britannia barbados cruise

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Travel , Video

Caribbean cruise on britannia: honest review with p&o cruises.

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If you haven’t observed this already, I love the concept of taking a cruise. Waking up in a new destination with a list of activities to chose from and fresh islands ready to explore. At least that’s what you get a Caribbean cruise with P&O Cruises , together with gorgeous sunshine, crystal clear waters, wildlife and rum punch.

In my view it’s also the best way to see as many destinations as possible in the Caribbean on a reasonable budget. You get a feel for each island, and if you like them enough, you can go back. And you don’t have the expense of hotel costs. Cruises often work out remarkably reasonable compared to Caribbean package holidays.

This article will run you through my experience on a two-week cruise on Britannia. I’ll talk through the islands, what I did, what other options you have and my thoughts on the islands. I’ll start with talking about Britannia herself.

If you like to watch videos of the trip rather than reading, skip down to the videos section at the bottom of my article!

Britannia at a Glance

One of the most famous ships in the P&O fleet, Britannia holds 3657 guests and 1350 crew. That felt like a considerable size to me, but I quickly found my way around onboard and it’s small enough that you’ll bump into people you’ll met on your holiday.

Britannia has 10 dining options, 7 entertainment places and 8 bars or cafes. Featuring some of the usual P&O staple venues such as Sindhu, the Glass House, The Crow’s nest, Beach House and Epicurean. My experience dining in Sindhu on Britannia was one of the best I have had on cruise, the food and staff were fantastic.

If you’re not familiar with how dining works on P&O Cruises, then you have a number of restaurants included in your full-board package, and a few restaurants that are extra. You can eat for free at the Horizon buffet more of less any time of day, which has great food. For a sit-down experience, you can book in at the Peninsular and Oriental restaurants, also included in your standard package. The latter features a menu and waiter service, so a lovely dining experience.

To step things up, certain restaurants are extra, but they are well worth it in my opinion. These include Sindhu, Epicurean, The Glass House and Beach House which is just a small fee.

There are 3 choices of room onboard which I like because it doesn’t overwhelm you with options and price difference. I had a suite, which included a balcony. This gave me space to work (yes, I was working!), and that game-changer of a balcony. I absolutely love a balcony, those sunset beers of waking up for sunrise and watching us sail into a new destination. You honestly cannot beat that feeling. You can also get inside cabins or balcony cabins.

Finally, you of course have all the expected entertainment options. You can usually find me at the Headliners Theatre for the daily shows, the sports bar of Brodie’s which usually has acoustic music, or partying at my favourite, the Live Lounge.

Caribbean Cruise on Britannia

Now that we’ve discussed the essentials about Britannia cruise ship , let’s go through all the stops that you’ll have on the Caribbean Cruise. Spoiler alert: You won’t be disappointed!

You’ll start and finish this cruise in Barbados, so make sure you check the immigration and Covid requirements for entering Barbados. I wrote an article on this, and also check Cruise with Confidence  page on the P&O Cruises website.

Depending on which day you arrive, you’ll either have a free day in Barbados at the start of the cruise, or at the end. Mine was at the start, and if you want a relaxing day head to the Boatyard . It’s within walking distance of the ship and for $30 you can use their inflatables, rope swing, free Wi-Fi and snorkel with turtles.

Top tip : get an e-SIM that covers with whole Caribbean with Airalo and get $3 free using the code  SCOTT801  or signing up from  this link.

I set Airalo up on the free Wi-Fi as you can’t set it up on the Cruise Wi-Fi. For $10 I got 1GB for a week and was valid for all the islands we were visiting, it was brilliant.

If you don’t want to head to the beach, there are plenty of Shore Experiences in Barbados. These include a sunset cruise, a 4×4 adventure, the best of Barbados and of course beach hopping. A lot of the combined trips include snorkelling with turtles and a couple of beaches. Or why not hop in a taxi and to go the Mount Gay Rum distillery? I did that on my 2017 visit to Barbados .

After a sea day we arrived at the beautiful Dutch-Caribbean island of Curaçao, and you’ll certainly notice the Dutch influence. The ship docks at the capital Willemstad , which is well worth exploring for an hour or two.

I picked an island explorer tour, which was a whistle-stop tour of the island. I picked this one as I’ve never been to Curaçao, so wanted to see as much as possible. It also finished around 2pm, giving me a couple of hours to explore Willemstad.

The tour started with snorkelling with turtles at Playa Grandi on the northwest of the island. What a way to introduce the group to the island! Perfectly crystal-clear waters and some epic shots. After that we went to the caves and viewpoint of Shete Boka Park , followed by Playa Kenepa ; one of many stunning beaches on the West Coast. Our final stop was to see the wild flamingos at Saliña Jan Kok . That really was a wonderful way to finish the tour.

Other shore experiences I was considering were the Hato Caves and beach and the Ultimate Island Experience. There aren’t any beaches within walking distance of the port, and I really recommend seeing the flamingos in the wild as that’s something quite unique to Curaçao.

Our second port was the island of Aruba, and like Curaçao it’s another Dutch territory close to Venezuela. I’d heard mixed reviews about Aruba so as I’d just done an island experience tour I decided to go it alone and rent a car.

You dock in the town of Oranjestad , which feels busy a bit like Miami. It wasn’t that easy to find a car rental, but I did find a Hertz office inside a hotel. The car was small and a bit beaten up, and cost $60 for 24 hours. I had a list of places to visit, here are my thoughts.

My first stop was the California Lighthouse , a viewpoint where everyone stops at. It was busy and honestly not worth it; however, the trip north was made worthwhile by my stop at Hadicurari Beach , a stunning kitesurfing spot on the West Coast. I then headed south to a hidden gem of a beach called Mangel Halto (a nice insider tip I got). It’s small and you can find your own private beach hidden in the mangroves, if you’re looking for a secluded beach escape, I’d recommend taking a taxi here.

My next stop was to see the beautiful street art of San Nicolas . A good starting point is Charlie’s Bar , which certainly attracts the tourists but is fascinating. From there you can wander the streets and admire the artwork. Close to San Nicolas is Baby Beach , a popular stop with several of the tours. But this was far too busy for my liking, which is a shame as it’s a stunning spot.

I then hightailed it to the East of the island for two more stops. The first was the Natural Bridge and the second Bushiribana Ruins . I was more impressed by the ruins, and these were popular spots for the UTV tours.

The Shore Excursions I was tempted by were the Jeep Safari, Catamaran Sail and snorkel or the UTV adventure. I don’t think an island highlights trip would be brilliant here, and the UTV did look fun however keep in mind you very much follow other UTVs in a line and don’t go off-road much.

St Vincent & the Grenadines

St Vincent was the first of the island that had further Covid requirements in place. Whilst I understand this is a bit inconvenient, please keep in mind that often these islands do this to protect their population, which have lower vaccination rates than the UK. St Vincent required a PCR test done onboard at an addition cost of £25.

The PCR test was extremely easy and organised by P&O, giving me an allocated timeslot the day before, with my results added to the ship’s manifest. Once you’re in the dock you meet your tour and stay in that tour “bubble”.

