P&O Britannia ship tour below to see the pools, restaurants, bars, cabins, entertainment venues and outdoor decks as they look onboard.
How Many Pools Does P&O Britannia Have?
P&O Britannia has four main pool areas.
These are the Lido Pool, the Riviera Pool, the Serenity Pool and the Terrace Pool.
The Lido Pool and Riviera Pool are next to each other on Deck 16 and form the main pool deck. This is where most of the daytime pool atmosphere happens, especially on warm-weather cruises.
The Serenity Pool is on Deck 17 forward and is an adults-only pool area included in your cruise fare.
The Terrace Pool is at the aft of Deck 17 and is a smaller plunge pool with views over the wake of the ship.
Britannia also has The Retreat, which is an extra-charge adults-only sun deck area with loungers, waiter service and a quieter atmosphere. Depending on how you describe it, some people may think of this as another pool area, but it is separate from the included pools because it is paid.
The main thing to understand is that Britannia’s pools are all outside.
That makes the ship feel very different from Iona, where the SkyDome gives you a covered pool area that can be used in all weather. On Britannia, the pool experience depends much more on the weather and the itinerary.
On a Caribbean cruise, the pool decks can feel like the centre of the ship. On a cooler cruise, you may find yourself using the lounges, bars and indoor spaces more than the pools.
Lido Pool and Riviera Pool on Deck 16
The main pool deck on Britannia is on Deck 16.
This is where you’ll find the Lido Pool and Riviera Pool, sitting close together in the centre of the ship. If you have seen photos or videos of Britannia’s busy outdoor decks, this is usually the area you are looking at.
This is the liveliest pool area onboard.
It is surrounded by sunbeds, shaded areas, pool bars and casual food options, so it is very easy to spend a lot of the day here if you want everything close by.
The Lido Grill is also nearby, serving casual food such as burgers, hot dogs, pizza and chips. This makes Deck 16 a popular option for lunch, especially if you do not want to go inside to the buffet or main dining rooms.
There is also an ice cream stand near the Riviera Pool, although this is an extra charge.
In sunny weather, this deck is where a lot of the daytime atmosphere happens. On some itineraries, entertainment can also take place around the pool deck in the evening, so it becomes more than just a daytime space.
The downside is that this is also where it gets busiest.
On sea days, especially on warm-weather cruises, the Lido and Riviera pool areas fill up quickly. If you want a prime sunbed close to the pools, you will usually need to be there early.
If you are happy to sit further away from the pools or go up a deck, you have more flexibility.
For atmosphere, convenience and easy access to food and drinks, Deck 16 is the best pool deck. For peace and quiet, it is probably not where I would start.
Serenity Pool on Deck 17
The Serenity Pool is on Deck 17 forward and is one of Britannia’s adults-only areas.
This pool is included in your cruise fare, so you do not need to pay extra to use it. That makes it different from The Retreat, which is also adults-only but comes at an extra cost.
The Serenity Pool has a calmer feel than the main pool deck. Because it is adults-only, it is a better option if you want to avoid the livelier family atmosphere around the Lido and Riviera pools.
There is also a bar nearby, which makes it a useful place to spend time if you want a drink without heading back down to the busier pool deck.
But it is important to be realistic.
Adults-only does not always mean quiet, and it definitely does not mean empty.
On my Caribbean cruise on Britannia, the Serenity Pool was one of the most popular places to sit on sea days. On one sea day, I managed to get two chairs near the Serenity Pool, and it was a lovely spot. But it was also clear that people knew it was one of the better areas, so it filled up quickly.
If you want the Serenity Pool on a sea day, especially in hot weather, I would not leave it too late.
It is a good alternative to the main pool deck, but it is not a secret hidden spot.
Terrace Pool at the Aft of Britannia
The Terrace Pool is at the aft of Deck 17.
This is a smaller plunge pool rather than a large swimming pool, but it has one of the nicest positions on the ship because it looks out over the wake.
If you like aft views, this is one of the pool areas worth finding early in the cruise.
It has a very different feel from the main Lido and Riviera pool deck. It is smaller, more tucked away and less central to the main daytime entertainment.
That can make it a good option if you want a pool area with views rather than music, activity and lots of people moving around.
Because it is smaller, it can still get busy, and you should not expect it to be empty on a sea day. But it is worth checking if the main pool deck feels too crowded.
For me, the Terrace Pool is one of those areas that shows why it is worth exploring Britannia properly. If you only stay around Deck 16, you can miss some of the better viewpoints and calmer spaces.
The Retreat on P&O Britannia
The Retreat is Britannia’s extra-charge adults-only sun deck area.
