where is cruise ship britannia

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Britannia Deck Plans & Reviews

Activities & entertainment

• Aerobics Studio *
• Cooking Demonstrations
• Dance Classes
• Enrichment Lectures
• Fitness Center
• Fitness Classes
• Hot Tubs (5)
• Hydrotherapy Pool *
• Hydrotherapy Suite *
• Late-Night Activities
• Oasis Salon *
• Oasis Spa *
• Organized Activities & Games
• The Retreat *
• Children's Play Area
• Scuba's
• Headliner's Theatre
• Nightly Live Music
• The Live Lounge
• The Crystal Room
• Bar - Top Deck Bar *
• Sunset Bar - Aft Bar *
• The Blue Bar - Atrium Bar *
• Brodie's - Beer Pub *
• Sindhu - British-Indian *
• Horizon Restaurant - Casual
• Beach House - Casual Steakhouse *
• Market Cafe - Coffee & Sweets *
• Java - Coffee Bar *
• Lido Grill - Fast Food
• The Epicurean - Gourmet *
• The Cookery Club - Interactive *
• Meridian Restaurant - International
• Peninsular Restaurant - International
• The Crow's Nest - Observation Bar *
• The Pizzeria - Pizza
• Lido Bar - Pool Bar *
• Riviera Bar - Pool Bar *
• The Live Lounge Bar - Showlounge Bar *
• The Limelight Club - Supperclub *
• Ice Cream Grab n Go - Sweets

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Current location and position of Britannia

View Britannia current location. The position of Britannia can be accurately determined by the maps of VesselFinder and MarineTraffic. So you are always well informed, where your favorite ship is currently.

Britannia Review and Specifications

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Passenger (Cruise) Ship, IMO 9614036

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The current position of BRITANNIA is at North Sea reported 2 min ago by AIS. The vessel is en route to FEISTEIN P/S , sailing at a speed of 20.1 knots and expected to arrive there on May 5, 04:30 . The vessel BRITANNIA (IMO 9614036, MMSI 235106595) is a Passenger (Cruise) Ship built in 2015 (9 years old) and currently sailing under the flag of United Kingdom (UK) .

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BRITANNIA current position and history of port calls are received by AIS. Technical specifications, tonnages and management details are derived from VesselFinder database. The data is for informational purposes only and VesselFinder is not responsible for the accuracy and reliability of BRITANNIA data.

Ultimate Guide to P&O Britannia

P&O Cruises has been a much-loved cruise line with British cruisers for decades and offers traditional cruises to popular destinations such as the Caribbean, Mediterranean and Norwegian Fjords. In this ultimate guide to P&O Britannia , I share everything you need to know about the flagship to make the most of your cruise holiday.

Key Facts about P&O Britannia

P&O Britannia was launched in 2015 and was last refurbished in 2019. The cruise ship was built by Fincantieri (Monfalcone, Italy) and is a Royal Class ship, making it a sister to: Royal, Regal, Sky, Enchanted, Majestic and Discovery Princess.

Britannia has 1,836 cabins for up to 3,647 passengers and has 1,350 crew.

Where is P&O Britannia right now?

You can discover the exact location of Britannia cruise ship using this cruise tracker and take a look at the Britannia webcam from the Bridge.

Cabins on P&O Britannia

Britannia offers a range of cruise cabins to suit all budgets and preferences:

• Superior Deluxe Balcony (equivalent to a mini-suite)

Inside cabin

A standard inside cabin on P&O Britannia is 170 square feet, which is ample space for two people. This cabin has a TV, fridge and tea/coffee making facilities that are replenished daily.

There is generous wardrobe space with shelves and drawers, which I found was plenty of storage for a fortnight’s cruise.

There is a security safe to store any valuables and it’s worth mentioning that we could fit an iPad easily into it.

The en-suite bathroom is stocked with toiletries from The White Company and a notably there was a shower door (instead of a shower curtain).

Pool towels are already in your cabin when you arrive so that you can use them on the ship or at the beach.

An inside cabin is a perfect option for those who like to spend their time enjoying the ship’s facilities and public areas. I also like how dark the room is if you want to sleep or take a nap during the day.

Balcony Cabin

A standard balcony cabin on Britannia is 212 square feet, which is a good size space for two people. This cabin has a TV, fridge and tea/coffee making facilities that are replenished daily.

There is generous wardrobe space, shelves and drawers, which was the same amount of space as an inside cabin. The balcony has the addition of a small table and comfy chair.

The balcony has enough space for two chairs and a small table. I would say the size of the balcony is not huge but fine if you enjoy to sit outside and get some sea air.

The en-suite bathroom appears to be the same size as the inside cabin and is stocked with toiletries from The White Company. It has a shower with a door and pool towels are already in your cabin.

