If you’re planning a cruise and wondering what’s onboard P&O Britannia, the first thing to understand is that Britannia is a very different style of ship to P&O’s newer Excel-class ships like Iona and Arvia.
Britannia is still a large ship, but she has a more traditional P&O feel. You do not have a SkyDome, infinity pools, The Quays or a full wraparound promenade deck. Instead, Britannia has a classic cruise ship layout, with a large central atrium, several pool areas, a proper theatre, a good choice of bars, speciality restaurants, lounges and plenty of outdoor space.
Britannia launched in 2015 and celebrated 10 years at sea in 2025. She also had a multi-million-pound refresh in 2024, so by 2026 those updates are now around two years old. That is worth keeping in mind because the ship does not feel brand new, but some public areas were updated, including the Horizon Buffet, Sunset Bar, carpets, soft furnishings and general décor around the ship.
If you are expecting a completely modern ship like Arvia or Iona, Britannia may feel more traditional. But if you like the style of P&O cruising with proper lounges, a big theatre, set entertainment venues, main dining rooms and quieter places to sit, Britannia still has a lot onboard.
In this guide, I’ll walk through what’s onboard P&O Britannia, including the pools, restaurants, bars, entertainment, cabins, outdoor spaces and practical tips that make a difference once you’re sailing.
Watch the Full Ship Tour
If you want to see how the ship actually looks in practice, I’ve included my full Britannia ship tour below, where I walk through the ship deck by deck.
What’s Onboard P&O Britannia After the Refresh?
Britannia had a multi-million-pound refresh in 2024, but it is important to be realistic about what that means.
This was not a complete rebuild of the ship. If you have sailed on Britannia before, the overall layout, venues and style will still feel familiar. The biggest changes were in the public areas, with updated carpets, refreshed furniture, new décor in some venues and improvements to areas that needed attention.
By 2026, those updates are now around two years old, so I would not describe Britannia as newly refurbished. But the refresh still matters because it helped the ship feel cleaner, fresher and better maintained as she moved into her second decade at sea.
The Sunset Bar had one of the most noticeable changes. It was fully refurbished with new furniture, a refreshed layout and updated décor. It is also now completely non-smoking, which makes it a much more enjoyable place to sit, especially if you like being outside at the aft of the ship.
The Horizon Buffet was also updated during the refresh, with new flooring, furniture and décor. It is still a buffet, and it can still get busy, but the area does feel fresher than it did before the updates.
The cabins did not have a major transformation, although soft furnishings were updated and the rooms still feel well maintained. If you are booking Britannia in 2026, I would expect a comfortable cabin rather than a brand-new cabin experience.
The key thing is this: Britannia still feels like Britannia. The refresh improved the ship, but it did not turn her into Iona or Arvia. That is not necessarily a bad thing. Britannia has a more traditional P&O layout, and for many passengers, that is part of the appeal.
What the Outdoor Spaces Are Actually Like
One of the first things to know about Britannia is that she does not have a wraparound promenade deck.
That is one of the biggest differences between Britannia and ships like Iona. If you enjoy walking all the way around the ship at promenade level, Britannia does not offer that in the same way.
There are some outdoor sections on the lower public decks, including small outside areas around venues like The Glass House and Java Café, but these are not the same as a proper full promenade.
Instead, most of Britannia’s outdoor space is higher up on Decks 16, 17, 18 and 19.
Deck 16 is the main pool deck and the heart of the ship during warm-weather cruises. This is where you’ll find the Lido Pool, Riviera Pool, poolside bars, the Lido Grill and lots of sunbeds.
Deck 17 has more sunbathing space, the Serenity Pool, hot tubs, The Retreat, the gym and The Reef kids’ club. This is also where you get some of the best views down over the main pool deck.
Deck 18 has the sports court, sports arena bar, shuffleboard, deck games and another sunbed area. It also has a small walking and running track, which is useful because Britannia does not have that traditional wraparound promenade.