It is on Deck 17 forward and is designed to feel more premium than the standard pool and sunbed areas. You get luxury loungers, more space, shaded areas and waiter service.
It is aimed at passengers who want a quieter, more relaxed sunbathing experience and are happy to pay extra for that.
The Retreat can book up quickly, especially on sunny itineraries such as the Caribbean. If this is something you know you want, it is worth looking into early rather than leaving it until halfway through the cruise.
Whether The Retreat is worth it depends on how you cruise.
If you are someone who wants a guaranteed quieter space, does not want to be searching for a sunbed, and likes the idea of waiter service, it may be worth considering.
If you are happy moving around the ship and do not mind using different areas depending on the time of day, you may not need it.
I would not say The Retreat is essential on Britannia, but it does solve one problem: it gives you a more controlled sun deck experience away from the busiest pool areas.
Hot Tubs on Britannia
Britannia also has hot tubs around the upper decks.
You will find hot tubs around Deck 17, including areas overlooking the main pool deck. These can be popular because they give you good views and keep you close to the main outdoor atmosphere.
As with most cruise ship hot tubs, they are in demand on sea days.
If the weather is warm, people use them throughout the day. If the weather is cooler, they can become even more popular because they are one of the few outdoor areas that still feel comfortable.
The key thing is not to expect them to be quiet during peak times.
Early morning, later afternoon or port days are usually better if you want a calmer experience.
Britannia does not have the same dramatic infinity hot tubs built into the promenade like Iona, so the hot tub setup is more traditional. But they are still useful if you want somewhere to relax without using the main swimming pools.
Sunbeds on P&O Britannia
Sunbeds are one of the biggest talking points on Britannia, especially on warm-weather sea days.
The main sunbed areas are around Deck 16, Deck 17, Deck 18 and the quieter top area on Deck 19.
Deck 16 is the main pool deck, so this is where the most popular sunbeds are. If you want to be close to the Lido Pool, Riviera Pool, bars and Lido Grill, this is the area most people aim for first.
Deck 17 gives you more sunbeds overlooking the main pool deck, as well as areas around the Serenity Pool and hot tubs. This can be a good option if you want to stay close to the pool atmosphere but not be right in the middle of it.
Deck 18 has more open sunbathing space, plus the sports court, deck games and a small walking and running track. If Deck 16 and Deck 17 feel too busy, this is one of the first places I would check.
Deck 19 is right at the top of the ship and is only accessible by stairs from the mid-forward area. Because it is not as obvious, it can be a quieter sunbathing option, with great views over the ship and out to sea.
The important thing to know is that you do not have to stay around the main pool deck.
If you are flexible, you can usually find somewhere to sit. But if you want a specific prime spot near the pools, that is where the competition starts.
Sunbed Wars on P&O Britannia
Sunbed wars were definitely a talking point on my Britannia cruise.
On sea days, especially in the Caribbean, the pool decks were particularly busy. Many passengers were getting up as early as 6:30am to reserve sunbeds, and it became one of those subjects people were talking about around the ship.
P&O did try to manage it.
Crew were using stickers to monitor reserved sunbeds, but it was not always completely effective. There was also a policy of providing one towel per guest, which could be replaced, but that did not stop sunbed reserving entirely.
Some passengers still used books, flip-flops, sunglasses and other items to hold loungers for friends and family.
That said, I do think it is important to keep the issue in perspective.
On my first sea day, I managed to find a single sunbed at around 9:30am. On another sea day, I managed to get two chairs near the Serenity Pool, which was a lovely spot. On another day, I chose to sit at the Sunset Bar and enjoy the atmosphere instead. On the final sea day, I used my balcony because I did not want to get up early just to compete for a sunbed.
Compared with my experience on Arvia, the sunbed situation on Britannia did not feel as bad.
It was still an issue, but it felt like staff were at least trying to police it. And if you were happy with a chair rather than needing the perfect sunbed right next to the pool, you could usually find somewhere without too much stress.
There were also often sunbeds available in the afternoon if you were happy to spend the morning doing something else.
That is probably the best way to approach it.
If getting a prime sunbed is important to you, you may need to be up early on sea days. But if you are more flexible, it does not have to spoil your cruise.
For me, the sunbed situation was a minor part of the holiday rather than something that defined the cruise.
Best Pool Area Depending on What You Want
The best pool area on Britannia depends on what kind of sea day you want.
If you want the liveliest atmosphere, the Lido Pool and Riviera Pool on Deck 16 are the main places to be. This is where you are close to the bars, food, music, pool activity and the main daytime buzz.
If you want an adults-only area that is included in your fare, the Serenity Pool on Deck 17 is the best option. It still gets busy, but the atmosphere is calmer than the main pool deck.
