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P&O Cruise Line Britannia – Deck Plans, Entertainment and Cruising Tips

Although we have heard of P&O before, we always expected the cost to be extortionate, and it would all feel a bit snooty with ball gowns and tuxedos every night. We can confirm that we were completely wrong and as with other cruise lines you can sail how you want; but we’ll delve into that a little further down.

This is our guide on the P&O Britannia, where we’ll explore everything from the deck plans, food, and drinks to the entertainment.

If this is your first ever cruise and you’re wondering what to take with you, then take a look at our ‘What to Pack for a Cruise – List of Cruise Essentials’ . Although this doesn’t delve into everything you’ll need such as socks and underwear, it does provide you with an extensive list of items which will make your cruise that little bit more comfortable.

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Arrival at Southampton for Parking and Embarkation

We’ll only touch on this quickly, because you may be cruising on the Britannia but you’re not leaving from Southampton. But because Southampton is such a busy port for P&O, it’s worth us giving you a little information on the process we went through to board the ship.

As we drove into Southampton, we followed our sat nav, even though the signs directed us another way. Sadly, the sat nav was wrong and took us via another direction which was much longer. The docks in Southampton cover a large area, but even going the wrong way we still ended up working our way back to the one we needed, so it wasn’t a big deal.

Compared to some of the cruise terminals we have seen, the ones in Southampton are much bigger. We have used the parking providers known as Cruise and Passenger Services (CPS) a couple of times, but for cruise parking in Dover . They were always so efficient, so we decided to use them for our Southampton cruise parking too.

Alike Dover the whole process was incredibly easy, we simply displayed a print off on our windscreen and we were directed to a section of the terminal and followed instructions. Once we got to the directed spot we simply parked up and gave them our keys and removed our luggage. We would always recommend that you take pictures of your car before you leave, although CPS will do the same. It’s then a short walk to the terminal across the pedestrian crossings because we can imagine when you travel the area will be as busy as when we arrived.

Unlike Dover there is a system in the luggage drop off area of Southampton’s terminals. The area you leave your luggage will depend on the deck you are on during your cruise on Britannia. The best thing to do is ask one of the Stewards who are walking around and tell them what deck you’re on and they will be able to help you. There are signs up around the area, but they were difficult to see in the chaos and we didn’t quite understand them, so it was easier for us to ask for help.

Make sure you arrive at your allotted time only, because you will end up having to wait. We saw a lot of people standing in a side queue because they arrived early, but because we got there at our allotted time we simply walked into the terminal.

The terminal is pretty self-explanatory, and you will be directed by various members of staff. Just make sure you have your boarding pass available before you enter the terminal, because you will be asked repeatedly to show it to staff throughout the process.

After going up a set of escalators we joined a queue to check in and once we reached the desks, we were asked for our boarding passes and passports. Check in was quick and painless, but that was mainly due to the fact we had done most of the work when we did the online check in, such as adding our pictures.

Once check in is complete then it’s the usual security process, which is the same as you would do if you were going through airport security. So that would include removing watches, belts, wallets, keys and taking laptops out of your bag and placing them in the tray.

After that you’re done, then you can head up the gangway and your holiday begins.

Security Checks on Britannia

Whenever we cruise, we always find it easier after boarding to head straight to our muster station for the security briefing. Then once you’ve finished you can head to lido and enjoy your vacation.

The security briefing was incredibly easy on P&O Britannia, we simply went to the muster station which was on our boarding pass. Once we reached the designated area which is clearly sign posted, then we simply had our boarding pass scanned and a member of staff explained what we had to do and where we should go in cases of emergency. They do recommend that once you leave your muster station and gain access to your room, that you watch the full safety briefing which is available on the TV in your cabin.

Unlike some of the other cruise lines we’ve travelled with, you can head to your cabin straight away. The room cards can be found in an envelope at the cabin door, and it can be used to get in and out of your room, and to charge any drinks or purchases to your cruise account. Cash is not accepted in any of the bars, restaurants, or shops onboard.

Most cruise lines leave your luggage outside of your cabin door, and P&O did the same. It didn’t arrive until a couple of hours later, so make sure any items you need are in your hand luggage such as medications and even a change of clothes if you want to use the lido deck and pools.

Britannia Ship Statistics and Deck Plans

Passenger Capacity – 3,647

Staff/Crew Capacity – 1,398

Length of Britannia from End to End – 1083 Feet (331 Meters)

There are 18 decks on the P&O Britannia, but guests don’t have access below 4 (the medical centre is on deck 4). On decks 5, 6 and 7 you will find most of the facilities, then between deck 8 and 15 is the cabins and suites.

You will find the pools and buffet restaurant on Lido deck, which is on 16, and then on 17 is a pool, cookery club and the gym. The top deck is the 18 th and it has a bar, basketball court and promenade which is the running and walking track.

If you’re a big fan of swimming pools then you will find there is a total of three, with two being found on the Lido deck midship and one on deck 17 in the Serenity area. Unlike many of the other cruise ships we have been on, all the pools are heated. They also have two hot tubs on deck 17 midship and one on deck 17 aft.

Britannia P&O Cabins

We’ll start off by giving you an idea of what cabins are available on the Britannia and then we’ll go into the room that we stayed in, which was an inside cabin.

The types of cabins currently available are.

Inside Cabins

• Larger Inside – Cabin size 170 sq. Ft
• Inside – Cabin size 159 sq. Ft

Balcony Cabins

• Superior Deluxe Balcony – Cabin size 280 sq. Ft
• Balcony with Sofa – Cabin size 212 sq. Ft
• Balcony (obstructed view) with Sofa – Cabin size 212 sq. Ft
• Balcony – Cabin size 205 sq. Ft
• Balcony (obstructed view) – Cabin size 205 sq. Ft

Suite Cabins

• Suite – Cabin size 382 sq. Ft

Single Cabins

• Single Balcony – Cabin size 164 sq. Ft
• Single Inside – Cabin size 134 sq. Ft

As mentioned above we stayed in an inside cabin and had family members in a balcony room. Both rooms were pretty much the same size, with the obvious exception of the window and balcony section.

Within the main room you have a double bed, side units and a dressing table which has tea and coffee facilities including a kettle. We’ve been on a few cruise lines and none of them have provided a kettle and tea making facilities, and we will admit to loving it. You also have a fridge and in the dressing table draw is a hair dryer. There’s a TV on the wall and plenty of lighting around the room which can be controlled by light switches in various locations, including the headboard. You’ll find an option for lower lighting which we found to be perfect at night-time as we watched TV. The lights work in the same way as many other ships and hotels, whereby you need to use a card in a slot to turn them on.

The TV is better than other cruise lines because they offer live TV, some streamed options, children’s TV, and a raft of movies including some recently released options. You’ll also find a radio channel and a cruise information section which includes the weather, navigational chart, and ships webcam.

There is a section between the main room and bathroom which is an open wardrobe and has a small cupboard with shelves and the safe. The wardrobe is basically a rail with hangers which is a little different to the other cruises we’ve been on which have fully enclosed wardrobes.

The bathroom is quite small, but what we did like about it was the fact that the shower had a glass screen and not a curtain which clings to you when you’re wet. Within the shower you will see a shampoo and body wash dispenser, then in the sink area you will find soap and tissues. There is plenty of unit space and shelves to hold toiletries and other essentials. We were surprised how powerful the shower was and how hot the temperature got, which is quite unusual for cruise ships, even in the morning when a lot of people will be showering at the same time.

Overall, the room didn’t feel too small, the only gripe we had was that there wasn’t a ton of space in the cupboard when you placed your suitcases and bags at the bottom, although there were plenty of hangers.

As with most cruise lines, you will be introduced to your cabin steward on the first day. They will make up your room daily if you wish them too, for example making up your bed or fresh towels. Depending on your length of cruise they will even change the bedsheets about a week in. There is a sign on the door to either clean the room or inform the steward you’re resting.

P&O Britannia Cabins to Avoid

Unless you are opting for a saver fare, you can pick your cabin, which most people tend to prefer. But as Peter Parker’s Uncle Ben once said “with great power, comes great responsibility”. That’s because there are some P&O Britannia cabins to avoid, especially if you are choosing cabins for family members.

As much as we haven’t stayed in every cabin, from our own experiences, that of our family and conversations with other cruisers, we are able to advise on decks and more specifically cabins to avoid.

We can also provide you with some general tips that we use when selecting our deck and cabin, this can be applied to any cruise ships and not just the Britannia,

Areas to Avoid

To start with, we will quickly cover which Britannia decks to avoid, as this should help narrow down your search. Also it’s not necessarily the same decks on every ship.

The most obvious deck to avoid tends to be the deck directly below the Lido/pool deck, which on the Britannia is deck 15. Lido is one of the busiest decks on the Britannia, as it accesses the Horizon Buffet and the main pools, so there is generally a lot of foot traffic.

Thankfully there aren’t any other entire decks where you want to use caution, just some areas of deck 6. Personally we would avoid any cabin directly at the forward and aft of this deck, as they are above the Headliners Theatre and Live Lounge respectively.

The theatre has a slightly later show, so loud music can be heard until close to midnight. Whereas there is loud and live music played until at least 2am in the live lounge, which doesn’t make for a peaceful night.

How to Select the Right Cabin

Below are our general rules for picking cabins or decks on a cruise. It covers various aspects that need to be taken in to consideration for your next cruise on the Britannia.

• Avoid cabins near noisy areas: Cabins located near entertainment venues, bars, or high-traffic areas like elevators and stairwells may experience more noise. If you prefer a quieter environment, opt for cabins away from these areas.
• Midship cabins: Cabins located in the middle of the ship tend to experience less motion in rough seas. If you want help with avoiding seasickness , a midship cabin is generally a good choice, especially if you want that high deck balcony view.
• Consider your preferences: Some people prefer being closer to certain amenities, like the dining venues or the spa. Others might prefer a more secluded location for privacy and quiet. Consider your priorities when selecting a cabin.
• Balcony considerations: While many people enjoy balcony cabins for the views and fresh air, consider the location of the balcony. Cabins at the front (forward) or back (aft) of the ship may have different views and can be more susceptible to strong winds, which renders the balcony unusable.
• Avoid cabins near crew areas: Cabins near crew access areas or service areas may experience more foot traffic and noise. So check the deck plan to identify these locations and choose a cabin away from them, they tend to be blank areas next to or behind inside cabins.

It’s essential to research the specific layout of the P&O Britannia and read reviews from other cruisers on sites like Trip Advisor to get a sense of which cabins are preferable. Keep in mind that personal preferences vary, so what works for one person may not be ideal for another.

Horizon – Ship and Entertainment Information Sheet

During your time on the cruise, you’ll need to keep up to date with a lot of information, whether it’s about the entertainment on the ship, the ports, or general requirements. Since Covid 19 we have seen the introduction of more cruise apps, but P&O have retained the paper-based information leaflets. Theirs is called Horizon and it is left outside your door the evening before.

Horizon provides everything you need to know during your cruise, including the following.

• The Ports – This includes the arrival time and the latest time to be back on board. Also, information on the port including currency exchange, postage, people to contact if you have any emergencies on shore, if you require your passport ashore and details of any shuttle bus services.
• Details on Clock Changes – Due to the fact you’re probably sailing through time zones, you will need to be made aware of any clock changes. This was detailed at the bottom of the Horizon leaflet.
• Dress Code – During our cruise we had a number of formal nights, which tended to be held on sea days. Horizon will have a section which details whether the dress code is black tie or evening casual and what that means.
• Deal of the Day – Throughout your cruise there will be various deals within the shops, whether it’s on jewellery, clothing, or perfume.
• Entertainment – Most of the Horizon leaflet covers the entertainment on the ship. This includes everything you can find in the theatre, bars, spa, photo gallery, gym, shopping atrium and Lido deck. You’ll find that entertainment will be shown in order of time with most activities starting at 7am and ending late. We’ll explore what entertainment is available further on in this guide, but it includes shows, quizzes, and classes.
• Restaurant Opening Times and Other Facilities – Although you won’t have detailed lists of what is on offer in each restaurant because this will change each day. Horizon does have an additional pull-out section which has the restaurant opening and closing times. On this you’ll also see the opening times of the bars, shopping, and other onboard services. It’s a handy piece of paper which you can fold and pop into your pocket.

We must admit that our preference for accessing information about entertainment would be on an app, the use of paper does seem a little outdated and wasteful. Our last cruise was with Carnival, and we quite enjoyed having the app and all the information we needed on our phones. Taking that aside, P&O’s Horizon was incredibly useful during our cruise, and we just got use to carrying it around with us. They covered everything we needed and so much more, just make sure you throw it in your bag as you leave the room.

The ‘My Holiday’ P&O App

When you’re on the cruise ship and you log into the My Holiday app , you’ll see the following.

