The Cookery Club on P&O Cruises’ Britannia – Is It Worth It?

If you’re anything like us, cruising is just as much about the experiences on board as the destinations you visit. And one experience we absolutely loved was The Cookery Club on P&O Cruises’ Britannia. Whether you’re a confident home cook or a total kitchen novice, this hands-on foodie haven is a real treat.

So what exactly is The Cookery Club? And more importantly – is it worth booking? Let’s dive in.

What is The Cookery Club?

The Cookery Club is a brilliant hands-on cookery school right on board P&O Cruises’ Britannia, tucked away on Deck 17. It’s a bright, modern space with proper workstations, high-quality equipment, and a welcoming atmosphere that’s all about learning, having fun, and enjoying food.

Run by professional chefs – and occasionally joined by big names like Marco Pierre White – it offers a brilliant mix of interactive workshops and chef-hosted dining experiences. It’s a chance to roll up your sleeves, try something new, and walk away with skills (and recipes) you can use long after your cruise.

The types of workshops and events on offer vary from cruise to cruise, but here are some cracking examples you might find:

• Inspired by Marco: Perfect Pasta

• Chef-Hosted Dinner: Inspired by Marco

• Spanish Tapas, Churros and Sangria

• Italian Trattoria Experience

• Chocolate Workshop (yes, it’s as dreamy as it sounds!)

Whether you fancy learning how to make fresh pasta from scratch, indulging in rich handmade chocolate, or tucking into a chef-hosted Spanish tapas feast with sangria – there’s something for every kind of foodie.

It’s not stuffy or overly formal either – it’s all very relaxed and hands-on, with friendly chefs guiding you through each step. And trust us, the end results are both delicious and seriously satisfying.

Our Experience: Dessert Workshop Delight

On one of our sailings aboard Britannia, we booked into the Desserts Workshop – and it ended up being one of the highlights of the cruise.

Our session focused on delicate French sweets: Macarons and Lemon Madeleines. Now, if you’ve ever tried making macarons at home, you’ll know they can be a nightmare. But with the guidance of a friendly chef, step-by-step instructions, and all the ingredients laid out for us – it felt achievable (and even enjoyable!).

We each had our own station, and it wasn’t just watching and learning – we got to crack the eggs, pipe the mixture, and of course, sample the final product. The lemon madeleines came out light, fluffy and full of zing, and we even picked up a few pro tips on getting those signature humps (who knew the secret was chilling the batter?).

It wasn’t just educational – it was great fun. The instructors were laid-back and encouraging, the vibe was social, and it was lovely to chat with other guests while everything baked.

And yes – you get to take your sweet creations away with you. Let’s just say they didn’t make it back to the cabin uneaten…

Our Experience: Tapas, Churros & Sangria Dinner

How it works

Booking usually opens around two weeks before embarkation, via the Cruise Personaliser but you can also book onboard. These dinners are quite small and intimate, with only around 16 guests per evening, and they’re hosted by the Cookery Club’s head chef. The experience cost us £50 per person, and that included all food and drink - no hidden extras.

As soon as we arrived, we were handed a glass of sangria and welcomed with a few nibbles - bruschetta and olives, the perfect way to set the mood.

The evening begins…

Once seated, we were presented with some freshly baked mustard and beetroot rolls, not unlike the ones you get at the Epicurean, along with a selection of butters and - you guessed it - more olives.

Our host for the evening was Chef John Elliot, who was not only incredibly knowledgeable but also really engaging. Before each course, he gave us a little introduction to the dish, talked us through how it was made, and we could actually watch the kitchen live on screens as the chefs prepared each plate. It felt like a mini cookery show just for us.

Here’s what we had

The menu was a journey through Spanish flavours, and while we skipped the seafood dish (not our thing), everything else was chef’s kiss.

• Gazpacho – Light, refreshing, and garnished with crunchy croutons and fresh cress.

• Croquette de Serrano – Serrano ham croquettes served with aioli. These were honestly one of our highlights.

• Gambas al Shillong y Chile – Prawns with garlic and chilli. We passed on this one but it looked great for seafood fans.

• Patatas Bravas with Chorizo – Crispy potatoes with just the right amount of spice. Delicious!

• Fennel, Orange and Olive Salad – A fresh palate cleanser that balanced out the rich dishes.

• Pinchitos Morunos – Moorish-style spiced chicken skewers. So flavourful and juicy.

• Churros with Hot Chocolate Sauce – Saved the best till last! Perfectly crisp churros and rich, gooey chocolate.

  
  

To accompany the food, you could choose your wine of choice, and the team kept our glasses topped up throughout.

Is It Worth the Extra Cost?

The Cookery Club is a paid activity, and prices vary depending on the workshop – typically around £35–£50 per person. While it’s not the cheapest activity on board, we genuinely thought it was great value.

You’re getting hands-on tuition, quality ingredients, expert guidance, and something completely different from the usual cruise activities. Plus, it’s not every day you learn to make perfect macarons while sailing through the sea!

What Kind of Classes Are Offered?

While the schedule changes depending on the sailing, here are a few examples of what’s often available:

• Street Food from Around the World

• Pasta Making & Italian Favourites

• British Classics with a Twist

• Chocoholic’s Dream

• Seafood Specialties

• Family Friendly Bake-Offs (perfect for kids & teens)

Some classes are demonstration-style, but most are hands-on – which we think is the best way to learn.

FAQ – The Cookery Club on Britannia

Where is The Cookery Club located on Britannia?

Deck 17, near the Crow’s Nest bar and the library. It’s tucked away and feels like a secret find!

Do I need to book in advance?

Yes. Classes can fill up quickly, especially the popular ones. You can usually book via My P&O Cruises before your sailing, or once onboard at reception.

How long do classes last?

Most are around 1.5 to 2 hours.

How much does it cost?

Prices range between £35 and £50 depending on the class.

Is it suitable for beginners?

Absolutely! You don’t need any experience – just a love of food and a willingness to have a go.

Do I get to eat what I make?

Yes! Either during the class or to take away. No judgement if you tuck in early…

Are there vegetarian or dietary-friendly options?

Some classes do cater for different diets, but it’s best to check in advance or speak to the team onboard.

Can kids take part?

Some classes are family-friendly, but most are designed for adults and older teens.

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If you’re sailing on Britannia and looking to try something a bit different – book into The Cookery Club. Whether you go solo, as a couple, or in a group, it’s a relaxed, fun, and flavourful way to spend an afternoon at sea.

We’re already eyeing up a pasta masterclass for our next sailing!

Fancy giving it a go? If you’ve got any questions about The Cookery Club or want to share your experience, drop us a message or comment below. We’d love to hear what you made!