Superior Deluxe Balcony

A superior deluxe balcony cabin on Britannia is 281 square feet, which is a good option for families (sleeps up to four) or couples wanting a bit of luxury and inside space to relax. This cabin has two TVs, a fridge and tea/coffee making facilities that are replenished daily.

The cabins amenities are very similar to those of inside and balcony cabins but has the added bonus of a separate sitting area, which can be curtained off if the settee bed is required.

I would compare this to a mini-suite on sister ships with Princess Cruises.

The bathroom has the addition of a bath with the shower head over it, I think this is a luxury that many would be happy to pay extra for.

Suite cabin

For passengers wanting the ultimate luxury cabin or want to cruise as a family with enough space for everyone, a suite offers 382-689 square feet.

There are four grades of suite on Britannia and are located forward, mid-ship and in the aft. As it’s the most expensive type of cabin on Britannia, I’d fully recommend doing plenty of research before booking so that you choose the right one for you.

Take a look at this guide to choosing the best suite on Britannia .

A suite comes with a long list of perks and benefits:

• Priority embarkation/disembarkation
• Access to an exclusive hospitality lounge with a selection of teas, coffees and fresh pastries while you wait to board
• Exclusive welcome reception with hot and cold canapés and complimentary alcoholic drinks
• Box of chocolates
• Fresh fruit
• Daily canapes
• Coffee machine
• Breakfast in an exclusive venue (Epicurean Restaurant)
• Inclusive room service
• Butler service
• Full-size whirlpool bath
• Priority tenders (where applicable)

Dining on P&O Britannia

There are plenty of dining options on P&O Britannia, with complimentary and specialty restaurants to choose from.

There are main dining rooms, casual dining venues and specialty dining restaurants.

Main Dining Rooms

You will be allocated the Oriental main dining room for traditional set time dining if you enjoy eating at the same time every evening.

Oriental Restaurant   Breakfast: 08.00 – 09.30 (Sea Day) 07.30 – 09.00 (Port Day) Dinner: 1st sitting from 18.30, 2nd sitting from 20.30.

If you prefer a bit more flexibility in the time you eat, I would recommend dining at the Meridian main dining room or Peninsular main dining room.

You can choose the style of dining you’d like when you book your cruise on Britannia.

The main dining rooms all offer the same menu, which changes each night.

In my opinion the food is of a good standard and features traditional British dishes such as Beef Wellington and Bread and Butter Pudding. I particularly recommend the fish dishes.

Meridian Restaurant Lunch: 12.15 – 13.45 (Light lunch option – Sea days only) Dinner: 18.00 – 21.30

Peninsular Restaurant Breakfast: 08.00 – 09.30 (Sea Day) 07.30 – 09.00 (Port Day) Lunch: 12.15 – 13.45 Afternoon tea: 16.00 – 16.45 Dinner: 18.00 – 21.30

Once a cruise, there is a special Gala Night menu that shouldn’t be missed. This is typically offered on the first formal night of the cruise. Please be aware that this may differ on summer 2021 UK cruises.

Each dish in the main dining room is nicely presented and portion sizes are not too large so you can enjoy all three courses. If you have a larger appetite you can always order extra portions of any course.

Casual Dining Venues

On P&O Britannia you can opt for more casual dining options for breakfast, lunch and dinner with healthy and fast food choices, depending on what you fancy.

The buffet is open from 6am to 12 noon for breakfast. It can get very busy but signage at the entrances indicates peak times to avoid.

I would recommend leaving the main buffet dining area and finding a table outside for a peaceful start to the day, away from what can be chaos.

The buffet has a rolling menu so there is always food available between 6am and 2am, here’s a guide to times throughout the day in the Horizon Court Buffet:

Breakfast: 06:00 – 12:00 Lunch: 12:00 – 15:00 Afternoon snacks: 15:00 – 17:00  Children’s tea: 17:00 – 18:00 Theme dinner: 18:00 – 21:30 Late night snacks: 21:30 – 02:00

The themed dinners in the buffet change nightly and offers a wide selection of cuisines from around the world. You can find the schedule for the buffet dinner themes on you in-cabin TV.

Other complimentary casual food options include:

• Pizzeria on Lido Deck 16
• The Grill on Lido Deck 16
• Grab & Go on Lido Deck 16

I particularly like the Grab and Go option as there are freshly-made individually wrapped sandwiches and salads that you can take from the fridges. This is a healthy alternative to the pizza and burgers also on offer on the Lido Deck.

Specialty Dining Restaurants on P&O Britannia

For an additional charge, you can book a table at one of P&O Britannia’s specialty restaurants.

You can book in advance before the cruise or once you’re onboard but be aware that once you get on the ship, dining times may be limited.