I decided to get out at sea today and picked a catamaran tour of the West Coast and Volcano viewing. It was only in April 2021 when the volcano last erupted! Sadly, the unpredictable Caribbean weather meant that we couldn’t view the volcano and headed back south for blue skies. We still stopped at a secluded beach and drank rum punch. The island is absolutely stunning from the ocean, so this was a great morning. Just watch out for the rum punch, the rum was 85%!

If I’m honest I had some regrets at not exploring St Vincent by land. I had a good feeling from the island and the people and remember it as one of my favourites from when I was younger.

Shore Experiences on land that would have tempted me were the Vermont Nature Hike or the 4×4 Safari. And other options by sea were the Dolphin and Whale Adventure or the Northern Grenadines Sail away. Possibly one of biggest frustrations on this cruise was trying to choose the best adventure and FOMO (fear of missing out) if you pick the wrong one! First world problems…

It’s not very often in life you get to return to a place you really love, but Grenada was one of those. I spent a week here in 2017 and felt a connection with the island and always wanted to come back.

Grenada (pronounced Green-aida) also has restrictions in place which mean you can’t leave your tour bubble, but there was no requirement for another Covid test. Because I’ve already seen a lot of this island, I picked an experience I hadn’t done, and one that looked like a lot of fun, River Tubing!

This experience was brilliant. We drove to a spot in the rainforest (even the drive is brilliant, but I do love this island), and after a safety briefing, we were given our tubes and away we went. For a couple of hours, we floated down the river, with some calm bits and some less so. But there were a group of brilliant guides there to help us through and entertain us. Their energy was brilliant. The tour ended with the chance to jump into the river and of course a rum punch!

If you haven’t been to Grenada however, I recommend something that will show you more of the island. There are a few options like the Grenada Highlights, Island Drive and Annandale Falls, or the Eco trek to Bamboo Falls.

Grenada is also famous for the Rhum Runner boat trip, following a famous pirate route. It’s basically a very boozy boat party! Watching the Rhum Runner return to port was entertaining to say the least (check out the video below!).

Ahhh coming back to St Lucia after 21 years away. I promise it won’t be as long next time! St Lucia holds a special place in my heart because one of my travel memories as a teenager was exploring St Lucia alone. I left my family to do their thing and felt the buzz of a rainforest trek, meeting locals and pushing myself.

Okay it’s not exactly the most intrepid thing I’ve done, but at that age it planted a seed for travelling along. 10 years later I went backpacking, and 5 years after that I started this travel blog.

In St Lucia I recommend anything which includes the stunning Pitons . I picked the tour Pitons and Lunch with a Local. It was a quite easy short hike for the Pitons, and I wanted to eat Caribbean food. Sadly, as you’re on a cruise where food is included you don’t get to enjoy the food as much as I’d have liked, and I was craving some good Caribbean grub. I wasn’t disappointed!

The hike was the Tet Paul Nature Trail , which was easily signposted if you want to find it yourselves. It took under an hour with a 10-minute climb which certainly raised the heartrate but wasn’t too testing, you don’t need a guide for this hike. Once you get to the top you can walk the circular route to see both Gros Piton and Petite Piton, and fantastic views over St Lucia including the tallest mountain on the island.

Following the hike, we went to lunch and ate fantastic Caribbean food, for what was included you’ll have to watch the video below but let me tell you it was delicious, especially the plantain!

There are plenty of good tours available on St Lucia, but I really recommend anything that include the Pitons, as they are such a spectacular sight. If you don’t fancy them anything that includes the rainforest of plantations are also a great bet.

Finally whichever tour you end up on, if you fancy a few more drinks and a wonderful atmosphere head to Rum Therapy bar at the port. It’s a fantastic spot for sunset right with views overlooking the ship. However, females attending alone should be warned the bar staff here are not discrete with their attention and intentions, which was a real shame and, in many ways, let down the island. I would advise against solo females going alone.

St Kitts & Nevis

Another stunning island and without doubt one of my favourites is St Kitts (Shh don’t tell the others). It’s another port that required you to be on an organised tour or take a licensed taxi to and from the port. There is so much to explore on St Kitts, but I decided to get active and did Nature Kayaking . The bonus part was this also included snorkelling which was the best part.

Our trip was only a couple of hours and first headed to Discovery Beach where we picked up our kayaks. We kayaked for around 20-30 minutes to a small bay (there were no other people), so it was suitable for people that haven’t kayaked before.

From the bay we put on our snorkels, and it was here that the real surprise of the trip. We saw turtles, stingrays, jellyfish, octopus and a shoal of squid! Look out for the video for at least that part, as it blew me away just how much we saw in around an hour.

After a quick rum punch (yes this really is part of every tour), we headed back to the port via the Timothy Hill Overlook , a fantastic viewpoint that most tours will stop at. The Port is also lively with a few nice bars if you have time. Our tour finished by 12pm, so I was on the look out for something else to do!

Top recommendation : I met up with a few people from the cruise, and decided to head to a fantastic bar, and tip from my friend Esther; Spice Mill Restaurant . This restaurant is a rustic gem on the white sands of Cockleshell Beach , which overlooks the island of Nevis. It’s also home to Hibiscus Spirits where the owner Roger distilled local rum (which I can verify is amazing).

The website describes Spice Mill as “Caribbean dining, liming and indigenous architectural experience.” What more could you ask for? If you do end up there following this article, please say hello to Roger for me, and grab me a bottle of Hibiscus Spiced Rum.

The other Shore Experiences that tempted me were the Rainforest Discovery, Discover Nevis Island or the Jeep Safari. St Kitts is definitely somewhere I’ll be coming back to for longer.

Next up was Antigua, one half of the nation Antigua and Barbuda. Known for having one beach for every day of the year (yes it has 365 beaches!) and its famous naval history. The ship docks in the capital St Johns , and as far as I could see there isn’t a beach within walking distance.

My tour was a Segway tour of Fort Worth, and this is also where you do the Horse-Riding Tour. We headed along the beach finding our balance before a couple of beach stops. After that we stopped for some fruit at Fort Worth and wandered around.

The tour leaves you for an hour at Runaway Beach , enough time for a swim and a local beer. It’s easy to see the appeal of the beaches in Antigua, picture-perfect.

Nonetheless, if I came back, I wouldn’t necessarily recommend my tour, there wasn’t really enough to see in the area. I’d look into the Island Safari, Stingray Sensation or the Best of Antigua.

Antigua is famous for the swimming with Stingrays, and although some people frown upon experiences like this one, I’ve only heard good things! Book this one fast though as it could sell-out.

Finally, friends of mine headed to Dickerson Bay Beach in a taxi. You can also take a tour there. And they went to the floating Kon Tiki Bar , which looked like great fun and a unique experience! Antigua, I’ll just have to come back for more of these experiences.

The final stop on the cruise and the moment when you realise just how fast the second week goes! St Maarten is another one where you have the choice between a beach day or a tour. This is a port where you can walk to Great Bay Beach , and there are no Covid rules restricting you to an organised tour.

