Posted 19 March 2015
By Travel Counsellors Head of Cruise, Janet Whittingham
t’s hard to believe that this time last week I was preparing to meet the Queen – well, almost!
Proudly representing Travel Counsellors as their Head of Cruise was beyond exciting. I’ve enjoyed 32 years in travel, but my passion for cruise would deliver the highlight of my career, as we all gathered to watch The Queen make history, naming Britannia under the Southampton sunshine.
This journey began back in September last year, when I secured an amazing 800 places from P&O for the Britannia launch – and I thought I’d pushed my luck asking for 400! It led to one of the most memorable Conference 2014 moments, as every attending Travel Counsellor was given their invite. I was both excited and proud to witness the jubilation in the room.
As the months passed, the excitement surrounding Britannia continued to grow – as did the nerves! The official invites arrived from P&O, and of course, what does one wear at an event like this?! As the news spread that HRH The Queen was doing the honours, panic set in. But at last I settled on an outfit, and my fascinator arrived bang on time!
So the day arrived and our first intake of over 400 Travel Counsellors assembled in Southampton to await boarding of Britannia. Some had travelled from as far as the Netherlands and the highlands of Scotland – incredible dedication! Our first glimpse of the ship came, a picture of understated elegance with a warm and inviting appeal. The Atrium was simply spectacular. I was proud to see the TCs following the guided tours or just navigating themselves around the ship, seeing as much as they could before we all assembled in the Headliner Theatre for the official welcome from the directors of P&O. After the address, and our first sneak preview of the celebrity chefs, we continued our exploration of this fabulous new arrival to the P&O fleet.
We gathered for pre-dinner drinks in the Atrium, with everyone looking totally amazing – followed by a wonderful meal with a glimpse of the Marco Pierre White menu. It was a great chance to mingle with friends old and new.
Evening entertainment had something for everyone, from headline acts in the theatre to quiet sophisticated drinks in The Crow’s Nest. Or like me, forgetting just how old I am and dancing the night away in the 80s Night at The Live Lounge. Sore feet.com! I retired to my beautiful deluxe balcony cabin! Spacious, light and airy with incredible attention to detail.
After a leisurely breakfast in the Horizon Buffet, I waved goodbye to all our fabulous TCs. Suddenly the ship felt really empty, but what a unique opportunity for me to explore whilst Britannia was quiet.
After a morning meeting getting to know Iain Powell, our new Account Manager and the tallest man on the ship, I explored further. I met up with Louise Hunt, a special Travel Counsellor and incredibly the Madrina – or original godmother – of Britannia! There was nobody better to guide me around the ship, educating me on areas of the ship I would have missed otherwise.
After another delightful evening dining in the Peninsular Restaurant, we gathered on deck with all the distinguished guests and celebrities on deck, a hot toddy warming us in the damp March evening as we watched fireworks dance to classical British music. I then joined guests in the theatre listening to entertainment from Michael Ball. To the bar or to my bed? My tired feet decided on the latter!
I woke to the sound of bagpipes, brass bands and general chatter from the dockside, and watched the Naming Ceremony practice from the early morning sunshine of my balcony. It was all quite surreal and exciting, watching helpers busy themselves in making sure everything was fit for the Queen – literally.
All dressed and ready for what felt like a wedding, I assembled in the sunshine ready to take our seats for the ceremony. A historic moment I will never forget – with brass band, dancing from the Strictly professionals, a quirky boost of entertainment from the Red Hot Chilli Pipers and the humour of Rob Brydon. Then the announcement to be upstanding for The Queen – wow! A true lump in the throat moment! After blessings and speeches, the movement of truth as the Nebuchadnezzar of Champagne flew down the wire and smashed gracefully against Britannia! What a moment to savour!
After a delightful lunch I welcomed our second group of Travel Counsellors for Tuesday’s events, another proud and engaging evening as they enjoyed all Britannia had to offer.
A huge thank you to P&O for their amazing hospitality aboard Britannia, and for allowing us to be a part of this iconic chapter in maritime history.
As CEO David Noyes said, “She is a modern classic with the best of the old, the best of the new and the best of British.”
I couldn’t agree more!
