Britannia Review
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We have travelled with P&O only once before on Ventura on a short break, and wanted to give them a go on a week long cruise on Britannia. We normally travel with Princess and I have to say they would still be my favourite. However, embarkation was swift and first impressions of the ship were impressive. The central atrium is very pretty and whilst we didn't spend a great deal of time there, the captains cocktail party on the first formal night was well attended - might have been something to do with the free drink !! We opted for freedom dining and only waited for a table one night. If you are happy to share you would get seated pretty much straight away. The food was Ok, decent portion sizes but tended towards a british theme with not much in the way of international cuisine.
If I was vegetarian I think I would be disappointed with the choices, only one per evening. The waiting staff were a bit on the slow side, and one night we waited an awful long time for our plates to be cleared away after we had finished eating and we were right on top of the serving station so there was no excuse really. Also with other cruise lines, water, and rolls are topped up frequently whereas on Britannia we had to ask for more each time. Horizon Court (The buffet) was stupidly busy on a morning but much more manageable during the day. Food was plentiful but not always as hot as it could be. However the pizza place and the fried chicken outlets outside by the pool were popular with my kids and they gave them both a thumbs up. Another thing we thought was stingy is the soft drinks package is only limited to 20 drinks per package - for £35 !!! Again on other lines that would be unlimited and you had to pay for ice creams - again free soft scoop machine on princess and you could have as many as you want. Not a major issue on this cruise as we were up in Norway and it was a tad cold - in the summer that could be an expensive extra.
Have to give massive praise to Sindhu - it was well worth the cover charge - the food was incredible, and I suggest you dont eat prior to your meal, - we had 7 generous courses and rolled out afterwards very happy.
Cabin Review
Cabin was fine, standard inside, with comfy bed, refridgerator, good entertainment on TV, not much else to say really. Kettle and tea/coffe/biscuits topped up everyday.
Port Reviews
Olden
Loved Olden, its very small and not much there apart from the cruise terminal - so make sure you book a tour out to Briksdal Glacier if your physically able. We stepped off the ship and into the visitor area where you can pay for a seat on the shuttle bus. The first one leaves at 9 and it takes about 40 minutes to drive to the start of the trail where there is a shop/cafe/toilets etc. From there it is about a 40 minute walk to the Glacier - it has retreated significantly over the years but this is still a must see. The waterfalls on the way up are awesome - you will get wet - even on a sunny day! Its quite hard work for the first part of the trail and some steep steps but so worth it. The walk back down was a tad easier and then we spent some time in the souvenir shop whilst we waited for the minibus to come back for us. Back in Olden we went for a walk to the old church which you are allowed to enter - all wood construction and very pretty.
Bergen
If you plan to do the funicular railway get off the ship early and head into town - we got there just after 9 and by the time we came down the queues were out of the building !! Great views from the top - cafe and souvenir shop and viewing platforms and a small park. When we came down we had a wander around the lake and the found ourselves in the old part of Bergen, "The old wooden houses" by the quay. Take some time to wander down the lanes and into the little galleries and shops, not just usual tourist stuff. We also walked through the fish market - a tad smelly but interesting.
Southampton
Southampton is about 40 minutes from home so no need to take a wander round! Very easy to arrive by taxi and get dropped off right outside the terminal, and again pick up is quick as taxis pick up just as you step out of the terminal.