It’s also home to Maho Beach , positioned right next the Princess Juliana Airport and famous for the low flying planes. I’ve felt like this is a bucket list place to go myself, so decided to get a taxi to it. There is a taxi rank right on the port and a return cost $16 per person, they give you a wristband, so they know you’ve paid for the return journey.

I arrived around 10:30 and there weren’t too many people, but as the day went on it got busier and busier. It’s a surreal experience, to watch these planes flying in so low. And every hour or so you get a quite large one come in. Sadly, nothing really huge landed when we were there.

It’s the take-off that provides the most entertainment, as the blast from the jets caused some powerful wind. So much so that people have been seriously injured. Thankfully now it looks like the bigger planes use the runway from the other side, meaning people cannot go and stupidly hurt themselves. It was still powerful enough to blow people’s stuff across the beach, so I chose to sit away from the blast. I do not need to get sand blown in my face for an adrenaline rush.

If neither of these are for you then the tours that tempted me were the Snorkel, beach and RIB experience. And anything that took to the water, as the island looks beautiful from the ocean.

Videos of my Caribbean Cruise on Britannia

I hope that gives you an insight into my experience with P&O Cruises in the Caribbean and has given you some ideas if you are planning your holiday. There are some fantastic deals with P&O Cruises right now, and not all the ships will be full.

If you have any questions at all about my experience, please drop them in the comments below.

This article was supported by P&O Cruises but as always, the opinions and photos in the article are all my own, and I think it’s clear to see I loved every minute of my time in the Caribbean!

Founder & Editor of Intrepid Escape, a huge lover of adventure, adrenaline, sport & fitness. After travelling extensively for the last 12 years, Scott started to document his travels before fulfilling an important lifelong goal by starting Intrepid Escape. He has since become a full-time Travel Writer, Videographer, Presenter and Producer.

0 thoughts on “ Caribbean Cruise on Britannia: Honest Review With P&O Cruises ”

Looking to book Britannia January 23, definitely want to (respectfully) interact with Stingrays & snorkel to see Turtles. Found your site by accident but wow how informative for us to get the best from the Caribbean! Thank you

Hi Scott, and thanks for your extremely informative review. We are taking this cruise on 28th January 2023 and the excitement is building already! Regarding the shore excursions is it particularly sensible to take the P&O excursions for security and ensuring you get back to the ship on time?

Hi, really informative page, thank you. Is it easy to book tours and things to do when you arrive on the islands? Or do you have to book the P&O ones? Thanks.

I will be going on the Caribbean cruise for my honeymoon november 2023, how much do the excursions cost? Thanks

The only thing I cannot find, is what time you have to be back on the boat???

Yes, that’s the first thing anybody would want to know. I don’t like when ships dock at you’ve finished your breakfast then you feel you have to leave and tour the whole country and be back before 5pm which is way too early. Turns into a working day and you can’t relax for clock watching. Also in Grenada by the waterfall young local can hassle you to pay them to watch them dive into the waterfall – very offputting.

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Impeccable service: The staff were friendly, attentive, and always went the extra mile to ensure a flawless experience.Cleanliness & hygiene: The ship was spotless, and the crew maintained high standards of hygiene throughout the voyage.

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P&O Cruises from Barbados

P&O Cruises has two ships boarding in Barbados between November and March/April, the Britannia and their newest ship, the Arvia. With the promise of happy days and fun-filled nights to come, you can expect energetic adventures, interactive family entertainment, one-of-a-kind dining experiences and soothing relaxation options. Highlights on the Britannia include 20 restaurants and bars, 5 theatres & lounges, 4 pools, kids clubs and The Cookery Club, Britain's first culinary school at sea. The Arvia boasts more than 30 restaurants and bars, 6 theatres and lounges, 5 pools, kids clubs, an immersive submarine simulation game, the Altitude activity zone and so much more!

14-nights | 2024

Arvia (NEW SHIP) Barbados, Tortola, Dominican Republic, St Maarten, Antigua, St Kitts, Martinique, St Lucia, Barbados 2024: Jan 6, 20; Feb 3, 16, 17; Mar 1, 2

Britannia Barbados, Curacao, Bonaire, St Lucia, Grenada, St Vincent, St Kitts, Antigua, St Maarten, Barbados 2024: Jan 12; Feb 23; Mar 8

Limited cabins available. Travel Insurance is strongly recommended.

Please click on the link below to receive a quote from one of our Travel Advisors:

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Bridgetown (Barbados)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Region Bahamas - Caribbean - Bermuda

Local Time 2024-07-11 02:47

Port Bridgetown cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Bridgetown, Barbados. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

Bridgetown is the main seaport/cruise port, the capital and biggest city of Barbados. Fka Town of Saint Michael, Greater Bridgetown metro area is within the island's Saint Michael parish. Locally referred to as "The City", the most common reference to Bridgetown is simply "Town". The city covers a total area of approx 40 km2 (15 mi2) and has a population around 110,000.

Barbados' second-largest town and port is Speightstown (population around 4,000), located approx 20 km/12 mi to the north along the island's west coast.

Port Bridgetown (locode BBBGI) is located along Carlisle Bay (on the island's southwestern coast). Parts of the metro area (aka ABC Highway) borders with the parishes St James and Christ Church. Grantley Adams International Airport is located 16 km (10 mi) southeast of downtown, and offers daily flights to all major cities in the Caribbean, USA, Canada and the UK.

At its current location, the town was established in 1628 by English settlers. The prior settlement was at St James Town. Bridgetown City is a popular West Indies travel vacation destination and serves as major financial and convention center, as well as a major cruise port of call in the Southern Caribbean. In 2011, Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison were designated "UNESCO World Heritage Site".

The cruise port serves the entire Barbados Island (Caribbean Sea). It is managed by the port authority company "Bridgetown Cruise Terminals Inc". Its largest shareholders (investors) are the country's Government (through the state-owned company "Barbados Port Inc", with 30% share) and the private companies "Goddard Enterprises Ltd" (20%) and "Cave Shepherd & Co Ltd" (20%). The remaining 30% of the cruise terminal's shares are held by the general public (subscribed at the initial building stage of the port's development).

Barbados is included in many Southern Caribbean cruise itineraries, also visiting Leeward Islands (Guadeloupe, St Martin, St Barts, Nevis, St Kitts), Greater Antilles, Windward Islands (Martinique, St Vincent, St Lucia, Dominica), Curacao, Bonaire, Aruba.

Bridgetown Barbados also serves as turnaround (departure) port for cruise liners in the fleets of Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Princess, P&O UK (fly-cruise deals from Southampton England during the winter season).

In 2017, the cruise port handled a toyal of 818,752 passengers, or 12,9% increase over 2016 (725,020 passengers). Of all these cruise ship tourists, 137,541 stayed overnight (compared to 130,924 in 2016). The port's main source markets are the UK (33,5% share / 222,322 passengers), followed by USA (28,4% / 188,970 passengers) and Canada (12,8% / 85,209 passengers).