• Dining – Within this section you will see what restaurants are available, and there will be sample menus for that day. You can also book and put yourself in the queue for certain restaurants such as the Peninsular, Meridian and the Glass House.
• Shore Experiences – Provides you with the opportunity to see what excursions are available and the ability to book. You can filter on the app by port and sort by price, then simply book and it will be added to your cruise account.
• On Board Account Summary – Although you don’t want to spend your holiday worrying about money, it is important to keep an eye on your onboard account. With P&O when we bought a drink, we handed them our room card and when they brought the drink, they would also give us a receipt. Now we found this a little unusual, because on other cruise lines you are expected to sign a receipt to prove you have received the drink. Because of this we did regular checks of our account to make sure that all the information was correct. It would be difficult to remember at the end of the vacation what you had or had not bought, so makes sense to look throughout. On the first screen you are shown the total transaction amount, but there is an additional section which displays a drilled down amount.
• My Bookings – This section shows anything you have booked during your trip such as excursions.
• My Diary – Very similar to the bookings section, except it includes restaurant bookings and anything for the theatre.
• Medical Assistance – If you require information on who to call if there is an emergency then this section provides details. It includes the medical centre which is open every day on deck 4 between 9am and 6pm.
• Spa – For those of you considering using the spa but you’re wondering what is available, then you will find this section useful. It holds the Oasis Spa treatment menu in full, but sadly there are no prices on there so you would need to contact the spa itself for further details. It’s here you can also find the fitness schedule within the gym, including personalised classes or training sessions which you can pay for.
• Entertainment – Now this is where we would expect to see a full list of the daily entertainment so that we could simply check our phone rather than the Horizon leaflet. Sadly, there’s very little available on here and all you will see is what shows are on the Headliner Theatre and if there is any availability for that show.
• Drinks – This was actually quite handy because you didn’t need to ask for a menu at any of the bars, you simply went on the app, and it was there. Basically, this shows you every menu for every bar, but it didn’t show prices.
• Cabin Services – As well as essential holiday information including health and safety tips and things to be aware of during your trip. The cabin services section also provides a ships guide and a map of each deck, including where you can find all the available facilities. This is also the area that you will find the room service menu which includes breakfast, daytime bites, night-time nibbles, and drinks.
• Internet Packages – We couldn’t see much information in this section, but from looking online there are two packages to choose from. The first is ‘my wi-fi essential’ which is the cheaper of the two and ideal for simple browsing, email, and social media. There’s also ‘my wi-fi ultimate’ which gives you faster connection speeds and is perfect for browsing, email, social media, streaming of music and movies, and video chat. You can choose both as a cruise plan option or opt to pay per day.
• Youth – This is the area for the parents, because it provides a summary of what is available for the younger cruisers.

Entertainment and Activities on P&O Britannia

The entertainment aboard the Britannia was vast and high quality, especially the shows within the Headliners Theatre. We were astounded by the talent of the performers, but they were a small part of what made this a memorable cruise. We’ll explore a little of what was available in each room when we sailed, but obviously this may change so just be prepared.

Headliners Theatre

The lay out is similar to many other theatres you will have been in, and the seats are pretty comfy. There is no drinks service in the theatre, but you can take them in, although the holders on the seat are awful. You’ll find that the shows are always full, and it makes sense when you see the quality. The performers have all been in the entertainment industry for a number of years and their experience shows. There was something new every day whether it was Britannia’s performers or special guests. We adored the magician/comedian Manuel Martinez who appeared a couple of times during our 2-week cruise. There were also impersonators such as the amazing Miss Understood with her Pink show and Daniel East as Ed Sheeran. Plus, incredible singers such as Jo Rochelle with her eclectic range of songs and Vocal Xtr3me.

But it was the Headliner Theatre Company who provided the wow moments, so we strongly recommend you book them before you cruise so that you don’t miss out. Our favourite shows during the cruise was Brit Pop, Mr Tickerton’s Clock Work Circus, Gravity and Astonishing, which is a magic show created for P&O by Stephen Mulhern and Jonathan Wilkes. You will be given an envelope for a card trick which we still cannot work out. But it’s small touches such as these which made the entertainment on P&O Britannia really stand out.

If you haven’t prebooked then there is a standby queue where you’ll be slotted in before the show starts. They’ll have an idea how many seats are left because as you enter the theatre, you’re asked for your cabin number. Our advice would be to head to the show half an hour before it starts, because it will fill up quickly and you want to make sure you get a decent seat.

The Live Lounge

Alike Headliners, the entertainment varied each day, but within the Live Lounge there was something offered throughout the evening (whereas the theatre only had two shows). During our cruise we enjoyed entertainment from the onboard band Pulse, and they themed each night, whether it was 70’s hits, rock classics or cheesy tunes. The karaoke was also held in the Live Lounge, and you could find family friendly or adult only. You can even watch some of the Headliner’s acts as they may also perform in the lounge, with both the Pink and Ed Sheeran impersonators appearing there at some point through the cruise.

If you’re a fan of comedy then this is where you’ll find most of the comedians, but sadly on our cruise there was only really one stand up option. Cruise Lines such as Carnival have specific comedy theatres and tend to have three or four comedians during the cruise. But we’re not complaining because the amount on offer and the standard overall was excellent.

Brodies Bar

The Limelight Club

You’ll only have access to the entertainment in the Limelight Club if you pay the additional charge. At the time we cruised it was between twenty-five and thirty-five pounds each, but the cost will depend upon the performer. Within the Limelight Club you can enjoy an exclusive three course meal and be entertained by a celebrity performer. The atmosphere is very cabaret style and gives guests an intimate exclusive feeling. There were three artists during our cruise, including Ray Quinn and Kevin Simm from Liberty X and Wet Wet Wet. We chose not to pay for the Limelight Club because the food options for our preferences were limited and we didn’t specifically want to see either performer. If you’re a fan, then it’s not a bad price at all to see a show, but we have been told that if you’re doing it for the food specifically, then the options are similar to what you would find in the main restaurant on the black tie/ formal nights. It’s a quirky extra offered by P&O Britannia and we enjoyed seeing the celebrities walking around the ship enjoying themselves.

Blue Bar (Atrium)

Found in the centre of the ship on deck 5, the Blue Bar provides a spot where you can people watch with a tipple or two. When it comes to entertainment in the atrium it tends to be singers, and we had two during our cruise. One a female singer who was incredible and then a male singer who played the guitar. We enjoyed this spot for entertainment because you could still chat as they performed and the whole vibe really suited us.

The Crow’s Nest

Sat in the front of the ship this bar has incredible views, hence the name. But when it comes to entertainment you can enjoy the beautiful sounds of the piano. Because this is a more upscale spot on the ship, you would expect the entertainment to reflect it. As such most evenings there tends to be two or three sessions where the onboard pianist will delight guests with an array of songs, whether it’s old classics or modern greats.

The Crystal Room

Because some of the entertainment will pull in larger crowds, Brodies Bar is a little too small, so this is where the Crystal Room comes in handy. There were a number of game shows held there such as quizzes and challenges, but our absolute favourite event was the silent disco .

If you’ve never heard of a silent disco, then it’s where guests are given a set of headphones and you have the option to pick the song you want to hear. Usually, two or three channels are active, and they can be alternated between using a button on your headphones. This means that depending on your music taste you can choose the channel you want to listen to. The best part is that when you remove the headphones the room is completely silent. We loved it on the cruise when one of the two DJs would ask for the crowd to yell and only half the room would do it. It’s so much fun to not only take part and dance to the amazing music, but it’s quite funny to watch without the headphones on. It also means that if people want to talk to each other then they don’t have to shout over whatever music is being played and you have the option of more than one song. We’d really recommend giving this a try, we were lucky enough to experience it twice on our cruise and even took elderly family members with us the second time and they loved it too.

You won’t find a lot of entertainment on the Lido deck, but there was the odd addition to our Horizon magazine. It was predominantly music quizzes, sail away or by the pool DJ sets, with more being offered on sea days.

The Cookery Club

The type of cuisine you can make really varies, but here are a few examples (bear in mind these may vary).

• Indian Favourites
• Breadmaking
• Thai Street Food
• Great Bakes
• Scandinavian and Baltic
• Classic Pies
• Spanish Tapas
• Portuguese Street Food

Looking at the information sheet provided on the Britannia, they confirm that the class is suitable for all abilities, whether you already enjoy cooking or you’re a total novice. You’ll be given tips and tricks to create delicious dishes. Everything is already measured up and you’re given access to a fully equipped kitchen area, so your two hours will be focused on cooking rather than preparation.

The Studio (Cinema)

Most cruise ships we have been on show movies on big screens on the Lido deck. Although we regularly see people relaxed on the sun loungers wrapped up in blankets, it’s not been something we have particularly enjoyed. Most movies are shown at night when you’re sailing and that means it tends to be cooler on the lido deck, and sometimes windy.

Now P&O have provided us with movie cruise ship heaven, by actually providing an indoor cinema. It looks pretty much like your average cinema, with the large screen at the front and the rows and rows of seats. When we sailed there was two or three movies a day, but they tended to be the same ones on rotation. Times each day will vary, so you need to check the Horizon magazine to find out what movie is showing and when.

If you miss one of the movies and you don’t get the chance to see it in the Studio, then you’ll find it available on the TV in your cabin. We were incredibly impressed by what was offered on our cabin TV, but we will admit that it’s kind of fun watching a movie in a cinema on a cruise ship.

If you do play then you will see an icon on the screen as you gamble, and it will tell you how many free drinks you can have within the casino. You receive free drinks based on the points accrued as you play. Within the casino there are supposed to be members of staff around, but we didn’t see any, so ended up heading to Brodies to get our drinks.

Additional Facilities

Photo gallery – pick up pictures.

Most cruise ships have a photo gallery section, but we found the ones on P&O incredibly easy to access and simple to use. We also found it important to note that P&O aren’t as bothersome with their photographers as we have experienced on other cruise lines. You will rarely be asked if you want your picture taken, if at all. But there are plenty of photographers dotted around should you want a memory of a fantastic vacation.

To check your photos head to deck 7 where you will find computer screens. Type in your cabin number and your photos will appear, then you can purchase them and have them printed. They normally take 24 hours to be uploaded, so we recommend waiting until the following day to take a look.  

You may find we make a lot of comparisons to other cruise lines throughout this guide, but that’s to give you an idea of the differences that stood out on the P&O Britannia. One such difference is the fact that Britannia has a specific room for a library, whereas on many other cruise lines you tend to have a few old books in a games room.

The library can be found at the back of the Crow’s Nest bar and has one of the biggest ranges of books we have seen on a cruise ship. They are even sectioned out into categories such as fiction, biographies, wellness, travel, children, and reference. To borrow a book from the library you simply choose the book you want, fill in the sheet, then once finished you will find a slot box to place it in.

Ivory Suite

P&O have a dedicated team of specialists who will explore what it is you’re looking for and aim to make the process stress free. They offer various packages, but our advice is to contact them for more details on pricing.

The Marlow Suite

Located in between the Crow’s Nest and Ivory Suite, this room is an area where you can sit and read or play games. There is no bar there, but they will bring you drinks from the Crow’s Nest. Most of the time it’s nice and quiet in there, but on occasion if there are lots of people it will get a little noisy. If you have forgotten to bring any games with you, there is a double cupboard filled with paper, pens, board games and cards. You can buy your own deck of cards from the cruise essential shop, but when we tried, they had sold out. Should you find yourself in the same situation then you can buy used packs from the casino for a couple of pounds.

The holiday essentials store can be found on deck 5 near the Limelight Club, and it offers a range of items such as medicines, plasters, toothbrushes, teddy bears, bags, and snacks.

Whitewall Art Gallery

Although the Art Gallery is only a small space, they offer some incredible pieces for sale. It can be found in the atrium next to the Blue Bar, and even if you’re not considering buying anything we’d recommend going in to take a look. We saw a pop art piece for around fifty thousand pounds, but don’t be to put off by that because prices vary dramatically.

Explorers Club

Loyalty and Cruise Sales

You may be on your cruise and enjoying it so much that you are thinking about the next one. P&O are there to help because on deck 7 mid ship you will find the cruise sales area. Members of staff will be available to sit and go through with you what cruises are available with P&O, and help you book so that you have something to look forward to once your cruise is sadly over.

Sports Facilities

Although this might not be a priority for your cruise trip, you may be surprised to know that many people visit the gym during their trip. The workout facilities in the P&O Britannia gym are impressive, it’s probably one of the largest we have seen on a cruise ship. You’ll find a range of machines from treadmills, cross trainers, rowing machines, weights machines, and an extensive free weights area. All the equipment seemed to be of a high quality, and we enjoyed the views of the ports as we worked out. As with other cruise ship gyms there were plenty of towels available and the hygiene wipes to ensure the equipment was clean for you to use.

If you want to take your exercise a step further, then you could always pay for a personalised fitness session with one of their instructors. They will show you around the gym and help you work out a routine using the equipment available to get the body you have always wanted.

There’s also an unlimited class pass which is purchasable and gives you the opportunity to attend additional specialised exercise classes which are listed in the Horizon magazine. During our cruise there was a body sculpt bootcamp, pathway to yoga, pure form Pilates and tour de cycle.

The Retreat

Located near the Serenity sunbathing area, you will see two doors either side of the Serenity bar. By the door there is a key card slot, but not really anything else as to what the Retreat is. We peeked through the slats of the doors, and you can see there are comfier sunbeds and a VIP experience sunbathing area. Thankfully we didn’t put our cabin key into the slot, because from researching the Retreat it is a chargeable sunbathing section. If you’re the kind of person who prefers extra peace and quiet, then you may wish to pay the additional forty pounds per person for the day. You’ll not only enjoy the comfier beds, but they have a few nibble options such as mini pastries and you can order drinks, but they will still be charged to your cabin account. Basically, you’re just paying for a quieter area to sunbathe.

The Oasis Spa

We will admit that we didn’t use the Oasis Spa ourselves, but we spoke to the staff there and have done some research into what is available. The spa on the Britannia is one of the biggest available of all the P&O cruise ships, which means it offers a lot more in the way of treatments. You can book in two-hour spa slots which give you access to the facilities, but not any treatments.

The facilities in the Oasis spa include a hydrotherapy pool, thermal suite, heated orthopaedic beds, heated water beds, a large dry sauna, steam room, cold sauna, and tropical rain shower. Within the treatment area there are fifteen rooms, and they offer an incredible range of spa favourites. This includes massage, wellness treatments such as acupuncture and aesthetic treatments. There’s also a salon within the spa offering hair treatments and nail services such as manicures and pedicures.

The Reef Kids Club

If you’re looking for entertainment for the kids, then The Reef is for you. This kids club can be found on deck 17 and is one of the biggest dedicated areas for children between the ages of two and seventeen years old.

There are five age specific rooms in The Reef Club.

