Mediterranean with Olly Smith

Lying near the head of Southampton Water, a peninsula between the estuaries of the Rivers Test and Itchen, Southampton is Britain’s largest cruise port. It has been one of England’s major ports since the Middle Ages, when it exported wool and hides from the hinterland and imported wine from Bordeaux. The city suffered heavy damage during World War Two and as a result the centre has been extensively rebuilt, but there are still some interesting medieval buildings including the Bargate, one of the finest city gatehouses in England.

Day 2 - Cruising

Day 3 - La Coruña - Spain

La Coruña, the largest city in Spain's Galicia region, is among the country's busiest ports. The remote Galicia area is tucked into the northwest corner of the Iberian Peninsula, surprising visitors with its green and misty countryside that is so much unlike other parts of Spain. The name "Galicia" is Celtic in origin, for it was the Celts who occupied the region around the 6th-century BC and erected fortifications. La Coruña was already considered an important port under the Romans. They were followed by an invasion of Suevians, Visigoths and, much later in 730, the Moors. It was after Galicia was incorporated into the Kingdom of Asturias that the epic saga of the Pilgrimage to Santiago (St. James) began. From the 15th century, overseas trade developed rapidly; in 1720, La Coruña was granted the privilege of trading with America - a right previously only held by Cadiz and Seville. This was the great era when adventurous men voyaged to the colonies and returned with vast riches. Today, the city's significant expansion is evident in three distinct quarters: the town centre located along the isthmus; the business and commercial centre with wide avenues and shopping streets; and the "Ensanche" to the south, occupied by warehouses and factories. Many of the buildings in the old section feature the characteristic glazed façades that have earned La Coruña the name "City of Crystal." Plaza Maria Pita, the beautiful main square, is named after the local heroine who saved the town in 1589 when she seized the English standard from the beacon and gave the alarm, warning her fellow townsmen of the English attack.

Day 4 - Cruising

Day 5 - Cruising

Day 6 - Valencia - Spain

Valencia, Spain's third-largest municipality, is a proud city with a thriving nightlife and restaurant scene, quality museums, and spectacular contemporary architecture, juxtaposed with a thoroughly charming historic quarter, making it a popular destination year in year out. During the Civil War, it was the last seat of the Republican Loyalist government (1935–36), holding out against Franco’s National forces until the country fell to 40 years of dictatorship. Today it represents the essence of contemporary Spain—daring design and architecture along with experimental cuisine—but remains deeply conservative and proud of its traditions. Though it faces the Mediterranean, Valencia's history and geography have been defined most significantly by the River Turia and the fertile huerta that surrounds it.The city has been fiercely contested ever since it was founded by the Greeks. El Cid captured Valencia from the Moors in 1094 and won his strangest victory here in 1099: he died in the battle, but his corpse was strapped into his saddle and so frightened the besieging Moors that it caused their complete defeat. In 1102 his widow, Jimena, was forced to return the city to Moorish rule; Jaume I finally drove them out in 1238. Modern Valencia was best known for its frequent disastrous floods until the River Turia was diverted to the south in the late 1950s. Since then the city has been on a steady course of urban beautification. The lovely bridges that once spanned the Turia look equally graceful spanning a wandering municipal park, and the spectacularly futuristic Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències (City of Arts and Sciences), most of it designed by Valencia-born architect Santiago Calatrava, has at last created an exciting architectural link between this river town and the Mediterranean. If you're in Valencia, an excursion to Albufera Nature Park is a worthwhile day trip.

Day 7 - Cruising

Day 8 - Marseille - France

Since being designated a European Capital of Culture for 2013, with an estimated €660 million of funding in the bargain, Marseille has been in the throes of an extraordinary transformation, with no fewer than five major new arts centers, a beautifully refurbished port, revitalized neighborhoods, and a slew of new shops and restaurants. Once the underdog, this time-burnished city is now welcoming an influx of weekend tourists who have colonized entire neighborhoods and transformed them into elegant pieds-à-terre (or should we say, mer). The second-largest city in France, Marseille is one of Europe's most vibrant destinations. Feisty and fond of broad gestures, it is also as complicated and as cosmopolitan now as it was when a band of Phoenician Greeks first sailed into the harbor that is today's Vieux Port in 600 BC. Legend has it that on that same day a local chieftain's daughter, Gyptis, needed to choose a husband, and her wandering eyes settled on the Greeks' handsome commander Protis. Her dowry brought land near the mouth of the Rhône, where the Greeks founded Massalia, the most important Continental shipping port in antiquity. The port flourished for some 500 years as a typical Greek city, enjoying the full flush of classical culture, its gods, its democratic political system, its sports and theater, and its naval prowess. Caesar changed all that, besieging the city in 49 BC and seizing most of its colonies. In 1214 Marseille was seized again, this time by Charles d'Anjou, and was later annexed to France by Henri IV in 1481, but it was not until Louis XIV took the throne that the biggest transformations of the port began; he pulled down the city walls in 1666 and expanded the port to the Rive Neuve (New Riverbank). The city was devastated by plague in 1720, losing more than half its population. By the time of the Revolution, Marseille was on the rebound once again, with industries of soap manufacturing and oil processing flourishing, encouraging a wave of immigration from Provence and Italy. With the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869, Marseille became the greatest boomtown in 19th-century Europe. With a large influx of immigrants from areas as exotic as Tangiers, the city quickly acquired the multicultural population it maintains to this day.