In 2021, RCI-Royal Caribbean homeported in Bridgetown (for the first time in the company's history) the ship Grandeur Of The Seas . The liner's winter 2021-2022 program (December 2021 through April 2022) was based on 3 itineraries - all leaving roundtrip from Port Bridgetown. RCI's fly-cruise deals were inclusive of cheaper charter flights from Miami . RCI's Barbados hotel packages offer tourists to stay in premium properties like Hilton Barbados Resort, Turtle Beach Resort, Sea Breeze Beach House Resort, South Beach Hotel Barbados, Radisson Aquatica Resort Barbados, Accra Beach Hotel & Spa.

• 7-night "Southern Caribbean Explorer" itinerary - to Scarborough (Tobago), Port-of-Spain (Trinidad), St George's (Grenada), Kingstown (St Vincent, Grenadines), Roseau (Dominica), Castries (St Lucia)
• 7-night "Southern Caribbean Adventure" itinerary - to St George's, Kralendijk (Bonaire), Oranjestad (Aruba), Willemstad (Curacao), Port-of-Spain
• 14-night "Ultimate Caribbean" itinerary - to St George's, Kingstown, Kralendijk, Oranjestad, Willemstad, Port-of-Spain, Cartagena (Colombia), Colon (Panama), Puerto Limon (Costa Rica)

For winter 2022-2023 season, Port Bridgetown reported a successful season handling 362 booked (358 received) cruise ship visits and 625,847 passengers (608,269 received), which was 86% of the pre-COVID record season 2018-2019 (726,028 passengers, 384 ship berthings).

For winter 2023-2024 (October-April), the cruise port had a record-breaking season with a total of 407 booked cruise ship berthings (392 received) from 26 different cruise line brands, with expected 741,265 passengers (715,527 received). The berthings' number included 18 maiden calls and a total of 217 homeporting operations/roundtrips from Bridgetown.

By annual passenger traffic (statistical data 2019), the Caribbean's top-10 largest airports are:

• Luis Munoz Marin Airport/aka Isla Verde ( San Juan Puerto Rico ) with ~9,5 million pax
• Punta Cana Airport ( Punta Cana Dominicana ) with ~7,2 million pax
• Jose Marti Airport ( Havana Cuba ) with 5,7+ million pax
• Sangster Airport ( Montego Bay Jamaica ) with ~4,8 million pax
• Lynden Pindling Airport ( Nassau Bahamas ) with ~4,1 million pax
• Las Americas Airport ( Santo Domingo Dominicana ) with ~4 million pax
• Piarco Airport ( Port-of-Spain Trinidad ) with 2,8+ million pax
• Queen Beatrix Airport ( Oranjestad Aruba ) with 2,5+ million pax
• Pointe-a-Pitre Airport ( Pointe-a-Pitre Guadeloupe ) with ~2,5 million pax
• Grantley Adams Airport (Bridgetown Barbados) with ~2,3 million pax

This explains why these port cities are used as seasonal turnaround ports for homeporting (roundtrip itineraries) by many major cruise companies with ship deployments in the Caribbean.

Bridgetown cruise terminal

Bridgetown Barbados cruise port terminal (aka "Deep Water Harbour") is operational since January 14, 1994. The port has 4 deepwater quays with capacity to accommodate up to 6 vessels at a time. The berths are numbered 2, 3, 4, and the "sugar berth", in addition to the port's breakwater.

Rarely, when all berths are occupied, cruise ships dock at the Esso (cargo) terminal.

Bridgetown cruise ship terminal offers modern amenities and facilities, such as Health Center, Customs, Immigration, Animal Quarantine, Barbados Tourism Office (tourist info center), Post Office. Other terminal building facilities are cafes, 2 restaurants (open-air, with full-service bars), business (conference) facility, a hand-made pottery (Bajan craft) shop, 21 duty-free shops (all air-conditioned, tax-free prices are 30-50% cheaper than in the USA or UK / Europe), car rental offices, internet zone.

There is a special departure area for passengers with pre-booked shore excursions and tours in Barbados. One of the island's cruise shore excursions is themed on beer and rum tasting. The guided tours visit the Foursquare Rum Distillery (in the Four Roads village/Saint Philip parish) and also the DreadHop Brewing (Christ Church parish) where tourists can taste the Bajan craft beer.

Bridgetown Cruise Terminal has a total area of 60,000 ft2 (5575 m2), of which approx 20,000 ft2 (1860 m2) is the shopping area. Outside the port's entrance is the Chattel Village (marketplace) with 16 outdoor shops. Also there is a bus stop / taxi rank.

The cruise port is located approx 13 mi (21 km) from the Grantley Adams Airport (approx 30 min bus drive). The shuttle bus service from the port to downtown is at an additional cost (USD 1 pp). Taxi ride is about 5 min and cost around USD 4 per cab. The walking distance from the port to the city is around 15 min (along the boardwalk).

Bridgetown tours, shore excursions, hotels

City tours and shore excursions.

Barbados Garrison: World Heritage Site of UNESCO. It dates from 1780 when it was established to be the Imperial Forces’ military headquarter. Now it is a home to the Barbados Defence Force. You can tour George Washington House, St. Ann’s Fort, the Barbados National Armoury and the Savannah park.

Parliament Buildings: or the “Public Buildings”. They were constructed in the period 1870-1874 of coral limestone in neo-gothic style. They house the Barbados Parliament. The Senate and House of Assembly are housed in the east wing. The Parliament Museum and the National Gallery are housed in the west wing. There also is the clock tower.

National Heroes Square: formerly Trafalgar Square, it is located between the Parliament buildings and the Constitution River Inner Basin. There you will see three sculptures. The first is a memorial to the Barbadians that were killed during the two World Wars. The Lord Horatio Nelson bronze statue marks the center of the city. The clamshell-shaped fountain is the third one.it is a memorial of the Bridgetown first piped water.

St. Michael’s Cathedral: located two blocks away from the National Heroes Square, direction East. It dates from 1789 and replaced the 1665 wooden building. The church is made of coral stone and got its cathedral status when Bishop William Harte Coleridge arrived in 1825.

Nidhe Israel Synagogue: UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of the oldest Western Hemisphere synagogues dates from 1654.

Queen’s Park: located beside St. Michael’s Row, east of downtown.

Barbados Museum: the St. Ann’s Garrison British military prison houses the museum. You will find great variety of exhibitions.

Beaches: visit the beautiful Gold Coats beaches. Great for watersports is Payne’s bay. The Brighton Beach, Brandon’s Beach and Paradise Beach are located in the Fresh Water Bay, next to Payne’s bay. Also popular is Bathsheba Beach.

Hunte’s Gardens, Mount Gay distillery, Oistins Fish Fry

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Family friendly – Inspired by our past. Designed for the future. There has never been a more stylish way to see the world! Nothing beats the feeling of stepping on board a new ship for the first time. Whether you’re new to cruising, or a veteran of the high seas, your moments on board Britannia are sure to be truly memorable.