• Tumblers – 6 months to 2 years – This is a play area with soft mats and toys. Although there aren’t specific organised activities, it’s the ideal spot for parents to play with their little ones and meet other parents with babies on the ship. The Tumblers room opens at 9am until 5pm on sea days and 10am to 5pm during port days. Between 6pm and 2am the room turns into a night nursery for children up to 4 years old. There is space for 15 cots, and it is a complimentary service which is a first come first served basis. For water play check out the Surfers section.
• Splashers – 2 to 4 years – This bright and spacious room includes a soft play area with a slide, a creative play area with Play-Doh and crayons, a dressing up area, puppet theatre and a small library. The staff there make sure that the kids have a day packed with activities such as face painting, games, and songs. Each day there is a story time at 7.45pm and then a movie between 8pm and 11pm. The children aren’t required to be toilet trained, and staff have nappies available and will change them. But they do encourage parents to bring their own. For water play check out the Surfers section.
• Surfers – 5 to 8 years – As we head to the older kids, you’d expect there to be more activities available and we can confirm that P&O Britannia provides. The Surfers room is sectioned off into different activity areas, including a spot for Lego, a giant soft play area, a puppet theatre, foosball, Wii TV, and screens for PS4 gaming. The game selection is age appropriate, and staff will limit how long each child spends playing. Don’t worry because your kids will be too busy to simply focus on computer games. The Surfers group have a busy daily itinerary which includes, a ship wide hide and seek, learning circus skills such as plate spinning, bowling, a pirate hunt and duel, and to top it all off there are talent shows. Of course, holidays should include some water fun, so all kids from Tumblers through to Surfers have access to an enclosed Splash Zone. This can be found outside the Surfers room and includes a pirate ship with water cannons and a shallow water play area with spray jets for toddlers. You can also find small foot powered buggies for younger kids to ‘drive’ around in.
• Scubas – 9 to 12 years – Because this is classed as the tween age, there tends to be fewer scheduled activities provided. Britannia know that the kids will choose to come and go as they please, but that it’s still a good idea to have a space where they can meet other cruisers their age. Within the room you’ll find 12 computer screens and age-appropriate games, a pool and air hockey table, a DJ booth and dance floor. The activities that are provided includes Lego, crafting and the ship’s DJ teaches the kids how to mix music.
• H20 – 13 to 17-year-olds – The H2O room is available from 10am to 1pm, 2pm to 5pm and then 6pm to 11pm on both port and sea days. If the teen is on board, then parents must also remain. This area can be described as more of a nightclub than a kid’s room. Alike the Scubas there are fewer organised activities, but you will find some games, talent shows and parties on the schedule. It’s really just a great spot to hang out with your new friends and play computer games or watch movies. At the back of deck 17 is a teens-only pool area, which includes a plunge pool, deck chairs and access to the H2O room.

Because The Reef can be found on deck 17 which is the Sun Deck, the rooms offer incredible views. There is even a waiting room for the parents when they come to drop off or pick up their children. As you would imagine there are age specific activities, games, and entertainment.

Kids club hours are 9am to 1pm, 2pm to 5pm and 6pm to 11pm during sea days. When you’re at port the hours are generally the same, with exception of the opening time which is 10am. Also, parents must stay on the ship if their kids are in The Reef.

No matter the child’s age you have to register and there is a Parents Talk on the first day of the cruise to introduce you to the staff and explain how The Reef works. Because of their age, Splashers and Surfers need to be signed in and out by their parents. Unfortunately, you cannot drop off babies and toddlers, so if you want to take part in the Tumblers class then you’ll have to stay with your child at all times.

During the cruise there are plenty of events such as the welcome parties, The Reef’s Got Talent show, kid’s discos, and a cookery club.

Britannia Bars and Drinks

There are plenty of bars available on P&O Britannia, with each offering a differing atmosphere to accommodate all their guests. To order a drink you grab the attention of a server, tell them what you want and then give them your room card. They will take your card away with them and when they bring your drinks, pass it back to you. Our advice is to make sure it is your card because mistakes can happen. You will be given a receipt, but you are not required to sign anything. At first, we found this unusual because on other cruise lines we have been required to sign a receipt to prove that we had accepted the drink. It is worth keeping an eye out on your cruise account to make sure that the right charges have been added. It can be difficult to remember at the end, so it would make sense to monitor as you go.

This list of the bars on Britannia will provide you with a general idea of what is available, and the type of drinks you’ll find in each.

The Crow’s Nest is the bar which you see on most of Britannia’s promotional information and for a very good reason. It can be found at the front of the ship on deck 16, which means it provides impressive views in a classy atmosphere. During the day it’s relatively empty, but it will get busy at nighttime because it is essentially the ships piano bar. If you spend time there in the day then you can wear shorts and flip flops, but you will be asked to leave and change as it leads up to 6pm. On Gala Evenings you are required to wear more formal clothing which is indicated by a sign near the entrance of the bar. The Crow’s Nest is beautifully decorated, and you’ll find comfortable chairs and sofas throughout, many near the large window overlooking the ocean. Drinks are similar to the options elsewhere on the ship, with a range of classic cocktails, beers, wine, and soft drinks.

With a relaxed sports theme, Brodies has the atypical pub look and is a popular spot on the ship to meet up with friends. It’s found quite centrally on deck 6, so you’ll pass it frequently during your cruise. Brodies is the main spot for activities such as daily quizzes and interactive sports like bowling. Because Brodies is next to the casino, you will find some activities relating to gambling such as jackpot pre-sales. Around the bar there are a number of large TV screens and during the day and night they will show various sporting events, but especially Live Premiership Football. Near Brodies is a pool table, which was always in use every time we walked past. When it comes to drinks, there is a large range available including British beers and ciders such as Fullers London Pride, Old Speckled Hen, and Black Sheep Ale, then your usual wines, soft drinks, and spirits.

Blue Bar (The Atrium)

As you can imagine with a name like Java, this area is predominantly a coffee house. It serves Costa Coffee (a UK Brand of coffee shop) and hot drinks, blended fruit coolers and speciality teas. They also have a selection of cakes on offer if you fancy something a little sweet with your coffee. When we looked at Java on the P&O app, we could only see hot drinks, but when we actually ventured over, there was a bar section too. Within the bar there was the same range of drinks as you can find in the other bars. We sat in Java once and in all honesty, it wasn’t the most relaxing space to sit, mainly because it’s near a thoroughfare and as such people are constantly walking back and too. There were many occasions when we passed and saw guests playing cards or games, so we think it depends on what you’re after. Personally, it wasn’t our preferred drinking spot, but there are tables and chairs outside the café on deck 7 which is perfect on a sunny day.

This is a small bar area just outside of the Sindhu restaurant, which is an Indian. The menu isn’t as large as the other bars on board, but there is a good range of wines. Sindhu Bar is ideal if you’re looking for somewhere a little quieter to relax, the only problem is you may struggle to get a seat because there aren’t many available.

Crystal Room

The Crystal Room is another prominent area for the larger more popular entertainment options such as ballroom dancing, karaoke, quizzes and even our favourite, the silent disco. There is plenty of seating around the dance floor, with lots of chairs and sofas in a beautiful white contemporary style. When there is no entertainment on, the bar will be closed, and the room can be used as a chill out space. You can grab a drink from the nearby Java instead. During the activities the bar will be open, and servers will walk around the room taking orders. Again, you will find a range of drinks from cocktails to beer, wines, spirits, and soft drinks.

The Glass House

This is predominantly a restaurant found on deck 7, which has been headed up by the award-winning wine expert Olly Smith. But you can access their impressive wine menu, with samples and wine flights being available to purchase.

Market Café

Whether you’re relaxing by the pool or sunbathing to top up that tan, you’re never too far from one of the five deck bars on P&O Britannia. As well as drinks, many of the bars offer a wide range of ice creams which you can purchase.

• Arena Bar – This is next to the basketball court on deck 18, but during our cruise it was never open. It offers a small selection of alcoholic and soft drinks, which is ideal if you need to hydrate after playing a game.
• Serenity Bar – The Serenity pool is the adults only section on deck 17, so it would make sense there would be a bar. Within the bar there was a huge range of cocktails, beer, spirits, soft drinks, and hot drinks. There are servers around the pool area, so you don’t even have to move from the comfort of your sun lounger.
• Lido Bar – Opposite the Riviera Bar and next to the pizzeria and lido grill, is the Lido Bar. This is quite central on deck 16 and it can get quite noisy with DJ’s playing and music quizzes. The drinks on offer are the same as the other bars and servers are always walking around to take your order.
• Riviera Bar – Opposite to the Lido Bar is the Riviera Bar and it is quite large. It seems a little odd to have two bars so close to each other, but we assume that on certain cruises this space can get extremely busy and as such they are needed. Again, the drinks options are the same.
• Sunset Bar – Found at the back of deck 16, this bar and sunbathing area is a little quieter because it’s hidden away. It is the ideal spot to take in the spectacular views as you relax and take in the peace and quiet around you. As you can imagine the drinks options are the same even though the bar here isn’t huge. It may not always be open, depending on the weather.

Because the Live Lounge is the hub of entertainment, you’d expect there to be a fantastic range of drinks and they certainly do not disappoint. So relax in the comfortable chairs and take in the live music or comedy with a glass of wine, tasty cocktail or whatever else you fancy.

Again offering a fantastic range of drinks, as you will find in many of the other bars on the ship.

Restaurants on P&O Britannia

Food is quite an important aspect on any cruise ship because all your meals will be made on there. So, you need to make sure you’re catered for and that it is high quality. P&O know the importance of this, so they offer a wide range of dining spaces and restaurants throughout the ship. Some of these are included in your cruise and others have an additional charge, but we’ll go through each to give you an idea of what they offer.

Horizon Restaurant

Horizon is essentially the place to eat if you want to be a little less formal when you dine. Plus, it gives you phenomenal sea views to make your meal even more relaxing. Breakfast includes the usual cooked items such as eggs, bacon, and beans, plus continental with cereals, pastries, and fruits. There is a good range of fruit juice and even smoothie drinks in the morning too.

At lunch time there tends to be one option of soup and then the main buffet section which changed every day. We saw many options from full roasts, pasta, curry and stir fry. There is a salad bar which offers the basic lettuce, tomato, and cucumber, but in all honesty it’s not the best we have seen. Some days they have specialist meal days such as best of British or Asian. If you have a sweet tooth then you’re in luck, because Horizon offers several desserts including warm options. If you’re vegan and thinking they won’t have anything for you, then you may be shocked to find out that on most days there was one option available. We became addicted to the vegan cheesecake; it was heavenly and soy free (most days). For the cheese and cracker connoisseurs there is a section available next to the bread.

The evening meal options were generally the same as lunch time, with maybe the odd difference. Just a little tip from us, we found the fries from the Lido Grill to be nicer than those in Horizon.

Now because we like to be honest, we’re going to give you the good and the bad, but obviously this is our personal experience. The good was the range offered, especially for those of us who struggle with intolerances. Even though we generally ate similar meals, at least we had an option available for us and the ingredients list for each was a gamechanger. The one negative which everyone in our group agreed, was that in general the food was lukewarm; one exception being the hot desserts which could be scalding. It didn’t impact the overall taste of the food, or stop us from wanting to eat there, it just would have been better if it was a little warmer. But again, this may change when you’re cruising on Britannia.

The Beach House

Within the Horizon Buffet restaurant, you will see an area sectioned off and it is here you will find The Beach House. It is a pop-up dining venue with a separate reservations desk, and you can book it on your My Holiday app. Because of where The Beach House is positioned, there isn’t really a dress code and as such you can go in your casual clothes such as shorts. Of course, this doesn’t include beach wear such as swimming outfits.

The Beach House is a speciality dining option and as such you have to pay an additional supplement. It is inspired by South American, Caribbean, and Stateside cuisines including plenty of comfort foods and hearty dishes. From looking online, the current cost is £7.50 per person which isn’t too extreme and as such it’s a great option for families who fancy something a little different.

Within that additional charge you will receive a three-course meal and usually there are two menus available during your cruise. So, if you enjoyed your first visit then you may want to go again and try the other menu. You will notice that on the menu depending on the item you choose there may be an additional charge on top of the £7.50.

The Beach House is one of the more affordable speciality dining options and as such it can be busy, so we would advise that you prebook. If you’re vegetarian or vegan then you will find options on both menus, including desserts.

Examples of starters are.

• Crispy Bacon and Cheese Potato Skins with Spring Onion, Sour Cream and Cajun Dip.
• Super Charged Salad Served in a Tortilla Cup.
• Hush Puppies.
• Piri Piri Chicken Thighs.
• Baked Porcini and Ricotta Crepes.
• Panko Crumb and Filo Straw Tiger Prawns.
• Beach House Nachos.
• Wicked Spicy Buffalo Wings with Garlic Mayonnaise or Blue Cheese Dip.
• Crispy Bacon Caesar Salad.
• Baked Garlic Mushrooms with Spinach and Cream Cheese Sauce.
• Burnt Ends Hash.
• Sea Salt Pork Crackling.

Examples of Mains are.

• Sizzler Plates – For example, Tiger Prawns, Turkey, or New York Strip Beef Steak.
• Hickory Glazed Cedar Plank Salmon.
• Southern Fried Chicken Tenders.
• Caribbean Pulled Pork Cubano Sub.
• Lentil Cheese and Bean Dog.
• Slow Cooked New Orleans Suckling Leg of Lamb to Share.
• Texan Slow Cooked Beef Brisket and Hot Links Sausage.
• Double Decker Burger Prime Beef, Dry Cured Bacon and Monterey Jack Cheese in a Sesame Brioche Bun.
• Beach House Rib Combo.
• Blackened Atlantic Cod Fillet with a Jack Daniels Miso Glaze.
• Salt and Pepper Chilli Squid.
• Creamy Truffle Mac and Cheese.
• Cook Your Own Beef Fillet off a Lava Rock.

Examples of Desserts are.

• Baked White Chocolate New York Cheesecake.
• Philadelphia Carrot Cake.
• Key Lime Sundae.
• Triple Layered Chocolate Fudge Cake.
• Banana and Strawberry Daiquiri Sizzler.
• Milk Chocolate Fondue to Share.
• Warm Apple and Pecan Pie.

