Ventura Reviews

Stateroom P208 is a very poor room as it experiences hull noise and banging and vibration from the bow thrusters and although classified as an outside cabin is not worth the money. You can barely see out of the windows and in some ports the view is further obstructed by mooring lines. When we complained to reception they said if the noise occurs at night phone reception and we will move you. This is completely impractical. Why would you want to move in the middle of the night? Surely if an alternative cabin is available why cannot we be moved before the disruption occurs. Ventura is a pleasant ship but P&O standards are declining at an alarming rate in comparison with Princess Cruises. The quality of the food is not as good and although the staff are, in the main hard working and very pleasant, some would ignore clearing plates in the Waterside Buffet, especially at night. The customer service and administration provided by Iglu was outstanding and in marked contrast to a booking through Travelbag, last year. Thank you Iglu.

Was completely surprised that the soft drinks were not free. Only water. The staff were not very enthusiatic or polite. There was not much entertainment for my age group, was targeted for the elderly, there was not much facilities on board and they hosted the back tie events too often.

Our 9th cruise and 2nd time on Ventura. Staff were absolutely outstanding and the captain, Charlie Carr, was very friendly and often had a walk around the decks, speaking to passengers, old and young alike. The cruise around the Caribbean could not be faulted, plenty of information was given by the bridge, especially on sea days, which I like. The food was very, very good - slight criticism, please cut back on the salt! The ship was very clean in all areas, entertainment was good, what's not to like?

Excellent staff onboard ship, who remained cheerful throughout, don't know how they managed to stay smiling sometimes. Good food - a bit too good! My only criticisms are that when all the large cruise ships arrive at port into one small Caribbean island the crowds are difficult to absorb. This can be unpleasant in many aspects, stretching the islands facilities: over crowded beaches, competition for taxis, increased prices etc. The arrivals should be staggered so they don't all arrive on the same day. We are talking about 20 thousand + passengers from different ships arriving at the same time. This would put me off going on another cruise of this nature. The P&O tours around the islands very considerably in quality from excellent, pleasant and informative guides to rude, surly, couldn't care less attitudes which make you think you completely waisted the considerable cost charged by P&O. If they are to charge such high prices they must monitor the quality. The better ones were where we carried out questionnaires, I noticed a distinct improvement in attitude when a cruise rep joined our tour. Lastly how long are we supposed to feel guilty about our colonial past misdemeanours ie 'the slave trade' some of the local guides really do seem quite resentful, engendering an atmosphere of shamefulness which to which British tourists politely endure.

Just returned from a caribbean cruise and it was fantastic. P&O provide excellent customer service and made the whole experience enjoyable. We were particularly impressed with the transfer process between plane and ship. Everything was included that you could possibly need. P&O provide a wonderful experience and we can't wait to go back. The ship was amazing.

We have just got back from a two week cruise round the Caribbean, had a fantastic time. The crew were all really helpful and polite and the food was fantastic. If I was to criticise anything then it would be the entertainment, could have been better. Everything is very well organised from disembarking to getting your cases. Cant wait to go again!

Thoroughly enjoyed this cruise. Great food, perfect weather. Would like to do this cruise every year. The islands were all different and had their own personalities. People were all very friendly. Best way to spend January.

Fantastic! All we could wish for, only constructive comment, music was too loud in all places apart from Arena theatre and this often caused us to leave the venue. Not seeing luggage from departure airport to ships cabin and reverse was marvellous and the organising of all aspects from airport, onboard and ashore was impressive. This was our first large ship and we were highly impressed with the space, lack of queing, ability to find quiet spaces. If anyone would like reassurance in these aspects I would be pleased to give it.

We all enjoyed our cruise.The only negative was that it was in need of a revamp with new carpets etc , as they were badly stained in places. This however did not stop us from having a very nice time, with good food and good service.

Just spent two weeks on Ventura in the Carribean the aircraft there and back was the Dream Liner a brilliant aircraft although food could have been better, but the aircraft had plenty of leg room and good seats (it is to be upgraided to EU standard ie more seats), has for the ship yes it all worked meals Ok cabins well, ours pannels falling off lights not working + could we come and paint the shower tray whilst you were in it (no thanks) she has been around for some time and iis showing the signes of it, as a last miniute booking good value but at full fare I would be complaining big time.