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Your Itinerary

• Date   Port Arrive Depart
• 18/10/2024 Southampton – –
• 19/10/2024 At Sea – –
• 20/10/2024 At Sea – –
• 21/10/2024 At Sea – –
• 22/10/2024 Funchal, Madeira – –
• 23/10/2024 At Sea – –
• 24/10/2024 At Sea – –
• 25/10/2024 At Sea – –
• 26/10/2024 At Sea – –
• 27/10/2024 At Sea – –
• 28/10/2024 At Sea – –
• 29/10/2024 Saint John's – –
• 30/10/2024 Saint Kitts – –
• 31/10/2024 Castries – –
• 01/11/2024 Bridgetown – –

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Cabins & Prices

Ship features.

The ultimate in luxury, our butler-serviced Suites offer the extra space of a lounge area (perfect for entertaining), a superior bathroom, dressing area and a broad balcony to take in the sights.

Super Deluxe Balcony Cabins

There’s nothing quite like opening your patio style doors onto your own private balcony, especially to take in the fresh morning air or to enjoy a spectacular sail in to your next destination.

Balcony Cabins

Inside Cabins

These spacious cabins are perfect if you want a more economical way to travel and prefer to be out and about experiencing the ship or reclining up on deck by the pools.

Single Balcony Cabins

Single Inside Cabins

Sports Deck

Landing Deck

Market Cafe

Settle into a cosy world of temptation at the Market Café. With a fresh menu created by master pâtissier and P&O Cruises Food Hero Eric Lanlard, this luxurious haven in the heart of Britannia’s atrium offers something sweet for every palate.

The Limelight Club

Get cosy beneath the intimate low lighting of The Limelight Club and prepare yourself for a show-stopper of an evening at this ticketed event exclusively for adults. Feast your senses on entertainment provided by some of Britain’s best-loved performers – we’re talking real household names – and relish in a three-course culinary experience that’ll have your taste-buds tingling.

The Glass House

The perfect spot for light bites, lunchtime tipples and relaxed evening meals, with wines selected by Olly Smith.

Prepare your taste buds for a flavour-filled adventure. In stylish and sumptuous surroundings, Sindhu’s expert chefs will take you on a delicately spiced odyssey that celebrates the best of contemporary Indian cuisines. You can also make a date on sea daysto enjoy a delicious tiffin-style lunch.

Meridian Restaurant

For guests who like to escape the usual routine on holiday, they’ll love the flexibility of Freedom Dining. Opt for an early dinner one night and a late supper the next; they can shape each day as they please at this formal restaurant.

Oriental Restaurant

Taking its name from the ‘O’ in P&O (Peninsular and Oriental Steam Company), this elegant and welcoming dining room is all about enjoying the friendly atmosphere and company of table companions. Decorated in rich bronzes and golds, The Oriental Restaurant has an understated elegance and seats almost 500 people in stylish comfort. Huge ocean-view windows on three sides frame views of the ship’s wake, while delicately crafted dishes are beautifully presented at the table. This is truly a world-class dining experience to be savoured in every sense.

Horizon Buffet

Dine, any time, at the self-service restaurant boasting an array of dishes to suit every mood and appetite.

Epicurean Restaurant

Dining experiences don’t come any finer than Epicurean. Marvel as each exquisite dish, inspired by classic British ingredients and given a modern twist by expert chefs, is presented at your table. The experience is complete with fine wines, flawless service, elegant surroundings and stunning ocean views.

Java café now serves alcoholic drinks. Situated opposite The Glass House, it’s an ideal spot to sip a cool beer while enjoying a bird’s-eye view of the action down below.

The Blue Bar

Elegant. Sophisticated. Refined.The Blue Bar will find guests cosseted in the ship’s very heart with a view of Britannia’s stunning starburst sculpture and a cocktail list in hand. What could be better?

Headliners Theatre

• By night, lose yourself in a performance at Headliners Theatre, where music, dance and spectacular production techniques come together in dazzling style. The shows, created by industry-leading producers and choreographers and performed by the stars of our own on-shore production company, The Academy, are not to be missed.

Crystal Room

Where better to hone dancing skills than in the glamorous setting of the Crystal Room? Expert teachers will have guests effortlessly gliding, swaying and twirling in no time!

The Live Lounge

Music and dancing are on the menu at The Live Lounge, the perfect spot for a nightcap

One room, so many possibilities! This multi-purpose, state-of-the art venue will be the place to come for anything and everything from talks, guest speakers, cookery demos, films, game shows and music recitals…

• Music fans and foodies will love The Limelight Club. The first of its kind in the fleet, it offers a sophisticated supper-club experience. Feast on a fabulous modern European menu and enjoy intimate performances from world-class entertainment talent.

The Crow’s Nest

Savour glorious ocean views and signature timeless classic cocktails with a twist. By day, the mood is restful for reading and reveries. By night, things take a sophisticated turn –the live pianist, moody vocals and stylish late-lounge vibe making it a popular haunt for night owls.

Brodie’s Bar

Get set for good times in this lively, sociable pub. Hosting an incredible range of British and international bottled beers, ciders and real ales, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to crafted brews. There’s also a great selection on tap, plus wines and traditional snacks if you need a nibble or two.

And relax… This stylish bar is the perfect spot to chill out in the sunshine or shade by day, with cool drinks served at your table. Later, watch the sunset with a cocktail or make a night of it under the stars

Sports Court

Whether you enjoy the friendly competition of an organised tournament or prefer to play casually with your own party, short tennis, football, volleyball, basketball and cricket are just some of the options available in the Sports Court. And just aft of the Sports Court you will find the golf nets, where you can perfect your swing, using your own clubs or those provided.

Passengers can watch the waves as they work out with all the latest equipment, including exercise bikes, rowing machines, running machines, steppers, resistance machines and a range of weights. 

The below classes are charged at an additional cost of approximately £7 per person per class and can be booked on board:

• Tour de Cycle group cycling
• Body sculpt boot camp
• TRX and results based training

With superb ocean views and relaxing cream décor, the tranquil Oasis Spa is the perfect place to relax and be pampered. In the treatment rooms you can enjoy private ocean views as you succumb to a relaxing massage.

Also linked to the Oasis Spa is the hydrotherapy pool, which offers a hydromassage; a type of treatment that increases circulation, eases tension and aids restful sleep. Flooded with light via a pyramid skylight, the hydropool lies in the centre of several tiled columns. Alternatively passengers can head for Arcadia’s thermal suite on the starboard side where they’ll find three steam rooms, a sauna and a heated swimming pool.

The fully equipped salon is the perfect place for those who want to look their best. Located in the spa, passengers can try a new colour or style in the hands of fully trained stylists.