Deck 19 is right at the top of the ship and is only accessible by stairs from the mid-forward area. It is a quieter sunbathing spot with excellent views over the ship and out to sea.
This is one of those areas many passengers do not fully explore straight away, so it can be a useful option if the lower decks feel busy.
Britannia’s outdoor spaces work best in warm weather. In the Caribbean, the pool decks become the centre of the ship during the day. On cooler sailings, the lack of a covered SkyDome makes more of a difference, because there is no large indoor pool space in the same way you get on Iona.
What’s Onboard P&O Britannia : Pools, Hot Tubs and Sun Decks on Britannia
Britannia has several pool areas, but they are more traditional than the pool setup on P&O’s newer ships.
The main pool area is on Deck 16, where you’ll find the Lido Pool and Riviera Pool. These are the busiest pools onboard, especially on sea days and warm-weather cruises.
This area has plenty of sunbeds, but it can still feel busy because so much of the daytime atmosphere is centred here. If you are sailing somewhere hot, especially in the Caribbean, this is where a lot of passengers will spend the day.
There are bars at either end of the pool deck, which makes it easy to get drinks without moving too far. You’ll also find the Lido Grill nearby, serving casual poolside food such as burgers, hot dogs, pizza and chips.
There is also an ice cream stand near the Riviera Pool, but this is an extra charge.
Up on Deck 17 forward, you’ll find the Serenity Pool and Bar. This is an adults-only area and is included in your cruise fare. It has a calmer atmosphere than the main pool deck, but it can still get busy.
On my recent Caribbean cruise, people were getting there very early in the morning to get a sunbed. So while it is adults-only and slightly quieter in atmosphere, it is not necessarily a hidden quiet spot on busy sea days.
Deck 17 also has two hot tubs and lots of sunbeds looking down over the Deck 16 pool area. It is a good place for views, but again, it can be very busy when the weather is good.
At the aft of Deck 17, you’ll find the Terrace Pool. This is a smaller plunge pool with views over the wake of the ship. It is a nice area if you want a different feel from the main pool deck, and the aft views make it one of the better outside spaces onboard.
Britannia also has The Retreat on Deck 17 forward. This is a paid, VIP-style sun deck with luxury loungers, shaded areas and waiter service. It is adults-only and can get booked up quickly, especially on warm-weather itineraries.
If you want a guaranteed quieter sunbathing area and you are happy to pay extra, The Retreat may be worth considering. But it is not something you need to book to enjoy Britannia. There are still plenty of included outdoor areas.
The main thing to know is that Britannia’s pools are popular and sea days can feel busy. If you want a quieter spot, go higher, go forward, or explore Deck 18 and Deck 19 rather than staying only around the main pool deck.
What’s Onboard P&O Britannia :Food and Dining – How It Works in Practice
Britannia has a good choice of included dining and speciality restaurants, and this is one of the areas where the ship still feels very strong.
There are three main dining rooms onboard: The Oriental Restaurant, The Peninsular Restaurant and The Meridian Restaurant.
The Oriental Restaurant is at the aft of Deck 6 and operates as a Club Dining restaurant. That means you have set dining times, usually early or late sitting, and you sit at the same table with the same waiters each evening.
One practical thing to know about The Oriental Restaurant is that you cannot walk straight through Deck 6 to reach it. You need to either take the aft lifts directly down to Deck 6, or go along Deck 7 and then head down. It is one of those layout quirks that can catch you out when you first board.
The Peninsular Restaurant is midship on Deck 6 and operates as a Freedom Dining restaurant. This gives you more flexibility, as you can dine between the set evening dining window rather than having the same fixed time every night. It is also open for breakfast and lunch on selected days.
The Meridian Restaurant is on Deck 5 and also operates as a Freedom Dining restaurant. Like the other main dining rooms, it serves a changing menu with British favourites, international dishes and vegetarian options included in your cruise fare.
The Horizon Buffet is on Deck 16 aft and is open throughout the day for breakfast, lunch, snacks and late-night food. It was refreshed in 2024 with new flooring, furniture and décor.