If you are looking for something a little different from the main dining room or buffet, then you may want to try The Beach House. The portion sizes are decent, and the food is a little fancier than the main restaurant. We’re told that items such as the fillet steak and burger are worth the additional cost. This is ideal for those of you looking for quality food, without having to dress up to the nines.

Poolside Dining

Sometimes when you’re enjoying a relaxing drink by the pool, you get peckish but the thought of having to change clothes for food can be off putting. The easiest option is to head to one of Britannia’s poolside dining options which include.

Can you imagine anything better than freshly made pizza? Found near the lido pool is the pizzeria which offers handmade stone-baked pizza topped with gooey Provolone cheese from Italy. It’s open between 11am and 6pm, and there are a few topping options available such as pepperoni, four cheese and margarita. You can grab a slice or two for a light bite or treat yourself and enjoy a full pizza.

This was an incredibly popular dining spot during the day, and it is available between 11am and 6pm. You can enjoy tasty hot dogs, burgers, and French fries, plus there are a range of toppings. We found that the fries were better from the Lido Grill over the Horizon Buffet. The food comes in a cute basket as if you were in a diner, so it’s easy enough to carry back to your sun lounger and enjoy.

Sundaes Ice Cream Parlour

Oriental Restaurant

The Oriental Restaurant can be found on deck 6 and it is the main dining area where guests will head for one of two sittings. It will either be a 6.30pm sitting or 8.30pm, the latter being the same as the first show in the theatre. You will be sat with your group or may join other cruisers on a mixed table which is always a fun experience. The restaurant is decorated in rich bronzes and golds, which provides an elegance for the near 500 guests who can dine in comfort.

Around the Oriental there are huge ocean view windows, but you may find that you are sat without a view. The restaurant offers delicately crafted dishes, and you will see the same menu in the Meridian and Peninsular restaurants. The options you are given will change each night and vary throughout the year, but some that we were offered are.

Examples of Starters are.

• Oak Smoked Duck Breast and Rémoulade Salad with Aromatic Black Cherries.
• Marinated Courgette, Hummus, and Feta Salad with Pitta Straws.
• Beef and Caramelised Onion Broth.
• Chilled Gazpacho with Oven-toasted Garlic Croûtons.
• Twice Baked Crab Soufflé with a Shellfish Cream Sauce.
• Grilled Barramundi in Lobster Butter Sauce with Mediterranean Vegetables, Sugar Snap Peas and Polenta Chips.
• Roast Saddle of Lamb with Dauphinoise Potatoes, Broccoli Florets and Baby Carrots.
• Coq au Vin with Pomme Purée, Mediterranean Vegetables and Green Beans.
• Wild Mushroom Tartlet with a Madeira Truffle Velouté served with Julienne Vegetables and Fried Rice.
• Bananas Foster with Filo Pastry and Clotted Cream Ice Cream.
• Tarte au Citron.
• Coconut and White Chocolate Panna Cotta with a Tropical Fruit Salsa.
• Cheeseboard: A Selection of Regional British and Continental Cheese with Biscuits.

There is a vegan and vegetarian option for each section and if you have food intolerances or allergies then it is best to inform your waiter beforehand so they can accommodate. The menu changes daily and they offer additional luxuries on formal nights.

During our cruise we only ended up eating in the Oriental a couple of times, because our sitting was 8.30pm and it clashed with the shows we had booked. We asked to change to the other option of 6.30pm but we never heard anything further. Because we wanted to see the shows, we tended to stick with the Horizon buffet. Of the couple of meals we had in this restaurant we didn’t have the greatest experience, but we have heard that other guests enjoyed it. We had asked for specific diet allowances and our food never ended up arriving. When we asked about it, we had to wait a while longer as if our order had been forgotten. When it arrived it wasn’t very nice, so we left it. Other family members who ate off the normal menu found the food to be ok, but nothing special. Of course, everyone’s experiences will be different, we just wanted to provide ours.

Peninsular and Meridian Restaurant

The Peninsular can be found on deck 6 and offers the same menu as the Oriental. The Meridian is on deck 5 and again offers the same menu as the other two restaurants, but you can also enjoy breakfast, lunch, and afternoon tea. Both restaurants offer modern British cuisine in a sophisticated atmosphere.

Opposite to the Blue Bar is the Market Café which is a chilled area for those of you who fancy a coffee, tea, or something sweet. Master Pâtissier, Eric Lanlard brings his expertise to the Market Café and Britannia’s afternoon tea experience.

Found on deck 5 we saw an array of Bakewell slices, chocolate fudge cake, cheesecake, and carrot cake on display, but they also offer ice cream and sundaes.

If it’s simply a warm drink you’re after, then this is the place to grab your Costa coffee or speciality tea and take a seat as you watch the waves crash by. There were quite a few options, but we especially loved the berry tea.

The seating nearby the café is ideal if you’re looking for somewhere quiet to read or relax and take in the views.

The Epicurean

Found near the Crow’s Nest is the fine dining experience known as The Epicurean. The word Epicurean means ‘devoted to sensual pleasures’ such as food and drink, and this is the perfect way to explain this restaurant. Now we’ll begin by saying that this is a supplementary dining option which is currently £28 per person, but with that you are given a unique food experience in an elegant surrounding. This restaurant is ideal if you’re celebrating a special event, or you simply want a romantic evening with your loved one. There is an ambience in the room that exudes class, from the beautiful décor and the serene music to the stunning ocean views.

The menu is inspired by classic British dishes, but they are given a modern twist by expert chefs, and it is completed with expertly chosen fine wines and flawless service.  During sea days you can also book Eric Lanlard’s afternoon tea, which was quite popular during our cruise.

• Alaskan Snow Crab, Langoustine and Salmon Caviar Cocktail.
• Pea and Chervil Custard, Parchment Bread, and a Cucumber Mojito.
• Seared King Scallops and Scallop Tartare.
• Charred Cucumber, Kohlrabi and Cucumber Ketchup.
• Chicken and Morel Mushroom Mousseline with Pistachio Crumble.
• Duck Liver Parfait, Sweet and Sour Pickled Vegetables and Spinach Anglaise.
• Jamón Pata Negra Ibérico de Bellota.

Examples of mains are.

• Black Cod and Canadian Cold Water Lobster Tail.
• with Avruga Caviar Gratin.
• Bouillabaisse Fondue and Bee Pollen Dressed House Salad.
• Torchon of Wild Atlantic Halibut Grenobloise for Two.
• Saffron Poached Fennel and Petit Salad.
• Caramelised Aubergine and Cauliflower Tabbouleh.
• Redman Limousin Irish Beef Fillet.
• Maris Piper Potato Terrine and Creamed Baby Spinach.
• Soy Noodles and Stir-fried Oriental Greens.
• Maple Glazed Saddleback Pork T-Bone.

Examples of desserts are.

• Crêpes Suzette.
• Vanilla Pod Ice Cream.
• Granny Smith Apple Sorbet and Elderflower Parfait.
• Baked Valrhona Chocolate Cheesecake.
• Poached Amarena Cherries, Aged Balsamic Vinegar and Sour Cream.
• Lemon Meringue Tart.
• Lavender Meringue, Raspberries and Shortbread.
• Belgian Chocolate Jaffa Cake.

This restaurant can be found on deck 7 and is opposite to the Java Café, with views over the atrium. Although it is sectioned off, it doesn’t have the seclusion of restaurants such as the Epicurean, because of its proximity to the atrium.

This stylish venue offers an informal menu of steak and seafood, with wines by the glass which match each course. There are supplemental charges for this restaurant, which is between £5.25 and £7.50, depending on your menu choices.

As well as a restaurant The Glass House is also ideal for light bites, lunchtime tipples and even offers a tasting room. The selection of wine was chosen by wine guru Olly Smith and there are over 32 to try during your vacation.

Examples of the Small Plates are.

• Spiced Lamb Skewers.
• Tempura King Prawns.
• Popcorn Chicken.
• Peppered Cheese Polenta Chips.
• Curry Spiced Seared Scallops.
• Chicken Liver Parfait.
• Thai Beef Salad.
• Trio of Classic, Broad Bean and Red Pepper Houmous.

Found on deck 7 is the Indian inspired Sindhu restaurant and bar, which is the ideal spot if you’re looking for a relaxing atmosphere and something a little different. As you can imagine this is a supplementary restaurant with a current price being between £15 and £25. The menu for Sindhu was designed by Michelin star chef Atul Kochhlar who drew inspiration from his native India. This means your taste buds will be delighted by an array of rich spices, delicate flavours, and wonderful aromas, all in sumptuous surroundings.

Examples of Starters.

• Hariyali Jhinga.
• Ginger and Mint Tiger Prawns, Pineapple Chutney.
• Karara Kekda.
• Crisp Soft Shell Crab, Celeriac and Apple Slaw, Passion Fruit Chutney.
• Kozhi Sukka.
• Tamilian Spiced Chicken, Mixed Leaves, Tomato and Coconut Relish.
• Gosht Ki Chaapein.
• Kerala Style Beef, Paratha Flatbread, Pickled Vegetables.
• Chana Pakodi Chaat.
• Black Chickpea Dumplings, Chickpea Salad, Masala Houmous.

Examples of Mains.

• Kalyera Mappas.
• Lobster, Seafood Biriyani, Spiced Coconut and Mango Sauce.
• Lasooni Machhi.
• Pan Roasted Salmon, Spiced Wilted Spinach, Tomato and Tamarind Sauce.
• Tandoori Murg.
• Tandoori Half Chicken, Mixed Leaf Salad, Makhani Sauce.
• Calcutta Batak.
• Nalli Nihari.
• Slow Cooked Lamb Shank with Saffron, Yoghurt and Rose Water .
• Erachi Chettinad.
• Navrattan Kofta Korma.

Examples of Desserts.

• Chocolate Textures.
• Chocolate Truffle Mousse, White Chocolate and Mint Sorbet, Mint Chocolate Soil.
• Cardamom Bread and Butter Pudding.
• Ginger Custard.
• Blueberry Bhapia Doi.
• Yoghurt and Berry Mousse, Mixed Berry Jelly, Fruit Compote.
• Khatta Meetha Teeta.
• Chilled Mango and Passion Fruit Parfait, Chilli Glass.

Not far from the atrium lobby (deck 5) is the Limelight Club and you’ll spot it often because it’s quite prominently advertised on the ship. This is reminiscent of the traditional supper club, which combines quality dining along with a show. But what makes it more exciting is that many of the performers are household names in the United Kingdom. During our cruise we had Ray Quinn and Chesney Hawkes, and yes throughout the day you will see them wandering around the ship which adds some fun to your cruise.

As you can imagine this is a supplemented restaurant and you can pay between £25 and £35 per person. This may seem expensive, but in reality, how much would you pay to simply see those acts perform, never mind the addition of the high-quality food.

The restaurant has quite an intimate, classy setting, with a stage at the centre of the room. There are shows every night, exclusively for adults and depending on the act they can book up fast. As well as the show, the price includes a three-course menu which is served during the performance and then the venue turns into a late-night dancing area which is a unique and fun experience.

• Mojito Cured Salmon.
• Crisp Honey-Glazed Berkshire Black Ham Hock.
• Pan-Roasted Fillet of Onley Grounds Beef.
• Pine Nut Tapenade-Crusted Lamb Rack.
• Butternut Squash, Mushroom and Cashew Nut Spring Roll.
• Dark and White Chocolate Mascarpone Bomba.
• Strudel of Pistachio Kataifi Pastry with Pine and Fir Tree Syrup.

Room Service on P&O Britannia

Cruises can be hard work and tiring, especially if you have back-to-back ports. So, you may get back to your cabin and simply want to rest, rather than having to get ready to head to a restaurant. This is where room service comes in handy because you can relax in your room and wait for your food to be delivered to your door. There are additional charges added to the order, but it’s not too extreme. You can always nip up to the buffet and bring food back to your room. Food categories include baguettes, light bites, large plates, wraps and healthy options. There are even desserts and sweet treats available if you fancy a little something naughty. Room service is available around the clock, but after 11pm the menu is smaller.

If you’re after breakfast, then fill in the card and hang it on your door before you go to bed and the next morning the crew member will knock with your order. For other meals simply call room service and place your order and they will bring it to you.

Special Dietary Requirements

If you fancy any of the speciality dining restaurants, then you can contact the restaurants host and explain your dietary needs as you make a table booking.

The Peninsular Club

The Peninsular Club is P&O’s loyalty scheme, and it is based on the time you spend on P&O cruise lines. For every night you earn 10 loyalty points, and they will be applied at the end of your holiday. By spending 15 nights or more on board any P&O cruise ships, you will earn 150 points and as such will automatically become a Pacific tier member of the club.

There are six tiers, with each bringing more rewards, and you move through them simply by cruising with P&O. Benefits include onboard discounts, a champagne voucher, priority arrival time allocation and a welcome on-board reception.

