Find out about our popular flagship as we prepare to celebrate her 10 years of holiday happiness.

Britannia’s 10th anniversary

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A majestic beginning

<h2>A majestic beginning</h2>
<p>In March 2015, it was a monumental honour to welcome HM Queen Elizabeth II to Southampton, where she officially named Britannia in a glittering ceremony. At the time, with a capacity for more than 3,600 guests, Britannia was the largest cruise ship ever built for the UK market. As Britannia’s Godmother, Her Majesty had a tour of the atrium and bridge and even enjoyed lunch on board. It was a truly proud beginning to Britannia’s life at sea.</p>


Unique highlights

<h2>Unique highlights</h2>
<p>Like all our ships, Britannia has her own charm and unique flourishes such as Market Café, the ideal place to relax and read a book, or chat with a friend, while indulging in delicate patisserie and mouth-watering cakes. In Marco Pierre White's The Cookery Club, you can learn from top-class chefs in our masterclasses, or watch the professionals at work before savouring their creations in a Chef’s Table evening experience. Britannia was also the first of our ships to feature The Limelight Club, an intimate venue where a sumptuous dinner is complemented by live entertainment from stars of stage and screen. It proved to be so popular, we launched The Limelight Club on board Arvia and Iona too.</p>


Family-friendly adventures

<h2>Family-friendly adventures</h2>
<p>Throughout the year, Britannia sails to some of the world’s best-loved regions. In the winter she’s based in the Caribbean, so you can fly straight to the sunshine and spend a couple of weeks exploring paradise islands. Spring or early autumn are both great times to sail to Norway, where Britannia gives you a front-row seat to admire the incredible scenery as you cruise through the fjords. The Mediterranean is the perfect place for summer fun. During the school holidays, our flagship takes families to this diverse region, famous for its iconic sights, golden beaches, exciting activities and long, sunny days.</p>


Britannia is more beautiful than ever!

<h2>Britannia is more beautiful than ever!</h2>
<p>We’ve often compared Britannia to a ‘floating five-star hotel’, and that’s truer than ever after her 2024 refit. She’s been decked out with fresh contemporary décor in new designs, colours and textiles, bringing Britannia in line with the lighter and brighter touches of our newest ships, Arvia and Iona.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Some of the many highlights include the refreshed look of the Sunset Bar and Crystal Room, the enhancements to the Oasis Spa and Salon, and the updated children’s splash area with colourful, interactive water features. This stunning ship simply has to be seen to be believed.</p>


A 10th anniversary cruise that’s fit for a flagship

<h2>A 10th anniversary cruise that’s fit for a flagship</h2>
<p>In June this year, Britannia will set sail from Southampton for a unique 14-night 10 year anniversary cruise around the British Isles. Guests who have booked on this one-of-a-kind holiday will visit a blend of exciting cities and locations in Scotland, Ireland and England, including areas of natural beauty. On board, there’ll be plenty of celebrations and special events, including Food Heroes Olly Smith, the multi-award-winning wine expert, and Marco Pierre White, the godfather of British cooking as well as Tom Parker-Bowles. Our partners at Salcombe Distilling Co. and The Tidal Rum will hold tasting masterclasses and there will, of course, be extra-special entertainment. This cruise is just the next chapter in our flagship’s story, as we’re sure Britannia will rule the waves for many years to come.</p>


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Wiston Estate sparkling . Bottle
March 10, 2015
Photo Caption: 
Her Majesty The Queen, accompanied by His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh, officially named P&O Cruises new flagship Britannia in a glittering ceremony in which a bottle of British Wiston Estate Brut NV was broken against the hull of the 143,000 tons cruise ship.
Upholding its celebration of all things British, P&O Cruises selected sparkling wine from the Wiston Estate Winery in Sussex. A nebuchadnezzar of the Brut NV was used for the bottle smash moment itself while thousands of bottles of Brut NV and Ros, Vintage 2011 will be enjoyed during the various inaugural events that are scheduled to take place around the launch.Ê

The ceremony was compredÊby actor, comedian and TV presenter Rob Brydon who features in P&O Cruises latest advertising campaign and included the Royal Marines Band Service, the Band of the Irish Guards and English soprano Laura Wright, as well as a Strictly Come Dancing cameo show.

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Pride of Britain award pictured at Sheer Rock resort in Antigua during a cruise on board Britannia. 
Client : P&O Cruises.
Picture date: Tuesday November 26, 2024.
Photograph by Christopher Ison ©
07544044177
chris@christopherison.com
www.christopherison.com

IMPORTANT NOTE REGARDING IMAGE LICENCING FOR THIS PHOTOGRAPH: This image is supplied to the client under the terms previously agree. No sales are permitted unless expressly agreed in writing by the photographer. Image licence is for below the line only. No out of home use without acquiring an extended image licence.

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Find out what’s new at P&O Cruises | P&O Cruises

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20251020 Copyright James RobinsonFree for editorial use image, please credit: James RobinsonPride of Britain Awards 2025, Grosvenor House, LondonIf you require a higher resolution image, have any other photographic enquiries or are in any way unsure of your right to publish this image please contact James Robinson on Hello@James-Robinson.co.uk

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20251020 Copyright James RobinsonFree for editorial use image, please credit: James RobinsonAlexis Warr, Pride of Britain Awards 2025, Grosvenor House, LondonIf you require a higher resolution image, have any other photographic enquiries or are in any way unsure of your right to publish this image please contact James Robinson on Hello@James-Robinson.co.uk

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SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 08: A general view ahead of the Sky Bet Championship match between Southampton and Sheffield Wednesday at St Mary's Stadium on November 08, 2025 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Matt Watson/Southampton FC via Getty Images)

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P&O Cruises three year shirt sleeve sponsorship deal launch on board Britannia in Southampton.
Client: P&O Cruises.
Picture date: Friday August 2, 2024.
Photograph by Christopher Ison ©
07544044177
chris@christopherison.com
www.christopherison.com

IMPORTANT NOTE REGARDING IMAGE LICENCING FOR THIS PHOTOGRAPH: This image is supplied to the client under the terms previously agree. No sales are permitted unless expressly agreed in writing by the photographer. Image licence is for below the line only. No out of home use without acquiring an extended image licence.

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Paul Ludlow shares the latest from Malta

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King Charles at 75

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BAFTA Television Awards with P&O Cruises

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We’re launching the P&O Cruises Memorable Moment Award
which will be the only award to be voted for by members of the
viewing public.

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Britannia’s 10th anniversary

Sail from Southampton

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