Britannia Review
Rating by category
Additional details
On-board activities: The TV in our cabin was the only real entertainment on sea days apart from a film, reading or walking – we don’t sunbathe/swim. We were expecting seminars / talks but there was almost nothing available and never any choice, unless it was to be given product marketing / sales talks. For example, on our first morning, we sat through a 40 minute talk on P&O’s shore excursions only to find when we went to book those that were of interest, they were already fully booked and hence unavailable. What a waste of our time! There was a definite lack of facilities for the large number of passengers on board. And where was the art lecture(s) and ‘sale’ that everyone told us would be available, as they are on all the ships?
Shore excursions:
Guernsey - Transfer ashore was by tender which went very smoothly for us, as we were booked on a tour, though we understand there were some delays in getting others ashore. We thought there could have been a more efficient transfer methodology, if tenders were available on both sides of the ship.
Cabin Review
The cabin was much smaller than we expected but with a comfortable Queen sized bed. In addition to the bed there was a chair for the dressing table, a small coffee table and a small armchair. The lack of space in front of the dressing table and alongside the bed meant that each night we had to move the chair and table to avoid tripping over it if we got up during the night. The dressing table had inadequate space on which to put our things. There was a small free standing mirror instead of using the wall behind the table to have a larger one! Obviously designed by a man, who hasn't a clue what ladies need when getting dressed up.
There was more than adequate hanging space for our clothes and plenty of hangers. However, there was no door to the hanging area and when you came out of the shower room to dry yourself (not enough room inside), you were up against your neatly hung, clean clothes.
The bathroom was small and cramped with a long but narrow shower that was not easily accessed through the narrow, glass door. I'm not a big bloke, but I did struggle with drying space after exiting the shower and eventually resorted to drying off in the cabin. There were no bathrobes (told they were provided as standard on other cruise ships) and when we requested one, I was told by a receptionist that these were only available for suite passengers.
There was a good size TV and selection of things to watch but it could only really be viewed properly from on the bed. Also, we were rather disappointed that on such a modern ship, they hadn’t added a screen option showing our account information. We had to queue and ask at reception! The bland cabin décor was not conducive to anyone staying in the cabin more than necessary. The cabin was warm enough and the temperature could be easily controlled with the wall thermostat.
Our balcony was far too small to allow both of us to sit on the two chairs to face the sun and enjoy the views.
Port Reviews
La Coruna
Walked ashore from the ship and had our own tour. Tried to follow the guided walking tour that we were unable to get on and as our friends had done the tour previously, they acted as our guides.
Bilbao
Took the bus transfer into the middle of Bilbao as the port is some 30 minutes outside the city. The drop off and pick-up location was not very well located and we nearly got lost finding the bus to return to the ship. Greatly appreciated having a sat nav on our mobile phone as we would probably still be there!!
Walked around with friends and visited the old part of the city where we sat down and had a snack. Quite interesting but feel a guided tour would have been better.