The buffet is useful, but like most cruise ship buffets, it can get busy at peak times. Breakfast is usually one of the busiest periods, especially on port days when lots of people are trying to eat at the same time before going ashore.
Part of the Horizon Buffet becomes The Beach House in the evening. This is a speciality dining venue with an extra charge, serving Caribbean and Tex-Mex-style dishes. It is one of the more relaxed speciality options onboard and can be a good choice if you want something different from the main dining rooms.
The Epicurean is on Deck 16 forward and is one of Britannia’s main speciality restaurants. It offers a more refined dining experience, with a fine-dining menu using British ingredients with a modern twist. It is quieter and more formal than the main dining rooms, and it is a popular choice for a special meal onboard.
Sindhu is on Deck 7 and is Britannia’s signature Indian fine-dining restaurant. It offers a more contemporary take on Indian cuisine, with rich flavours, polished presentation and a calmer restaurant setting. It has not changed significantly since the refresh, but it remains one of the most popular speciality dining venues on the ship.
The Glass House is on Deck 7 at the top of the atrium. It is both a wine bar and a dining venue, with wines curated by Olly Smith. You can order wines by the glass alongside small plates, seafood, steaks and other dishes. It works well if you want a more relaxed alternative to a full speciality restaurant.
The Limelight Club is on Deck 5 and is a dinner-and-show venue. This is an extra-charge experience where you have a meal and then watch a cabaret-style performance in a more intimate setting. It is popular, so booking in advance is recommended.
Java Café and Market Café are also useful if you want coffee, cakes, pastries or something sweet during the day. Java Café is on Deck 7 near the atrium, while Market Café is on Deck 5 opposite The Blue Bar.
Britannia does not have The Quays like Iona or Arvia, so there are fewer casual included food outlets away from the buffet. That makes the main dining rooms, Horizon Buffet and poolside grill more important during the day.
If you want a full breakdown of every restaurant on Britannia, including what is included, what costs extra, and which venues are worth booking, I’ll cover that separately in my Britannia dining options guide.
Bars and Evenings Onboard
Britannia has a strong choice of bars and lounges, and the ship works well in the evening because the venues all have a slightly different feel.
The Crow’s Nest is on Deck 16 forward and is one of the best lounges onboard if you want sea views. It has large windows across the front of the ship and feels calmer than many of the lower-deck venues.
During the day, it is a good place to sit with a book or have some quiet time away from the busier pool areas. In the evening, it becomes a popular spot for cocktails, pre-dinner drinks and live piano music.
The Blue Bar is on Deck 5 in the atrium and is one of Britannia’s more stylish cocktail bars. It is a good place for a drink before dinner, especially if you like being in the centre of the ship where there is more atmosphere.
Brodie’s is on Deck 6 and is Britannia’s traditional British-style pub. This is one of the liveliest venues onboard, especially when quizzes, games or live sport are on.
It serves beers, ales, ciders, gin and other drinks, and it is a popular place to gather in the evening. If there is football or another big sporting event being shown, Brodie’s is usually where the atmosphere builds.
Next to Brodie’s is the casino, with slot machines and table games. So this part of Deck 6 tends to feel busy later in the evening.
The Live Lounge is on Deck 7 and is Britannia’s main late-night entertainment venue. During the day, it can be used for quizzes and activities, but at night it becomes much more lively with live bands, guest acts, themed parties, DJ sets and dancing.
If you are looking for Britannia’s closest equivalent to a nightclub, this is it.
The Crystal Room is also on Deck 7 and is used for ballroom dancing, dance classes, themed events, live music and social dancing. It has a more classic P&O feel and is one of the venues that gives Britannia a more traditional cruise atmosphere.
The Glass House on Deck 7 works well earlier in the evening if you want wine, small plates or somewhere a bit more relaxed but still central.
