Brittannia refit?

[Hobson1754]

I’ve seen somewhere - think it was on one of the reviews, that Brittania is going in for a refit at the end of the summer. Does anyone have anymore Information i.e. what is the nature of the refit. I suspect, from a lot of negative comments, it may be to do with installing central staircase! Would be very interested as we’re booked on Brittania at beginning of January ‘20.

[AndyMichelle]

I dot think anybody knows for definite, but a lot has been speculated.

Central staircase to be open to the public.

Glasshouse extended around the Atrium to replace Java coffee shop.

Claire Sweeney installed as a permanent fixture singing Vera Lynn songs and getting us to all wave flags.... Ok, I made this one up.

Apparently they call it a 'warranty refurb' to address any issues that have come to light, so hopefully they will try to sort the soot problem.

Britannia is still a fantastic ship even without the improvements, so I am sure you will have a great time.

Andy

[terrierjohn]

I assume the central staircase will be opened up to passengers, it will only need carpeting and decorating.

But the main problems with Britannia, the small(er) cabins and even smaller balconies cannot be remedied at any refit.  As for it being fantastic that might be Andy's opinion but IMO it has far too many flaws to be considered fantastic, however Princess have given their versions the Wow factor that Britannia lacks, and they have even made the cabins look far superior to the drab decor on Britannia.  So I am glad P&O only decided on the one Royal Class ship, and I just hope they give Iona a lot more sparkle than they gave Britannia.

[AndyMichelle]

6 minutes ago, terrierjohn said:

I assume the central staircase will be opened up to passengers, it will only need carpeting and decorating.

But the main problems with Britannia, the small(er) cabins and even smaller balconies cannot be remedied at any refit.  As for it being fantastic that might be Andy's opinion but IMO it has far too many flaws to be considered fantastic, however Princess have given their versions the Wow factor that Britannia lacks, and they have even made the cabins look far superior to the drab decor on Britannia.  So I am glad P&O only decided on the one Royal Class ship, and I just hope they give Iona a lot more sparkle than they gave Britannia.

Perhaps I should have rephrased a bit John.

I have had fantastic holidays on Britannia and it suits us perfectly.

I find the Princess 'wow' factor as you say, gaudy. I find Britannias decor elegant, but each to their own.

Andy

[Monorail Orange]

It does all come down to a matter of taste. From what I've seen of Britannia, she's got a very modern style. Whereas something like the NCL ships or the MSC look far too OTT for me.

 

Anyway, back to the proposed refit. I would imagine it will be the staircase and the usual freshen up here-and-there. Can't see them doing anything major such as adding additional balconies (like Arcadia's Sun Deck) as for one, we'd have probably heard a rumour of that by now.

[Hobson1754]

Thanks everyone. I was starting to rethink this cruise from reviews I’ve seen about Brittania.  I’ve never been on P&O (only Celebrity, Holland America & RCL), but this forum seems to give a more balanced view. I appreciate the balconies are small & that won’t bother us greatly, however we’ve opted for Freedom dining and again reviews have stated that the service often isn’t as good and food is not always hot enough.  Think I’m going to contact them to maybe switch to fixed dining, although we will be trying some speciality restaurants.

[molecrochip]

4 hours ago, terrierjohn said:

I assume the central staircase will be opened up to passengers, it will only need carpeting and decorating.

But the main problems with Britannia, the small(er) cabins and even smaller balconies cannot be remedied at any refit.  As for it being fantastic that might be Andy's opinion but IMO it has far too many flaws to be considered fantastic, however Princess have given their versions the Wow factor that Britannia lacks, and they have even made the cabins look far superior to the drab decor on Britannia.  So I am glad P&O only decided on the one Royal Class ship, and I just hope they give Iona a lot more sparkle than they gave Britannia.

Its not a case of only carpeting and decorating. If that had been the case then it would have been done by now. The cabin levels of the staircase are behind fire-proof security doors which separate crew and passenger areas. These need to be moved on each level and has been done on both the Royal and Regal.

 

Don't bet on the soot issuing being resolved.

[Monorail Orange]

I remember someone stating that they'd already seen work starting on the staircase. Guess that w. as a little optomistic.

 

Unless they were refering to the paneling - I'm only guessing here but that could be done in stages. Then its a case of doing the doors and carpeting the stairs.