The Beach House

The cheapest specialty dining option on Britannia is The Beach House at just £7.50 for a three-course meal. It’s a pop-up restaurant situated in a section of the Horizon Court Buffet and is only open in the evenings.

I dined at The Beach House twice on my last cruise on Britannia and liked it’s casual atmosphere and tasty food.

The menu takes inspiration from Caribbean and American cuisines to deliver menu choices that are sure to appeal to families and friends looking for comfort food and hearty dishes.

The Beach House menu has vegetarian options and limited vegan options so it can be enjoyed by all preferences.

The Glass House

Situated in the ship’s atrium, The Glass House meticulously pairs light, tapas-style dishes with a selection of wines that cannot be enjoyed anyway else on P&O Britannia.

British TV presenter and wine expert, Olly Smith, has had a hand in the menu so it’s fair to say that some thought has gone into the food and drink on offer.

I’d recommend reading my blog post, dedicated to The Glass House and its menu .

A popular specialty restaurant on P&O Britannia is Sindhu , located on Deck 7. This restaurant offers contemporary Indian cuisine and is open for dinner every night from 6pm to 9pm and a light lunch on sea days from 11am to 4.30pm.

Sindhu has a cover charge of £20 per person, which is excellent value given the quality of the dishes. It can seat up 140 covers per night but beware, this still gets booked up in advance.

It has its own bar and lounge area in front of the restaurant that is a chilled area for pre or post-dinner drinks.

The Epicurean Restaurant

The Epicurean Restaurant offers modern, British fine dining and is located near the Crow’s Nest on Deck 16. This specialty dining venue is open for breakfast for suite guests and dinner for any passengers with an advanced booking.

The menu features a selection of classic and contemporary dishes, along with an extensive cheese menu, hand picked by cheese expert Charlie Turnbull.

You can also enjoy Eric Lanlard’s afternoon tea at The Epicurean on sea days but should be pre-booked.

The Limelight Club

If you enjoy dinner and a show, The Limelight Club offers just that. A variety of acts perform during the cruise, which differs depending on your dates and itinerary but can be pre-booked before your cruise.

I would say 80s and 90s musical acts are the main theme of the Limelight Club.

Four menus are rotated throughout the cruise so if you decide to watch more than one act, you won’t be stuck with the same menu.

The menu is limited and I personally think that there are a few strange combinations and textures but the performances certainly make up for that.

The cover charge varies according to the performers but expect to pay between £25 and £35 for a three-course meal.

Entertainment on P&O Britannia

Throughout the day on board P&O Britannia, there is entertainment and activities to get involved in.

I’d recommend watching my tour of Britannia to help you become familiarised with the entertainment venues on the ship.

You can also take a look at the 50 free things to do on Britannia included in your cruise fare.

Live music can be found in most of the bars and lounges in the evenings. If you particularly enjoy dancing, I’d recommend heading to The Crystal Room for big band music and ballroom dancing.

Headliners Theatre

The Headliners Theatre is a two-tier theatre seating 936 cruise passengers.

There is a selection of tribute acts, cabaret-style shows and guest performers throughout the cruise with P&O’s magic show, Astonishing, also making an appearance.

There are two or three performances per night to accommodate cruisers with different dining times so it’s very unlikely you’ll not be able to find a seat for one of the performances each evening.

The tiered seating means that you will always be able to see the stage and accessible seating is located near the Deck 7 entrance to the theatre.

Bars and Drinks on P&O Britannia

There are 13 bars onboard P&O’s Britannia so there’s no chance of going thirsty!

Beer lovers will find plenty of choice on the menu in Brodie’s, whilst wine connoisseurs should feel at home in The Glass House. Both of these venues offer drinks flights so that you can sample a selection of beer and wine before finding your favourite.

Brodie’s is P&O Cruises’ onboard pub, a hub for live music, sport and entertainment. This venue is named after P&O’s co-founder, Brodie McGhie Wilcox. You can expect British bottled beers, spirits and wine here.

This venue can get quite busy, particularly in the evenings when there are quizzes and games being hosted.

There are some quieter ‘break-out’ spaces along one side with comfy seating and the casino is situated on the opposite side. There is waiter service or you can order directly from the bar.

For classy cocktails, martinis and bellinis, I would recommend a visit to the Blue Bar in the atrium with the added bonus of people-watching.

It’s the main bar situated in the atrium and is a great place to meet friends and family before dinner. It’s very popular on formal nights as the place to sip your champagne or bellini. It gets quieter after dinner as passengers head off to the other venues so for a drinks with friends it’s a nice spot.

Live Lounge

On Deck 7 aft, the Live Lounge is an entertainment venue that offers live music and doubles as the ship’s nightclub.

