P&O Cruises’ ship Britannia has eight different cabin types: single inside, single balcony, inside, larger inside, balcony (with obstructed view), balcony, superior deluxe balcony and suite.
When booking a cruise on Britannia, you’ll see that there are also many different ‘cabin grades’ available. But what do the P&O Britannia cabin grades actually mean? Why do some cost more than others? And which grade offers the best value for money? This article explains all…
Cabin grades explained
P&O Cruises have given each cabin a two-letter code (e.g. HF), called a ‘cabin grade’. The cabin grades group similar cabins together.
On Britannia, there are eight cabin types (e.g. balcony), and within each cabin type, there are between one and six cabin grades. The different cabin grades are shown in different colours on the Britannia deck plan.
To decode P&O Britannia cabin grades, you need to understand that the first letter refers to the type of cabin, and the second letter refers to the location of that cabin on the ship.
| Cabin Type | 1st letter of grade |
| Suite | B |
| Superior Deluxe Balcony | D |
| Balcony | G or H |
| Balcony (Partially Obstructed View) | I or J |
| Larger Inside | O |
| Inside | P |
| Single Balcony | Q |
| Single Inside | S |
| Deck Position | Location | 2nd letter of grade |
| Mid | Midship | A |
| Mid | Mid Aft or Mid Forward | B |
| Upper or Lower | Midship | B |
| Upper or Lower | Mid Aft or Mid Forward | C |
| Mid | Aft | D |
| Upper or Lower | Aft | E |
| Mid | Forward | E |
| Upper or Lower | Forward | F |
The deck position refers to whether the cabin is on a high or low deck. The location refers to whether the cabin is at the front (forward), middle (midship) or back (aft) of the ship. These are illustrated in this diagram (click to show).
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OK, but which are the best Britannia cabins?
Regardless of whether you choose an inside cabin, balcony cabin or suite, the cabins with A as the second letter of the grade are in the most convenient location, at the heart of the ship, closest to all the amenities. Many people will be willing to pay more to be in a midship location.
If you’d like to know what to look out for to choose the best cabin, you can get my free cabin checklist. Just pop your email into the form below and I’ll send it to you instantly.
I also have an article about the worst cabins on Britannia. This ship definitely has some dodgy ones! You can read it here: P&O Britannia cabins to avoid.
If you’re looking for the best suites on Britannia, there’s a brilliant post all about these over on CruisewithAmber.co.uk.
I also have a guide to P&O Cruises’ suite perks, because you get much more than just extra space when you book a suite.
The cheapest cabins on Britannia
The cheapest cabins on P&O Cruises are PF grade cabins. On Britannia, PF grade cabins are inside cabins at the front of the ship, either on a high or low deck.
We stayed in the cheapest grade of cabin on Britannia. Our cabin was A121 which is a PF grade inside cabin right at the top and the front of the ship.
Click to read my review of the cheapest inside cabin on Britannia.
This cabin is the cheapest grade for two reasons:
- Cabins on the highest decks at the front of the ship tend to be the worst locations for sufferers of seasickness as more movement can be felt here.
- This location is furthest away from many facilities, including the kids’ club and restaurants.
Did I moan about carrying a sleeping child the full length of the ship after they both fell asleep in the kids’ club? Absolutely! Would I pay several hundred pounds more for a cabin in a more convenient location? No way!
Unless you have mobility issues, my personal opinion is that it’s not worth paying more for a cabin in a certain location on the ship.
Everyone has different views on this, but for me personally, the cheapest cabin is usually the best one.
Read more: What is a Pullman bed on a cruise ship?
The worst cabins on Britannia
No matter whether you choose the cheapest inside cabin, or a luxury suite, there are some cabins on Britannia which you might want to avoid, These include noisy cabins, cabins near the smoking areas, and (believe it or not) cabins with beds that block the balcony doors!
If you want to make sure you avoid the noisy cabins on Britannia, or you want to steer clear of a blocked balcony, I’ve got a guide just for you.
Read more: P&O Britannia cabins to avoid
Select Fares, Saver Fares, and Early Saver Fares
P&O Cruises offer three different fare types:
- Select Fare: You choose exactly which cabin number you want
- Saver Fare: You choose the cabin type (e.g. inside/balcony/suite) and the cabin number is assigned to you
- Early Saver Fare: The same as Saver, but with an early booking discount
If you book a cabin on a Saver Fare or Early Saver Fare, you can assume that your cabin is likely to be at the front or back of the ship, rather than midship. If you’re fine with that, booking a Saver Fare or an Early Saver Fare will be the cheapest way to cruise.