Our Britannia Top Tips

• During our cruise there was shuttle transport available at every port. Our first stop was Skagen in Denmark and as we left the ship, we spotted there was a bus available. We looked around and couldn’t see any information or signage to indicate a charge. But as we boarded the bus, they scanned our cabin card. When we looked at our cruise account later in the evening, we had been charged four pounds each way. This disappointed us because we have been to ports where you are taken to the main town by shuttle bus at no extra cost. When we investigated it, there was information in the Horizon magazine, we are just so new to P&O we didn’t realise. If we had known we would have walked instead because the proximity from the ship to the town wasn’t that far, but for some of the other ports the shuttle was a god send. If you have a disability or struggle to walk distances then this is a great addition provided by P&O, even if there is a cost.
• Some cruise lines have the swimming towels in your cabin, but on P&O Britannia you will find them by the pools.
• You may be given a time slot for the restaurant, which in the Oriental was either 6.30pm or 8.30pm. We were given the 8.30pm slot, which clashed with the time we had booked for the shows. Having requested a change in time form the head waiter, we were told we would be added to the list and a letter would be sent to our cabin, but we never received it. This means that we spent most of our time eating in the Horizon buffet, which was fine by us. We mention this because if you’re more of a night owl and you’re pre-booking the shows, then it maybe an idea to opt for the later one just in case you’re given the 8.30pm mealtime.
• During our research before the cruise, we were informed that you can bring alcohol when you board the ship on the first day. The amount allowed is a litre bottle per person or unlimited alcohol-free drinks. We brought in our hand luggage a litre bottle of spirits each. When we were onboard, we noticed that you could purchase a bottle of spirits for your room and the price was incredibly reasonable. As we visited the various ports, we bought local beers and wine, which we then brought back with us onto the ship. Obviously, they need to be scanned by security, but we didn’t have any problems. This maybe a European allowance, because we have been told that many cruise lines do not allow it in American or Caribbean ports.
• Britannia offers a free newspaper called Britain Today which you can pick up from the reception on deck 5. It’s not a full newspaper, just a drilled down version they have created and printed off. Inside you will find world news, sports, celebrity gossip, entertainment the weather and a crossword for the puzzle fans.
• There is a drink of the day in most of the bars and you can discover what it is in the Horizon magazine. Most of the time the mocktail can be found on the menu, but the cocktails can sometimes be original.
• Our biggest advice would be to spend time the night before going through the Horizon magazine, more specifically the ‘shipboard information’ at the back. This will provide information pertinent to the ship itself, but more importantly to the port you’re visiting. You can find out whether you need to take your passport with you, if there is a shuttle bus service, whether there are any strikes or local issues you need to be aware of and information on crew drills and the dining code.

Disembarkation

The day before you leave you need to cash out any casino chips and slot winnings before the casino closes. You should find a paper copy of your cruise account spendings left at your cabin door. For most people the balance will be removed from the credit card or debit card you applied to your account. If you’re paying by cash, then you will need to settle your account by 10pm the evening before disembarkation.

On the day you leave, your cabin needs to be vacated by 8am. To leave the ship you must show your cruise card which you have used throughout the trip to enter your room and pay for drinks. You have two options when it comes to luggage and that is having it taken away the night before or taking it with you as you leave.

• Taking your luggage with you – If you are able to, then this option is the easiest for getting off the ship and it’s the one we chose. Between 7am and 8am you can leave your room at any point and head to the gangway which is situated on deck 5 midship. Your card will be scanned, and you simply walk off into the terminal and your transportation home.
• Luggage removed the night before – You can choose to leave your luggage outside your room the night before and pick it up in the terminal where trolleys will be available. This is especially handy if you have any disabilities or physical struggles. Bags need to be outside your cabin before 9pm the night before, but remember to keep any medication, valuables, and fragile items in your hand luggage. We’d also recommend that you leave out a fresh set of clothes, because we have heard of a story where a man packed everything away and didn’t have any clothes for the next day. The cruise line ended up giving him items from lost and found. Your luggage will be offloaded once the ship has docked and grouped in the terminal by deck order. Within the disembarkation letter posted to your cabin you will find an allocated venue and time. This luggage option means you must wait until that time, or your luggage probably will not be in the terminal. For example, we were told to wait on deck 7 around the Glasshouse and Java until 8.40am.

Would We Recommend P&O Britannia?

Trying a new cruise line can always be a little disconcerting because you have no idea what the food will be like, or the facilities and cabins, and how strict the dress code will be. This was our first ever P&O ship, and we can officially say we’re big fans of the cruise line. We’re actually quite eager to try their other ships because we hear some of the others such as the Iona are even better than Britannia.

If you’re interested in discovering what P&O’s Iona has to offer, then here’s our guide on the decks, entertainment, and facilities.

We went with family members and as such it was a mixture of ages, but we can confirm that everyone was catered for. The cabins (even inside ones) are a good size, and the food quality is great, plus there’s a lot for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free passengers.

When it came to entertainment, we were blown away by the options available, more so through the evening. Obviously, this will change year on year as the artists and performers will be different, but if the quality remains the same then you won’t be disappointed.

Not everything was perfect, for example our meals the first night weren’t the best, the mealtimes clashed with the shows and as such we had to mainly eat in the buffet restaurant, and I wouldn’t say our cabin was the cleanest (when compared to other cruise lines such as Carnival). But honestly, we wouldn’t let any of these areas put you off from booking with the cruise line or on Britannia, as it didn’t significantly impact out trip and we found work arounds.

Cruising has become increasingly popular over the last few years for all ages. Not only can you enjoy exquisite food, drink, and incredible entertainment, but you have the chance to see lots of wonderful new places in one trip. We view cruising as a taster menu for countries or cities because some locations we know we’ll go back to another time and stay for a little longer. So, if you’ve never been on a cruise then why not consider this impressive ship as your first one.

Should you decide to book, or you have already booked, then we wish you a wonderful time on the P&O Britannia and please tag us into your Instagram pictures , we love to see your adventures.

Cruise Ship   Britannia

Cruises On Britannia

'I learnt cooking tips from Marco Pierre White on a P&O cruise – it's a must for foodies'

Our writer jumped on board P&O Cruises' Britannia ship, sailing to the Canary Islands, Madeira and Portugal – and discovered gourmet delights at every turn

• 11:04, 2 Sep 2024

Ever thought about a holiday in the Canary Islands but can't decide which one to visit? We've got you covered. We embarked on P&O's Spain, Portugal and the Canary Islands cruise , hopping between several destinations – and it was a memorable experience for any foodie.

This 14-day journey aboard the Britannia takes you to Tenerife , Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Lisbon, Cadiz, La Palma and Madeira. From world-class entertainment to Michelin-starred meals, there's no end of thrilling activities to indulge in on this floating paradise.

Cooking with Marco Pierre White

You might not think a cruise ship is the best place to hone your cooking skills, but P&O's Britannia begs to differ with its dedicated cooking club featuring residencies from top chefs like Marco Pierre White , reports OK! .

We had a go at one of Marco's cooking masterclasses, where he gave an interactive lesson on crafting the perfect risotto. The dish was superb, but his trick of grating an onion instead of chopping was a game-changer!

We also joined one of Marco's hosted dinners on board, where he whipped up a six-course meal before sitting down to share tales over several glasses of wine. With each guest receiving menus hand-written by Marco – it was an unforgettable experience.

The restaurants on board a P&O cruise

Prepare to return home with a full belly. With 27 bars and restaurants, the ship's food options are second to none. The inclusive buffet is open from breakfast until the early hours, serving everything from pies to paella. A personal favourite was The Glass House, offering a tantalising menu of tapas, meat and fish. The wine selection, handpicked by expert Olly Smith, had us returning for more than one glass.

For those craving Indian cuisine, Sindhu restaurant offers an authentic range of high-end curries in a stylish, dimly lit setting.

On our last night, we dined at Britannia's fine dining restaurant, Epicurean. If there's ever a time to dress up, it's when visiting this eatery, which feels more like a Mayfair establishment than a floating restaurant. From steaks to soufflés, this meal will have you opting to take the stairs back to your cabin.

Facilities on board a P&O cruise

When out at sea, sunbathing on the top deck was the ideal way to unwind. Britannia boasts four pools, including the Lido Deck Pool; nestled between an ice-cream bar and a grill, it's a favourite spot for families.

For a more relaxed experience, we spent our days lounging at the Serenity Pool, an adults-only area with a laid-back beach club vibe and its own poolside bar.

Below deck, the Britannia's Oasis Spa and Salon offers a range of treatments including massages, facials, manicures and blow-dries – perfect for getting ready for the ship's black tie evenings. We particularly enjoyed relaxing in our deluxe cabin, complete with spa robes and slippers, a spacious bathroom and The White Company toiletries, offering a luxury experience on board the Britannia. Fancy a glass of bubbly on your private balcony? Why not!

On-board entertainment on a P&O cruise

The Britannia spans 18 decks and part of the fun is getting lost. We discovered plenty of on-board entertainment, from a Strictly Come Dancing dance class to a silent disco. With a packed schedule of activities, there's something to do every hour of the day: pub quizzes, theatre performances, real-life Deal Or No Deal games and an Adele tribute show are just a few examples. You can even catch the football over a pint at the ship's traditional British pub, Brodie's.

What to do on land

You can book tours at each destination, from wine tasting in La Palma to jet skiing in Tenerife. When the Britannia dropped anchor at our first stop of Madeira , we couldn't wait to explore. We took a tour of Funchal, the island's capital city, and saw the city from above on a 15-minute cable car ride up Funchal's rolling hills (not for the faint-hearted). Once we reached the top, it was time for a traditional toboggan ride back down. This is one of the best ways to see the city and had us gripping our wooden carriage tightly. Be prepared for some queuing though – it's a popular one.

Our second stop was La Palma, famous for its black sand beaches. The cobbled streets of Santa Cruz de La Palma, the city centre, are adorned with beautiful balconies and Santa Catalina castle is also worth a visit. We suggest grabbing some beers from the local Spar and heading to the beach or, if you're feeling adventurous, take a self-driven dune buggy tour across the island's volcanic terrain. It's great fun – although you'll still be finding dust on yourself days later...

If guided tours aren't your thing, we also loved just wandering around each location, stocking up on the local delicacies – particularly Portugal's famous pastel de nata pastries.

How to book

P&O Cruises is offering a 14-night cruise on Britannia (B424) from £2,099 per person for an inside cabin (price subject to change). Departing October 4, 2024, the price includes, children’s clubs, full board meals and entertainment. Departing and returning from Southampton, ports of call are Madeira, La Palma, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Cadiz and Lisbon.

From Ryanair-approved cabin suitcases to overnight bags, premium luggage brand Antler has reduced some of its best-selling pieces. In its summer sale, you can save up to 40% on high-quality cases .

MORE ON P&O Company Marco Pierre White Food P&O Cruises Limited Tenerife Spain

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Passenger (Cruise) Ship, IMO 9614036

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The current position of BRITANNIA is at North East Atlantic Ocean reported 1 min ago by AIS. The vessel is en route to the port of Southampton, United Kingdom (UK) , sailing at a speed of 14.2 knots and expected to arrive there on Sep 13, 02:30 . 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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Map position & weather, recent port calls, vessel utilization, vessel particulars, similar vessels, related news.

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.

Britannia Decks and Cabins

• 10 - E Deck
• 11 - D Deck
• 12 - C Deck
• 14 - B Deck
• 15 - A Deck
• 18 - Sports
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• Cabins Check

Built in 2015, the P&O Cruises UK 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.

P&O Cruises UK Britannia

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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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.

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

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

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• River Cruising

GCT M/S Tikhi Don - St. Petersburg to Moscow

By usnavyguy , June 24, 2012 in River Cruising

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This is a review of a St. Petersburg to Moscow river cruise from 5/31/2012 - 6/14/2012 with Grand Circle Travel. I'll divide the review into sections starting with the ship so folks can jump to those sections of interest & ignore what isn't pertinent to them. For an excellent discussion on pre-trip planning, visa issues, comments on various cruise lines, this link:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1559518

will give you all the details you need. I'll not repeat it here.

So, let's get to the specifics:

Ship : Tikhi Don is owned by Grand Circle Travel (GCT) and is one of two ships, the other being M/V Rossia they operate between Moscow & St. Petersburg. All the cabins are identical: 146 square feet with one window that opens, situated on 3 decks. The only difference is location on the ship. The cabins were clean as were the attached bathrooms. Storage space was adequate for two weeks. There is one 120V and one 220V electrical outlet in the cabin as well as a 115V electrical outlet in the bathroom. I purchased a 4 outlet power strip specifically for this trip to plug in rechargeable digital camera batteries as well as a cell phone. The ship has an elevator near the reception desk forward that services Decks 1, 2, and 3. There is a double stairway in the after end of the ship that runs from the Main Deck to Decks 2, 3, and 4. All other stairways are external and serve all 4 decks. We had about 206 passengers embarked and about 100 staff, so the ratio of staff to cruisers was pretty high. It seems that all river ships operating in Russia carry about 200 or so customers which make them quite a bit larger than the average European waterways river ship. Since they have far fewer bridges to deal with in terms of height, and water depths are somewhat deeper than European rivers, they can and do take advantage of that to leverage a larger number of customers. That doesn't make it bad; it just makes it different. Tikhi Don draws about 9 feet of water which I suspect is about average for a Russian river cruiser. The ship has two bars, one on the 3rd deck forward (Tsar Bar) and one on the 4th deck aft (Presidents Bar). The restaurant is located on the 2nd deck aft and is used for the breakfast buffet and the sit down daily lunches & dinners. One disadvantage to my way of thinking was the sit down lunch. When we've cruised on Viking, they offered a light buffet lunch in the bar/lounge and a sit down lunch in the restaurant. That gave one some options which weren't available with GCT. Again, not necessarily bad; just different. Each cabin is equipped with a flat panel LCD TV with various satellite channels available depending upon the location of the ship at the time. There also were 3 different movie channels showing a different movie each day. Since we didn’t watch TV, I can only surmise it must have worked okay as we did not hear any complaints. While each cabin has individual air conditioning controls, they didn’t appear to function very effectively and the cabin remained around 68-70 degrees Fahrenheit at all times. There is a separate heating unit mounted beneath the window on the outside bulkhead which proved very useful on some of the colder mornings we experienced during the cruise. The cruise covers 829 miles between St. Petersburg and Moscow, and consists of several lakes, rivers and canals including the transit of 16 locks.

Travelers: One significant difference I noted was the average age of the passengers was somewhat older than we had previously experienced with Viking in Europe. I would guess that average age was around mid-70s; some younger, and some a good bit older. We had several veterans of WW2 embarked and I can only hope I'm as spry as they were when I'm that age. They also are very loyal to GCT. Those folks who had previously traveled 3 or more times with GCT or their companion company, Overseas Adventure Travel were identified with a gold name badge. I'd estimate that at least 50% of the embarked travelers fell into this category. This was a very seasoned group of world travelers. Few on the trip were making their 1st river cruise and even fewer were traveling with GCT for the 1st time (we fell into that category). The tours generally involved quite a bit of walking and a not so slow pace, but most everyone managed to keep at it, and few opted out of the walking tours. I'll discuss those in more detail later in this post.