On some occasions, this venue was completely empty and we popped in to get a quick drink at the bar. This is where the 80s night is held but don’t worry, fancy dress is not required or encouraged.

The Crow’s Nest

For fantastic front-facing views during the day and elegant drinks at night, The Crow’s Nest is a bar that can be found across the P&O fleet.

The bar isn’t open all day but in the evening it turns into a sophisticated piano bar for after-dinner drinks. This venue can be quite popular on formal nights.

If you enjoy sipping a cocktail and watching the wake view, the Sunset Bar on Deck 16 is a perfect spot. This is my favourite bar on Britannia and we enjoy spending some time here in the late afternoon, during sailaways.

Drinks prices are fairly reasonably and are no more than what you would pay on the high street. You can see the full list of drinks on Britannia with prices to give you an idea of what’s onboard and how much you should budget for.

A drinks package may be worth purchasing for your Britannia cruise but be aware that drinks packages are not available to purchase on short cruises.

There are alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks packages as well as a child’s package, which I think is excellent value. Take a look at the options so you can decide for yourself.

It’s important to note that drinks packages cannot be shared and therefore, P&O Cruises will not allow just one person sharing a cabin to buy a drinks package.

Laundry on P&O Britannia

I’m sure that when you’re planning your cruise on Britannia, laundry services are furthest from your mind but it’s useful information to know, especially for longer cruises.

The good news is that the launderettes found on the cabin decks are free to use, all you need is washing tablets. Check my complete P&O laundry guide for all the information you need.

P&O Britannia FAQs

What is the dress code on p&o britannia.

During the day, casual holiday clothes can be worn such as shorts, t-shirt and summer dresses. You should avoid pool wear in the inside, lounges, bars and restaurants. Footwear must be worn inside.

Evening casual wear can be worn on non-formal nights of your cruise. This is best described as outfits you would wear to a nice restaurant. Smart dark denim can be worn with a nice top or open neck shirt.

Tracksuits, sports wear and trainers are not permitted in the evenings. If you are cruising in the Caribbean, tailored shorts can be worn in the buffet.

On Gala Evenings and Black Tie Nights you should wear something special. Typically on P&O Cruises, passengers choose to dress very formally with black being the overriding choice for many.

Many men decide to wear a dinner jacket and bow tie but don’t be put off by this. A dark business suit and tie is perfectly acceptable. Cocktail dresses, jumpsuits and ball gowns are worn by women.

How many swimming pools does Britannia have?

P&O Britannia has five swimming pools in total. There are two main pools on the Lido Deck, an adult-only pool in the Serenity area, a small terrace pool on the Sun Deck and an indoor hydrotherapy pool in the Spa.

Are you allowed to take alcohol on a P&O cruise?

Each guest aged 18 years (21 years in US ports) and older is allowed bring up to 1 litre of wine, Champagne, beer, spirit, or liqueur on board as they embark the ship for the first time only.

Alcohol over the 1 litre limit will be stored and returned to the guest before the end of the cruise. If this alcohol is consumed in the dining rooms, bars, restaurants or lounge areas, it will be subject to a corkage fee of £20 per bottle, per occasion which will be charged to the guest’s on-board account. 

Any alcohol purchased in port must be declared once you return to the ship. It will be stored safely for you and returned by the final evening of your cruise.

Is tea and coffee free on P&O Britannia?

Tea and coffee is free of charge on P&O Britannia except specialty teas and coffees from Costa Coffee. There is tea and coffee making facilities in your cabin, which are replenished daily.

Can I take bottled water on P&O Britannia?

Yes, an unlimited amount of water and soft drinks can be brought on board with you for your P&O cruise. There is one small bottle of water per person in your cabin on arrival.

How much is WiFi on P&O Britannia?

WiFi is not included in your cruise fare with P&O Cruises so if you want to be able to connect a device to WiFi on your cruise, you will need to purchase one of three WiFi packages available, starting at £7.75 per day. These packages are cheaper if you pre-purchase them at least three days before your cruise, using your My P&O Cruises account.

I opted for the Browse Package and found it allowed me to do did everything I needed such as social media and Googling port information.

P&O Britannia Tips and Advice

I hope that you’ve found this guide useful. If you have any questions about Britannia, I would be happy to help with any queries you may have. You can either use the Contact Me page or simply use the comment section below to ask your question.

Laura is a UK cruise blogger based in Cornwall, UK. She founded Cruise Lifestyle in 2016 to share useful advice about cruising, destinations and food. Last port visited: Bridgetown, Barbados Next port of call: unknown, but she can’t wait for cruising to resume safely!

