The 21st century has witnessed the rise of this ‘wanderlust’ generation. Social media has erupted with posts and snaps of most striking views sands, bustling cities and a whole myriad of locations all over the world. These have put the rest of the world literally on the map destinations close yet so far off.
Whilst people have constantly gone travelling (you can read our article on that here), the last decade has witnessed the figures soaring, social influencers and bloggers playing a massive part in this. However, what many do not realise are the unseen snaps — people behind seas, the rainforest and the. The snaps which would demonstrate the strain of organising traveling between locations, a hostel which was depicted so online’s car crash and the lack of funds which you can’t find the last few cities in your list. Travelling can be costly and require a lot of forward-planning. That is the reason why I chose to look into an alternative. Something that would allow me to observe the entire world. And I came across P&O cruises. So, whilst December for most meant wishing the days away and preparing for Christmas, I was packing my situation for a week at the Caribbean — to visit six islands.
Cruising has been for some time — my partner’s parents found the appeal a couple of decades back, my grandparents are regulars about the cruise lines along with my own parents hopped on the band wagon in 2015. I had never thought it a viable option for people in their twenties to forties; I would think cruising and envision decor along with a two week stretch of overpriced and bingo meals and drinks. And this is a notion I feel many people have. CLIA’s UK cruise review of 2015 demonstrated the average age of cruisers is 55.2 years, although this is a three year drop since prior decades, implying a younger generation are starting to cotton on to the idea.
In a bid to test this concept, my partner and I booked a seven night cruise on P&O’s biggest ship the Britannia, to the Caribbean. I was all prepared for a week of pearly white sands, drinking cocktails out of pineapples, crystal clear waters and dance to steel drums. And this idyllic vision was just what I got, and a lot more along the way…
We sailed with P&O in the 3rd into the 7th of December, boarding in Barbados and sailing to Aruba, Curacao, St Vincent and Grenada before rounding off the excursion at St Lucia. There was to be six islands and two sea days.
Myself being twenty-two and my partner twenty-one years old we wanted to determine just what the boat had to offer in terms of entertainment, dining, decoration and service and its suitability for a plethora of ages…
The flights
Our P&O cruise travel began with the flight from Gatwick to Barbados. We upgraded to Thomas Cook premium class for this and I would well recommend it to create your flight a great deal more comfortable. The trip’s time is moments and eight hours and inpremium course you get a multitude of extras to make the trip special. Including leg room, a glass of fizz on arrival, complimentary drinks throughout the trip, a James Martin meal along with an amenity kit. To keep you amused there’s your own television screen with up to date films, music and shows.
The boat
The moment we set down in Barbados, we were enveloped by the warmth in a hug that, yes, we had left the rain and grey skies of England behind. We were transported to the cruise boat via coach and our bags had already been shot for us. This meant we got to bypass the luggage carousel at the airport (Hallelujah!) Check-in in the railway terminal was effortless and smooth. Soft tin-drum music playedblossom lei’s were placed around our necks and P&O Britannia stood out against the Barbadian sun — until you’re standing beneath it, the size of this boat is breathtaking and not possible to comprehend.
The ship itself is equally contemporary yet full of personality, a feat many interior designs fail to accomplish. It’s relaxing and welcoming, homey and comfortable, yet without being too much so. You still feel incredibly special, wrapped up in its luxury.
The thing that impresses is the atrium of the boat. Rugs that are swish lead way to the boat, where its glass ceiling architecture takes fundamental presence of the room’s heart. It is here you can visit the stores (Duty free!) The Glass House, Costa Coffee and the Marketplace Cafe — the place for ice creams on board. 
Dining
There are numerous different alternatives on board. When you book your cruise you’ll be able to choose your bundle to be either club of freedom (liberty meaning it is possible to turn up to selected restaurants when you like between 18:00 and 10:30 and sit with whom you like.) There are also the principal restaurants or dining table. A small amount of additional payment is required by Select restaurants, but they’re well worth experiencing at least once or twice during your journey.
We particularly liked the Epicurean, the Limelight lounge (a entertainment and dining place) and the cookery club. The club was a true highlight of the trip and something. The Cookery Club gives you the chance to produce your own dishes under the advice of a prestigious chef and that the ships celebrity chefs such as James Martin and Eric Lanyard take over after a month.
Sindhu provides an Indian experience and the Glass House a chance to try some of the best wines on board. Every dining experience is so distinctive it’s hard to fit it all in so before you go to make sure you visit with each place you would like, be sure that you plan to.
See our post about the full dining experience here (coming soon.)
