May
2016
P&O Britannia Balcony Cabin F330 Review
Balcony cabin (F330) on Deck 9 (F Deck) was my home for a mini cruise to Guernsey.
The cabin boasts a modern décor and thoughtful interior design, making the compact space feel remarkably spacious.
Contents
The cabin can sleep up to four across a large comfortable bed, a sofa bed, and a Pullman bed.
A small vanity area next to the balcony door, equipped with a mirror, a telephone, and tea and coffee making facilities. Watch out for the sharp pointed corner of the table which is around toddler or thigh height.
Plug sockets are scarce in the cabin, and despite its 2015 launch, cabins do not have USB charging outlets. A wall-mounted television sits at the foot of the bed and offers limited programming.
The cabin's layout reflects the care and attention paid to the interior design. Instead of traditional built-in wardrobes, P&O Cruises opted for a walk-in wardrobe area outside of the en-suite bathroom. With plenty of hanging space and lots of room to store four or more suitcases easily the only thing lacking was a little more shelf space.
Little extras make a world of difference, and it was refreshing to see the cruise line replenish daily stocks of tea and coffee, biscuits, and pillow chocolates in the cabin. A 'pamper pack' consisted of soap, and generously large 100ml bottles of body lotion, shampoo and conditioner. A wall-mounted bottle of shower gel sits inside the glass-enclosed shower cubicle.
A helium 'welcome' balloon was waiting in the cabin for my son, and he was also given a free lunch box during the kid's club registration process.
The good
- The cabin benefits from a well thought out layout with a modern, contemporary design.
- The walk-in wardrobe keeps all the clutter in one area, leaving the rest of the cabin feeling more spacious.
- In-cabin tea and coffee facilities will please many Brits.
- An in-cabin fridge, with an initial sock of complimentary bottles of water, is particularly handy should you need to store drinks, or temperature-sensitive medications.
- A complimentary supply of The White Company toiletries in 100ml bottles are a nice touch.
- The private balcony, with two chairs and a small table, is a reasonable size and overlooks lifeboats beneath. I did not use it much on a Guernsey mini cruise though.
The not so good
- A lack of live programming on the television is disappointing.
- The sharp corner of the vanity table is easy to walk into for adults, and poses a head or eye-level risk for excitable toddlers.
If you stayed in a a balcony cabin on Britannia, share your thoughts of the space and décor in the comments below.
Disclosure: P&O Cruises supplied a full-board sailing aboard Britannia, together with a meal for two in the Epicurean Restaurant. I paid for my transport to and from Southampton port as well as incidentals onboard. My opinions are my own.
Balcony Cabin F330 Review
- Décor and cleanliness
- Size and layout
- Location
- Amenities
- Privacy
Summary
Boasting a modern décor, this cabin happily accommodated two adults and a child, with room for one more. Clever cabin design and a walk-in wardrobe area helps make it feel more spacious.