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In this guide, I’ll take you on a tour of the different pools available on P&O cruises elegant flagship, Britannia. Britannia offers a range of swimming pools designed to soak up the sunshine and outdoor views. There are dedicated adult-only areas and places to chill, as well as pools to spend quality family time with entertainment and delicious poolside food nearby.
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How many pools are there on P&O Cruises Britannia?
Britannia has 3 main swimming pools but there are a whole range of other pools to choose from on board:
- 3 Swimming Pools (Lido Pool, Riviera Pool, Serenity Pool)
- 1 Plunge Pool (Terrace Pool)
- 1 Splash pool (in between Lido & Riviera Pools)
- 4 Whirlpools (see below)
- 1 Hydrotherapy Pool (The Hydrotherapy Pool in the Oasis Spa)
It’s worth noting that Britannia has no free-to-use indoor pools
Main Swimming Pools on P&O Cruises Britannia – a quick review
The Lido Pool on Britannia
The Lido is an outdoor entertainment hub on board P&O Cruises Britannia. The Pool uncovered and is adjacent to the Riviera Pool. The pool is heated, but in colder climes, it can be a bit exposed outside.
There are plenty of sun loungers and reclining chairs next to or near Britannia’s Lido pool. Tables and chairs are also plentiful and are in the more shaded areas on the lower level of the Lido (Deck 16). There are also a range of food venues (Lido Grill, Pizzeria and Sundaes, Horizon Restaurant, Sundaes) and bars nearby (Lido Bar, Riviera Bar). Pool towel stations are also readily available.
The Lido Pool is a lively pool throughout the day with lots of music, quizzes and entertainment on offer – both on the small stage between the Lido and Riviera Pools and in the DJ booth on the upper level of the Lido deck (deck 17). It is also a particular focus for sail away events and can sometimes get very crowded in School Holidays and at peak times.
The Lido pool also big enough to get some laps in if you like a swim. My advice if you do want to get a few laps in, is to go early in the day as the Lido (and Riviera) Pool can get busy making it difficult to swim in a straight line!
Lido Pool on Britannia - Plus points:
❤️The pool is heated
❤️A medium sized pool great for getting your laps in during an early morning swim.
❤️Lots of entertainment throughout the day
❤️Plenty of facilities located within easy reach –food, bars, ice cream, toilets and showers.
❤️A pool with equal amounts of sun and shade
❤️Stepped access into the pool - great for those who cant do pool ladders
Lido Pool on Britannia - Minus points:
⬇️This pool can get really busy on sea days – especially when the weather isn’t too good outside
⬇️Less sheltered on cold/windy days
⬇️No hot tubs next to this pool
⬇️No Pool hoist
The Riviera Pool on Britannia
Located next to the Lido Pool on Deck 16, the Riviera pool is similar in size, but with the added benefit of being accessible with walk in steps (rather than just a pool ladder).
A medium sized pool, it a good pool to get some laps in and as there is also the Lido Pool nearby, there’s usually plenty of choice for early morning swimmers who venture up here before breakfast.
Just like the Lido Pool there are a good range for facilities nearby the Riviera Pool on Britannia – such as the Riviera Bar, The Lido Bar and the Horizon Restaurant. It’s also located very near the aft lifts so the infinity pool on Britannia is a highly accessible pool.
Around the pool you’ll find a combination of tables and chairs, sun loungers and reclining chairs. Pool towel stations are also readily available. There are also toilets and showers nearby and there are also some great shaded areas too.
Riviera Pool on Britannia - Plus points:
❤️A heated pool
❤️A medium sized pool for getting your laps in during an early morning swim.
❤️Lots of entertainment throughout the day
❤️Plenty of facilities located within easy reach –food, bars, ice cream, toilets and showers.
❤️A pool with great views with equal amounts of sun and shade
❤️Has a pool Hoist
Riviera Pool on Britannia - Minus points:
⬇️Less sheltered on cold/windy days
⬇️Can get busy on sunny days – especially sunny sea days.
⬇️No hot tubs next to this pool
The Kid’s Splash Pool on the Lido Deck on Britannia
In between the Lido Pool and the Riviera Pool on deck 16 is a small, square splash pool. Which is perfect for supervised toddlers. Unfortunately, this isn’t covered and sometimes cant be used when there is entertainment taking place on the stage in between both pools.
The Serenity Pool on Britannia
Located right at the front of the ship on Deck 17 behind the Retreat, The Serenity pool is the only designated adults only pool on Britannia. The pool can be accessed either via the upper level of the Lido pool or via the forward lifts.
As the only free-to-use adults only area on Britannia, this outdoor pool can get busy on sea days with good weather.
There are a good range of seating options around the pool such as sun loungers, comfy sofas and chairs as well as some partly shaded cabanas. You’ll often find the seating around this pool area gets occupied very quickly and is a favourite place for chair hogs.
This outdoor pool is quite exposed to the elements so you will find few shaded areas during the midday sun, and it can get quite windy on some days at sea.
The Serenity pool is served by its own bar, the Serenity Bar. However, there are no food venues next to the pool, so the closest food venue will be the Lido Grill on Deck 16.
Unsurprisingly, given its name, the Serenity Pool is a chilled out area and you wont find any loud music or entertainment here.
Serenity Pool on Britannia - Plus points:
❤️The pool with the best views on Britannia
❤️One of the quietest pools on Britannia
❤️There is a pool hoist at this pool
❤️Served by its own Bar – the Serenity Bar & toilets nearby
❤️Adults only Pool
Serenity Pool on Britannia - Minus points:
⬇️Far from food venues.