Ship Staff: The staff was quite young (mid to late 20s mostly), inexperienced, but always willing to help. Their command of English was generally very limited although I expect that will improve as the season wears on. Their English was way better than my Cyrillic so they get an A+ for effort. The cruise is managed by a Cruise Director who spoke idiomatic English. The ship's Captain was the most personable Captain I have ever sailed with on a cruise ship. He spoke good English, greeted all the travelers as they debarked for each tour, met each traveler at the gangplank when they returned, and along with the Cruise Director and Hospitality Manager stood on the pier and waved goodbye to every bus that departed. I'm used to the Captain putting in a brief appearance at the Welcome & Farewell Cocktail parties, then disappearing for rest of the cruise. This was a novel & most welcome change.

We were divided into 6 groups of about 32-35 people, assigned a Tour Director who worked exclusively with that group for the entire cruise. Very occasionally for an optional tour, the groups would be combined to keep the numbers about the same, but basically, you functioned within your assigned group. The Tour Directors all had majored in foreign languages at the University and had anywhere from two to as many as eight years with GCT. They all spoke idiomatic English and did a great job of keeping track of their charges. I liken managing U.S. tour groups to herding cats and these folks were always cheerful, ready to answer any question, and resolve any problem. The wait staff in the dining room had limited English, but knew enough to converse with the passengers with regard to the menu & was a hustling young group of Russians. They were extremely pleasant to deal with.

Food on Board: In general the meals were quite good. Breakfast was served buffet style and one always had the opportunity to order an omelet or eggs of any style. There also was a special breakfast order each day. They also included the European breakfast meats and other items common on European river cruise ships. Service was quick and efficient. Restaurant seating included tables for 2, 4, 6 or 10 passengers so there was a wide variety of seating. Lunches & dinners would be best described as Russian modified for American taste. As I remarked previously, all lunches were sit down, formal service with soup, entre (including a vegetarian selection). Salad bar and dessert. Dinners consisted of an appetizer, followed by a soup course, entre (again including a vegetarian choice), and dessert. At dinner, there was always available salmon or chicken breast with a baked potato and steamed vegetables for those who did not fancy the main course. Food was served hot when appropriate and cold when in order. Service was friendly and efficient. Even with 200 people sitting down to eat, there was no sense of “steam table” cooking. With the exception of two meals ashore, all meals were served onboard. In the event of an evening tour such as the Moscow circus or the St. Petersburg ballet, an early dinner was served to those attending the event, followed by a late night heavy snack following return onboard. While I did not eat very many lunches, my wife tried most of them and said the food was very good. We found the dinners to be tasty and a nice introduction to Russian cooking, including the famous Russian stroganoff which is not served over noodles as it is in the U.S., but over spaetzle or mashed potatoes which we were told is common in Russia. Early bird coffee was available from 6:00-7:00AM and also throughout the day at the coffee station on the main deck. Lunch was served at either noon or 1:00PM depending on the tour schedule, with dinner at 7:00PM.

Onboard Activities: There was never a shortage of things to do onboard, but all were voluntary so you could participate in as few or as many as you wished. They featured the usual port talks, introduction to the Russian language, lectures on Russian handicrafts, vodka tastings, blini parties, pelmeni (dumpling) cooking class, and hand painting of Russian Matryoshka (nesting) dolls. We also noted several spontaneous bridge, cribbage, and canasta card games in progress at various times.

There is a large, well stocked gift store on the ship, operated as a separate concession. My wife found the prices for souvenirs of all types were generally better than souvenir shops ashore. They accept major credit cards or roubles. You cannot charge items from the store to your shipboard account.

Tours: There were a limited number of optional (extra cost) tours available. In St. Petersburg, that included:

Rivers & Canals of St. Petersburg

Yusopov Palace

St. Petersburg Ballet

Peterhof Gardens

In Petrozavodosk: Karelian Folk Show

Zlatoust Singers

Jewish Heritage of Moscow

Tretyakov Gallery

You can view the details of these optional tours on the GCT website: http://www.gct.com

under the Russian river cruise itinerary.

All passengers are provided with a pair of head phones & a battery powered receiver to provide the ability to listen to the tour guide while still wandering about the particular venue. The system works perfectly and depending upon location & interference such as walls, floors, and the like is crystal clear up to 100 feet from the tour guide. I have used these systems on other tours and would never consider a tour/cruise that did not employ this technology.

We took the Rivers & Canals of St. Petersburg tour which entailed taking a canal boat up & down the various rivers & canals running through St. Petersburg. It lasted approximately 90 minutes with a well informed local guide who commented on what we were seeing. It was interesting and informative and gives you another whole perspective on St. Petersburg than from a city bus tour.

We also went on the Peterhof gardens tour which unfortunately, did not go as well. The morning tour for that day was Peter & Paul Fortress which was really not that interesting and turned out to be just another church tour. However, because of the distance from where the boat moored to the fortress, then into St. Petersburg for lunch, the morning and part of the afternoon was pretty well shot by the time we departed for Peterhof. Peterhof is a good 45 minute drive from St. Petersburg; so consequently, it was well after 2:00PM when we arrived at the gardens. I’d like to say the local guide tried to cram what could easily have been a 4 hour tour into something less than two hours. So, we consequently were trying to set land speed records for walking tours as she was determined to show us as many of the Peterhof fountains as possible, and there are more than a few. My wife is a bit slow of foot as she has limited walking capacity so she was hard pressed to keep up. I, on the other hand, wanted more time to take pictures of the fountains and didn’t appreciate being rushed from spot to spot. Fortunately, our tour director Alex was particularly solicitous of my wife and made sure we could cut some corners and get ahead of the tour where necessary. Unfortunately, the local tour guide was annoyed when told to slow down and became somewhat hostile. The tour ends at the Peterhof palace which has a very large number of very beautiful fountains, all in gold leaf and is a photographer’s dream. It easily could have been worth an hour or more of picture taking opportunities. While I do understand some folks just want to check the block of having seen it and move on, there are, I think, a larger number of us who don’t expect to see those things again and want to take full advantage of the picture taking opportunities.

St. Petersburg: We spent 4 days in St. Petersburg not counting the day of arrival. The 1st full day, we had a city bus tour which included a stop & tour of St. Isaac’s Cathedral, and an approximately two hour visit to the famed Hermitage Art Museum with an option to stay for an additional 90 minutes, On Day 2, we had Catherine’s Palace & Park Tour, an offsite lunch paid for by GCT followed by the optional Rivers & Canals Tour, Day 4 was the Peter & Paul Fortress, again followed by lunch (this time on your own) followed by the optional Peterhof Gardens tour. On Day 3 of the visit, there were optional tours available of Yusopov Palace and the St. Petersburg ballet (evening). The boat was moored about 1 hour from downtown, depending on traffic, as the city authorities do not allow the riverboats to moor downtown. This caused some angst among those taking their 1st river cruise as they assumed this was standard. Of course, it’s not, and in fact, almost all European river cruises including Paris moor almost in the heart of the city. However, for those with free time and a little bit of adventurism, the subway took you downtown in less than 40 minutes. There is a bus from the head of the pier which costs 30 roubles (in early June 2012, roubles were 32.5 to 1 USD). That dropped you at the nearest metro entrance where 25 roubles and 5 stops later, landed you in the heart of Nevsky Prospekt, St. Petersburg’s equivalent to Times Square in NY or Michigan Avenue in Chicago. The metro is clean, no graffiti in the stations or on the cars, efficiently run and very safe. To return to the ship, just reverse the process. Once downtown, there are many attractions within easy walking distance such as the statue of the Bronze Horseman, a tribute from Catherine the Great to Peter the Great and the Church of our Savior on the Spilled Blood on which site, Tsar Alexander II was murdered by an assassin on 1 March 1881.

This was our 2nd time in St. Petersburg as we were there on an ocean cruise of the Baltics in 2003 when the city celebrated its 300th anniversary. It is to my mind, much more European than Russian with the latest fashions on display, many, many outdoor restaurant cafes and a mostly young, apparently well off population (at least during a business day).

We had previously been to Catherine’s Palace and the Hermitage and enjoyed returning to both places. St. Isaac’s is very impressive, but unfortunately, it is crowded and pickpockets are afoot. Several men & at least 1 woman had wallets stolen in the crowds so for them, not so much fun. Peter and Paul Fortress from a historical perspective is important, but rather unimpressive.

We visited St. Petersburg during the period of the summer referred to as “White Nights” which are quite famous. Sunrise occurs about 4:30AM and sunset at 11:15PM. Since winters are long, cold, and sometimes very harsh, the many hours of sunlight are greatly appreciated and folks go out to stroll, especially on Nevsky Prospekt well into the evening hours enjoying the many parks and recreation areas throughout the city.

Svir Stroi: This is a small village of about 600 people located on the Svir River. They have the requisite souvenir shops, but the highlight of the stop was the visit to the home of a Russian villager. Our opportunity came to visit the wife of a local employee of the hydro electric plant. We visited her home and were served tea & pirozhki’s (Russian tea cakes). With the able help of our tour director, Tanya who translated, the lady explained her daily life in the village and the challenges ordinary people now face compared to the days of the Soviet Union. This is also where we first encountered the fierce Russian mosquitoes or as the tour directors called them, the KGB mosquitoes. They’re big, they bite and they fly around over the 3 months of summer. Mosquito repellent does, however, work when liberally applied.

Petrozavodsk: This port city on Lake Onega which is the second largest lake in Europe, only surpassed by Lake Ladoga, included a bus tour as well as a visit to the memorial to Russian’s Unknown Soldier from World War II, and a tour of the local market. It is the industrial, cultural, and scientific center of the Republic of Karelia. The visit also included an optional tour to a Karelian folk show which we opted not to attend.

Kizhi (Kee-shee) Island: This small island in the center of Lake Onega is home to the oldest known wooden church in Russia, the Church of Transfiguration which features 22 timbered onion shaped domes. The church was assembled without the use of a single metal nail and is currently undergoing extensive renovation. The stop also featured a “Fishing with the Ship’s Captain & Staff” for those who are ardent anglers. Fishing apparently wasn’t so successful as we did not have fish on the menu that evening!

Goritzy/Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery: Goritsky is just another tiny town, but the monastery was built in 1397 and had close connections with Ivan the Terrible. At one time, over 200 monks lived in the monastery, but with the Russian revolution and the harsh suppression of religion in Russia, it deteriorated significantly and now houses only 6 monks. Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, restoration efforts have begun and the museum features an impressive collection of Russian Orthodox icons.

Uglich: The last city we visited prior to Moscow is located on the Volga River. Cruising on the river as you come onto Uglich is very impressive. The Kremlin (or fortress) has no exterior walls so the many colored churches and domes make great picture opportunities. The very large Cathedral of Transfiguration looms over the town while the Church of St. Dmitry on the Blood with its rich red walls and blue onion domes offer a sharp contrast. Souvenir and shops selling all sorts of goods line the route from the ship’s berth to the main street of Uglich. We were told by the local guide that as many as 7 to 8 river cruise ships a day visit Uglich during the summer. They also were having a display of lacquer and paper Mache’ boxes for sale at very Western prices. Enameled watches are also a specialty of Uglich. We were treated to a short concert by a group of male classically trained singers who rendered several Russian songs a capella during our visit.

Moscow: We arrived in Moscow about 3 hours late because of heavy fog the previous evening while transiting the Moscow Canal. The river authorities do not allow movement in the canal during heavy fog, so we waited out the down time in one of the locks. The ship moored a good ways from downtown as the city authorities do not allow river cruise ships downtown, the same rule as St. Petersburg. Moscow is a city of 11.5 million people and traffic can be a nightmare. However, we were fortunate to arrive on a Monday before a national holiday (Day of Russia) on Tuesday and Moscovites are like people everywhere; they angle to take the day before a big holiday off. So, the traffic to downtown was pretty light and we made up some time on the city tour which started in the famous Red Square outside the Kremlin walls. The tour included a walk around Saint Basil’s Cathedral which is actually a museum, then on to the GUM department store which resembles a U.S. mall. We also walked past a “Historic Toilet” located in Gum’s that I believe was the 1st indoor lavatory in a Moscow department store. (Use of the WC was 84 roubles for those interested; I took a pass). We also went for a ride on the famed Moscow metro where many of the stations are elaborately decorated in frescoes, busts representing the struggle of the common man, and other adornments of the Russian revolution. As in St. Petersburg, the metro is clean (no graffiti in the stations or on the cars) and very safe.

The next day was the national holiday so our tours steered us quite far from Red Square (where demonstrations were purported to occur against the Presidential election recently completed) and out to Sparrow Hills which is a high priced area of the city. We also toured the New Maiden cemetery where various Russian notables such as Boris Yeltsin and Nikita Khrushchev are buried. The evening tour involved a visit to the Moscow circus which has been in continuous operation since 1980. A fun time of clowns, jugglers, trained poodles, bears, a lion taming act and culminated with a trapeze performance by 5 daring men & 1 woman.

The following day was a tour inside the Kremlin walls and to one of the 5 churches located inside the walls. I found it ironic that 5 churches would be allowed to exist following the revolution, but many things in Russia are strange, this only being one example. We also toured the Kremlin armory which contains the Tsar’s Crown Jewels, armor and armaments of the 16th- 18th century, many Tsarina coronation and wedding dresses as well as a very extensive display of Faberge eggs. The tour concluded with lunch at Moscow’s Hard Rock Café and time to tour Arbat Street which is a pedestrian only street in the heart of Moscow.

We had family obligations that required us to cut the last full day off the cruise and return home via direct flight from Moscow to Dulles International.