The Sunset Bar at the aft of Deck 16 is one of the best outside bars onboard. Since the 2024 refresh, this area feels fresher, and the fact that it is now non-smoking makes a big difference. It is a good place for sailaway, warm evenings or just sitting outside with views over the wake.
The Sports Arena Bar on Deck 18 is another useful outdoor bar, especially if you are spending time around the sports court or upper sun decks.
Britannia’s evening atmosphere is more venue-based than on Iona or Arvia. You do not have a huge SkyDome-style central entertainment space, but you do have proper lounges, bars, a theatre, a pub, a dance venue and a late-night lounge.
That makes it feel more traditional, but also easier to choose the type of evening you want.
Entertainment Across the Ship
Entertainment on Britannia is spread across several venues, with the Headliners Theatre being the main one.
The Headliners Theatre spans Decks 6 and 7 forward and is Britannia’s main entertainment venue. This is where you’ll find the big production shows, guest singers, comedians and evening performances.
The theatre has a modern LED screen backdrop, and the shows are visually strong. There are usually two performances in the evening, so you can plan around dinner, but it is still worth arriving early because seats can fill up quickly.
The theatre was maintained during the refresh, but it did not have a major transformation. It still feels familiar if you have sailed on Britannia before.
The Live Lounge is the main late-night venue, with live music, parties, guest acts and dancing. It is more relaxed during the day, but by evening it becomes one of the busier entertainment spaces onboard.
The Crystal Room is used for dancing, classes, live music and events. If you enjoy ballroom dancing or themed dance nights, this is one of the venues you are likely to use during the cruise.
The Studio on Deck 7 is used for films, guest talks and enrichment activities. This is a useful quieter entertainment option if you want something different from a theatre show or live music.
Brodie’s is another important entertainment venue because it hosts quizzes, games and live sport. It is one of the most social spaces onboard and can be busy throughout the evening.
The atrium also plays a role in the entertainment, with live music and performances taking place at different times. It is not a dedicated show venue, but because it is at the centre of the ship, you often pass through and stop for a while.
The Limelight Club offers a more structured evening, combining dinner with a live show. This is an extra-charge venue and needs to be booked.
For families, The Reef kids’ club is on Deck 17 aft and offers supervised activities for different age groups. Activities can include games, crafts, sports and movie nights.
Britannia’s entertainment feels more traditional than the newer ships, but that is not a weakness. If you like having a proper theatre, a pub, a dance venue, a late-night lounge and smaller activity spaces, Britannia still offers a good range of options.
Cabins – What to Expect
Cabins on Britannia are spread across Decks 8 to 15 and include inside cabins, balcony cabins, suites and single cabins.
Britannia does not have the same range of newer cabin types that you’ll find on Iona and Arvia, such as Conservatory Mini-suites, but it does offer a good range of options for different budgets.
Inside cabins are the most budget-friendly choice. They are compact but comfortable and work well if you are mainly using the cabin for sleeping, showering and changing.
Balcony cabins are one of the most popular options on Britannia. They give you private outdoor space, which is especially useful on warm-weather itineraries such as the Caribbean or Mediterranean.
Suites offer more space and added perks, including priority benefits and access to The Retreat.
Britannia also has single cabins, which is useful for solo travellers. These are available as inside or balcony options, although availability can be limited and prices vary depending on the sailing.
The cabins did not have a major redesign during the 2024 refresh, but soft furnishings were updated, and the rooms are generally well maintained.
By 2026, the cabins still feel comfortable rather than brand new. If you are comparing Britannia with P&O’s newest ships, the cabins may not feel quite as modern, but they are practical and well designed.
The main thing to expect is a clean, comfortable cabin with enough storage for a typical cruise. But do not book Britannia expecting a completely new cabin experience after the refresh, because that is not what the 2024 updates were about.
Gym, Spa, Kids’ Club and Other Facilities
Britannia’s gym is on Deck 17 forward and is one of the better-equipped gyms at sea.