Swimming Pools

Enjoy a leisurely dip in the pool or simply relax on deck and soak up the sun on one of our sun loungers…

• Riviera pool – Outdoor pool, located on Lido Deck. Has two ladders with 7 steps
• Lido pool – Outdoor pool located on Lido Deck. Has 10 downwards steps and a ladder with steps.
• Serenity pool – Outdoor pool 1.2 to 1.8 meters deep. Located on Sun Deck – adult only
• Terrace pool – Outdoor pool (reserved for teens in school holiday. 1.1 meters deep. Located on Sun Deck aft. You have 7 steps to climb to reach pool then has ladder with 5 steps to get in
• Hydro therapy pool – Located on Deck 5. You have 3 steps to get up to the pool and then 9 steps to get into the pool. (Charges apply as this is an indoor pool part of the spa)

Sun loungers – there are a number of sun loungers on deck if you want to sit back and relax by the pool

No information available

Other Details

Adults Only: Kids allowed

Childrens Facilities: Available

Nursery: Nursery

Smoking: Some

Celebrity Ties:

Gratuities: Gratuities are included in the price so you can relax knowing that it’s all taken care of.

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• P&O Cruises ( UK )

Britannia transatlantic to Barbados

By pj57 , May 22, 2020 in P&O Cruises ( UK )

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Has any one done Southampton to Barbados reposition cruise on Britannia.We fly back from Barbados on Saturday 14th November 2020 hopefully 😀 after a 22 day cruise. Would like a heads up on any tips and tricks for this cruise and your flight times and Airline home. What’s your experience on the day of docking and going to airport.

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it is very good. You can use the ship until fairly late in the day, dependent on the time of your flight. They have screens around the ship that keeps you informed about the flight. Some go into Barbados on that day others relax on the ship. I do salon appointments to get me tidy for going home and fill my time. Then a last lunch in the Glass House. The hand luggage can be left in a secure place if you don't want it with you until you leave the ship. There is also an alternative to take a scenic trip that then drops you off at the airport. From the ship the bus takes you to the airport your bags are dealt with by the P O chartered flight. I usually book one of the airport lounges at Bridgetown airport free drinks and snacks and comfy chairs. You then get called and board the plane. 

Flight time + time difference means a fairly disrupted evening/night coming back

My top tip is to go against usual advice, do not adjust your watch as you board - stay on Barbados time, have supper on board, maybe a drink then watch a movie or two.  Arrive tired at your home airport and get a lift/taxi home.  It’ll be 6/7am GMT but will just feel like a really late night to you.  Nap in the car if the journey is long enough, otherwise a 2 hour nap as soon as you get in (leave the post and the unpacking; even picking up the pets).  Then a quietish day, an earlyish night and hopefully you’re fine and fully refreshed, with great holiday memories, the next day

It works for me

If you go, have a lovely time

Thanks ccpm and Eddie 99 😀

What time were your flights and would a last minute shower be possible somewhere on the ship before transfer to airport. Presume there would be no boarding of new passengers on the departure day

The new passengers come in on the planes you go home on!

You can use the spa for freshening up before you go.  Or you can get a day cabin.  Look out for news of when these are released in the Horizon - or pester Reception.  Bear in mind you are extremely unlikely to keep your own cabin - it’s Hobson’s Choice.

iirc the lights are due to take off about 6/7pm Barbados.  You leave the ship early afternoon, after lunch.  It’s all remarkably efficient.  If your plane is delayed coming out then your departure from the ship is delayed too.

We have done this several times, as others have said, P&O do handle the travel part very well, the best bit being not having the handle your cases at all coming home and as it is bonded you don't have to worry too much with weight limits - we have always taken 3 cases with no problem.

One tip if you haven't booked yet - if you book a balcony the port side gets sun all day and starboard the opposite.

If you fly back from St Lucia (it did in 2019) just be aware that it is a long journey to the airport.

G8  Thanks again  ccpm   and Edd ie 9 9 and have just realised it is St Lucia we are flying back from  lol

I’ve never done that, so beware my advice - it may not be 100%

No sorry me neither I have done either 2 or 4 weeks starting and ending in Bridgetown. Hopefully someone else will pop along to answer re St Lucia. Obviously no Caribbean transatlantic for me this year. I haven't booked for 2021 yet just seeing how it goes but I do usually do the sail back if I can every year on Azura or Britannia. You will, I suspect, like it its a great winter break

3 hours ago, pj57 said: G8  Thanks again  ccpm   and Edd ie 9 9 and have just realised it is St Lucia we are flying back from  lol

We did the St Lucia fly home in Nov 2019 - everything about was the same as a Barbados fly home with bonded luggage except the journey to the airport which is about 90 mins over quite minor roads. We left the ship about 4 hrs before the flight.

Another reason we prefer the sail out fly home is that you gain an hour for 4 of the days crossing over, you lose 4 hours on the sail home. We have found that the weather gets warmer each day from Madeira, sometimes even before Madeira, on the day before Madeira it is usually warm enough to sit out. I assume that the TA is going via Madeira I would not do one that goes via Ponta Delgardo as it is a more northerly route, we came home that one once and had a poor crossing back with little sun.

Thanks Bee-ess good info 😀

On 5/22/2020 at 6:39 PM, ccpm said: No sorry me neither I have done either 2 or 4 weeks starting and ending in Bridgetown. Hopefully someone else will pop along to answer re St Lucia. Obviously no Caribbean transatlantic for me this year. I haven't booked for 2021 yet just seeing how it goes but I do usually do the sail back if I can every year on Azura or Britannia. You will, I suspect, like it its a great winter break

We have done the 22 night TA with a return flight from St Lucia 4 times now.  As has been said the Journey to Hewanora Airport in the South of the Island is around 90 mins.  You are gathered up in one of the main dining rooms around 1.00pm and escorted to the small shuttle buses in groups.  You have to take your hand baggage on board with you but now they will stow it at the front of the bus instead of on your lap as once was the case!  You main luggage is taken from your cabin overnight as in Barbados and you next see it on the carousel at Gatwick. The Journey to the airport is not ever so pleasant on bumpy old mini buses and the departure lounge is not what you expect from an International Airport. There is only one flight back to the UK from St Lucia and so only around 300 PAX.   It is, however, well worth the slight inconvenience to enjoy the extended stay in the Caribbean.

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Barbados Cruise Port Guide & Best Things to Do

A re you looking for the ultimate caribbean vacation hop on a cruise ship and head to barbados to uncover its beautiful beaches, clear waters, white sand, and picturesque palm trees..

Barbados is situated in the eastern part of the Caribbean and is home to turquoise waters, some of the best beaches, a rich history, and outstanding scenery. 

As a travel blogger and cruise specialist, I know that Barbados is a Caribbean island that simply can’t be missed. If you are looking for a memorable cruise, Barbados is the perfect place.

Continue reading below as I dive into the Barbados Cruise Port and everything you need to know.

Where is Barbados Cruise Port Located?

The Barbados Cruise Port, also referred to as Deep Water Harbour, is situated on the southwestern side of the island and is about 1.49 miles (2.4 km) from the heart of Bridgetown. 

How to get to the city of Bridgetown from the Cruise Port

There are many ways to get to the heart to of the city of Bridgetown from the Cruise Port including by shuttle bus, taxi, and even walking. 

Custom Excursion Planning

Are there free shuttles from barbados cruise port.

Many cruise lines offer free shuttles from the cruise ship port. I recommend checking with your cruise line directly for your best options. 

Can you walk into Bridgetown from your cruise ship?