Final Observations: It was a very interesting and different river cruise for us. Because the distances are so vast, there is a lot more down time on this cruise than one in European waters, but Grand Circle can make it as busy or as relaxed as you like. The meals were comparable to those served on our other river cruises for quantity and quality. There are slightly more optional tours than with some other companies, but on the other hand, some of the included tours were excellent. St. Petersburg is a great city and one I’d be pleased to visit again; Moscow, not so much. Grand Circle is certainly worth your consideration as a cruise line as the prices are competitive with all other Russian river cruises. We did book our air through Grand Circle which I’m normally reluctant to do, but the routing was the same that I would have chosen had I done my own booking and the pricing was better than I could do on my own, especially considering what GCT would have charged for transfers to and from the ship. We did not purchase travel insurance through GCT as I found we could do better by shopping around over the Internet.

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beverlyjack

We did this trip in 2004, aboard the chartered Nicholay Chernychevski, before Grand Circle had put the Tikhi Don into service. This was an excellent review and brings back memories. Please post it under Travelers Reviews on http://www.gct.com on this trip.

Thank you for the informative review. I am taking this tour in mid August. I will print what you wrote so that I can refer to it as I do some of my planning.

How many people were in your "group" ? Did you take the pretrip to Helsinki and Tallinn?

We had about 32 people in our group. I don't know what, if any criteria, other than numbers were used to make up the groups. We did not take any pre or post trips with this cruise.

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Russian River Cruises

History, review, itineraries, ships, deck plans, news.

•   Fleet
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Russian River Cruises fleet

Ms pyotr velikiy, ms mustai karim, scenic tsar, viking akun, viking ingvar, ms general lavrinenkov, ms lunnaya sonata, viking truvor, ms yuri andropov, ms zosima shashkov, ms crucelake-lebedinoe ozero, ms leonid sobolev, ms mikhail sholokhov, review of russian river cruises.

CruiseMapper's "Russian River Cruises" hub provides detailed information on ships, itineraries, tours and prices on cruises along rivers and lakes in Russia. Here you'll also find concise info on the largest Russian cruise companies, including Vodohod , Mosturflot , Infoflot , Doninturflot-Orthodox , Imperial River Cruises Russia .

In the "Fleet" section you will find an extensive list or Russian cruise ships. By following each ship link you will find the ship's review, deck plans, scheduled itineraries and cruise pricing information. Live ship tracking is also provided on a digital map. It shows the vessel's current location, cruising speed and course.

In the "Itinerary" section you will find maps and day-by-day scheduled activities planned by Europe's largest cruise companies, also operating in Russia via chartered riverboats.

Volga River Cruises in Russia

Volga river cruising in Russia places you in another time. The longest and largest river in Europe stretches from Ivan the Terrible to Catherine the Great. Today, live along the central artery of Russia looks like it always has - the villages, the churches, the people, just like an old painting you have seen in a gallery.

The Volga flows through central Russia into the Caspian Sea and is often called the national river of Russia. 11 of the 20 largest cities of the country, including the capital Moscow, are in Volga's watershed. Some of the world's largest reservoirs can be found along the river, which has a symbolic meaning in Russian culture, referred to as Mother Volga (Volga Matushka) in Russian folklore and literature.

Explore the land of the Tsars while sailing down the historic Volga river, typically between Moscow and St Petersburg , the traditional homeports (of embarkation and debarkation). Tour landmarks are the Red Square and Kremlin in Moscow, the Hermitage and Catherine Palace in St Petersburg.

Once unthinkable as a cruise vacation destination, Russia is today more accessible than ever, with stops along its largest European lakes and rivers. For river travel lovers accustomed to European itineraries, the Russian experience will be quite different. Russia has a special feel of uniquely designed riverboats. Built to handle larger lakes (Lake Ladoga for example, is the largest European freshwater body of water), these vessels usually feature larger size and capacity (up to six decks), deeper draft, and most of them are refurbished instead of being newbuild.

The itineraries offered are activity-intensive in Moscow and St Petersburg, with long periods of cruising and less ashore time in the middle. Smaller "Golden Ring" cities (so named due to their historic significance) are full of icon-riddled monasteries and Orthodox churches. Most cruise lines hire local experts and fill the days of sailing along the river with lectures on country's history, cooking demonstrations and language lessons.

Most of the tours offered by the companies sailing along Volga River are identical, so customers choosing between the different itineraries should look at how the river ships spend the time within Moscow and St. Petersburg. Some lines have their guests stay onboard, which can be as far as 1 hour out of both cities. Others put their clients up at hotels near the center of the city, with several meals at customer's expense.

Compared with other river routes, Russia features a short season, between early May and late October, with high season in June (known as White Nights because of the endless daylight), July and August. Even if the weather is chilly, there are some advantages to sailing early or late: you'll beat the crowds which can make a visit to the Hermitage a bear. Most Russian museums lack air-conditioning, and while the climate is generally temperate, in the summer Moscow often experiences high humidity heat waves.

Remember to think about your Russian visa at least 2 months before your voyage, to have enough time to fill out the paperwork, including a lengthy online application. And don't forget that the Russian language uses the Cyrillic alphabet. Even in the cities, you'll rarely find signs in English, so learning some letters and a few phrases will help you get around.

Doninturflot-Orthodox Cruise Company

Orthodox Cruise Company operates a fleet of USSR-design large river ships and serves mainly foreign tourists. The parent company Doninturflot (established in 1992) is the shipowner and manages the fleet.

• Doninturflot started operations with the ships MS Maxim Litvinov, MS Mikhail Sholokhov and MS Sergei Dyagilev.
• Since 2002, Docturflot charters Akademik Glushkov (currently MS Igor Stravinsky) owned by OOO Rosflotinvest.
• In 2004 was acquired MS Anton Chekhov from Yenisei River Shipping Company (Russia).
• In 2006 were acquired MS Peter Tchaikovsky and MS Ivan Bunin from the Moscow-based cruise shipping company "Passenger Port".
• In 2008 was bought MS General Lavrinenkov from "Ukrrechflot" (Ukraine).
• In 2011 was bought MS Marshal Koshevoy (from Ukrrichflot, Ukraine) but in April 2013 the ship was sold to Viking Cruises (now operates as Viking Akun ).
• In 2016, was purchased MS Tikhi Don from the UK-based Grand Circle Travel company. In 2017, the ship started operations for Orthodox Cruise Company serving international tourists.

Imperial River Cruises Russia

"Imperial River Cruises Russia" was founded in 1992 and operates on inland waterways in both Russia and Ukraine. Company's chartered ships navigate on the rivers Volga, Don, Neva, Svir, Dnieper (also on the Danube) and the Russian lakes Onega and Ladoga.

The most operated itineraries are between Moscow and St Petersburg (visiting Uglich, Kostrom, Yaroslavl, Goritzy). Specially designed itineraries visit Vladimir, Suzdal, Zagorsk, Solovki Island. Also offered are itineraries Moscow-Volgograd and Moscow-Rostov, roundtrips from Kiev, and even grand voyages connecting two seas - Baltic and Black. Also offered are themed cruises - especially on food and music, with live performances by grand orchestras and choirs.

Imperial River Cruises Russia has an exclusive partnership with "Orthodox Cruise Company" - one of Russia's largest tour operators. As their names suggest, both companies target mainly foreign tourists - booking in the USA, Canada, UK, Australia. Ships' capacity varies between 180-250 passengers. English (or German) speaking licensed tour guides are provided on all excursions. The daily onboard entertainment program offers live musical performances, folk shows, enrichment lectures.

Russian river cruise deals

• Departure port (dock/berth), check-in, boarding and landing times are indicated on the company's website and on passenger boarding passes. Ship's exact departure time is clarified on the website the day prior departure.
• Kids discount ticket prices are offered for children up to 14 years of age (14-yo including), the age being fixed on departure day.
• Kids from 2 to 5 years of age (5-yo including) travel free of charge, but without providing an additional bed (if there are no free beds in the cabin). Shore excursions are also free of charge.
• Toddlers (kids under 2) travel free of charge, but the bed, food, and tour services are not provided. Extra beds in staterooms (baby cribs, cots) are not available on the ship.
• TWIN (double cabin) single supplement rate is 75%.
• Ticket prices are inclusive of 3 meals a day. Onboard dining includes Breakfast (buffet style, drinks - cocoa, milk, juices, hot-cold dishes), Lunch (buffet style) and Dinner (waiter-served, 1 Starter, 1 Main course (choice of 3 / meat-fish-vegetarian), 1 Dessert (choice of 2 or fruits). Water in pitchers is always provided. Tea/coffee is served.
• On embarkation day and disembarkation day (at the end of the voyage) meal times depend on landing times. If a land tour coincides with a meal time (lunch), passengers are provided with complimentary food at a local restaurant (cafe) or given "dry rations".
• Ticket price inclusive onboard events are Welcome Aboard ("bread and salt" ceremony), Welcome Cocktail (complimentary 1 glass of champagne or juice per person), "Tea Ceremony" (with traditional pies), "Vodka Show" (blini and vodka tasting), Cocktail Party (once per cruise, complimentary 1 cocktail per person), Captain's Dinner (gourmet menu, once per cruise), mulled wine or ice tea (weather-depending / upon returning from excursions), complimentary Coffee Station (coffee, hot water, packed tea, milk, cocoa, cookies), 1 bottled water (0.33l pp per day in cabins). Tickets are also inclusive of foreign language speaking guide services, onboard entertainment (language class, singing lessons, live music, nightly dancing music, Wheelhouse tour).
• Complimentary excursions are detailed in the ship's cruise itinerary program. Optional tours are available for onboard booking. For excursion services, foreigner passengers may be charged with additional fee pp per day (varies by cruise tour length).
• Cruise tickets don't include land transfers (excepting foreign travel agency bookings), beverages and snacks (in onboard bars-lounges), phone calls, sauna visits, optional excursions, travel insurance, gratuities, personal spendings. Ticket prices include 18% VAT.
• Smoking on the ship is allowed only in designated areas (marked with "Place for smoking" signs). Smoking is prohibited in all interior spaces and on open decks (except at designated areas).
• On most ships are available health gymnastics and morning exercises (led by a certified physician/ship's doctor), oxygen cocktail, dietary food.
• On most ships are provided (free of charge) the following medical services - emergency medical care (assistance required for sudden acute illnesses, conditions, exacerbation of chronic diseases), measurement of blood pressure and body temperature, primary treatment of wounds.
• Boarding starts 2 hours prior to departure. All passengers must be boarded at least an hour prior to departure. Late passengers missing their cruise tour are not refunded.
• Russia's main river cruise departure ports are Moscow , St Petersburg , Astrakhan , Nizhny Novgorod , Perm , Samara , Kazan , Volgograd , Rostov-on-Don , Saratov .

Russian cruise ships

Currently, in Russia is operated a huge fleet of over 200 river cruise ships. All these vessels were built during the USSR (Soviet Union) times, roughly in the period between 1950-1990. Depending on class and series, these boats differ in terms of size, equipment (different engine designs), passenger capacity, onboard facilities and venues, cabins (types and number). Amenities additionally differ by shipowner (cruise company).

All these old-design Russian ships were completely refurbished and rebuilt for their new shipowners, Some of these ships are operated (via partnerships or under charter) also by foreign companies (like Viking, CroisiEurope, Uniworld, AMAwaterways, Grand Circle, Nicko). During their multi-million-dollar drydock refits, vessels passenger capacities were considerably reduced to improve travel comfort and safety.

Most boats are of the following classes:

• "Rossiya" (Project 785, 36 vessels built 1952-1958)
• "Baykal" (Project 646, 15 units built 1953-1956)
• "Rodina" (Project 588, 49 vessels built 1954-1961)
• "Oktyabrskaya Revolyutsiya" (Project 26-37, 14 units built 1957-1962)
• "Dunay" (Project 305, 47 vessels built between 1959-1964)
• "Kuybyshev" (Project OL400, 9 units built 1975-1983)
• "Vladimir Ilyich" (Project 301, 22 vessels built between 1975-1983)
• "Dmitri Furmanov" (Project 302, 27 vessels built between 1983-1991)

Regardless of their age, all these motor ships undergo regular drydock refurbishments , machinery and safety checks, scheduled repairs (including annual surveys). Drydocks are every 5 years and include repairs, hull inspection, propulsion-steering inspection, general maintenance works.

Each ship is equipped with life-saving appliances (lifeboats and rafts) in amounts exceeding the boat's max passenger and crew capacity. Each cabin is equipped with lifejackets with illustrated instructions in several languages. All ships are equipped with modern fire-fighting systems. Crew and staff are experienced and highly professional certified employees.

Itinerary of Russian River Cruises

CruiseMapper's "Russian River Cruises" itinerary section provides information on itineraries and ports of call offered by the largest Russian and European river cruise companies - Vodohod, Viking, Uniworld, Scenic, CroisiEurope. Each foreign company has a partnership with a local company and operates as a joint venture one or more Russian ships.

For detailed itinerary information (routes) visit our pages of the following departure ports - Saratov , Volgograd , Samara , Perm , Nizhny Novgorod , Cheboksary , Rostov-on-Don ,  Kazan , Astrakhan , Moscow , St Petersburg .