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Cruise Ship   Britannia

Cruises On Britannia

Britannia Decks and Cabins

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• 11 - D Deck
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• 15 - A Deck
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Built in 2015, the Britannia cruise ship weighs 144K tons and has 1836 staterooms for up to 4406 passengers served by 1350 crew . There are 18 passenger decks, 8 with cabins. You can expect a space ratio of 33 gross tons per passenger on this ship. On this page are the current deck plans for Britannia showing deck plan layouts, public venues and all the types of cabins including pictures and videos.

Last Drydock: Apr 2024

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Floor Diagram Suite

Sleeps up to: 3 62 Cabins Cabin: 332 sqft (31 m 2 ) Balcony: 72 sqft (7 m 2 ) * Size may vary, see details below.

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SUPERIOR DELUXE BALCONY

Floor Diagram Superior Deluxe Balcony

Sleeps up to: 4 92 Cabins Cabin: 243 sqft (23 m 2 ) Balcony: 36 sqft (3 m 2 ) * Size may vary, see details below.

DELUXE BALCONY

Floor Diagram Deluxe Balcony

Sleeps up to: 4 326 Cabins Cabin: 185 sqft (17 m 2 ) Balcony: 36 sqft (3 m 2 ) * Size may vary, see details below.

Floor Diagram Balcony

Sleeps up to: 4 896 Cabins Cabin: 174 sqft (16 m 2 ) Balcony: 36 sqft (3 m 2 ) * Size may vary, see details below.

Floor Diagram Interior

Sleeps up to: 4 460 Cabins Cabin: 175 sqft (16 m 2 ) * Size may vary, see details below.

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P&O Cruises' Britannia sets sail after extensive refurbishment

P&O Cruises UK 's flagship Britannia left from Southampton on April 21st following an extensive multimillion drydock refurbishment .

The company recently announced that Britannia will be featured in its travel agent ship visit schedule, offering 3 opportunities for visits.

Completed earlier this month, the refurb prepares the vessel for its upcoming 10th-anniversary celebration cruise on June 6, 2025.

The upgrades encompass various areas of the ship, including public spaces, all staterooms, as well as an extension of the loyalty desk and cruise sales area. Additionally, enhancements have been made to the Market Cafe, and a substantial investment has been allocated for crew areas. The children's splash area has been revamped with interactive water features. Furthermore, the capacity of the Sunset Bar has been increased with extra seating, incorporating design elements from P&O UK's newest ships ( Iona and Arvia ).

Paul Ludlow (the company's President and CEO) said Britannia was their flagship, and with her 10th anniversary celebration cruise next summer they knew the importance of ensuring the vessel looked "its absolute best to deliver an elevated experience" for their new and loyal guests.

I visited the Royal Yacht Britannia, the royal family's luxurious private cruise ship known as a 'floating palace.' Take a look inside.

• The Royal Yacht Britannia was the royal family's private yacht from 1953 to 1997.
• The ship is now a museum open to the public in Edinburgh, Scotland.
• The tour shows the Queen's bedroom, state rooms used for entertaining, and crew bunks.

The Royal Yacht Britannia was the royal family's private yacht from 1953 to 1997.

With its many royal family vacations and official tours, the yacht logged over 1 million miles , the equivalent of one trip around the world for each of its 44 years at sea.

The Queen once said that "Britannia is the one place where I can truly relax."

The Labour government decommissioned the ship in 1997 due to its high operation cost of £11 million each year, Reuters reported . That's equivalent to about $23 million today.

At the decommissioning ceremony, the Queen  shed a rare public tear .

The ship has made several appearances in Netflix's "The Crown," including season five .

The yacht is now a museum open to the public in Edinburgh, Scotland.

On a recent trip to Scotland , I booked a ticket for the Royal Yacht Britannia museum, which costs £18.50 ($23) for adults.

The entrance is located inside the Ocean Terminal shopping center in Edinburgh.

Before boarding the yacht, visitors walk through a museum detailing the boat's history and connection to the royal family.

The five-story ship was a royal residence as well as a Royal Navy ship, with a full-time staff of more than 240 royal yachtsmen and officers.

The museum displays photos of the royal family's life aboard the ship, as well as items like crew uniforms.

Then, a walkway with more photos leads to the deck of the boat.

The ship is docked on the water just outside the shopping center.

I listened to the audio tour of the ship on my phone by scanning a QR code.

There were also separate listening devices available.

Each room of the ship had a number that you could type in and press "play" to hear about your surroundings in an array of languages.

The first stop was the bridge, the main control point of the yacht.

In this small space, officers navigated the seas and recorded data in the ship's logbooks.

Outside, the flag deck is the highest point on the ship.

Britannia had three masts, and different flags were used to communicate with other ships on the water.

The admiral's cabin and suite is the most spacious on the ship, aside from the royal apartments.

