Discover what the solo inside cabins are like on P&O Cruise’s Britannia as I share my experience of staying in one on a UK mini cruise.
I used to think that if I ever went on a cruise, it had to be in a balcony cabin. The idea of staying in an inside cabin without any natural light just didn’t appeal. But when P&O Cruises launched their UK staycation cruises in 2021 and I saw the price for solo travellers, I figured it was the perfect time to put those preconceptions to the test.
I booked a three-night cruise on Britannia, sailing along the south coast of the UK. I told myself I could manage a few nights in an inside cabin and if I hated it, it wasn’t a big commitment. Turns out, it was nothing like I expected.
There’s loads of info online about Britannia’s cabins in general, but when I looked, I couldn’t find much about the solo ones. So, if you’re considering booking a single inside cabin on Britannia, here’s exactly what to expect, based on my own stay.
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.
At A Glance
- Ideal cabins for the solo cruiser
- Surprisingly spacious layout, despite their small size
- Modern decor
- Plenty of storage for one
- Good sized bathrooms
- Great location on ship
Cabin layout and first impressions
134 sq ft – sleeps one (obviously!)
These cabins are well designed for one person. Everything is positioned along the edges of the room, which leaves a decent amount of open floor space, making it feel much roomier than you’d expect.
As you walk in, the bed is straight ahead. It’s somewhere between a single and a small double and runs lengthways along to the back wall. Next to it is a dressing table with a mirror and, very importantly, tea and coffee-making facilities. P&O definitely know the importance of a cuppa – well they are a British cruise line! – and there was plenty of teabags and coffee sachets provided. A flat-screen TV is fixed to the wall opposite the bed.
There’s a full-size wardrobe with loads of hanging space and shelves which I appreciated as I don’t exactly pack light. The cabin isn’t flashy, but it’s clean, modern, and comfortable. I was worried it might feel a bit dark and dingy and probably a bit claustrophobic, but honestly, it didn’t. It felt just right for one person.
Bathroom
The bathroom was a good size with plenty of space to storage toiletries and make up. The complimentary toiletries – shower gel and shampoo – are from The White Company.
Read more | P&O Britannia cabins to avoid
Location, location, location
Deck 16 – the Lido deck
P&O have played a masterstroke by having all the single cabins along one corridor on deck 16, the Lido deck. Arguably the best deck on Britannia, you’re steps away from the pool, hot tubs, and buffet (ideal for late-night snacks or bringing a cuppa back to the room).
There’s a ‘secret’ entrance at the end of the corridor that leads straight to the Crows Nest bar, and the lifts to the rest of the ship are the other end. This set up gives the area an almost exclusive feel. A nice touch given that solo travellers are often the last thought about.
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Why inside cabins can be a great option for solo cruisers
Inside cabins get a bit of a bad rep, but there are actually some real benefits—especially when you’re travelling solo.
- You’ll likely sleep better – with no natural light, it’s pitch black – great for a solid night’s sleep. No worries about being woken up by the sunrise!
- You’re out and about more – without a balcony to lounge on, I found myself making more use of the ship and joining in with things.
- It’s usually much cheaper – a big win! Inside cabins are generally a lot cheaper than those with a balcony and with the single cabins you avoid the dreaded solo supplement. If you’re cruising on a budget, the savings can be significant.
Tip: It’s still worth comparing prices though. Sometimes, a regular cabin at solo occupancy comes out cheaper than a dedicated solo cabin – plus you’ll get a bit more space.
Read more | Cabins to avoid on Britannia
Meeting other solo travellers
While I’m used to travelling on my own, I was hoping for a bit of company on the cruise and was curious to see how easy it would be to meet people on board.
I shouldn’t have worried, P&O have thought of that. On sea days there was a solo coffee meet up each morning in the Crows Nest Bar. Hosted by one of the P&O team the meet up was super relaxed and a great way to say hello and connect with other solo cruisers.
Read more | Thinking of about a solo cruise? Here’s why you should go for it.
The Last Word
If you’ve been wondering whether a solo inside cabin is for you, I’d say give it a try, especially on a shorter cruise. I found the cabin comfortable, well-designed, and perfectly suited to a solo traveller. I honestly didn’t miss having a window or a balcony as much as I thought I would. There’s so much to do onboard that I was hardly in the cabin anyway.
Would I book one again? Absolutely. Though if a single balcony cabin was in the same price range, I’d be tempted but that’s rarely the case. More often than not, the savings from booking an inside cabin could easily go toward your next cruise.
So if you’re looking at Britannia’s solo inside cabins and wondering whether to book, don’t write them off. They might just surprise you.
You may also like…
- Exploring Britannia’s single balcony cabins
- P&O Britannia cabins to avoid
- P&O: Iona inside cabin review
- Virgin Voyages: solo insider cabin review
Hi I’m tagging onto my friends cruise as I’m not brave enough to go on my own. However , as they are all paired up I was thinking of booking a solo cabin. Not sure what to do yet as I’ve always imagined booking a balcony cabin. It all depends on the price difference
Hi Elizabeth, I always imagined booking a balcony cabin too but ended up booking inside cabins more often not. They aren’t usually as bad as you might think, plus the money saved can be put towards another cruise! You can always find a spot round the ship to watch the waves and take in the views. If you are cruising on Britannia they do some nice solo balcony cabins too. I’d definitely be keen to try those next time. Or if you are travelling with friends, maybe you can use their balcony for the odd cuppa or drink so you get experience it a bit. Emma
So looking forward to my first solo cruise to the Caribbean mid March.happy to hear there are solo get-together meets.
Very excited and so looking forward to it…and your holiday is what you make it yourself. Happy cruising to all the other solo,s.
Hi Debra, thanks for the comment. Agree, a cruise is definitely what you make of it. Things are never that bad, after all you are on a cruise :o) Yes, P&O are great for the solo meet ups. Make sure you pop along, it’s a great way to meet people. I’m still friends with people I met at the meetings on Britannia and Iona. Enjoy your cruise.
My wife died last early year after a long illness with cancer. She always insisted I must still try to travel, and meet other people, before she passed away. Until last week, when I took the plunge on a Britannia solo cabin, for a Caribbean cruise Mid-march, I had accepted I might not be brave enough to do anything. Your review has gone some way to putting my mind at rest – thank you.
Hi Michael, thanks for your comment. Sorry to hear about your wife, she sounds a wonderful lady. Hope you are doing ok. I’m recovering from cancer myself, so understand how awful it is. I’ve found travel to be a real help getting back on my feet. Cruising on Britannia was my first solo trip after cancer treatment. I was quite nervous but once onboard it was all fine. Just go with an open mind. And if you find this ship isn’t for you, don’t be put off trying another. Both cruise lines and ships are all so different so they’ll be one for you out there. Don’t forget to go to the solo meet up on the first sea day too. It is a great way to meet people. Enjoy your cruise. Emma
Thanks for the great cabin summary! I’ve sailed solo a few times with P&O, although I’ve never stayed in a single cabin before. But I’ve just booked a two week trip on Britannia in a single and was hoping to find a good description of the room outside of the generic paragraph on the P&O website, and this is just what I was hoping for!
Hi Rob, thanks for the kind comment. I loved my solo inside cabin, would not hesitate to book one again. I’ve got a solo balcony on Britannia next year so am interested to see how that will be. They look great too so hoping it’s great too. Enjoy your cruise.