You can walk into Bridgetown from your cruise ship. It’s a little less than 1.5 miles making it a short journey to get to the main shopping, dining, and popular tourist attractions. 

Are there taxis available from Barbados Cruise Port?

There are taxis available from the Barbados Cruise Port if you would rather skip the shuttle bus services. 

Getting from Grantley Adams International Airport to the Barbados Cruise Port

The main airport in Barbados is the Grantley Adams International Airport which is located about 30 minutes southeast of the Barbados Cruise Port.

There are several options you can pick between to get from the airport to the cruise port which include taxi, private transfer, or bus. 

The cheapest way to get to the cruise port is to take the bus. You will need to hop on Line 27. 

➡️ If you would rather have something waiting for you upon your arrival, book your private transfer here!

Best Shore Excursions from the Barbados Cruise Port

There are a handful of different shore excursions to embark on around the island. Explore some of the top options provided below!

Adventure To The Best Caves On The Island

There are countless  caves scattered across the island  and each one has something unique about it.

If you are looking to uncover some of the islands raw beauty, make your way to one (or multiple) caves for an unforgettable adventure. 

Take In The Scenery At Hunte’s Gardens

Barbados is known for having some truly spectacular botanical gardens and Hunte’s Gardens is one of the best on the island and also one of the most popular attractions to visit in Barbados.

If you wish to stroll along beautiful flowers, and plants, and take in the scenery of natural beauty, look no further. 

Visit The St. Nicholas Abbey And Steam Railway Museum

The St. Nicholas Abbey and Steam Railway Museum is rich in history.

This popular tourist attraction consists of a plantation house, rum distillery, and museum. This is the perfect place to visit to get to know more about some of the island’s history.

Stroll Around The Andromeda Botanic Gardens

Another excellent spot for cruise passengers to roam around is the Andromeda Botanic Gardens. This botanical garden is 8 acres and was created by an award-winning horticulturalist, Iris Bannochie.

Spend Time With The Locals At Oistins Fish Market

Oistins Fish Market is a phenomenal place to visit on Friday nights.

This charming market is full of food stalls, has amazing live music, and is even a great place to pick up some souvenirs to commemorate your time in Barbados.

Enjoy The Pristine Beaches

With more than 80 beaches across the island, Barbados is an excellent place to visit for relaxation by the shore so grab your beach chairs and get ready to soak in your time on the island.

Some of the most popular beaches include Brighton Beach, Rockley Beach, Crane Beach, and Pebbles Beach.

Walk Down The Richard Haynes Boardwalk

The Richard Haynes Boardwalk is a little less than a mile in length and a great place to go for a quick stroll.

There are many popular restaurants along the boardwalk, making it a great place to walk around and hit several different establishments for food, drinks, and even some local beer along the way.

Explore The Capital Of Barbados

Exploring the capital of Barbados is an incredible way to get to know the island’s culture, and heritage, and spend time with the locals.

I recommend checking out the Parliament Buildings while in the area for their beautiful architecture and unique history.

Embark On A Snorkeling Tour

If you are a cruise traveler looking to spend some time exploring the tropical fish around the island, you must embark on a snorkeling tour.

This is the perfect opportunity to appreciate the islands crystal-clear blue waters and marvel at the various marine life in the Caribbean. 

One of the best tours around the island is the Barbados Catamaran Turtle and Shipwreck Snorkeling Cruise. This is the perfect excursion to spend time with sea turtles and other aquatic animals in the region.

➡️ Book your snorkeling tour here!

Make A Trip To Mount Gay Rum Distillery

If you’re a rum fan, make your way tot Mount Gay Rum Distillery to taste the local flavors and learn more about the rum making process and history.

Soak In The Caribbean Sun At The Boatyard Beach Club

One of the best places to venture to for the ultimate beach day is the Boatyard Beach Club.

This area is known for its abundance of beach chairs and umbrellas and a great place to unwind. It’s also a great destination for water sports like snorkeling and swimming.

Places to Stay Near Barbados Cruise Port

Barbados offers a wide range of hotel options to choose from. Consider the following incredible choices near the Barbados Cruise Port for a comfortable and convenient stay either before or after your cruise to the island. 

Hilton Barbados Resort  is a fabulous hotel near the Barbados Cruise Port. It’s a quick 15-minute drive to the port and is in a great location near Brownes Beach and Needhams Point.

This hotel is famous for being close to the Needhams Point Light House and known for its excellent service, incredible fitness center, and awesome property.

Another excellent hotel is the  Sugar Bay Barbados . This place is a 13 minute drive from the cruise port and is right near Drill Hall Beach. The hotel itself is known for its friendly staff, delicious cocktails, scrumptious breakfast, and beautiful property. 

Fairmont Royal Pavilion  is a 20 minute drive to the cruise port and another fantastic option for hotels in the area. It’s known for its tasty restaurants, seaside views, and helpful staff. 

Best Time To Visit Barbados

The best time to visit Barbados is during its dry season which occurs between December and April. 

Cruise Liners That Visit Barbados Cruise Port

• There are many major cruise lines that visit the island of Barbados including:
• Royal Caribbean Cruises
• Celebrity Cruises
• Carnival Cruise Line
• Norwegian Cruise Line
• MSC Cruises
• Disney Cruise Line

Barbados Quick Facts

🪙 The official currency of Barbados is the Barbadian Dollar.

🚢 The language spoken in Barbados is English.

🛟 Cricket is the national sport of Barbados.

⚓ Harrison’s Cave is one of the most popular attractions in the country. 

⛵ The capital of Barbados is Bridgetown, known for its colonial buildings. 

Barbados Cruise Port FAQs

Can you walk to a beach from the cruise port in barbados.

You can walk to a beach from the cruise port in Barbados. One of the closest beaches is Brandons Beach which is about 1.4 miles (2.3 km) and takes about a 30 minute stroll.

Another nearby beach is Brownes Beach which is 2.5 miles (4.1 km) and takes about 50 minutes to walk to. 

Where do the cruise ships dock in Barbados?

Cruise ships dock at the Barbados Cruise Port, also referred to as the Bridgetown Cruise Port or the Deep Water Harbour. 

Is there a shuttle from Royal Caribbean to Barbados airport?

Royal Caribbean does offer transportation between the airport and the cruise port, make sure you contact their reservations line to set this up in advance. 

What days do the cruise ships come to Barbados?

Barbados welcomes cruise ships on any day of the week, with the arrival and departure days contingent upon the particular cruise line’s schedule.

Do you need a passport to go on a cruise to Barbados?

Yes, you do need a passport to go on a cruise to the island of Barbados. 

Final Thoughts On The Barbados Cruise Port

The Barbados Cruise Port stands out as one of the premier destinations in the Caribbean, due to its convenient location near the capital of Bridgetown, endless exceptional shore excursions, and breathtaking scenery. 

With my expertise in Caribbean cruise travel, I can guarantee that your visit to Barbados will be memorable, making it a standout destination on any cruise itinerary. 