Again, that's only speculation on my part.

[majortom10]

Lots of rumours get spread around on P&O ships about many subjects and most of them are incorrect.

[amfc_lenny]

tbh, I didn't find the lack of mid ship stairs a hindrance as we had a cabin near the aft staircase.

The decor is quite neutral/ subdued perhaps in the hope of it not dating as quickly. and easier at refit to spruce up with a few colour accents.

 

 

 

 

 

[Rupert2251]

16 hours ago, majortom10 said:

Lots of rumours get spread around on P&O ships about many subjects and most of them are incorrect.

Just like Chinese Whispers! 😁

[majortom10]

Just now, Rupert2251 said:

Just like Chinese Whispers! 😁

Yes and most start in the launderette.

[Selbourne]

On 4/22/2019 at 11:44 AM, Hobson1754 said:

Thanks everyone. I was starting to rethink this cruise from reviews I’ve seen about Brittania.  I’ve never been on P&O (only Celebrity, Holland America & RCL), but this forum seems to give a more balanced view. I appreciate the balconies are small & that won’t bother us greatly, however we’ve opted for Freedom dining and again reviews have stated that the service often isn’t as good and food is not always hot enough.  Think I’m going to contact them to maybe switch to fixed dining, although we will be trying some speciality restaurants.

 

We have done freedom dining twice on Britannia and had no issues whatsoever. If you want a table for 2 at peak times then be prepared to take a pager, but if you are happy to share you will usually be seated immediately (same as the other ships). Service can sometimes be less personal than in club dining (not always though, it's usually very good) but is no less efficient. As for food temperature, we have never had an issue with that. There would be no difference to club in that regard - it all comes from the same place! Having done both types of dining multiple times, we will always stick with freedom now. The flexibility to dine whenever you want (which will vary dependent upon port departure times, your mood, entertainment etc) and with whomever you want (sharing or on your own) far outweighs the fact that you don't get to always sit down immediately. If you are using speciality restaurants as well then even more reason to stick with freedom.

[jake 26]

29 minutes ago, Selbourne said:

 

We have done freedom dining twice on Britannia and had no issues whatsoever. If you want a table for 2 at peak times then be prepared to take a pager, but if you are happy to share you will usually be seated immediately (same as the other ships). Service can sometimes be less personal than in club dining (not always though, it's usually very good) but is no less efficient. As for food temperature, we have never had an issue with that. There would be no difference to club in that regard - it all comes from the same place! Having done both types of dining multiple times, we will always stick with freedom now. The flexibility to dine whenever you want (which will vary dependent upon port departure times, your mood, entertainment etc) and with whomever you want (sharing or on your own) far outweighs the fact that you don't get to always sit down immediately. If you are using speciality restaurants as well then even more reason to stick with freedom.

I totally agree with all you say.

The name ' Freedom' sums it up completely and gives, as you say, flexibility to adjust your dining to your evening plans.

We haven't seen any difference in service or food quality compared to club dining, and as we like to dine in speciality restaurants occasionally, and sometimes decide on the day, we don't have that awkward feeling that we are letting our dining companions down, which might occur in club dining.

While we do like to socialise over dinner there are occasions when we just want to dine as a couple, so for us Freedom every time.

[Hobson1754]

Well that’s given me food for thought. I do fancy the concept of Freedom dining always having done fixed in the past. The only drawback I can see is, because you don’t have same waiter every night, they don’t get to know your preferences - in my case I can’t stand food which is just warm!  Also, these waiters in Freedom dining room must really miss out on tipping now as P & O have scrapped automatic tipping.

[P-L-B]

1 hour ago, Hobson1754 said:

Well that’s given me food for thought. I do fancy the concept of Freedom dining always having done fixed in the past. The only drawback I can see is, because you don’t have same waiter every night, they don’t get to know your preferences - in my case I can’t stand food which is just warm!  Also, these waiters in Freedom dining room must really miss out on tipping now as P & O have scrapped automatic tipping.

You can request to be seated at the same table if available or in the same area every night if you wish. On several occasions we have had waiters specifically ask us if we would like to do that.

Obviously you are then more likely get to see your waiter and he will soon get to know your preferences.