Day 9 - Barcelona - Spain

The infinite variety of street life, the nooks and crannies of the medieval Barri Gòtic, the ceramic tile and stained glass of Art Nouveau facades, the art and music, the throb of street life, the food (ah, the food!)—one way or another, Barcelona will find a way to get your full attention. The capital of Catalonia is a banquet for the senses, with its beguiling mix of ancient and modern architecture, tempting cafés and markets, and sun-drenched Mediterranean beaches. A stroll along La Rambla and through waterfront Barceloneta, as well as a tour of Gaudí's majestic Sagrada Famíliaand his other unique creations, are part of a visit to Spain's second-largest city. Modern art museums and chic shops call for attention, too. Barcelona's vibe stays lively well into the night, when you can linger over regional wine and cuisine at buzzing tapas bars.

Day 10 - Barcelona - Spain

Day 11 - Cruising

Day 12 - Cádiz - Spain

Believed to be the oldest town on the Iberian Peninsula, the Andalusian port of Cádiz enjoys a stunning location at the edge of a six-mile promontory. The town itself, with 3,000 years of history, is characterised by pretty white houses with balconies often adorned with colourful flowers. As you wander around be sure to take a stroll through the sizeable Plaza de Espãna, with its large monument dedicated to the first Spanish constitution, which was signed here in 1812. Cádiz has two pleasant seafront promenades which boast fine views of the Atlantic Ocean, and has a lovely park, the Parque Genoves, located close to the sea with an open-air theatre and attractive palm garden. Also notable is the neo-Classical cathedral, capped by a golden dome.

Day 13 - Cruising

Day 14 - Cruising

Day 15 - Southampton - England

Cruise Map

Dining Options

From healthy to decadent, from hearty to delicate, there’s a menu and a venue for every mood. Keen to dress up for a romantic meal in a chic setting? Prefer to pick up a freshly made snack while sunbathing by the pool? Feel free. If you’re with little ones, an early children’s tea offers another great way to enjoy time together (as well as some tasty treats!).

Market Cafe

Settle into a cosy world of temptation at the Market Café. With a fresh menu created by master pâtissier and P&O Cruises Food Hero Eric Lanlard, this luxurious haven in the heart of Britannia’s atrium offers something sweet for every palate.

The Limelight Club

Get cosy beneath the intimate low lighting of The Limelight Club and prepare yourself for a show-stopper of an evening at this ticketed event exclusively for adults. Feast your senses on entertainment provided by some of Britain’s best-loved performers – we’re talking real household names – and relish in a three-course culinary experience that’ll have your taste-buds tingling.

The Glass House

The perfect spot for light bites, lunchtime tipples and relaxed evening meals, with wines selected by Olly Smith.

Sindhu

Prepare your taste buds for a flavour-filled adventure. In stylish and sumptuous surroundings, Sindhu’s expert chefs will take you on a delicately spiced odyssey that celebrates the best of contemporary Indian cuisines. You can also make a date on sea daysto enjoy a delicious tiffin-style lunch.

Meridian Restaurant

For guests who like to escape the usual routine on holiday, they’ll love the flexibility of Freedom Dining. Opt for an early dinner one night and a late supper the next; they can shape each day as they please at this formal restaurant.

Oriental Restaurant

Taking its name from the 'O' in P&O (Peninsular and Oriental Steam Company), this elegant and welcoming dining room is all about enjoying the friendly atmosphere and company of table companions. Decorated in rich bronzes and golds, The Oriental Restaurant has an understated elegance and seats almost 500 people in stylish comfort. Huge ocean-view windows on three sides frame views of the ship's wake, while delicately crafted dishes are beautifully presented at the table. This is truly a world-class dining experience to be savoured in every sense.

Horizon Buffet

Dine, any time, at the self-service restaurant boasting an array of dishes to suit every mood and appetite.

Epicurean Restaurant

Dining experiences don’t come any finer than Epicurean. Marvel as each exquisite dish, inspired by classic British ingredients and given a modern twist by expert chefs, is presented at your table. The experience is complete with fine wines, flawless service, elegant surroundings and stunning ocean views.

Java Cafe

Java café now serves alcoholic drinks. Situated opposite The Glass House, it’s an ideal spot to sip a cool beer while enjoying a bird’s-eye view of the action down below.

Entertainment

As a family friendly ship, Britannia offers a wide range of options for the whole family, including a variety of just-for-kids activities.