Cruise Resources

These are my tried and true, favorite cruise-planning helpers:

➡️ Cruise Critic – for reviews, deck plans, and cabin choices

➡️ Parking – for saving on your long-term parking

➡️ Travel Insurance Master – Because, yes, you do need insurance

➡️ Trip Advisor –

For Reviewing Tours and Excursions

➡️ Viator – For Shore Excursions

➡️ Shore Excursions Group – More choices for small group excursions

➡️ Resort for a day Passes in Mexico, the Caribbean, and the Bahamas

➡️ Atlantis Day Pass

➡️Cruise Packing List for Caribbean , Mediterranean or Alaska

➡️ Cruise Tips

➡️Also, if you don’t want the hassle and stress of booking your own cruise, I can do it for you at no additional cost! You can read more about

These products are services I have used myself and trust. Purchasing through the links above, helps me continue my blog at no additional cost to you, and I appreciate it so much!

• P&O Cruises ( UK )

Barbados flights

By ospreycruiser , February 1, 2017 in P&O Cruises ( UK )

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ospreycruiser

I have read on another forum that there are plans to stop using the Thomson Dreamliner on Caribbean flights. We are on Britannia in February 2018 so would probably be affected. Does this mean more use of Virgin Atlantic in addition to the Adonia cruises?

I looked on the P&O website but could not find anything.

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We are flying out in March, and are still flying with Thomson, just on a 767 as opposed to a Dreamliner.

Thomson have 10 Dreamliners in service with 3 on order. They have only 3 767's remaining so, providing P&O continue with the Thomson contract, the chances are it will be a Dreamliner.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomson_Airways

NauticalMiss

I don't understand all the fascination over the Dreamliner. We have flown in one on two occasions; the second occasion being one of the most uncomfortable flights we have ever experienced, despite being in premium. The Cabin Manager told us it was probably due to the seating; Thomson were at that time on their 6th or 7th different type of seat, as apparently they keep tweaking the designs. IMO it is service that is most important; well, that and a safe aircraft :eek:

I heard a whisper that P & O only use Thompson 767's because they were offered cheap as they are end of there service with Thompson and the last three are due to be sold to another airline when replaced with Dreamliners. Heard that next winters flights to the Caribbean from Gatwick and Manchester will be with Virgin Atlantic, Yes, you have guessed it using the last of there old fleet before they to are replaced over the next two years. Seems Thompson are still down to do Birmingham at the moment with the last 767 or Dreamliner but the plane choice will be down to Thompson not P& O. The chap seemed very well informed and talked a lot of sense about this and other stuff.

My flights for February 2018 are currently listed as TOM034 and 035 from Gatwick, so I guess I'll need to wait until the seating plan appears on CP to give me a clue about the aircraft type and airline.

I heard a whisper that P & O only use Thompson 767's because they were offered cheap ..................................

Rather strange comments that tend to be contradicted by the facts. Over 90% of Gatwick to Barbados flights have been on the Boeing787 Dreamliner.

Our Gatwick - Barbados flights next January are Thomson (premium... special birthday 😊 ) it was "sold" to us on the basis of being a dreamliner so fingers crossed.

Still as long as I get to go PE and get there on one piece I'll be happy!

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Our Gatwick - Barbados flights next January are Thomson (premium... special birthday 😊 ) it was "sold" to us on the basis of being a dreamliner so fingers crossed. Still as long as I get to go PE and get there on one piece I'll be happy!     Sent from my SM-G935F using Forums mobile app

We are going on TOM034 from Gatwick to Barbados on 24th Feb and were 'promised' a Dreamliner when we booked on board Britannia in May but alas no, it is 767.

Sanjam cruisers

Thomson Airways are using their Dreamliner Aircraft on their own long haul Holiday flights that may be the reason they have not been available for all of P&Os charters.

On our last two cruises with P&O the aircraft were Dreamliners, this years flight was a 767.

danielundecided

I don't see the fuss about the Dreamliner either. It would make flying no less stressful IMO! I believe I'm on a Dreamliner (albeit with Virgin) this summer, but I'm not 100% sure.

Going to Virgin from Thomson would feel like an upgrade to me.

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Thomson Airways are using their Dreamliner Aircraft on their own long haul Holiday flights that may be the reason they have not been available for all of P&Os charters. On our last two cruises with P&O the aircraft were Dreamliners, this years flight was a 767.

The home port dates might be relevant as Thomson have 3 ships in the Caribbean next winter and hotels as well. A ship like TUI Discovery 1/2 has over 2000 passengers and a ship load would need more than 8 Dreamliners, even without hotel guests.

This maybe true in general, but we have flown 3 times out of Gatwick, heading for Barbados; once on Thomson, twice on Thomas Cook, i.e. 33% in our case.

Boatmans Lady

Our flight isn't till December, but personally, I'd rather it was on the 767 as opposed the dreamliner.

We got premium as a 'perk' when we booked, but then I was alarmed to find out that Tomsons premium is only 18" seat width and the 767 is 20.5"

Those two and a half inches could be the difference to being omfortable to uncomfortable ;)

Our flight is in November with .Thomson from Glasgow. No idea what plane it normally is.

Just flown on the 787 in PE with Thomson. Plenty of room, but not as much as PE with Virgin, good service, plenty of drinks. Virgin is better, but not twice as good (if not more), which is what the Virgin premium extract is compared to Thomson.

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Can anyone confirm what, if any, complimentary food or drink is provided on Thomson Barbados flights from Manchester or is it all to be purchased? Thanks

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Can anyone confirm what, if any, complimentary food or drink is provided on Thomson Barbados flights from Manchester or is it all to be purchased? Thanks     Sent from my iPad using Forums

You get food included on the flight in the form of a full meal after takeoff and then a smaller meal shortly before landing. The only free drink is water or tea/coffee at meal times, no free soft drinks or alcohol anymore

Thank you for your quick response Dallas16

Are alcoholic drinks free if you have booked premium, I was lead to believe this was the case, if not why are they charging £299? , cheers David

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Are alcoholic drinks free if you have booked premium, I was lead to believe this was the case, if not why are they charging £299? , cheers David   Sent from my EVA-L09 using Forums mobile app

Taken from the P&O Brochure... from the side of my sofa:D

"Flights to and from Barbados include complimentary in-flight meals. Passengers upgrading to Premium Economy also benefit from complimentary drinks (excluding sparkling wine and champagne)"

Hope this helps

That helps many thanks

Yes they are free. And from memory, they are very generous ;)

I do not wish to sound pedantic, but the drinks are hardly free if you are paying £299.00 to upgrade to Premium.

It takes a lot of "Free" drinks to cover your £299.00, I have never felt the need to upgrade however I would never criticise anyone who likes to do so but let us not pretend the drinks are "Free".

I do not wish to sound pedantic, but the drinks are hardly free if you are paying £299.00 to upgrade to Premium. It takes a lot of "Free" drinks to cover your £299.00, I have never felt the need to upgrade however I would never criticise anyone who likes to do so but let us not pretend the drinks are "Free".

Not wishing to sound pedantic but the question asked was if the drinks were free if premium had been paid for. In that context, they are free.

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