That said, Select price fares do come with additional benefits such as the first pick of dining times and table sizes, the first priority for any available upgrades, free shuttle buses in port and more flexibility to change your booking. On cruises of seven nights or more, you also usually get a choice of free on-board spending money, free car parking in Southampton or return coach travel to Southampton.
You’ll need to do the maths to work out if a Select Fare or Saver Fare offers the best value for money for your particular cruise.
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Related posts:
- P&O Cruises drinks menus & prices
- P&O drinks package: Is it worth it?
- P&O Britannia: Full tour and video review
- Vegetarian and vegan food on P&O Britannia
Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
Hi I’ve booked a single room on britannia in July room number L425 I’m 77 and have roltator i dont use it in my room but I have to store it in my room now I’ve been told this room as 2 beds will it be OK for my needs
Can anybody help me please we are celebrating our golden wedding anniversary in July 2024 and this is our first time on a cruise we booked b102 we will be travelling with a 16 yr old foster daughter is this cabin suitable? And does it have a sofa bed for her?
can you tell me what deck 9 F120 is like
thank you
Hi, I’m booked with Brittania to do a Caribbean cruise in November.
I’ve booked balcony room c250. Is this a good cabin? Do you know what size the bed is?
Do you know if it has a sofa?
Thank you very much. X
Do you know if HC grade cabins provide dressing gowns and slippers?
Hi Martin. No they don’t, I suggest bringing your own from home. Jenni
Hi Jenni, I have just booked my first ever cruise. Brittania, 4 nov to the Caribbean.
I’ve booked cabin c250. Is this a good cabin?
What size are the beds, are they double or king? Does it have a sofa?
Thank you so much x
We have been allocated cabin G308. Is it a reasonable cabin. Thankyou
Very helpful information
Hi we’re on britannia cabin G220. Is this a good room and do you have any info on the layout please
Hi Kelly. There’s some info on that here for you: https://www.cruisemummy.co.uk/po-britannia-cabins-to-avoid/ Thanks! Jenni
Hi I have cabin C453 HA is this a good cabin on Britannia?
Hi I have cabin C453 HA is this a good cabin
We’ve been allocated E250 a supposed upgrade from HB C603. Your opinion please on cabins.
Hi we just been allocated our cabin on Britannia E206 can you please advise if this cabin location is ok also if it does not have a settee how can I arrange to get a cabin with one don’t mind if I have to pay a supplement.thanks Dave
Hi David. Your cabin is in a great location there and it does have a small sofa, although it is just a sofa, not a sofa bed. If you did need to change your cabin, I have some more info about how you could do that here: https://www.cruisemummy.co.uk/how-to-upgrade-cruise-cabin/ Jenni
I have booked HB / Balcony Mid-fwd/mid/mid-aft
Cabin Number R519
Shower Only, Sheltered Balcony on Azura P & O is this an OK cabin please?
Hi
I have been allocated Cabin E20 on deck 10, Do you have any ideas if this is a good cabin as in situation. I was told deck 15 A709 could be noisy so went for the deck 10 option instead.
Thanks,
Julie
Hello,
We have G420 for Caribbean cruise next month. It is apparently an obstructed view, but it is midship which is good. Would you know if this view midship isn’t too bad?
Thank you
Elmer
Hi Elmer. That’s a great cabin, your view should be barely obstructed at all. If you look straight out you’ll see everything, you just can’t look straight down to the sea. Here’s the view from G416 which is next door to you… https://carnivaluk.metafaq.com/resources/carnivaluk/fleet/BR_G416.jpeg I hope this helps. Jenni
Been allocated D112 Balcony
Upgrade for Early Saver Guarantee
Any information on this location & cabin
T.I.A
Dave
Hii,
We are about to book to go on the Britannia on the 25th of September. But are stuck which cabin style to choose.
Do we do JE or HF?
It’s saying online that JE is an obstructed view? Is there a high chance we could get that?
We have been allocated cabin E322. Is this a good cabin and wouldn’t be in the shade?