The chambers
I’d pictures of claustrophobic cottages with soggy shower curtains and showy decor in your mind before cruisingthis couldn’t be further from the reality. I was surprised at how Britannia’s cabins are — with lots of bigger than the average Hotel room. We upgraded with a balcony to the superior deluxe and I would strongly recommend paying extra for the space. Being able to relax outside in your own little space as you enter or depart the vents in addition to when you’re sailing throughout the seas, is so thrilling and makes the experience that little bit more special. 
The bed was comfy — no linen and lumpy beds here! And the contemporary motif which beholds the whole ship was carried by the decor. The room can be made into two distinct regions and there’s a separate television in each space. 
Superior deluxe cabins come equipped with a full-sized bath (bliss after a very long day in the sun!) And also our White Company toiletries. Room service was included and much appreciated on idle sea days or during early begins once we can get breakfast delivered to the room for a chosen time.
The Excursions
The Caribbean is well-known for its array of beautiful sandy shores and I also wanted to find out what that the islands had to offer whilst I wished to experience a lot of these whilst on the cruise. As a Result of This, we booked an excursion
See our post on all our excursions here. (Coming soon.)
Tip: It’s worth reserving through P&O as if you are late back, the boat will wait for you, otherwise you are going to need to create your own approach to another island!
We loved the simplicity of the trips and must see areas of the island we wouldn’t have experienced. Highlights included visiting Aruba’s Eagle Beach (one of the best beaches in the world), seeing a rum factory in Curacao, investigating the Pirates of the Caribbean movie place and swimming under the waterfalls at a rainforest in St Vincent.
The Sea days
Sea times on Britannia are nearly as fun as the port days themselves there is so much to do! We enjoyed a range of activities like playing pool, bingo (yes, we were hooked!) Afternoon tea at the Epicurean and relaxing round the pool under the sun. 
Among the greatest things about swimming on P&O Britannia is that not only are there a number of different pools and spa (including an adult only calmness pool) but that there wasn’t too much trouble finding sun beds or places to sit. 
As a bona-fida sun worshipper, it was the ideal location to sit back and relax with a cocktail in hand, a soft tropical breeze in the air and simply relax and concentrate on reading my novel and topping up my tan! Their daiquiris in particular were to expire!
The nightlife
Evenings on board were also a whole lot more fun than I anticipated. The theater on board is truly spectacular and the displays so much fun to watch and go. There is also the cinema to get a night in watching one of your favourite flicks. In addition to this, there is the lounge for different types of amusement, the casino and various distinct places. Some nights were overly fussy to invest on the deck, but once we did move out, the midnight sky flanked by a blanket of stars and the dewy haze of moonlight crafted a feeling so beautiful and calm it was breathtaking.
There is no way you can ever be ready to depart the comforts of this ship as well as the Caribbean. It had been one of the most memorable trips of my life and one I’m hoping to replicate as soon as I can. Stereotypes skeptical about cruising, swayed me and it is safe to say I could not have been more incorrect. Flights to the Caribbean alone could be thousands, yet it’s possible to pay only over this to the utmost luxury on a cruise and also at the same time experience an assortment of destinations which will be out of reach. Six islands were covered by me and crafted memories that will last a life — all with a base of utter indulgence.
The atmosphere each day of this cruise was so electric, so exciting and there’s such magic to the atmosphere; everyone is there with a goal- to create memories, to relax and to explore and you feel a part of something unique. Cruising is travelling without a stress, researching to explore lots of destinations without the hassle of hiking, hiking or bussing from place to place.
And the biggest surprise? The age aboard the ship was varied- we did meet a couple couples of a similar age and agreed cruising or the stigma has to be abolished whilst those in their twenties were faked. My spouse and I’ve been back just over a month and are looking to book our next one! That’s the beauty of a cruise, it’s like being able to pick up your favorite hotel and take it with you to whichever destination you feel like traveling to next…
Top Cruise tips
- Reserve the spa before going to avoid disappointment
- Book trips before your journey to find the ones that you really want to go on and make sure they do not sell out, we advise reserving through P&O
- Make sure you have a legitimate ESTA for the USA if you are travel to particular destinations (check this prior to your travel date)
- Don’t bring too much money. On board expenditure is done in your cruise card, you simply need money for excursions
- Consider upgrading to premium course for your flights, it really makes a difference
- Wake up in time to see the arrival into port, it’s an amazing sight to watch!
- Do not miss the sail away parties!
- Be sure to book the ideal cruise for you, there are so many out there.
Book now with P&O in http://www.pocruises.com
Seen in the City were hosted by P&O Cruises. Although the trip was complimentary, it in no way influenced our view and we constantly strive to be honest in our reviews.
Picture From:seeninthecity.co.uk