The admiral's accommodations featured a day room, bedroom, bathroom, and pantry. The sofa and armchairs in the dayroom are over 100 years old and came from the previous royal yacht, Victoria and Albert III.

The royal family often sunbathed, played deck hockey, or swam in a collapsible swimming pool on the Veranda Deck.

Part of the yacht's royal quarters, the deck was also used for receptions and group photos.

Prince Philip occasionally set up his easel on the deck to paint.

Overlooking the Veranda Deck, the Sun Lounge was one of the Queen's favorite rooms on the ship.

Queen Elizabeth would often take her breakfast and afternoon tea in the Sun Lounge.

The Queen's bedroom on the Royal Yacht Britannia featured bed linens that once belonged to Queen Victoria.

The embroidered silk panel above the Queen's bed, commissioned in 1953, cost £450 ($560, or $6,250 in today's money).

Her sheets were embossed with "HM The Queen."

Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip had separate bedrooms connected by an adjoining door.

Each room had its own bathroom.

Philip's bedroom featured red linens, and he requested pillowcases without lace trim.

A button next to each of their beds would summon a royal steward.

Across the hall, the Honeymoon Suite was the only room onboard with a double bed.

The double bed was requested by then-Prince Charles when he honeymooned with Princess Diana in 1981.

The room was also used as a nursery when the royal children were young.

The Anteroom served as a recreational space for the officers, off-limits to the rest of the crew.

Officers would spend their time here listening to the radio and playing board games.

The royal family occasionally dined in the adjoining Wardroom.

Britannia's 19 officers ate meals here, accompanied by the Royal Marines Band.

Britannia has three galleys, which are still working kitchens today.

The galleys prepare food for the Royal Deck Tea Room and events hosted on the ship.

The Royal Deck Tea Room offers an extensive menu of soups, sandwiches, scones, and other treats for visitors to the museum.

The royal family once used the space to entertain guests and play deck games.

The state dining room is the largest room on the Royal Yacht Britannia.

Winston Churchill, Margaret Thatcher, Bill Clinton, Ronald Reagan, Nelson Mandela, and many other world leaders dined here with the royal family.

The placement of each utensil was measured with a ruler.

Just off the state dining room, the Queen's sitting room served as her office.

Here, the Queen would meet with her press secretaries and prepare for royal visits.

On the opposite side of the hall, the Duke of Edinburgh had his own sitting room.

Both Philip and Charles used the room as a study. Philip kept a model of his first naval command, the HMS Magpie, above his desk.

The telephones connecting the sitting rooms to each other and their private secretaries' offices are identical to the phones used in Buckingham Palace.

The large Drawing Room and connecting Anteroom could accommodate up to 250 guests.

The Drawing Room featured an electric fireplace and cozy floral furniture. When it wasn't being used as a reception space during formal events, the royal family used it to relax and play games on the card tables.

Petty officers and Royal Marine sergeants kicked back in their living quarters, also known as the mess.

Petty officers would occasionally entertain the Queen and other royal family members here.

The crew bunks weren't as glamorous as the royal apartments.

Each bunk folded up into a seat, and crew members stored their possessions in lockers.

Britannia's NAAFI (Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes) shop sold souvenirs and sweets, as well as essentials like toothpaste.

Diana once bought Prince William a Britannia souvenir shirt from the shop. Today, it sells homemade fudge to museum guests.

The ship's sick bay and operating theater still feature the original furnishings from the 1950s.

The ship's doctor attended to crew members, while the Queen's royal surgeon traveled with her on voyages.

Britannia's laundry room could reach temperatures of 120 degrees Fahrenheit as it washed up to 600 shirts in one day.

The royal family's laundry was done on different days than the crew's laundry.

All of the clocks onboard the Royal Yacht Britannia are stopped at 3:01 p.m.

The clocks are frozen at the  time the Queen stepped off the ship for the last time  during its decommissioning ceremony in December 1997.

The tour concludes in a gift shop full of royal souvenirs.

Amid the Britannia-themed mugs, pens, and aprons, the gift shop also sold replicas of royal jewelry.

There's even a photo-op at the end of the tour where you can practice your royal wave.

The tour was full of surprising facts about royal life and travels, and I couldn't believe that we actually got to see inside Queen Elizabeth's bedroom on the ship. It's definitely worth a visit.

• Main content

7 luxurious cruises leaving Southampton in May 2024 including the Queen Anne

Getting away from the hustle and bustle of usual life can be a great way to recharge, and what better way than to take a trip on a cruise from Southampton?

There are several leaving from the city in May that are sailing all over the world including the likes of Cunard, P&O, Fred Olsen and MSC to name a few.

In total, there are 50 international cruises listed to depart from Southampton for the remainder of this month, and prices are correct as of May 1, 2024.

Here's a selection of some of the journeys you can go on, with a full list being available at the Southampton Cruise Centre website.

