Palma is set to welcome a very special visitor this week with the arrival of the MV Britannia, one of the most iconic British cruise ships in the P&O Cruises fleet. She is expected to dock in Palma on Wednesday, August 6 at 8am.
Measuring an impressive 330 metres in length and weighing 143,000 tonnes, the MV Britannia is a floating resort designed to deliver an exceptional cruising experience. It can accommodate up to 3,647 guests across its 13 passenger decks, supported by a dedicated crew of 1,350. On board, passengers can enjoy a wide variety of amenities, including 27 bars and restaurants, 8 entertainment venues including a 936-seat theatre, and 4 swimming pools including a dedicated pool for teenagers, and the Oasis Spa. One of the Britannia’s most striking features is the enormous 94-metre Union Jack flying proudly from its bow – the largest of its kind in the world.
This is not the Britannia's first time in Palma. A notable visit was made just last summer, on 27 August 2024, the ship was involved in a dramatic accident when a sudden storm hit Mallorca. The fierce weather caused the Britannia to break free from its moorings in the port of Palma. In the chaos, the massive cruise liner drifted uncontrollably and collided with a stationary oil tanker, the Castillo de Arteaga. Tugboats were quickly deployed in an effort to regain control and reposition the vessel safely. The incident drew significant attention from both authorities and onlookers.
Eyewitnesses described the scene with a mix of shock and disbelief. One bystander likened the moment to watching a missile launch, as the 143-tonne Britannia was carried across the harbor with surprising speed and force. "It went like a missile to the other side," the witness said, expressing concern over potential damage to both ships and port infrastructure.
On Friday, Palma will welcome the arrival of the Sun Princess, Princess Cruises' state-of-the-art flagship. With capacity for 4,300 passengers and spanning 345 meters across 21 decks, the 175,500-tonne vessel combines cutting-edge luxury with environmental innovation. Onboard features include cabana-style cabins, Japanese teppanyaki dining, The Catch seafood restaurant, and a traditional Irish bar. Guests in the Signature Collection suites enjoy exclusive access to private dining and premium spaces.