⬇️Limited shaded seating
⬇️More exposed on cold/windy days
The Terrace Pool on Britannia
While this is referred to as a pool, this is a plunge pool rather than a swimming pool.
However, it offers some of the best views from any pool on Britannia and looks directly out over the aft of the ship. This is a great place to be if you want a quiet sail away as there is no specific entertainment here and facilities are limited.
Located right at the back of the ship on Deck 17, it is best accessed by the aft lifts. While it is located on the same level as the Serenity pool, there is no direct access from the outside deck – the only other way to access this pool is through the gym or to head up one set of stairs at the sunset bar.
The facilities near this ‘pool’ are quite limited. There are toilets, but little else. As the pool is probably the least accessible on ship, its often quiet. The nearest bar is the Sunset Bar one deck below and the nearest food venue is also one deck below in the Horizon Restaurant.
Terrace Pool on Britannia - Plus points:
❤️A good combination of sunny and shaded areas
❤️A quiet pool perfect for chilling out next to, with a good range of seating options.
❤️Some good facilities nearby – toilets, and the Beachcomber bar.
Terrace Pool on Britannia - Minus points:
⬇️Can get very windy and be more susceptible to movement of the ship on rough sea days.
⬇️Limited food facilities.
⬇️No Pool Hoist
Whirlpools/ Hot Tubs on P&O Cruises Britannia
Britannia has just 4 whirlpools (or hot tubs) dotted around the ship. These are all located on Deck 17
Deck 17 Whirlpools on Britannia:
➡️2 Outdoor Whirlpools (1 each side of the ship) located on Deck 17 midship on the upper level of the Lido Area
➡️2 Outdoor Adult-only Whirlpools located at front of the ship in the Retreat (1 each side of the ship) these Whirlpools are the only two whirlpools on ship which are not complimentary and require a paid access pass to the Retreat.
Pools with bars on Britannia
| Pool | Nearest Bar(s) |
| Lido Pool | Lido Bar Riviera Bar |
| Riviera Pool | Riviera Bar Lido Bar |
| Serenity Pool | Serenity Bar |
| Terrace Pool | Sunset Bar |
Nearest food to Pools on Britannia
| Pool | Food Venue(s) |
| Lido Pool (Deck 16, Midship) | Lido Grill (Deck 16 Midship) Pizzeria (Deck 16 Midship) Horizon Buffet (Deck 16 Midship) |
| Riviera Pool (Deck 16, Midship) | Lido Grill (Deck 16 Midship) Pizzeria (Deck 16 Midship) Horizon Buffet (Deck 16 Midship) |
| Serenity Pool (Deck 17 Forward) | Lido Grill (Deck 16 Midship) Pizzeria (Deck 16 Midship) |
| Terrace Pool (Deck 17 Aft) | Horizon Buffet (Deck 16 Midship) |
Indoor pools on Britannia
The only indoor pool on Britannia is the Hydrotherapy Pool located in the Oasis spa which there is a charge to access.
Frequently asked questions: pools on Britannia
When are the pools open on Britannia?
Opening hours for all pools and whirlpool spas are listed in the daily on board ‘Horizon’ Magazine but this is usually 8am – 8pm. Sometimes pools and whirlpools are temporarily closed for maintenance and some pools may be closed in bad weather.
How warm are the pools on Britannia?
The temperature of each pool is monitored and maintained at an average of 29°C however, on colder weather cruises the water can sometimes feel colder!
Are the Pools on Britannia pools saltwater or freshwater?
All the pools on Britannia are fresh water, and usually have less chlorine than you’d find in a swimming pool ashore.
Is there a lifeguard on duty on the pools on Britannia?
The pools on board are unsupervised and children under the age of 16 must be supervised by a parent or guardian at all times. Although P&O website doesn’t mention it explicitly, during peak periods in School Holidays, we have noticed a couple of lifeguards on duty in Britannia’s Lido and Riviera Pools.
Are pool hoists available on Britannia?
The Riviera pool and Serenity pools have pool hoists (both in the shallow end The pool hoist with chair has a weight limit of 136kg). This may need to be booked in advance at Reception with 24 hours’ notice.) It’s worth noting that crew are trained to assist guests to operate the pool hoist only and cannot help guests in and out of the hoist.
Can Children in Swim Nappies use the pools on Britannia?
Children can use the family-friendly pools on Britannia but children in nappies, swim nappies or pull ups, or those who aren’t completely toilet trained should only use designated pool areas. These are the splash pool between the Lido and Riviera pools and the splash area in the Reef kids club.
Best Pools on P&O Cruises Britannia?
So after all of the above, what’s my pick pf the best pools on Britannia?
Best pools for families on Britannia?
The Lido and Riviera Pools are the best for families on Britannia – as they have plenty of entertainment, and food venues open all day long.
Best Adult only Pools on Britannia?
This is definitely the Serenity Pool as this is specifically designated Adults Only.
Best pools to chill out in on Britannia?
The Terrace pool, whilst small is a great place to chill out in
Pools with the best views Britannia?
Once again, the Terrace Pool wins here with unparalleled view over the wake – a great place for a dip at sail away.
Find out more about my Inside Cabin must-haves
Summary
P&O Cruises’ Britannia offers some great pools options for everyone and all ages, whether it’s family fun to chilled out spaces. I hope you’ve found this post useful in helping you to plan and get the most out of your time on board. Why not join my friendly Facebook group where you can continue the conversation, ask a question and share your experiences.
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