We are booked in cabin F412 Mid-Ship with a balcony, Apparently there is a Queen Bed and a sofa bed (we assume single). We have never been on Britannia before so would appreciate your input as to the cabin and it;s location.
Cabin F412 on Britannia has two extra beds – a single sofa bed and a pull down bed. It’s in an ideal mid-ship location where it will be nice and quiet. Jenni
Hi we are sailing in September does anyone know if suite DA409 IS A GOOD ROOM AND POSITION
Hi, We have booked to go on Britannia next September with 2 grown up children. We have been allocated F522, do you think that will be ok?
Thank you Abigail
Hi Abigail. This cabin has two extra beds, one of which is a single sofa bed and one is a bed that comes down from the ceiling. You can each have a single bed each with no need to use the bunk so I think you’ll be just fine here. Enjoy! Jenni
Hello Jenni
I’ve just picked up my tickets ,& been given an upgrade to a balcony , lucky us .A706(HE)
Are you familia with this cabin . If you are and have time can you give me any info on it .
Feeling very excited .🤗
Thank you Jenni .
Congrats on your free upgrade! Your cabin is by the lifts which is handy, but there could be some noise as people walk past. Your balcony is beneath a smoking area and it’s in the shade, so not ideal as far as balconies go, but hey, it’s better than the inside you paid for, right? Jenni
Is cabin PA D430 a good one quiet etc near lifts atc
Hi Christine. Yep, this is a great quiet cabin and not too far from the lift. Enjoy! Jenni
Hi Cruise Mummy,
First cruise and we have been assigned D223, is this room okay?
Thank you
Hi Lisa. Yes, that’s a great room. Enjoy! Jenni
Hi – we’re booked on a 3 day uk cruise next week, cabin G732… is that a nice cabin please?
Hi Deb. You have one of the best suites on the ship there. Enjoy! Jenni
We are sailing on August 12th and have cabin c212 . Can you confirm it has a double bed please .. and what’s the chance of an upgrade please . Many thanks
Hi Linda. Yes, that one has the option of a double bed. If it’s two singles when you arrive, just ask your cabin attendant to change it for you. Upgrades are generally given to Select Fare bookers first so they have the highest chance. Jenni
Hello, we’ve been allocated E211 on a short three day cruise at the end of the month. Bargain price so not expecting the world but would just like to know what bed/s are in the cabin as we requested twin as I’m far too old to be sharing with my mother now!
All cabins have the option of a twin so you’ll be fine. If for any reason it’s a double when you arrive, just ask your stateroom attendant to separate the beds for you. Enjoy! Jenni
Hi, I’m booked to travel 12th Aug 21 on a staycation cruise with 2 of my work colleagues. It might be work adding that Bluelight card holders (NHS and emergency services) are getting 45% discount on P&O short cruises, which is a fantastic discount and a big thank you from P&O! we have booked a suite (considering the discount) with B grade, would this be mid forward or aft?
Thanks
Hi Dee. B grade just means suite. If there’s another letter after that, it will show you where on the ship it is. Jenni
Hi we got E537 cabin on the Britannia, is this a good spot.
Hi Joyce. Yes, this is a great location! This cabin does have fixed twin beds and two extra beds that come down from the ceiling. So as long as you’re not expecting a double bed, it’s a great one. Jenni
Hi, wonder if you can help. We are a couple in our 70’s doing a 4 night UK coastal cruise soon on Britannia, and have been allocated cabin F405 (F). We booked a GA, so presumably that’s correct (balcony with sofa) mid ship but have read that mid ship cabins on F deck have ridiculously small balconies, some have restricted views because life boats on other decks, and there is a smoking area on a deck below which might be annoying when the boat stops. Also the bathroom is small. The small bathroom I can live with and I knew the balcony sizes weren’t as generous as the ones on Ventura, but I’m feeling a bit deflated now, wondering if we’re going to be sitting on each other laps on the balcony, breathing in smoke! lol Can you reassure me please? The ship will be only 50% full maximum so I expect there will be plenty of deck areas to sit. Thank you
Hi Barbara. I’ve looked up your cabin and it looks great. Please don’t worry. The balconies aren’t huge, but they’re the same size all over the ship on Britannia, unlike Ventura which has some really big ones as well as the standard size. The smoking area and lifeboats are two decks down so this shouldn’t affect you. You have a great cabin there. Enjoy your cruise! Jenni
Hi
This is our first time on a cruise. We have been allocated on PE B233 what are your thoughts? Good spot?
