P&O Britannia Refit: Everything You Need to Know

P&O Britannia has become a familiar and much-loved ship in the P&O Cruises fleet, known for its elegant design, range of onboard experiences, and selection of European and Caribbean cruises. But as the years pass and newer ships are launched, many cruisers start asking questions like ‘How old is P&O Britannia?’ or ‘Has P&O Britannia been refurbished recently?’

It’s natural to wonder what to expect when booking a cruise on a ship that first launched several years ago. After all, potential passengers often want to know whether the ship has kept up with modern standards through updates or planned refits. If you’re also asking ‘when is P&O Britannia’s next refit?’ you’re not alone – these details can make a big difference when choosing your next cruise.

In this article, we’ll explore the full story of P&O Britannia. This includes when she first set sail, what refurbishments have taken place over the years, and what is on board P&O Britannia in terms of features and experiences.

How old is P&O Britannia?

P&O Britannia was officially launched in March 2015. She was built at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, and named by Queen Elizabeth II in a grand ceremony held in Southampton on March 10, 2015.

When Britannia entered service, she was the largest ship ever built for the British cruise market with a gross tonnage of 143,730 and carrying over 3,600 passengers. Her size, modern features, and refined British design made her an instant favourite.

Over the past decade, Britannia has consistently served popular routes across the Mediterranean, Canary Islands, Northern Europe, and the Caribbean. Despite being over a decade old, she remains a flagship in the P&O Cruises fleet.

When has P&O Britannia been refurbished?

P&O Britannia has been refurbished twice: once in 2019, and again in 2024.

P&O Britannia underwent a smaller, targeted refit in October 2019. This dry-dock period focused more on functional maintenance and minor upgrades rather than a full interior redesign, as the ship was still relatively new at the time – just four years into service.

The most comprehensive P&O Britannia refit took place in 2024, which was perfectly timed to tie in with her 10th anniversary celebrations. The multi-million-pound investment benefited almost all public areas and cabins. P&O Britannia’s 2024 refit brought fresh colour palettes, brighter textiles, and a lighter, airier feel in line with design elements introduced on newer P&O ships such as Iona and Arvia.

What is on P&O Britannia after the 2024 refit?

Many of the key public spaces and cabins on P&O Cruises Britannia were refurbished at the time. So, if you’re wondering what is on P&O Britannia after her 2024 refit, the answer is: quite a lot. The ship has been thoughtfully refreshed with a range of stylish upgrades and redesigned spaces that bring a more contemporary, comfortable atmosphere to nearly every corner of the ship.

Since the latest P&O Britannia refit, you can expect to find:

Stylish upgrades across venues such as Brodie’s, The Glass House, Crow’s Nest, Java café, Epicurean, and the casino, plus new carpets in several dining venues
A refreshed Sunset Bar featuring warm tones, cosy cushions, and comfy seating
New dance floors in The Live Lounge and The Limelight Club
A completely transformed Market Café on Deck 5, featuring a fresh new look and an all-new menu of sweet and savoury treats, including artisanal gelato
Updated Lido and Serenity pool areas, featuring new tiles, modern furniture, and bright, refreshing colours
An improved children’s splash zone with interactive water features
A relocated Photo Gallery with a new private viewing area
The Crystal Room transformed with a new colour scheme
A redesigned ELEMIS shop and Oasis Spa and Salon, now with a pop-up massage station
A larger, more inviting Loyalty and Cruise Sales area

When is P&O Britannia’s next refit?

Following the P&O Britannia 2024 refit, there are currently no plans for any significant refurbishments to be made to the ship. However, you’ll be the first to know if this changes – keep an eye on our blog for all the latest news on any future Britannia refits!

Set Sail on P&O Britannia with Bolsover Cruise Club

Why not book a cruise on P&O Britannia and see the refit for yourself? At Bolsover Cruise Club, we are experts in finding the perfect P&O Cruises holiday for you, so don’t hesitate to contact our Cruise Experts, who will be more than happy to help.