Well with Mary Berry, James Martin and Theo Randall on board what other title could I use!
Following a great breakfast in Premiere Inn West Quay we headed for the Port.The terminal was crowded not a spare seat in sight.Despite this we went straight through checkin and boarded in twelve minutes .We joined the rest of the portunus members in the restaurant for a full lunch. Not sure whether a full lunch menu is now is available on all the ships now? If it is then will have to stop the breakfast. Cabins were ready at 1pm so another first. Our cabin was immaculate and kept that way by Sagar throughout the cruise.Having cruised the British Isles before this trip was to be all about the ship.We travelled with friends and had booked all the alternative dining prior to sailing. We were first sitting and when we dined there found the food to be excellent as were our waiters. Food in Epicurean was fine but our best experience was in Sindhu, in fact it was so good we booked again when the menu changed and loved it.Had tapas in the Glasshouse and it was amazing, best ever. Afternoon tea in a Epicurean was a delight and a experience worth repeating.We had breakfast in the Horizon several times and never had a problem with queues or finding a table.I found the ship to be elegant and refined.The main issue with her is the lack of a central staircase.If you eat in the Horizon on Deck 16 then you need a lift to descend two decks.Equally if your cabin is midship and you are a wheelchair user you need to allow plenty of time if you want to arrive in the MDR on time. A way around this is to go forward and aft and take the lifts there. We had a portunus lunch and party on the same day as only three sea days this cruise.No officers present, the Captain gave a speech and left.At the party there was a lack of them as well.Just wondered if this is the way ahead?. Just discovered no priority disembarkation any more, apparently this is true throughout the fleet now.Not an issue as you book your slot with reception but was puzzled why P&O had not told us?. One thing that cruisers might have a problem with is that the promenade deck is on the top of the ship exposed to the elements .I use the gym but hubby was unable to have his walks due to poor weather. Can’t really comment on the entertainment as didn’t /couldn’t get into shows as either we were dining or by the time we did get in it they were packed out.So if you especially want to see a show in Headliners then get there early.The best port for me was Cobh, we travelled to Cork by train for €8.50 each and the service ran every 30 minutes. Dublin was overcrowded and the roads were all under construction. If I went again I would take an organised tour to avoid the queues for the shuttle buses. Liverpool gave us a great send off with an amazing firework display but I did not like their security protocols “Woman to the right Men to the left” . Would I cruise on Britannia again, for sure.I have already booked to cruise her next year.Like any grand lady she has her quirks, but I think she passes muster.
