We sailed with P&O Cruises on board Britannia.
The Trip was only”OK” mainly due to the suite we had selected. In a basic cabin it would have been POOR. The ship was crowded and often no seat was available in bars or Cafe areas. The Theatre was only “OK” except for one show when the air con was VERY cold – we complained to the ship reception – the main issue generally being the volume was so loud that individual words being sung could not be distinguished. The main Restaurants were generally only “average to poor” in quality of food and service. Menus sounded very good, but in the event what was delivered was quite ordinary and, on our table, cold – had to be sent back. P&O no longer have wine waiters and as a result wine choice was somewhat restricted – and just put on the table rather than given to taste before pouring. Lunch menus selection was somewhat limited and the Buffet very crowded and no trays available to carry plated food – resulting having to fight through crowds several times. Food was “OK”, but we thought the choice available was poor (compared to last cruise on Queen Victoria).
Check in was very good, but as a suite guest we had priority as well as an arrival lunch which was the best lunch we had on board.
Off ship excursions were very good – we had two fiord trips in small boats. Breakfasts were good in the special restaurant and as were meals in the special restaurants.
Summary – we would not sail again on this ship. Previous experience on the smaller P&O ships was not replicated on the Britannia.
Our first P&O trip was on the Oriana 25 years ago and over the years the quality and standard of service has got much poorer