World cruises leaving Southampton in May 2024

Maiden voyage of queen anne.

Provider : Cunard

Departing : Friday, May 3

The maiden voyage of the Queen Anne (the latest addition to Cunard's fleet) will depart from Southampton on Friday, May 3.

It will make stops at La Coruna and Lisbon before returning to the port on a seven-night cruise.

However, for those wanting to be a part of the trip, all rooms are sold out.

Shetlands & Norwegian Fjords

Provider : MSC Cruises

Departing : Saturday, May 11

A short seven-night voyage from MSC Cruises will stop off at destinations like Lerwick in the Shetland Islands, Haugesund, Flåm and Kristiansand before returning to Southampton.

At the time of writing, there are fares from £551 per person.

Whales & Volcanic Landscapes of Iceland

Provider : Fred Olsen

Departing : Tuesday, May 14

This 11-night cruise will be travelling around Iceland, stopping off at places such as Reykjavik, Isafjørdur and Thorshavn.

People will have the opportunity to see some of Iceland's natural wonders and take part in some whale watching.

At the time of writing, there are fares from £1,299 per person.

Roundtrip Transatlantic Crossing

Departing : Thursday, May 16

This cruise from Cunard will last 14 nights and travel across the Atlantic Ocean before stopping off at New York.

After a brief stay there, travellers will go back across the ocean to conclude the voyage at Southampton.

At the time of writing, you will need to call 02380 658 386 to find out prices.

Scandinavia and Baltic Sea

Provider : P&O Cruises

Departing : Saturday, May 18

This 16-night cruise will visit various locations including Helsinki, Tallinn, Klaipeda and Skagen before returning to Southampton.

At the time of writing, there are fares from £1,028 per person.

Best of Scandinavia

Provider : Celebrity Cruises

Departing : Monday, May 27

One of the first cruises the Celebrity Apex ship will make from Southampton is this 12-night cruise exploring Scandinavia.

It will visit locations such as Copenhagen, Helsinki, Stockholm and Visby along the way.

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Flavors Of Western Europe

Provider : Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Departing : Thursday, May 30

This 10-night cruise will visit spots such as Saint-Malo, Best, Lorient, Bordeaux and Gijon before returning to Southampton.

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On board this year’s most surprising — and luxurious — new cruise ship

Our expert was first on board cunard’s latest launch, queen anne, and found a futuristic twist on tradition with kombucha bellinis, pickleball and even a banksy.

I t’s midnight on Queen Anne and the ship is slipping into happy decadence. The bars are packed and live music is thumping as I wander from one venue to the next. In the Queens Room — normally a spirited but genteel ballroom — a DJ is spinning tunes, the cheering crowd grooving to the Black Eyed Peas’ I Gotta Feeling . There’s a rock band in the Bright Lights Society show bar and an Irish duo in the Golden Lion pub. Swishy outfits shimmer with sequins — and I’m not just talking about the women.

We’re the first guests on board and celebration is in the air. It’s 14 years since the late monarch smashed a bottle of champagne on the hull of her namesake, Queen Elizabeth, so the excitement at being on a new Cunard Queen is palpable. The ship was commissioned in 2017 but work was, of course, interrupted by Covid. Now, the 3,000-passenger Queen Anne is here, in Southampton, the 249th ship in the company’s 184-year history.

There’s something special about a Cunard Queen. The pomp and ceremony, the scarlet funnel, the nattily dressed bellhops, the romance of steamer trunks and ocean crossings. While Cunard is part of the giant, US-based Carnival Corporation and indeed, the onboard prices are in dollars, there’s a strong sense of British maritime tradition about all three of its sister Queens. Afternoon tea, craft gins, dressing for dinner — even the four-tiered class system all hark back to cruising’s golden age.

Queen Anne is a little different. This is a contemporary take on a traditional Cunard ship. There’s certainly a sense of grandeur, with art deco flourishes at every turn. The Grand Lobby sets the tone, with etched brass pillars, a domed ceiling and a curving staircase on which people in glittering gowns pose for pictures. My cabin has some rather lovely objets d’art, including an art deco ship model in glass (glued down) and a bold geometric design in the black and white marble bathroom. The Britannia restaurant, the main dining room, is gorgeous and spread over two decks with soaring gold columns and light flooding the space from huge windows.

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And yet I feel as though I’ve got one foot in the past and one in the future. There’s a vast, airy yoga space, a juice café, a pickleball court, archery area, a sushi bar and a deluxe vintage fashion outlet selling Chanel and Louis Vuitton — all features that might tick the wish list of cruisers looking for a more contemporary vibe.

If you’re a diehard Cunard regular, you’re going to be surprised by this ship. There are venues with familiar names but a completely new look. It takes a while to find your way around; I circle the deck looking down on the Pavilion Pool twice before finding a way out.

