Review: Our P&O Britannia cruise with chef Jose Pizarro

As we joined Britannia in Tenerife, half way through the 14 night cruise of Spain, Portugal and Canary Islands, our Food Hero was Jose Pizarro. Those on the first half of the cruise that leaves from Southampton and visit Madeira and Las Palma in the Canaries, got the opportunity to be hosted by Marco. And, according to the other journalists on board, it was a great experience. A long term fan of Jose I was very much looking forward to meeting the Spanish chef who started his career as a dentist before turning to food and making his name creating incredible tapas. He did not disappoint. Starting by giving us a talk about the famous Iberico ham and then carving some for us to try, we were then treated to a host of his favourite dishes from wild white pan fried tiger pawns to grilled salt marsh lamb cutlets and squid croquetas. Pizarro is also the name behind the tapas menu at the Glass House, one of the speciality restaurants (which means you have to pay a little extra compared to the included restaurants) on board Britannia where we dined twice and were more than impressed on each ocassion by the quality of the food and the impeccable service. In fact the service through out experience on board was faultless from the 1,350 mainly Phillipinio, strong crew. Saturday Kitchen wine expert Olly Smith has chosen the wine menu at the Glass House. Other speciality restaurants (there are 27 restaurants and bars in total) include the fine dining Epicurean, the relaxed Beach House, the impressive Indian Sindhu and the cabaret spot The Lime Light where we had an hysterical evening with Britain’s Got Talent finalist La Voix. . There is a general buffet The Horizon, and three main restaurants – all included in the price. There is enough choice and diversity to keep all 3,647 passenger happy. And if that weren’t enough there are four swimming pools – including the adults only The Sanctuary – a gym, sauna and steam rooms and a variety of kids clubs. While there is probably enough on board Britannia to keep you entertained for two weeks, being on board is not the only point of a cruise. There is something magical about waking up in a different city every morning and either taking one of the many of the P&O organised excursions or just exploring the area yourself. Our first port of call after boarding in Tenerife was Gran Canaria where we decided to go it alone and after a coffee on the paseo overlooking the beach and Atlantic Ocean we took a taxi to Vegueta the oldest part of the island’s capital, Las Palmas. The centre of Vegueta is presided over by the Santa Ana Cathedral and there are many museums and art galleries including the Christopher Columbus House Museum. After strolling through this historic part of the city, we stopped at a streetside restaurant by the cathedral and tasted the traditional Canarian wrinkled potato dish, papas arrugadas, before heading back to Britannia.

Next morning we were greeted by the stunning volcanoes of Lanzarote. It might not always have had the best reputation but we loved the slow pace of this island just off the West Coast of Africa. There are a number of excursions organised by P&O including one in to the Timanfaya National Park where the rocky landscape was created by volcanic eruptions in the 1730s. Cueva de los Verdes has caverns formed by an underground river of lava, but we decided to wander the streets and beach around Arrecife the capital of Lanzarote where the ship docked and the oldest part of the island. It’s stunning blue and white buildings around a sea water lagoon (Charco de San Ginés) are reminiscent of Geek islands like Santorini and is full of restaurants serving delicious fish and seafood. Puente de las Bolas is a stone bridge that serves as access to the Castillo de San Gabriel. Built in the 16th century, its 175 metres connect the castle to dry land. Today the fortress is home to the Museum of the History of Arrecife. From here it is an easy stroll to El Reducto Beach. This natural beach is protected by a reef which can be seen at low tide. The following day was a sea day where we got to explore Britannia and all she has to offer before waking up in the ancient Spanish port city of Cadiz in the Andalucia region. The home of the Spanish navy the port boomed in the 16th century as a base for exploration and trade. It has more than 100 watchtowers including the iconic Torre Tavira. On the waterfront is the domed 18th century Cadiz Cathedral. It is a lovely city to walk around with a large number of tranquil squares to watch the world go by, a market where you can buy the freshest of seafood and typical Spanish bars and cafes where Churros is a staple.

Our final stop was Lisbon, the hilly coastal capital of Portugal approached by passing under the Ponte 25 de April suspension bridge. To see this historic and bustling city from the ground we took a Tuk Tuk excursion which also gave us the chance to taste the traditional Pastel de Nata and Muscat wine. Three hours on the cobbled streets of LIsbon is an experience not to be missed. After another couple of days at seas sailing the Bay of Biscay which for once was like a mill pond, we docked in Southampton sad to leave the Britannia behind.

P&O Cruises is offering a 14-night cruise on Britannia with Marco Pierre White will be on board from £1099 per person. Departing October 4, includes children’s clubs, full board meals and entertainment. Departing and returning from Southampton, calling at Madeira, La Palma, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Cadiz and Lisbon. www.pocruises.com/find-a-cruise/B424/B424