Britannia Review
Rating by category
Additional details
For us this was a return to P&O having first cruised with them about 4 years ago. A couple of friends had been on a previous Norway cruise on Britannia and had recommended it to us, so on the basis of this recommendation and our experience previously we booked the Norway Cruise.
Embarkation at Southampton was very quick and easy and we were on board within half an hour of arriving at the docks. We had watched several YouTube videos of Britannia so once on board we knew pretty much what to expect. Our first impressions were of pleasant modernity and a departure from the more traditional P&O style that we had experienced on Ventura and Oceania.
Our balcony cabin was functional and comfortable, if a little on the small side. The smallness was particularly noticeable on the balcony which was barely large enough to accommodate the two chairs and small table. No cat-swinging possibilities there! The bed was large and comfortable, and there was plenty of hanging/storage space for clothes. The TV was a good size, with a few channels of regular TV and a reasonable selection of films, most of which we’d either seen or didn’t want to watch; we mainly used it to track our position and check the weather forecast. One feature however that was very good was the extensive port guides which we found quite helpful. But there was one serious omission – there is no facility on the TV to check your onboard spend account. On every other ship we have been on this was available through the cabin TV, but not on Britannia – oh no, you have to make the trek down to reception, join the queue and ask for a printout. I’m sure the reception staff have better things to do than have to keep printing out people’s (sorry, customers’) accounts….
Cabin Review
A little smaller than we remembered from previous cruises, and the balcony really is very small. Layout is OK, having a door to the shower is an improvement. Most of the TV is a waste of time and missed opportunity. Bed was comfortable and spacious. Corridor carpet is the same both sides of the ship, not colour coded as on others, so you have to check which side of the ship you are on when exiting lifts.
Port Reviews
Stavanger
Lovely town despite the rain, lots of walking available, many quaint shops and cobbled streets to explore. Just be aware everything in Norway is very expensive! Ship berthed very centrally to main town.
Olden
This is just a village at the end of a fjord, so very little to do in Olden itself. Main attraction is the trip to the glacier, be aware there is still quite a bit of walking to do when you get there. Glacier itself is diminishing, so go see it while you can! Otherwise there are many walks and spectacular viewpoints to be found accessible from the ship.
Bergen
It's a city, and the ship docks a little way from the city centre, so there is a bit if a trek into town first of all. Funicular railway is very popular with great views over the city from the top. Lots of interest in the city, fish market, shops, museums, and all the usual city life. Oh and the ubiquitous expensive Norwegian coffee.....