P&O Britannia has five swimming pools in total — four outdoor pools and one indoor hydrotherapy pool — spread across Decks 5, 16, and 17 of the ship. Britannia entered service in March 2015 as the largest ship built specifically for British passengers at that time, carrying approximately 3,647 passengers at double occupancy across 17 decks at 141,000 gross tonnes. Her pool provision ranges from the sociable, entertainment-driven Lido Deck pools to the quiet adults-only Serenity area and a chargeable spa pool for therapeutic use. This guide covers every pool on Britannia, where each one sits, what it offers, and what you need to know before you board.
- Britannia has 4 outdoor pools (Lido, Riviera, Serenity, Terrace) and 1 indoor hydrotherapy pool in the Oasis Spa — 5 pools in total
- The Serenity Pool (Deck 17, forward) is the only designated adults-only pool on Britannia, with two whirlpool spas and a dedicated bar
- The Oasis Spa hydrotherapy pool (Deck 5) is not included in the cruise fare — access is charged, typically via a Thermal Suite day pass of approximately £39 per person
- The Lido and Serenity pools were refurbished in 2024 with new poolside furniture and tiling
The Outdoor Pools — Lido Pool, Riviera Pool, Serenity Pool, and Terrace Pool
Lido Pool and Riviera Pool — the main swimming pools on Deck 16
The Lido Pool and Riviera Pool sit side by side on Deck 16 — the Lido Deck — and together form the social centre of Britannia’s outdoor pool provision. Both are outdoor pools with depths ranging from 1.65 to 2.25 metres and are surrounded by ample deck space with sunloungers, deck chairs, and sociable seating areas. The Lido Pool is the primary family pool: on sea days it operates with music, entertainment programmes, and deck games, making it the busiest and liveliest area of the ship. Adjacent to the Lido Pool, on the deck between the two pools, is a small, shallow splash pool sized for toddlers under supervision — a feature that makes this area the default gathering point for families with young children.
The Riviera Pool sits directly alongside the Lido Pool and shares its character, though it is typically slightly quieter. Both pools feature water jets along the pool walls and there is a shared whirlpool spa positioned between the two pools. The Riviera Pool is also fitted with a pool hoist in the shallow end, making it accessible for passengers who need assisted pool entry. The Lido Bar and Grill operates nearby, giving swimmers direct access to food and drinks without leaving the deck. Both pools were refurbished as part of Britannia’s 2024 refit, which renewed poolside furniture and tiling across the Lido Deck.
Serenity Pool — the adults-only pool on Deck 17
The Serenity Pool is Britannia’s only adults-only pool, located on Deck 17 (the Sun Deck) towards the forward section of the ship, positioned behind the Retreat — Britannia’s premium outdoor sun lounger area. It is a plunge pool rather than a full-length swimming pool, with a depth of 1.65 to 2.25 metres, and its designation as adults-only means it is strictly off-limits to passengers under 18 at all times. The atmosphere in the Serenity area is deliberately calm: there is no amplified music, no deck games, and no entertainment programmes. The pool is served by the Serenity Bar, where passengers can order refreshments poolside without moving to the main Lido Deck. Two whirlpool spas are located immediately adjacent to the Serenity Pool and are also adults-only.
The Serenity area was refreshed during the 2024 refit alongside the Lido Deck, with new furniture and tiling bringing the space up to current fleet standards. Passengers who want the outdoor pool experience without the noise and activity of the Lido Deck consistently cite the Serenity Pool as the best option on Britannia — particularly on sea days when the Lido Deck becomes busy. The pool hoist installed in the Serenity Pool’s shallow end makes it accessible for passengers who require assisted entry, which is less common in adults-only pool areas and adds to its practical appeal.
Terrace Pool — the quiet aft option on Deck 17
The Terrace Pool is the fourth outdoor pool on Britannia, situated at the aft (rear) of Deck 17 on the Sun Deck — at the opposite end of the ship from the Serenity Pool. It is shallower than the other outdoor pools at a uniform depth of 1.1 metres, making it suitable for standing and gentle water activities rather than lap swimming. Its aft position gives it open views over the ship’s wake and the passing sea, which makes it a scenic option for a quiet swim away from the Lido Deck crowd. The Terrace Pool is not adults-only but tends to attract a quieter clientele by virtue of its location — passengers looking for a calmer dip without the distance and adults-only restriction of Serenity typically find the Terrace Pool a good intermediate option. All four outdoor pools on Britannia operate standard pool opening hours, typically 8am to 8pm each day.
The Oasis Spa Hydrotherapy Pool — Britannia’s Indoor Pool
What the hydrotherapy pool includes and where it is
Britannia’s only indoor pool is the hydrotherapy pool located within the Oasis Spa on Deck 5, at the lower forward section of the ship. At 1.15 metres deep, it is shallower than the outdoor pools and is designed for therapeutic immersion rather than swimming. The hydrotherapy pool is equipped with massaging jets along the pool walls and submerged air recliners — padded reclining positions within the pool from which the jets can be directed at the back, shoulders, and legs. The stated benefits are improved circulation, relaxation, and relief from muscle tension, and the warmth of the pool water (maintained at spa temperature rather than the cooler outdoor pool temperature) makes it a popular choice in colder weather or on sea days when passengers want a sheltered, warm water option.
