P&O’s new super ship Britannia is perfect for cruise virgins – you can switch off and unwind in total comfort as you cruise to some of the world’s most memorable destinations in style, says Liz Jarvis.
Liz takes us through her top picks on-board the Britannia...
P&O's cruiseliner Britannia launches
You can cook with celeb chefs at sea.(01 of10)
If you’ve been harbouring secret ambitions to be the next Nigella or Paul Hollywood then Britannia is the ship for you, because it has the first British cookery school at sea. With Kitchenaid mixers. Not only has this ship had the input of the five ‘Food Heroes’ – celeb chefs James Martin, Marco Pierre White, Eric Lanlard and Atul Kochhar, as well as wine expert Olly Smith, but you can also take lessons from the likes of GBBO’s Mary Berry CBE, Antonio Carluccio OBE and Paul Rankin. Plus there are cheese and ale/beer tastings with cheese expert (yes, it is a real thing) Charlie Turnbull. Basically, Britannia is foodie heaven. (credit:P&O)
You can strut your stuff in front of Strictly’s Craig Revel-Horwood.(02 of10)
Love Strictly Come Dancing? On some Britannia itineraries you can perform in front of Craig Revel-Horwood himself, no less, as well as dancers from the show; you also get hair and make-up. There’s even a mirror ball. Find out more. (credit:P&O)
You can get properly pampered.(03 of10)
The Oasis Spa on board Britannia is like a posh city spa – all dark wood, with an enormous whirlpool and heated beds, steam grottos and tropical showers. The spa menu includes treatments from Elemis, and if you’re in the mood for some real indulgence then you can book a session in the private whirlpool spa, with Champagne, chocolate-dipped strawberries and the treatment of your choice, It’s basically spa heaven. You can also get your hair, nails, lashes or brows done, or have a professional shave. (credit:P&O)
You can retreat to the Retreat.(04 of10)
An adults-only space where you can pad from your lounger to the pool, have cold towels brought to you as you relax in the sun, enjoy delicious snacks and chilled drinks or book a private cabana, complete with a massage? What’s not to love? Bliss. (credit:P&O)
You can dine out every night and not have to worry about the bill.(05 of10)
One of the best things about cruising has to be enjoying superb cuisine knowing it’s included in the price of your holiday, or that you’re only paying a small charge to dine in restaurants run by Michelin-starred chefs. On Britannia, Atul Kocchar’s Sindhu is an absolute must-try, with dishes including crisp fried soft shell crab and lamb rogan josh; you can also steak, seafood and wine personally selected by Olly Smith in The Glass House, or indulge in delicious cakes created by master patissier, Eric Lanlard. And remember, calories don’t count at sea. Fact. (credit:P&O)
You can also feed your body and spirit…(06 of10)
If you want to work up a sweat at sea then you can hit the high-tech gym or try out the latest fitness class crazes including TRX, Pure Form Pilates, Chi-Ball Yoga and Spin. There’s also personal training session on offer. (credit:P&O)
...and your mind.(07 of10)
With a multi-million pound art collection and onboard guest talks and demos, as well as nightly shows, culture vultures will be in their element on Britannia. Plus, you can watch sport at sea. (credit:P&O)
You can kick back in comfort.(08 of10)
Forget visions of airless cabins without the space to swing a cat; Britannia’s cabins are cool, contemporary spaces, luxurious and air-conditioned, with en suite bathrooms, your own personal steward, Egyptian cotton bed linen, tea and coffee maker and a TV, radio, hairdryer, refrigerator and safe. You’ll sleep like a baby, too – it’s the motion of the ocean. Promise. (credit:P&O)
You can chill out.(09 of10)
The beauty of a cruise is you can be as active as you like – or you can simply kick back and soak up the atmosphere. On Britannia there are four swimming pools (and kids’ clubs up to the age of 18 so you don’t have to worry about your offspring), plus there are bars including the Crow’s Nest cocktail lounge, which features a Great British Gin Menu with no fewer than 20 artisan gins, and Brodie’s Pub, which has no fewer than 70 UK bottled beers, ales and ciders. And if you fancy a touch of Mad Men-style glamour, then the Limelight Club is for you. (credit:P&O)
You can see the world’s best destinations without unpacking.(10 of10)
The best thing about any cruise is travelling to some of the most iconic cities and destinations across the globe, all one trip; your ship becomes your floating hotel. Britannia’s itineraries feature the likes of the Caribbean, the Norwegian Fjords and some of the most memorable Mediterranean ports of call. In fact, Britannia may very well rule the waves. (credit:P&O)