It has treadmills, exercise bikes, weights and strength equipment, along with a fitness studio offering classes such as yoga, Pilates and spin. Some classes may come with an extra charge, so it is worth checking the Horizon daily programme once onboard.
The gym’s position high up on the ship gives it good views, which makes it a nicer space to use than some lower-deck cruise ship gyms.
The Oasis Spa and Health Club is on Deck 5 and offers treatments such as massages, facials, body wraps, manicures and beauty services.
There is also a Thermal Suite, which is available at an extra charge. This includes heated loungers, saunas, steam rooms and hydrotherapy-style facilities. It is designed as a quieter retreat, especially useful on sea days or cooler-weather cruises.
The Reef kids’ club is on Deck 17 aft. It is a supervised children’s club with age-specific activities, including games, crafts, sports and movie nights.
Because Britannia is family-friendly but not quite as new or activity-heavy as Iona and Arvia, it may appeal more to families who want a traditional cruise experience rather than a ship packed with slides, climbing activities and large family zones.
There are also event suites on Deck 16, including the Marlow Suite and Ivory Suite. These are used for private events, weddings, meetings and activities depending on the sailing.
The Library is also on Deck 16 near the Crow’s Nest. It is a quiet space with books and large windows, and it works well if you want somewhere calmer during the day.
Shops, Reception and Onboard Services
Britannia’s main shopping area is on Deck 6.
Here, you’ll find duty-free shops, clothing, accessories, jewellery, perfumes, cosmetics, P&O Cruises souvenirs and travel essentials. The shops are only open when the ship is at sea, so you need to visit outside port hours if you want to browse.
The Photo Gallery is on Deck 7, where you can view and purchase professional cruise photos taken during the sailing.
The Explorer’s Desk is on Deck 5 in the atrium area and is where you can book and ask questions about shore excursions. If you are unsure what to do in a port, this is where the team can explain the official P&O excursion options.
Reception is also on Deck 5 and is open 24 hours a day. This is where you go for onboard account questions, lost key cards, general queries and any issues during the cruise.
Because Reception is in the atrium, it can get busy at peak times, especially on embarkation day, port mornings and the final evening. If your question is not urgent, it is usually better to go early in the morning or later in the evening when queues are shorter.
The atrium itself spans Decks 5, 6 and 7 and is one of Britannia’s main hubs. It has bars, cafés, shops and seating, and there is often live music in the area.
One thing to know is that Britannia does not have a central staircase in the atrium. This means passengers often rely heavily on lifts, and the lifts can get busy at peak times.
That lack of a central staircase is one of the layout quirks that people often notice once onboard.
How the Layout Actually Works
Britannia is not a difficult ship to navigate once you understand the basic layout, but there are a few things that can catch you out at first.
The public venues are mainly spread across Decks 5, 6, 7, 16, 17 and 18, while most of the cabins are on Decks 8 to 15.
The main indoor public areas are on Decks 5, 6 and 7. This is where you’ll find the atrium, restaurants, bars, theatre, shops, Brodie’s, The Glass House, Java Café, Sindhu, The Live Lounge and The Crystal Room.
The main outdoor areas are much higher up, mostly on Decks 16, 17, 18 and 19.
That means you will often be moving between lower-deck indoor venues and upper-deck pool areas throughout the day.
The Oriental Restaurant is one of the main places where the layout can feel confusing. It is at the aft of Deck 6, but you cannot just walk straight through Deck 6 to reach it. You need to approach it using the aft lifts or move along Deck 7 and then go down.
Another thing to remember is that there is no full wraparound promenade deck. If you like walking laps, you’ll use the smaller walking and running track on Deck 18 instead.
The lack of a central staircase in the atrium also affects how people move around the ship. At busy times, the lifts can be in demand, particularly around dinner, theatre times and embarkation.
Once you know these few points, Britannia becomes much easier to understand.
What’s Onboard P&O Britannia: Practical Tips That Make a Difference
The busiest areas on Britannia are usually the Deck 16 pool area, the Horizon Buffet at peak times, and the main entertainment venues before showtime.