Nothing to stop you tipping freedom dining waiters if you wish, we often do.

Especially, if after being asked your waiter duly brings the Port and Stilton Cheese to your table on the formal nights. 

Never recall being served warm food when freedom dining.

Edited April 23, 2019 by P-L-B

[terrierjohn]

1 hour ago, P-L-B said:

You can request to be seated at the same table if available or in the same area every night if you wish. On several occasions we have had waiters specifically ask us if we would like to do that.

Obviously you are then more likely get to see your waiter and he will soon get to know your preferences.

Nothing to stop you tipping freedom dining waiters if you wish, we often do.

Especially, if after being asked your waiter duly brings the Port and Stilton Cheese to your table on the formal nights. 

Never recall being served warm food when freedom dining.

Having been round the galley and been informed how the waiters order and pick up each tables food, I would be amazed if there was any difference in the temperature of the hot food, it all gets collected from the same heated area.

[Hobson1754]

You’ve convinced me - think I’ll be sticking to Freedom dining. Also, having read another post which was detailing the positives of P & O, I’m feeling much more settled about our cruise in January so thank you all.

[minkerbell]

i have just been on Britannia in an aft cabin, while in  our room, maintenance knocked on the door and asked if it was ok to do a cabin review.  whilst they were busy we asked what was the purpose and were told it was for the refit in October this year, one of the items being measured up for was a canopy on each balcony to help with the soot problem.  I must say I heard a lot of moaning about this soot problem before we cruised. However, on a 14 night cruise the soot issue was barely noticed

[Rupert2251]

58 minutes ago, minkerbell said:

i have just been on Britannia in an aft cabin, while in  our room, maintenance knocked on the door and asked if it was ok to do a cabin review.  whilst they were busy we asked what was the purpose and were told it was for the refit in October this year, one of the items being measured up for was a canopy on each balcony to help with the soot problem.  I must say I heard a lot of moaning about this soot problem before we cruised. However, on a 14 night cruise the soot issue was barely noticed

That is very interesting, does it apply to the suites as well? Would it be cheeky of me to ask which cabin you had? 

[minkerbell]

C732 in the middle on the aft of the ship.  Not sure about the suites, they measured the one above us on B deck, I don't know if they went in to the corner suites with the large wrap around balconies, would seem daft to do the cabins and leave out the suites

[bee-ess]

1 hour ago, minkerbell said:

i have just been on Britannia in an aft cabin, while in  our room, maintenance knocked on the door and asked if it was ok to do a cabin review.  whilst they were busy we asked what was the purpose and were told it was for the refit in October this year, one of the items being measured up for was a canopy on each balcony to help with the soot problem.  I must say I heard a lot of moaning about this soot problem before we cruised. However, on a 14 night cruise the soot issue was barely noticed

 

You could be right about refit - there is no cruise schedules between 7th and 23rd October this year.

B927 23rd Sept 14 nights

B929 23rd Oct 2 nights

B930's 25th Oct Caribbean TA's

Was there ver a B928 - has it been cancelled ?

 

[Rupert2251]

14 minutes ago, minkerbell said:

C732 in the middle on the aft of the ship.  Not sure about the suites, they measured the one above us on B deck, I don't know if they went in to the corner suites with the large wrap around balconies, would seem daft to do the cabins and leave out the suites

Thanks for that! We are on Britannia again next year in one of the corner suites, although we have never had an issue with soot I think it would be nice to have some form of canopy on the rear section of the balcony to give a bit of shade on the very hot days 😎

[minkerbell]

We thought that too for shade purposes. However, I don't know what sort of canopies are proposed, clear Perspex or something more opaque, I believe a canopy will be a useful addition.  We are on her again next year, rear but not suite, the aft is the area of choice regardless of a non existent soot problem

[molecrochip]

43 minutes ago, bee-ess said:

 

You could be right about refit - there is no cruise schedules between 7th and 23rd October this year.

B927 23rd Sept 14 nights

B929 23rd Oct 2 nights

B930's 25th Oct Caribbean TA's

Was there ver a B928 - has it been cancelled ?

 

B928 has always been the dry dock voyage leaving on 7 October. There was never a cruise on sale. It has a voyage number as the contractors are booked onto the cruise so it needs to be in the system. It has the traditional 2 night shake down following.