The hydrotherapy pool is part of the Thermal Suite within the Oasis Spa, which also includes steam rooms, a sauna, and heated lounger beds. Access to the Thermal Suite is not included in the cruise fare — it is a separately charged facility. Day passes to the Thermal Suite typically cost approximately £39 per person and allow access to the hydrotherapy pool, steam rooms, sauna, and hot beds for a fixed session. Prices are set on board at the Spa Reception and can vary by cruise itinerary and demand; booking in advance on embarkation day secures access during peak sea days when the spa is busiest. The Oasis Spa operating hours are generally 8am to 8pm, in line with the outdoor pools.
Is the spa pool worth the charge?
The hydrotherapy pool charge is a consistent point of discussion among Britannia passengers. The outdoor pools are fully included in the fare, so the additional cost for the indoor spa pool requires a judgment about what it offers beyond the free alternatives. The case for paying is straightforward in specific conditions: cold weather cruises (Norway, the Atlantic in spring and autumn) where outdoor pool use is limited; passengers with joint pain or muscle tension for whom the therapeutic jets have direct benefit; and those who prefer the quieter, enclosed spa environment over the open deck. On warmer itineraries in summer, the outdoor pools are typically sufficient for most passengers and the spa pool sees lighter use.
The Thermal Suite day pass approach means passengers can use the spa pool without committing to any particular treatment, which makes it accessible on demand. Britannia regulars recommend booking the Thermal Suite pass on the first sea day rather than waiting — demand increases mid-cruise when passengers have had time to discover the facility. The Oasis Spa also offers a full range of beauty and wellness treatments at additional cost, which are bookable separately from the Thermal Suite pass. For a complete overview of P&O Cruises’ pool facilities across the fleet, the P&O Cruises pools page covers all ships including Iona, Arvia, and Aurora.
Practical Tips for Using Britannia’s Pools
Opening hours, pool rules, and what to expect
All outdoor pools on Britannia — Lido, Riviera, Serenity, and Terrace — operate from approximately 8am to 8pm daily, though the pools may close temporarily during rough weather or when the ship is in port and deck safety requires it. Pool towels are provided by P&O from dispensers on the pool decks — passengers do not need to bring their own from the cabin. Reserving sunloungers by placing towels on unoccupied chairs is officially discouraged by P&O, though it remains a common practice on busy sea days; the Lido Deck is almost always at capacity by mid-morning on warm days, and arriving early secures a better position. The Serenity area is strictly 18 and over at all times — children are not permitted in the pool or on the associated sunlounger areas regardless of whether a parent is present.
On sea days — particularly on longer transatlantic or Norwegian fjords itineraries where the ship spends full days at sea — the Lido Deck can become crowded from around 10am. Passengers who prefer quieter outdoor swimming are better served by the Terrace Pool or Serenity Pool (for adults). Port days, by contrast, typically leave the pool decks almost empty while most passengers are ashore, making them the best time for uninterrupted swimming. The water temperature in the outdoor pools is maintained at a comfortable swimming temperature rather than being heated to spa levels; the outdoor air temperature affects the experience more than the pool temperature itself. Swimwear is required for all pools; rash guards and UV-protection swim tops are common and accepted. For passengers interested in outdoor and wild swimming experiences on land during their cruise ports, our guide to outdoor swimming pools and lidos across the UK covers options for UK-departing Britannia itineraries, and our natural swimming pools guide covers freshwater alternatives to chlorinated pools.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many pools does P&O Britannia have?
P&O Britannia has five pools in total: four outdoor pools (Lido Pool, Riviera Pool, Serenity Pool, and Terrace Pool) and one indoor hydrotherapy pool in the Oasis Spa on Deck 5. The four outdoor pools are located on Decks 16 and 17. The Lido and Riviera pools are on Deck 16 (Lido Deck); the Serenity and Terrace pools are on Deck 17 (Sun Deck). The indoor hydrotherapy pool is charged separately as part of the Thermal Suite.
Is there an adults-only pool on P&O Britannia?
Yes — the Serenity Pool on Deck 17 (Sun Deck, forward) is Britannia’s only designated adults-only pool. It is strictly restricted to passengers aged 18 and over at all times. It is a plunge pool with a depth of 1.65 to 2.25 metres, served by a dedicated bar, with two adjacent adults-only whirlpool spas. The atmosphere is deliberately quiet — no music or entertainment programming. The Terrace Pool (Deck 17, aft) is not adults-only but is generally quieter than the Lido Deck pools.
Is the pool free on P&O Britannia?
The four outdoor pools (Lido, Riviera, Serenity, Terrace) are included in the cruise fare with no additional charge. Pool towels are also provided free of charge on the pool decks. The one pool that carries a charge is the hydrotherapy pool inside the Oasis Spa on Deck 5 — it is part of the Thermal Suite, which requires a separately purchased day pass, typically around £39 per person on board. This covers access to the hydrotherapy pool, steam rooms, sauna, and heated beds.
What deck is the Serenity Pool on P&O Britannia?
The Serenity Pool is on Deck 17 — the Sun Deck — towards the forward (front) section of the ship, positioned behind the Retreat. The Lido Pool and Riviera Pool are one deck below on Deck 16. The Terrace Pool is also on Deck 17 but at the aft (rear) of the ship. The indoor hydrotherapy pool is on Deck 5, inside the Oasis Spa.
Were P&O Britannia’s pools refurbished recently?
Yes — the Lido Pool and Serenity Pool were refurbished in 2024 as part of a broader refit of Britannia’s public areas. The 2024 refurbishment included new poolside furniture and tiling on both the Lido Deck and the Serenity area. Britannia entered service in March 2015 and has undergone several updates since her launch to maintain her facilities to current P&O Cruises fleet standards.
