P&O Meditarranean Britannia Cruise - Saturday Night Takeaway
Can you spot your Travel Counsellor!? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQdYInrTpvE&sns=fb
I have been very lucky to have cruised several times before, however this was a first for my family. Like many others they took some convincing that this was the right holiday for them. Many people think they won’t like it, cruising is not for them or there’s not enough to do or that they have to dress up every night (they have two formal evenings a week).
I am very pleased to report back that they all loved every minute and didn't want to get off the ship! We called at Cadiz, Barcelona, Civitavecchia, Ajaccio and Gibraltar.
Britannia is a year old and is P&O's largest ship (143,000 tons). Like a five star floating hotel, it is very modern and sophisticated.
A few highlights...... - Fabulous Atrium, a great place to sit and get a drink, also lots of duty free shops, Costa Coffee, glass house, this really is the heart of the ship. - Crow’s Nest - a wonderful place to be at the front of the ship, right near the Library so a great place to sit quietly and read or just admire the view. - The Studio: you will be able to look at photos taken and purchase any you require (no obligation). Also the cinema and guest speakers are in this area. - Kids clubs up to 17 years from 10.00 to Midnight (break for 1 hour at lunch 13.00 to 14.00 and dinner time 17.00 to 18.00). My kids loved the clubs.
The ship never felt busy except on the Saturday night Takeaway Show! I wondered where everyone came from! The headline theatre was beautiful and great shows every day. The Live lounge was another great venue, with great live entertainment.
Brodies Bar has a lovely pub atmosphere with a pool table, live singers, karaoke, bingo, races and is right next to the casino.
At the Cookery Club it was great to learn some new dishes and hone your skills in the kitchen. Prices from £45 - great value. I was lucky enough to meet Marco Pierre White and join his masterclass and learned how to make a perfect risotto (guess what I will be making and eating lots of!)
There is also a sports court, card/games room, Oasis Spa with a hydrotherapy suite (charges apply), The Retreat (charges apply), The Limelight Club (adults only and charges apply), two lively pools and four whirlpools. The Gym is a great place to burn off those extra calories and wow what a view from here!
Laundry is at the back of the ship on each passenger deck. You can buy the washing tablets in the shop only. These where approximately 60p each and the facilities are free to use: washing machines, dryers and ironing boards. They also have a laundry service (payable) if you don't feel like doing it yourself.
Ports Of Call
There is a choice of excursions you can pre book before you travel or up to 48 hours before, subject to availability. You are free to go independently in each port of call, however if you book or go independently you need to make sure you are back in time as the ship will not wait so it could prove to be expensive. I pre booked an excursion in Ajaccio (Corsica) as I wanted to see the Tortoise/Turtle sanctuary (A Cupulatta). There were lots of different species in a very interesting and beautiful setting. The other ports I went to independently having visited them before, feel free to ask me any questions.
Food
Food is available between 0600 and 0200 so you won’t go hungry! Buffet, Grab and go, Pool bar, Club Dining, Freedom dining, Select Dining ... what does it all mean?
Buffet is open from 0600 to 0200am serving breakfast up to 12.00 then lunch to 14.00 then afternoon tea 15.00 to 17.00 kids tea to 18.00 then dinner to 22.00 then midnight buffet.
Grab and go available on deck between 12.00 and 16.00 sandwiches, salads, fruits salads and mousse.
Pool Bar on the pool deck, 12.00 to 18.00 fresh Burgers, Hot dogs, Chips, Chicken nuggets, Pizza and Salads.
Club Dining in the Oriental restaurant, two sittings are available at 18.30 and 20.30 this is set time every day on the same table.
There is room service, continental breakfast is included but some meals have a cover charge.
Freedom dining means you can choose the Meridian or Peninsular (all the same menu). You turn up between 18.00 and 21.30, you can join others or dine alone, sometimes there is a little wait but they give you a buzzer and you can enjoy a drink in the Atrium until a table is ready.
Select Dining (cover charge applies) is in The Epicurean, Glass House, The Beach House and Sindhu. All of them are fantastic.
Cabins available are Inside, Balcony, Superior Deluxe Balcony or Suites.
I really could talk about the ship and my wonderful experience all day! If there is anything else you would like to know that I haven't covered please get in touch.