If you want a quieter sunbathing spot, explore Deck 18 and Deck 19 rather than staying only around the Lido and Riviera pools.
The Serenity Pool is adults-only and included, but it can still be very popular. On warm-weather cruises, do not assume it will be quiet just because it is adults-only.
The Retreat is extra charge and can book up quickly, especially on Caribbean and sunny itineraries.
The Sunset Bar is one of the best outdoor areas onboard, especially after the refresh and now that it is non-smoking.
The Crow’s Nest is one of the best places for a quieter drink or somewhere peaceful during the day.
If you are dining in The Oriental Restaurant, check the route before your first evening meal so you do not end up walking to the wrong part of Deck 6.
The Horizon Buffet is useful, but at busy times you may find the main dining rooms more relaxing for breakfast or lunch.
Britannia does not have a SkyDome, so on cooler-weather cruises, the indoor lounges become more important.
Britannia also does not have the casual food variety of Iona and Arvia, so planning your dining options makes a difference, especially if you want to avoid the buffet.
Overall, Britannia is a traditional P&O ship with a strong mix of pools, dining, bars, theatre entertainment and quieter lounges. It may not have the newest features in the fleet, but it still offers a lot onboard if you understand how the ship works.
Related Guides
If you’re wondering what the pool areas are like, my full P&O Britannia pools guide covers the Lido Pool, Riviera Pool, Serenity Pool, Terrace Pool, The Retreat, hot tubs, sunbeds and what to expect on busy sea days.
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 are comparing ships, my guide to P&O Iona versus Arvia will help explain how P&O’s newer ships differ from the more traditional ships in the fleet.
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.
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.
What’s Onboard P&O Britannia: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Britannia easy to navigate?
Britannia is fairly easy to navigate once you understand the main public decks. Most indoor venues are on Decks 5, 6 and 7, while the pools and outdoor spaces are mainly on Decks 16, 17 and 18. The main area that catches people out is The Oriental Restaurant, because you cannot walk straight through Deck 6 to reach it.
Does Britannia have a SkyDome?
No, Britannia does not have a SkyDome. The main pools are outside on Deck 16, with additional pool areas and sun decks higher up. This means Britannia feels more traditional than Iona and Arvia, especially on cooler-weather cruises.
Does Britannia have a wraparound promenade deck?
No, Britannia does not have a full wraparound promenade deck. There are some outside areas on the lower decks, but if you want to walk laps, the small walking and running track on Deck 18 is the main option.
What are the busiest areas on Britannia?
The busiest areas are usually the Deck 16 pool deck, the Horizon Buffet at peak times, Brodie’s during quizzes or live sport, and the Headliners Theatre before evening shows.
Where are the quieter spots on Britannia?
The Crow’s Nest, The Library, Deck 18, Deck 19 and the aft areas around the Terrace Pool and Sunset Bar can all be quieter than the main pool deck, depending on the time of day and itinerary.
Is Britannia good for first-time cruisers?
Yes, Britannia can be a good ship for first-time cruisers, especially if you want a traditional P&O cruise experience with main dining rooms, a theatre, lounges, bars and a classic ship layout. It may feel less modern than Iona or Arvia, but it is still a comfortable and popular ship.
What changed in Britannia’s refresh?
Britannia was refreshed in 2024, with updates to public areas including carpets, furniture, décor, the Horizon Buffet and the Sunset Bar. The changes were improvements rather than a complete transformation, so the ship still feels familiar if you have sailed on her before.
Are the cabins on Britannia modern?
The cabins are comfortable and well maintained, but they are not as modern as cabins on P&O’s newest ships. The 2024 refresh updated soft furnishings, but the cabin layout itself did not have a major redesign.
Does Britannia have good speciality dining?
Yes, Britannia has good speciality dining options, including The Epicurean, Sindhu, The Beach House, The Glass House and The Limelight Club. These are extra charge venues, but they give you more choice beyond the main dining rooms and buffet.
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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