The Blue Bar

Elegant. Sophisticated. Refined.The Blue Bar will find guests cosseted in the ship’s very heart with a view of Britannia’s stunning starburst sculpture and a cocktail list in hand. What could be better?

Headliners Theatre

By night, lose yourself in a performance at Headliners Theatre, where music, dance and spectacular production techniques come together in dazzling style. The shows, created by industry-leading producers and choreographers and performed by the stars of our own on-shore production company, The Academy, are not to be missed.

Crystal Room

Where better to hone dancing skills than in the glamorous setting of the Crystal Room? Expert teachers will have guests effortlessly gliding, swaying and twirling in no time!

The Live Lounge

Music and dancing are on the menu at The Live Lounge, the perfect spot for a nightcap

The Studio

One room, so many possibilities! This multi-purpose, state-of-the art venue will be the place to come for anything and everything from talks, guest speakers, cookery demos, films, game shows and music recitals...

The Limelight Club

Music fans and foodies will love The Limelight Club. The first of its kind in the fleet, it offers a sophisticated supper-club experience. Feast on a fabulous modern European menu and enjoy intimate performances from world-class entertainment talent.

The Crow's Nest

Savour glorious ocean views and signature timeless classic cocktails with a twist. By day, the mood is restful for reading and reveries. By night, things take a sophisticated turn –the live pianist, moody vocals and stylish late-lounge vibe making it a popular haunt for night owls.

Brodie's Bar

Get set for good times in this lively, sociable pub. Hosting an incredible range of British and international bottled beers, ciders and real ales, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to crafted brews. There’s also a great selection on tap, plus wines and traditional snacks if you need a nibble or two.

Sunset Bar

And relax... This stylish bar is the perfect spot to chill out in the sunshine or shade by day, with cool drinks served at your table. Later, watch the sunset with a cocktail or make a night of it under the stars

Other Information

Smoking & E-cigarette Policy

There are dedicated areas onboard where smoking is permitted. Smoking is not permitted in any public room, inside cabin or on cabin balconies.

Electronic cigarettes, including those which do not emit smoke, are not permitted in public areas but can be used in cabins, balconies and designated areas of the open deck.

Drinks Packages

We are currently reviewing all our beverage packages to give our guests more choice. Packages are available to purchase on board, however as these are being reviewed and may be different from those currently on offer we have removed them from advance purchase.

Guests who have already purchased their cards in advance will have these honoured, no matter what the date of their cruise.

If you would like to book one of the drinks packages on board, please approach a member of the Beverage Team who will be happy to assist you. Please note that all items / prices are subject to availability and where applicable, alternatives may be offered.

Special Dietary Requirements

The ship can cater for the following diets; vegetarian, low /no fat, low salt /no salt, lactose intolerant /dairy free, gluten /wheat free /celiac, low cholesterol, diabetic, kosher and vegan. Passengers requiring any of the above diets should contact the Customer Contact Centre prior to their cruise.

Disabled Facilites

Fully accessible adapted cabins and suites are available, which are suitable for wheelchair / mobility scooter users. Passengers with a disability which may affect their mobility onboard are asked to inform the Customer Contact Centre prior to their cruise. Assisted embarkation and disembarkation is available when sailing from Southampton.

Age Restrictions

As with UK laws, the age limit for purchase and consumption of alcohol on board is 18 years of age, however, when in US waters, the age limit increases to 21.

Passengers must be over the age of 18 to use the spa facilities including treatments. If you are under the age of 18 and if you would like a treatment then you will need to be accompanied by an adult.

Dress Code

The ship operates three styles of dress code: Smart, Evening Casual and Black Tie.

On Smart evenings ladies typically wear tailored trousers and separates or even a stylish dress, while men are in a shirt and trousers with a jacket, such as a blazer or sports jacket, or a suit and tie if they wish. For a typical two week cruise there are normally four Smart evenings.

Stylish resort or leisurewear is ideal for Evening Casual nights, for example casual separates or dresses for ladies and open-neck polo shirts and casual trousers (not shorts) for men. A jacket and smart trousers can be worn but are not compulsory. Smart dark denim is also fine, but not trainers, football shirts or tracksuits. For a typical two week cruise on Azura, Britannia, Oceana or Ventura there are normally ten Evening Casual nights. On Adonia, Arcadia, Aurora and Oriana there are normally six Evening Casual nights.

Black Tie nights (also known as Gala Evenings)add a touch of glamour and a real sense of occasion to evenings at sea. Ladies wear glamorous evening wear including cocktail dresses, ball gowns or even smart trouser suits. For men, dinner jackets or tuxedos are the norm, but a dark lounge or business suit and tie can be worn as an alternative. For a typical two week cruise there are normally four Black Tie evenings on board.

During the day casual shirts, shorts, trousers and beachwear are ideal.

Your Cruise Summary

Britannia – P&O Cruises

1 January 1970 – Nights