Hi Lisette. Yes, that’s not bad at all. It’s a little high and forward so you may feel some movement there, but on the whole, that’s not a bad cabin at all. It will be very quiet and you’re not far from the lifts. Jenni
Hi there first cruiser and very anxious about whether iv chosen the right deck and cabin sailing on britannia
Do you have any info on D 11 cabin 223 please. Tia
Hi Beverley, there’s no need to be anxious – the Britannia is an amazing ship and there aren’t really any ‘bad’ cabins. So you will be fine.
Cabin 223 on Deck 11 is a Balcony cabin, and you’ve got cabins directly above and below you – so you shouldn’t get any noise problems from the more public parts of the ship. You aren’t too far from the lifts, and it’s only some areas towards the aft (back) of the ship where you might have a bit of a walk – but it’s never too far. I think you’ve made a great choice 🙂 Enjoy your cruise! Jenni
Hi
We have been allocated cabin E451, is this a rubbish cabin ?
Hi Robert. This cabin on Britannia is in a very handy location in the middle of the ship. You shouldn’t feel much movement here either. The only downside could be that it might be a little noisy if people congregate around the lifts. Jenni
Hi we have cruise booked for nx yr in cabin e734 which looks like the very back of the ship. We have 2 children age 12 and 8, one of whom is autistic, are you able to advise if this is a decent enough cabin for us or would be better to change?
This is a fantastic suite with a huge balcony. You have probably the best room on the ship, congrats!
hi we are thinking of booking on britannia for the carribean next January 2022 is it best to book mid ship and which deck is best as I do suffer a little with seasickness but will have medication. How much more do you pay to ask for a particular deck and position of your room
The best location to avoid seasickness would be midhsip on a low deck. You can compare the Select and Saver prices to see how much more it costs to select your room number. Otherwise, you can choose the cabin grade which determines the position (e.g. mid ship low deck) for no extra cost.
Hi can you tell me if cabin 128 deck 12 c deck is a nice cabin and not hopefully sunny balcony
Yes, that’s a lovely cabin and the balcony isn’t shaded. Enjoy!
Wonder if you can help, I am sharing. Cabin with my sister and brother-in-law. Been cruising a lot, but this is the first time without my husband, so booked a short cruise, didn’t like the thought of a single cabin! We haven’t been given a cabin no. Yet, but think it is a GB, think I will be sleeping on a bed settee, is this correct. The ship is Britannia. I am 82 what do you think?
Hi Joyce. Cabins on Britannia may either have a sofa bed or a Pullman bed which is a top bunk that comes down from the ceiling. I’m assuming that you’ll prefer a sofa bed rather than going up a ladder! You should check that your cabin has this and if not, you can change it to one that does. Jenni.
Hi we’ve just booked 2 cabins on the Britannia JcG529 AND JCG531 WE KNOW THE ARE OBSTRUCTED BUT DO YOU KNOW JUST HOW BADLY OBSTRUCTED THEY ARE AND IF WE SHOULD TRY CHANGE THANK YOU
Hi Tracy. The obstruction will look similar to this photo: https://carnivaluk.metafaq.com/resources/carnivaluk/fleet/BR_G610.jpeg I hope that helps you to decide. Thanks. Jenni
Hi we’ve got cabin GB D612 deck 11 it’s come up bright pink on the deck plans what does that mean
Hi Susie. The colours on the deck plan are just used to distinguish between the different grades. In this case, it means that it’s a GB grade – standard balcony cabin with a sofa. Look at the last page of the deck plan, you may see a key. Jenni
I have booked a balcony room on A deck HC is there a problem with the overhang ?
Hi Janet. Thanks for the question. Balconies on A deck on Britannia are partially shaded due to the overhang. This is only a problem if you want full sun on your balcony. If you prefer shade, it would be ideal. Jenni
Hello
We have been assigned Cabins A127 and A129 on the Brittania for our 2022 med cruise HF light pink colour grade Balcony Cabins but we have a small symbol next to the cabin number on the deck plan which was not explained to us.
Are you able to explain what the symbol means? please TIA
Hi Susan. This symbol means that your cabin has two additional beds in the form of pull-down beds. Jenni