This pool is a departure from usual cruise-ship style in that it’s under the Pavilion, a retractable glass roof designed by the architect Martin Francis, the man who engineered the iconic Louvre Pyramid in Paris, no less. The pool is overlooked by the Wellness Café, which is where I start my day with miso granola, berries and kefir, accompanied by a beetroot and carrot juice. As well as shots and juices, there are (almost) guilt-free cocktails here. Why wouldn’t you want a kombucha bellini?

Something else that’s different about Queen Anne compared with her sisters is the addition of four new dining venues. As with all Cunard ships, the cabin you book determines the dining room where you eat. While the Britannia dining room is spectacular, if you don’t want a fixed dining time and dread the idea of sharing a table with strangers, opt for Britannia Club. You’ll get a slightly posher cabin and will have your own reserved table in the sleek Britannia Club restaurant. As a guide, a seven-night Iberia peninsula cruise in June would cost £949pp in an inside cabin and £1,599pp in a balcony cabin eating at Britannia Club. The same cruise in a Princess Grill grade cabin is £2,629pp and the Queens Grill £3,709pp.

I dine in the Queens Grill, which serves the top suites. The modern British menu is exceptional, with smoked trout, lemon sole with Jersey potatoes, and pistachio soufflé all getting the thumbs up.

On a longer voyage, I’d eat my way around the ship. There’s a Mediterranean restaurant, Tramonto, where buffalo mozzarella, confit-spiced aubergine and chermoula hake with hummus are just some of the stars on the £15 menu. In the Indian restaurant, Aranya, the menu has been created by Surjan Singh Jolly , aka TV’s Chef Jolly, and is worth every penny of the £28 cover charge.

At the back of the ship, on deck ten, there’s a sushi restaurant, Aji Wa, and a new iteration of Sir Samuel’s (named after Cunard’s founder). On Queen Mary 2, Sir Samuel’s is a coffee shop, but here it’s morphed into a smart steakhouse with dreamy views over the aft deck and pool. This will be a great spot to dine on a sunny evening.

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As cruise ships buffets are so yesterday, the casual dining venue on Queen Anne, named the Artisans’ Foodhall, promises “food stations” and á la minute preparation. But it’s essentially a buffet, where you point at what you want and it’s plated for you. Lunch was disappointing in here, but to be fair, we are the first guests on the ship. And I’m impressed by the after-11pm comfort food of tacos and shawarmas; who would have thought that Cunard would offer late-night kebabs?

My favourite bar on other Cunard ships is the Commodore Club and the version on Queen Anne doesn’t disappoint — it’s a sleek cocktail lounge on deck 14 with 270-degree ocean views and a huge martini menu. Each of the Cunard Queens has its own gin and the Queen Anne blend is made by Summerhall Distillery, flavoured with heather, sea buckthorn and rose petals. I love the Chart Room too, looking down into the Grand Lobby and fabulously blingy, with a red marble bar surrounded by glittering shards of glass.

Cunard has gone big on partnerships with Queen Anne. Michel Roux will host two Le Gavroche at Sea residences and is also coming up with elevated pub grub for the Golden Lion, another signature Cunard venue; the golden lion in question features in the company’s logo. We can expect a gourmet take on a ploughman’s, a special Cunard beefburger and Roux’s signature three-cheese toasties. There’s a whole menu of bloody marys and a golden mary, featuring Cunard gin and pressed yellow tomato juice.

At the opposite end of the healthy scale, Harper’s Bazaar has concocted three wellness “journeys” for the spa, three-day detox programmes costing £500 apiece, including treatments, Elemis products and a suggested dining plan. Martinis in the Commodore Club are sadly not included.

There’s more. A collaboration with the British Film Institute means exclusive movie screenings in the Pavilion, where a giant screen overlooks the pool. Guest speakers on the maiden voyage will be Frank Bruno, Midge Ure and Celia Imrie. The shows in the theatre are actual plays as well as feathers-and-sequins musicals. If you’re on the maiden voyage next week, you can see the award-winning Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) . The Clarendon Fine Art gallery has some interesting offerings too; a limited- edition Banksy was unveiled this week, yours for a cool £125,000.

So what’s the verdict? I think the more traditonal Cunard regulars may stay with the safety of the sister ships. Queen Anne, though, will intrigue cruise fans looking for a more contemporary experience in a setting of old-fashioned glamour. People moan about formality and dressing for dinner on cruise ships nowadays but on Queen Anne, you’d want nothing less. Sue Bryant was a guest of Cunard. Seven nights’ full board from £919pp on a Southampton to the Norwegian fjords itinerary, departing on June 23 ( cunard.com )

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