Looking back at my time on the britannia cruise ship 2018 season, I still remember the first time I saw that massive Union Jack painted on the bow. It's one thing to see it in pictures, but standing at the quay in Southampton and looking up at that 94-meter flag is something else entirely. It really sets the tone for what P&O was trying to do with this ship—creating a "best of British" experience on the high seas.
By 2018, the Britannia had been around for a few years, so it had moved past those initial "new ship" growing pains and really found its groove. It felt polished, the staff knew the layout like the back of their hands, and the atmosphere on board was just right. It wasn't overly stuffy, but it definitely felt a step up from some of the more chaotic family ships I've been on.
The First Impression: That Stunning Atrium
If you've ever stepped foot on this ship, you know exactly what I'm talking about. The Star Burst sculpture in the three-deck atrium is the heart of the vessel. In 2018, it was the place to be for a pre-dinner drink or just some people-watching. It's got this sleek, hotel-lobby vibe rather than a traditional "glitzy" cruise ship feel.
I spent many evenings at the Blue Bar, which is tucked away right there in the atrium. They do some fantastic cocktails, and because of the way the space is designed, you get to enjoy the live music filtering down from the decks above. It felt sophisticated without being pretentious, which is a hard balance to strike.
Eating My Way Across the Ocean
Let's be honest, we all go on cruises for the food. The britannia cruise ship 2018 experience was really defined by its "Food Heroes" concept. Having names like Marco Pierre White and Olly Smith associated with the dining rooms made a huge difference.
The Epicurean and Sindhu
If you're willing to pay a little extra for specialty dining, these two were the stars of the show. Sindhu offers this incredible Indian fusion menu that I still think about today. It's not just your standard curry; it's high-end, beautifully presented food. The Epicurean, on the other hand, felt like a classic fine-dining experience. I remember having a salt-marsh lamb dish there that was absolutely melt-in-the-mouth.
The Cookery Club
One of the coolest things about the Britannia back in 2018 was the Cookery Club. It wasn't just a demonstration where you sit and watch a chef cook; it was hands-on. I took a class on making authentic pasta, and even though I'm a bit of a disaster in the kitchen usually, the chefs made it feel easy. It's a great way to spend a sea day, especially if the weather isn't quite right for sitting by the pool.
The Buffet and Main Dining
Even the standard dining rooms felt a bit more special than average. The "Freedom Dining" option was a godsend. I'm not a fan of being told I have to eat at exactly 6:30 PM every night, so being able to just rock up whenever I was hungry worked perfectly for me. The buffet (Horizon) was well, it's a cruise buffet. It could get a bit busy during breakfast, but the quality was consistently good, especially the themed nights.
Life in the Cabins
I stayed in a balcony cabin during my 2018 trip, and it was a solid choice. One thing to note about the Britannia is that it doesn't actually have any "outside" cabins with just a window—it's either an inside room or a balcony/suite.
The decor was very "boutique hotel"—lots of creams, browns, and soft lighting. It felt cozy. The bathroom was a bit tight (standard for most ships, let's be real), but the shower actually had a glass door instead of those clingy plastic curtains, which is a huge win in my book. The bed was incredibly comfortable. I don't know what kind of toppers they use, but I slept better on that ship than I do at home most nights.
Entertainment and Nightlife
The entertainment on the britannia cruise ship 2018 was pretty varied. You had the big production shows in the Headliners Theatre, which were high-energy and professional, but my personal favorite was the Live Lounge.
The Live Lounge had a bit more of a clubby, intimate vibe. They'd have tribute acts, live bands, and comedians. It was the kind of place where you'd go for "one drink" at 10 PM and realize it was suddenly 1 AM. The Crystal Room was also a highlight if you're into ballroom dancing—or if you just like watching people who actually know what they're doing while you sip a gin and tonic.
Relaxing (or trying to)
If you wanted a bit of peace and quiet, the Oasis Spa was the place to go. In 2018, it felt like a true sanctuary. I spent a few hours in the thermal suite, which has these heated ceramic loungers that are dangerously easy to fall asleep on.
For those who wanted to stay outside but get away from the main pool's noise (which could get a bit loud with the quizzes and music), "The Retreat" was worth the extra daily fee. It's an adults-only deck area with plush loungers and dedicated service. Honestly, if you're traveling without kids, it's a game-changer.
The British Feel
What really struck me about the britannia cruise ship 2018 was how unapologetically British it was. We're talking about proper kettles in the cabins (essential!), Twinings tea, and a decent selection of British beers at the pubs. The Crow's Nest bar at the top of the ship became my go-to spot for a late-night drink. It's got panoramic views and a massive selection of gins. There's something very relaxing about sitting in a comfortable armchair, looking out at the dark ocean, and sipping a G&T.
Was it Perfect?
No ship is perfect, of course. Because the Britannia is so big, the lifts could be a bit of a nightmare during peak times, like right after a show finishes. You're often better off taking the stairs if you're able. Also, because there's no central staircase in the middle of the ship, navigating from one end to the other could be a bit confusing for the first day or two. But once you get your bearings, it's fine.
The mid-ship area can get a little crowded, especially around the shops and the photo gallery, but that's pretty standard for a ship carrying over 3,000 passengers.
Final Thoughts on the 2018 Experience
Overall, my time on the britannia cruise ship 2018 was fantastic. It felt like the ship had really come into its own. It offered a sense of scale and variety that smaller ships just can't match, but it still managed to keep those little touches that make a holiday feel personal.
Whether you were there for the fancy dining, the West End-style shows, or just to sit on your balcony with a book, the ship delivered. It felt modern, clean, and well-managed. Even now, looking back at the photos, I can almost smell the sea air and taste that incredible butter chicken from Sindhu. It was a year where the Britannia proved it wasn't just a big ship—it was a great ship.