The first guests in 15 months were welcomed on board by P&O Cruises last night (27 June) as Britannia left Southampton for a four-night sailing around the UK coast.
The rest of the P&O fleet, at anchor in Southampton, along with those of those of sister brand Cunard, celebrated the occasion with a horn-sounding departure salute as Britannia set sail down the Solent at 6pm.
She will be sailing a series of three, four and seven-night UK coastal cruises until 25 September when western Mediterranean itineraries will commence prior to her winter Caribbean season.
P&O Cruises president Paul Ludlow said: “We’ve been on countdown to this moment and are elated to be welcoming guests back on board.
“Our restart is a celebration for crew, guests, our staff, Southampton and also the industry as we return to playing our key role supporting the array of local growers, suppliers, hotels, B&Bs, restaurants and taxis drivers for whom the cruise industry is so vital.”
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