Guest favourite, P&O Cruises Britannia, has set sail from Southampton following a multi-million-pound makeover, with the first guests experiencing the newly designed spaces and experiences this past weekend.

The changes, which were completed earlier this month, come ahead of Britannia's 10th anniversary celebration cruise in 2025. The makeover includes a refreshed colour palette throughout the public spaces, suites and cabins; extension of the Loyalty and Cruise Sales area; enhancements of the space and dining choices in the Market Café; and a significant investment in the crew areas.

Bringing to life some of the distinctive design aspects from Iona and Arvia, the Sunset Bar has a new warm colour scheme and additional seating and the children's splash area will see a colourful upgrade with interactive water features.

Following the success of the luxury gelato brand Snowflake on Iona and Arvia, the Market Café will now offer Snowflake's first gelato-filled doughnuts at sea. Flavours will include chocolate, strawberry, sea-salted caramel, praline and vanilla, wrapped in a freshly baked doughnut and covered in a choice of three toppings.

P&O Cruises president Paul Ludlow said: “Britannia is our flagship, and with her 10th anniversary celebration cruise next summer we know the importance of ensuring the ship looks its absolute best to deliver an elevated experience for our new and loyal guests.”

Britannia sets sail on the 10th anniversary celebration cruise on June 6, 2025, from Southampton, exploring the British Isles (B514). Ports of call will include Edinburgh (Newhaven), Kirkwall, Stornoway, Belfast, an overnight in Liverpool, and Cork (Cobh), with prices starting from £1,099 per person, based on two people sharing an inside cabin. More details of the celebration cruise, including special guest entertainers and other surprises, will be revealed later closer to the sailing. 

For more information or to book a summer 2026 holiday, guests should call P&O Cruises on 03453 555 111, visit www.pocruises.com or visit a travel agent.

For an image of Britannia, visit here.

For further press information please contact:
Michele Andjel, michele.andjel@carnivalukgroup.com 07730 732 072
Jade Berry, jade.berry@pocruises.com 07467 999 381

About P&O Cruises

P&O Cruises is Britain's favourite cruise line, welcoming guests to experience holidays with a blend of discovery, choice, relaxation and exceptional service catered towards British tastes. Each of the seven ships has its own appeal from family friendly or exclusively for adults. With over 200 destinations worldwide, P&O Cruises itineraries are carefully curated to inspire discovery and are varied to suit newcomers and experienced guests alike.

P&O Cruises works with the best of the best including Gary Barlow who is music director of The 710 Club on Arvia and Iona and has delivered a number of unique musical moments on board. Crafted to Gary's creative vision, The 710 Club showcases an eclectic range of performances and offers an opportunity for up-and-coming musicians to get their break. Gary also joins guests for exclusive performances P&O Cruises holidays. Multi award-winning performer Nicole Scherzinger is the creative force behind contemporary and breath-taking late night shows to be performed in SkyDome on board Iona and Arvia, and P&O Cruises Food Heroes include chefs Marco Pierre White, José Pizarro, Shivi Ramoutar and Kjartan Skjelde who has created Norwegian speciality dishes, as well as award-winning drinks expert Olly Smith. 

Recent awards for P&O Cruises include:

1. The Times and Sunday Times Travel Awards 2023 – Best Ocean Cruise Operator
2. Wave Awards 2023 – Best Value for Money Cruise Line, Favourite Ocean Cruise Line and Best New Ship Launch
3. British Travel Awards 2023 – Best Cruise Line for Family Holidays and Best Cruise Line for No-Fly Cruise Holidays
4. Editors' Picks Cruise Critic Awards 2023 – Best New Ship (Arvia)

The company is part of Carnival Corporation & PLC (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE:CUK).