Volga River cruise ports highlights

• St Petersburg (Russia's second-largest city - after Moscow) was built by Tzar Peter the Great in 1703. It is located in the Neva River delta (Gulf of Finland's east coast). Saint Petersburg includes the territories of more than 130 islands interconnected by over 300 bridges. The city has a huge number of cultural and historical sights, architectural landmarks, museums, magnificent palaces (Russian Tsars' former residences), grand parks, wide avenues, bridges, numerous monuments. Among its most famous tourist attractions are the Hermitage museum (housing over 2 million pieces of art). Two days is never enough to see everything in this remarkable city. However, passengers will usually visit the Hermitage, admire the city's 19th-century architecture during a canal cruise tour, take in a cultural performance, visit one of the Versailles-style palaces in St. Petersburg's countryside (Pushkin or Peterhof).
• Moscow (Russian Federation's capital and largest city) was founded in 1147 by Prince Yuri Dolgoruky. The city was destroyed several times - by the Mongolians, Napoleon, the Nazis. The heart of the city lies in the Red Square, which contains Lenin's Tomb, St Basil's Cathedral, and GUM Department Store. Kremlin's red walls also border the square. Inside the fort are the Armoury (containing the Faberge eggs) and 9 onion-domed churches. Art-fans can seek out Pushkin Gallery or see a show at Bolshoi Theatre.
• Yaroslavl is one of the Golden Ring cities of Russia, and the largest city to visit during the middle of your Volga cruise. The town is famous for its gorgeous churches. It also offers several pedestrian-only streets full of shops and cafes, as well as a lovely embankment used as a park.
• Uglich has a provincial setting. It was found in the 10th century and was a scene of some of medieval Russian history's most remarkable events. Here were exiled the Ivan Terrible’s 7th wife and her son Tsarevich Dmitry. Soon after, Tsarevich was mysteriously murdered here. Soon after, a dedicated to this event church ("Church of St. Demetrius on the Blood") was erected. Within the Uglich Kremlin walls is the town's oldest building - "Prince’s Palace". Other attractions are St. John’s Church and the Transfiguration Cathedral.
• Astrakhan was founded at the end of the 13th century and is located on the Volga's left bank. Port’s activities extend 100 km downstream and over 300 km upstream along the river. The city is a major trading center and its main business is freight shipping (coal, timber, salt, food, industrial products). Astrakhan is not linked to the railroad network. Cargoes are transferred by floating cranes from river ships to seagoing vessels.
• Goritsy is a small village on River Sheksna, famous for its Resurrection Convent, At approx 4 ml (7 km) from Goritsy is Kirillov - a pilgrimage site with many historical and architectural monuments. Among those are the Kirillo-Belozerski monastery, Ferapont monastery (UNESCO site), 12 churches, 25 civil monuments.
• Kizhi Island (Lake Onega) is located approx 70 km (40 ml) to the northeast of Petrozavodsk. The island has two onion-domed churches. Also here is the 17th-century-built 22-domed church - constructed without using a single nail. Its "Church of the Transfiguration of our Savior" and "Church of the Intercession" were rebuilt several times and are preserved in their original 17th-century design.
• Mandrogi (Mandroga) is a small village on the Svir river recently created as a tourist attraction. It features small wooden log cabin houses. Its “town of masters” is a market for hand-made Russian art craft, including paintings, painted wooden dolls, embroidery, pottery. Other attractions are the elk nursery and the quail farm, horse-riding tours, food tasting (pastry), vodka tasting (museum of Russian vodka).
• Kostroma is also one of the Golden Ring cities, and once was one of Russia's 3 largest cities - after Moscow and Yaroslavl, It is located at the confluence of the rivers Volga and Kostroma. Among the attractions are the St Ipathy monastery, an open-air museum (traditional wooden architecture- izbas, mills, churches are gathered in one place).
• Kizhi is famous the whole world over. It has become the symbol of the grandeur of unique Russian culture. Visiting the Kizhi Islands gives a great chance to appreciate the enchanting medieval atmosphere and get acquainted with the customs and free spirit of men living in a spacious area with a rigorous climate
• Kazan. The largest port in the Volga basin, it transships cargoes transported by water alone or by water and rail. The port receives coal from Kuznetsk Basin for Kazan's heat and electric power plant, food and industrial products, and ships out products of city's enterprises and Siberian timber. The port includes Tsentral’nyi, Kama, and Volga cargo areas, as well as a number of landings, the biggest of which is Naberezhnye Chelny and Chistopol’. The basin of the Tsentral’nyi Cargo Area and passenger area are protected by a breakwater.
• Novgorod (Nizhniy Novgorod) is an ancient stronghold founded by Gran Prince Yuri as a frontier post, is now the 5th largest city of Russia as well as one of the main centers of river tourism in the country. In the 19th century, Nizhniy became the trade center of the whole state as it was the place of the biggest fair in the Russian Empire. A proverb of that time says: "Moscow is the heart of Russia, St. Petersburg is its head, and Nizhniy Novgorod - its pocketbook". The city was renamed "Gorky" in Soviet times, in honor of the writer Maxim Gorky, born there. Until 1990, Nizhniy Novgorod was “closed” to foreigners as USSR protected its military secrets. Nizhniy Novgorod is included in the UNESCO list of 100 cities constituting world cultural and historical value.
• Samara - during the Soviet period the city was named Kuybyshev, in honor of the Soviet party figure Valerian Kuybyshev. The shortest ways from Central and Western Europe to Kazakhstan, Siberia, and Central Asia run through Samara. The city has a rich cultural heritage: Alexey Tolstoy spent his childhood and youth there. Maxim Gorky started his literary career in the city - he worked in "Samara Newspaper". The Czech writer Yaroslav Gashek also worked in Samara, during the Civil war. Famous artists like Ilya Repin, Ivan Ayvazovsky, Vasily Surikov, lived in the city. During the Great Patriotic War, the Seventh Symphony of Dmitry Shostakovich was performed in Samara for the first time.
• Tver - the White Trinity Church (1564) is the sole ancient monument of Tver as in 1763, there was a great fire after which the city was rebuilt in Neoclassical style. There are also a lot of buildings of Catherine the Great. Tver State University is highly rated in the region. In 1931, Tver received the name Kalinin, in honor of the Soviet leader Mikhail Kalinin. The city was occupied by the German army in 1941. Only 2 months later it became the first big city in Europe liberated from the occupation.
• Ulyanovsk is located on the right bank of the Kuibyshev Reservoir. Port's activities extend 90 km downstream and 100 km upstream along the Volga. The port unloads mineral construction materials, food, and industrial products for the cities of Saransk and Uljanovsk, and ships out coal from Kuznetsk Basin, automobiles, foodstuffs. Its passenger area was rebuilt in 1969 and includes a large number of landings, the biggest being Melekess and Sengilei. The basin of the port of Ulyanovsk is protected by a breakwater.
• Saratov (founded in 1590) is the capital city of a huge province that as size equals the territories of Albania, Belgium and Switzerland combined. In the late 19th century, Saratov became a center for industry and trade, Among the city's attractions, are Moskovskaya street (Europe's longest straight street), one of Europe's longest bridges (2,8 km long), children’s theater, puppet theater, Russia’s oldest circus, musical conservatory, beaches, Art Galleries, Lipki Park, two large casinos.
• Volgograd (currently Stalingrad) was founded in 1589. This is a major port and shipping hub linking Donets Basin with the Urals and Upper Volga Region. It ships grain, coal, food, and industrial products upstream and receives mineral construction materials and timber. The port’s districts are situated within the cities of Volzhsk and Volgograd (Tsentral’nyi). Kamyshin is the biggest landing belonging to the port. Among Volgograd's attractions is the Mamayev Hill with numerous sculptures devoted to the WW2 victims and topped with the world’s largest freestanding statue “Mother Russia” (height 52 m / 171 ft). Adjacent is the "Museum of the Defense" (war artifacts, weapons, uniforms).

All ships listed here operate on Russian waterways. To this long list should be additionally added the following boats, which are currently listed in the fleets of their own companies:

• Scenic Tsar (company Scenic Cruises )
• River Victoria (company Uniworld )
• Viking Rurik , Viking Akun , Viking Helgi , Viking Ingvar , Viking Truvor (company Viking Cruises )

Viking River Cruises in Russia - Itinerary "Waterways of the Tsars"

Viking's itinerary is named "Waterways of the Tsars" (13-day cruise) inclusive of:

• all transfers and port charges
• Riverview stateroom
• 10 guided tours (audio headsets provided)
• all onboard meals (including 12 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 12 dinners, Welcome Cocktail Reception, Gala Dinner)
• complimentary beverages (wine, beer, and soft drinks with all dinners and lunches)
• complimentary Wi-Fi
• visiting four UNESCO World Heritage Sites
• enrichment events (onshore live music and dance performances), onboard Russian language lessons, history-themed lectures, Russian cooking workshop, Russian tea time).
• Viking's Russian cruise fares are between USD 5,100 - 5,600 PP. Prices are inclusive of international airfare from 30 USA airports.
• Airport transfers (meet & greet) are included only when flights are purchased through Viking Cruises.

Optional (additionally priced) extensions are:

• (pre-cruise) 2-night Moscow hotel package (Radisson Royal Hotel or similar), with included 2 breakfasts, Moscow Subway guided tour, Viking host services.
• (post-cruise) 3-night Helsinki hotel package (Radisson Blu Plaza or similar), with included 3 breakfasts, guided walking tour, Viking host services, train travel (St Petersburg to Helsinki), all hotel and ship transfers.

Itineraries are two: northbound (Moscow to St Petersburg) or the reverse southbound (St Petersburg to Moscow).

• (Day 1) Moscow arrival, airport to ship transfer, onboard dinner
• (Day 2) half-day Moscow tour (Bolshoi Theater, Red Square, St Basil’s Cathedral, GUM Department Store, Moscow Metro)
• (Day 3) free time full-day Moscow touring, or an optional morning tour to Tretyakov Gallery Russian fine art museum). Other optional tours are in the afternoon (Cosmonaut Museum, Jewish Moscow) and in the evening (Moscow by Night).
• (Day 4) Moscow tour to Kremlin (Tsar’s Canon, Tsar’s Bell, 2 cathedrals), scenic Moscow Canal cruise (after lunch) as the ships departs the city.
• (Day 5) Uglich arrival (after lunch), disembarkation for a guided walking tour (Kremlin of Uglich, Church of St Dmitry on the Blood, tea at a local family home), before dinner departure
• (Day 6) Yaroslavl arrival in the morning, guided tour (covered food market, handcrafted souvenirs shopping), free time, ship lunch, departure.
• (Day 7) Kuzino morning arrival, tour to Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery (guided walk- wooden chapels, Assumption Cathedral, museum), children’s school, ship lunch, afternoon departure.
• (Day 8) Kizhi Island (Lake Onega cruising) afternoon arrival, walking tour (Open Air Museum of Architecture- wooden houses, windmills, churches, Preobranzhenskaya Church), evening departure.
• (Day 9) Mandrogy (Svir River cruising) afternoon arrival (Vodka Museum, handmade Russian craft shopping, optional banya / Russian bathhouse visit, optional tour (matryoshka doll making workshop), Lake Ladoga cruising to Neva River.
• (Day 10) — St Petersburg (Neva River cruising), early morning arrival, onboard breakfast, guided tour (Winter Palace, Hermitage Museum), onboard dinner and evening live Russian ballet performance.
• (Day 11) St Petersburg tour to Pushkin district (Catherine Palace), ship lunch, city tour (St Isaac’s Cathedral, Peter and Paul Fortress, Nevsky Prospekt), optional evening folklore performance.
• (Day 12) free time St Petersburg touring (optional morning tour to Peterhof Palace, optional afternoon kommunalka tour, optional St Petersburg canal cruise from), onboard lunch and dinner.
• (Day 13) St Petersburg - onboard breakfast, ship disembarkation, ship to airport transfer for the return flight.

Uniworld Cruises in Russia - itinerary "Imperial Waterways of Russia"

The 13-day long itinerary is named "Imperial Waterways of Russia" and operated by the ship River Victoria. Uniworld's Russian cruise fares range between USD 5,200 and 9,900 PP (depending on cabin category.

• Day 1 – Moscow (Sheremetyevo Airport arrival, ship transfer, embarkation)
• Day 2 – Moscow (city tour, metro tour, Arbat Street) - Bolshoi Theatre, Red Square, St Basil’s Cathedral, Russian lunch included, onboard Captain’s Welcome Reception, Gala Dinner
• Day 3 – Moscow (Kremlin, Armory Museum)
• Day 4 – Moscow (leisure day)
• Day 5 – Moscow Canal and Volga River cruising to Uglich (walking tour)
• Day 6 – Yaroslavl (Lake Rybinsk cruising) - city tour
• Day 7 – Goritsy (Lake Onega cruising) - monasteries, St Cyril of the White Lake Monastery, Children’s Arts and Crafts,
• Day 8 – Kizhi Island (Lake Onega cruising) - Open-air Museum of Wooden Architecture
• Day 9 – Svir River cruising to Mandrogi, Lake Ladoga cruising - Mandrogi walk tour (picnic lunch)
• Day 10 – St Petersburg (city tour, canal cruise, Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, ballet performance at Alexandrinsky Theatre)
• Day 11 – St Petersburg (Catherine Palace, Pushkin Park)
• Day 12 – St Petersburg (Winter Palace - Hermitage Museum, Captain’s Farewell Reception, Gala Dinner)
• Day 13 – St Petersburg (disembarkation, transfer and return flight).

Scenic River Cruises in Russia - itinerary "The Imperial Wonders Of Russia"

The itinerary is operated by Scenic Tzar and named "Imperial Jewels of Russia". Its duration is 15-day, along Volga and Svir rivers. Scenic Cruises deals are inclusive of:

• Scenic Enrich - handcrafted, Scenic passengers exclusive tour experiences (private shows, family meals prepared by local hosts)
• Scenic Sundowners - exclusive cocktail events
• all onboard meals (including complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks with lunches and dinners)
• onboard doctor
• onboard entertainment
• in-cabin room service
• Wi-Fi internet (Mac mini infotainment system via the cabin's TV)
• all gratuities
• Scenic's Russian cruise fares are USD 11,500 PP.

Day-by-day itinerary info: Day 1 (Moscow), Day 2 (Moscow, Sundowners canal cruise), Day 3 (Moscow - Kremlin), Day 4 (Moscow - Cosmonaut meeting), Day 5 (Moscow - Tretyakov Gallery), Day 6 (Uglich), Day 7 (Yaroslavl - city tour), Day 8 (Goritsy - Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery), Day 9 (Kizhi Island - Church of Transfiguration), Day 10 (Mandrogi - Museum village), Day 11 (St Petersburg - Hermitage), Day 12 (St Petersburg - Peterhof Palace), Day 13 (St Petersburg - Private Ballet performance), Day 14 (St Petersburg - canal cruise), Day 15 (return flight).

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