Exploring Britannia's Single Balcony Cabins for Solo Cruisers

A detailed guide to Britannia’s single cabins and what they offer for solo travellers.

I spent a week onboard P&O Britannia cruising through the Norwegian Fjords – one of the most scenic cruise itineraries you can do. On a previous sailing, I stayed in a single inside cabin, which was perfectly fine for a solo traveller and great value. But with views like Norway’s, I decided it was worth upgrading to a single balcony cabin this time around.

So, I’m sharing my experience – what the cabin is really like, what works well (and what doesn’t), and whether I’d book it again – to help you decide if this cabin might be the right choice for your own cruise.

Britannia Cruise ship docked in Flam. Sky is overcast and mountains are behind the ship.

My cabin reviews are designed to give you an idea of what it would be like to stay in this type of cabin should you be considering booking one. Using my experience I take an in-depth look at everything you need to know from the cabin layout to the amenities included and share any useful tips.

In this Guide

At a Glance

Here is a quick overview of Britannia’s single balcony cabins.

Britannia has 27 solo cabins in total – 12 inside, 15 with a balcony
They’re exclusively for solo travellers, which means no paying a supplement (hooray!)
Located on Deck 16 (Lido), they’re in a super handy spot for grabbing a bite at the Horizon buffet, lounging by the pool, or popping up to the Crow’s Nest for a cocktail with a view.
They’re thoughtfully designed, with modern decor and a layout that feels more spacious than you’d expect.

Location

All the single cabins are located in one corridor forward/mid-forward on deck 16, the Lido deck. You’re just steps away from

The Horizon Restaurant for buffet breakfasts or late night snacks
The Crow’s Nest (perfect for a nightcap)
And the pool deck, which makes it easy to grab a lounger or get out on deck fast when those fjord views demand attention.

I stayed in Cabin L201, right at the end of the corridor, with another cabin on one side and the library on the other.

The front of the Britannia cruise ship docked in Olden. Cabin L201 at the top of the ship is highlighted.

Being next to the library meant I could hear the crew vacuuming in the evenings. On the first night it woke me around 4am, but after that it was usually closer to midnight which wasn’t too disruptive. However, it wasn’t something I had considered when selecting this cabin.

Also, some of these cabins sit below The Retreat and the Serenity area, so if you’re a light sleeper, be prepared for the sound of loungers being moved early morning or late evening. It didn’t ruin anything for me, but it’s worth knowing.

Door number and post box next the door of a cruise ship cabin.

Looking down a long corridor on a cruise ship with cabins either side. The walls are cream with brown wood rails and the carpet is a blue and cream pattern.

Layout & design

These cabins may be small but they are perfectly formed. When you first walk in, the layout feels a bit different – you come in behind the head of the bed – but it totally works.

In this little corridor space, there is a full-length mirror on the wall and a small table you can move around (I used it as a bedside table all week).

As you enter the main part of the cabin, the bathroom is on the right. The bed runs down the side of the room toward the balcony and is slightly bigger than a standard single. It is super comfy with two pillows and a cushion. Switches to control the lighting in the cabin are built into the bed unit and three decorative art pieces hang on the wall above.

The view as you walk into a solo balcony cabin on P&O Cruises Britannia. In front of you is a small table and the back of the lightly coloured wooden headboard of the bed while to the left is a full sized mirror.

A solo balcony cabin on P&O Cruise's Britannia. To the left is the door to the bathroom while to the right is the bed, headboard and behind that the entrance door to the cabin.

There is no bedside unit or place to rest any books or drinks. As I mentioned, I used the small table and it stayed in that position next to the bed all week.

On the opposite wall, you’ve got a three door wardrobe, desk, mirror, fridge, and tea/coffee station. The wardrobe provides plenty of storage with hanging space behind the double doors and shelves behind the single door.

A flat-screen TV is on the wall above the desk, perfectly angled for bed-based movie nights.

At the end of the cabin is a sliding door out onto the balcony. Floor-to-ceiling balcony doors bring in loads of natural light, making the space feel way bigger than you’d expect. For a solo cabin, I never once felt cramped.

A solo balcony cabin on P&O Cruises Britannia. The bed which is slightly lager than a single but not quite a double, is to the left of the cabin while a desk and chair is to the right. At the end of the cabin is a floor to ceiling sliding door out onto the balcony.

Bathroom

Like the cabin, the bathroom is small but well-designed. Opening the door, the toilet is directly in front of you with the shower to the right and sink to the left.

The shower cubicle has a door (no clingy curtain) and decent water pressure. There is a small shelf where you can store any toiletries you may have brought with you. You will also find White Company shower gel and shampoo on the wall next to the shower controls.

A good-sized sink, a huge mirror, and a few handy shelves for your bits and bobs make up the rest of room. Towels are provided, and a tissue dispenser is built into the sink unit. One glass is also provided.

Balcony

A balcony is such a treat when cruising a scenic itinerary. Whether I was sipping tea in my dressing gown or taking in the views as we pulled into ports like Olden or Flam, it was lovely having my own space to enjoy it all.

The full-sized balcony come with two chairs and a table so you can sit outside and soak it all in. There is a bit of an overhang from the deck above, but I didn’t find it took away from the view much – especially with all that dramatic Norwegian scenery.

View of the Norwegian Fjords from cabin L201. The overhang from the deck above partially obstructs the view of the sky but not of the sea or mountains.

A view out to sea from the bed in solo balcony cabin on Britannia. A chair and table are on the balcony with the sea stretching into the distance.

The village of Flam viewed from the bed in a solo balcony cabin on Britannia. A chair and table are on the balcony while in the distance are some buildings in the village and the mountainside.

Amenities

The cabin comes with everything you expect to make your stay as comfortable as possible.

Tea and coffee making facilities – including a kettle and one cup. There are plenty of tea bags, coffee sachets, mini milk cartons and sugar

Tip: If you like proper milk, take a little jug or container and grab some from the buffet to store in the fridge.

Mini fridge – the fridge is located under the desk. It is fairly small but can hold a few bottles or cans, that container of milk and a sneaky chocolate stash.
Safe – located on the middle shelf behind the single-door wardrobe, the safe can easily hold your essentials such as a passport, wallet or purse. An iPad would fit too. I just about managed to squeeze my 12” MacBook in there. However, it did block the lock one night and I had to get help to open it. Any larger laptops will be too big.
Towels and Toiletries – a hand towel and bath towels are provided along with shower gel, shampoo and hand soap.
Wardrobe space – loads of hangers and shelves, especially for one person.
Hairdryer – located in the dressing table drawer and is reasonably powerful.

The Last Word – Would I Book This Cabin Again?

In a heartbeat. Honestly, this has been one of my favourite cabins I’ve ever stayed in – solo or otherwise. It was cosy, cleverly designed, and had a view from bed that made every morning feel special. I spent more time in my cabin on this cruise than any I have done before.

Yes, there was the odd bit of noise but the convenience of the location and that private balcony more than made up for it.

If you’re sailing solo on Britannia and debating whether to go for a balcony…I’d say go for it. Especially if you’re heading somewhere scenic like the fjords. Waking up, pulling back the curtains, and seeing a waterfall outside your window? That’s the kind of memory that stay with you forever.

P&O Cruises, Solo Cruising

Solo cruising in a single balcony cabin on P&O Britannia