If you want wake views, the Terrace Pool at the aft of Deck 17 is one of the nicest spots to look for. It is smaller, but the position makes it feel more special.
If you want a paid, quieter, more controlled sunbathing experience, The Retreat is the obvious choice.
If you want the best chance of finding a chair without getting involved in the busiest areas, go higher. Deck 18 and Deck 19 are worth checking, especially if you do not need to be right next to a pool.
If you do not want to deal with the pool deck at all, the Sunset Bar can be a good alternative. It gives you an outdoor atmosphere without needing a sunbed.
And if you have a balcony cabin, that can be a very underrated option on a sea day. Having breakfast on the balcony or spending a quiet hour there can be much more relaxing than fighting for a spot by the pool.
Practical Tips for Sea Days on Britannia
If you want a good poolside sunbed on Britannia, especially on a warm sea day, you need to start early.
That is just the reality of a busy cruise ship in good weather.
But I would not build the whole day around it unless sitting by the pool is your main priority.
A better approach is to decide what kind of day you want.
If you want the full pool deck atmosphere, head to Deck 16 early and choose your spot. If you want something calmer, try Serenity Pool or the aft areas. If you just want somewhere to sit in the sun, check Deck 18 and Deck 19.
Do not ignore the higher decks.
A lot of passengers naturally gather around the main pool areas, but Britannia has more sunbathing space if you are prepared to move around.
The afternoon can also be easier than the morning. Some people leave their sunbeds for lunch, activities or indoor venues, so it is worth checking again later in the day if you did not find anything earlier.
Port days are usually much quieter around the pools, so if you are staying onboard or coming back early, that can be one of the best times to use them.
The Retreat is worth considering if you really value a quieter, adults-only sun deck and do not want to deal with the sunbed situation. But it is not the only way to enjoy the ship.
The biggest tip is not to let sunbeds dominate the cruise.
Britannia has plenty going on during sea days, including talks, quizzes, shopping, bars, cafés, the gym, the spa, the library and live entertainment. You do not have to spend the whole day around the pool for it to feel like a proper sea day.
Related Guides
If you want a full overview of the ship, including restaurants, bars, cabins, entertainment and outdoor spaces, you can read my full guide to what’s onboard P&O Britannia.
If you want to know what the ship is really like after sailing on her, my P&O Britannia honest review covers the good points, the weaker points and what stood out onboard.
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.
For drinks prices, menus and packages, I also have a P&O drinks guide, which covers what you can expect to pay onboard and whether a drinks package may be worth it.
If you are looking at cruise costs more generally, my P&O All-In Package guide explains what is included and who it may suit.
P&O Britannia Pools: Frequently Asked Questions
How many pools does P&O Britannia have?
P&O Britannia has four main pool areas: the Lido Pool, Riviera Pool, Serenity Pool and Terrace Pool. The Retreat is also available as an extra-charge adults-only sun deck area.
Does P&O Britannia have an adults-only pool?
Yes, the Serenity Pool on Deck 17 is adults-only and included in your cruise fare. The Retreat is also adults-only, but that area costs extra.
Does Britannia have a SkyDome?
No, Britannia does not have a SkyDome. The pools are outside, so the pool experience depends more on the weather than it does on ships like Iona.
Does Britannia have an infinity pool?
No, Britannia does not have an infinity pool like Iona or Arvia. The Terrace Pool at the aft of the ship does offer wake views, but it is not an infinity pool.
Is The Retreat on Britannia worth it?
The Retreat may be worth it if you want a quieter adults-only sun deck, more comfortable loungers and waiter service. It is not essential, but it can be useful on sunny itineraries where the main pool decks are busy.
Are there enough sunbeds on Britannia?
There are a lot of sunbeds across the upper decks, but prime spots near the main pools can go very early on sea days. If you are flexible and willing to use Deck 18 or Deck 19, you have a better chance of finding somewhere to sit.
What is the quietest pool on Britannia?
The Serenity Pool is usually calmer than the main Lido and Riviera pool areas, although it can still get busy. The Terrace Pool can also feel quieter depending on the time of day.
What time do people reserve sunbeds on Britannia?
On busy warm-weather sea days, some passengers may start reserving sunbeds very early, around 6:30am. P&O does try to manage sunbed reserving, but it can still happen.
Can you find a sunbed later in the day?
Yes, it is often possible to find sunbeds later in the day, especially if you are flexible about location. Afternoon can sometimes be easier once people leave for lunch, activities or shaded areas.
Which pool is best for families on Britannia?
The Lido Pool and Riviera Pool on Deck 16 are the best options for families because they are close to the main pool deck atmosphere, food, drinks and casual facilities.
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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