Christened by Dame Helen Mirren in 2008, the Ventura and sister ship, Azura, are two of the most innovative cruise ships produced for the UK, maintaining P&O Cruises' leading position in the British cruise holiday market.
P&O Cruises' Ventura has a maximum passenger capacity of 3,100, with guests being able to enjoy 14 public decks. Nearly 900 of Ventura's generously equipped staterooms feature balconies, and offer guests some of the best accommodation of any cruise ship in the UK.
Dining onboard Ventura is superb. There are three main restaurants - Saffron, Cinnamon, and Bay Tree - all of which offer high quality cuisine and fabulous service. Alternatively for a more casual meal time, opt for the Waterside buffet restaurant, or even poolside snacks such as grilled goodies, pizzas, and ice cream.
For a more sophisticated evening, there are a number of speciality restaurants onboard Ventura;
- The Epicurean - for innovative creations using the finest British ingredients. The Epicurean is also home to the renowned Eric Lanlard's afternoon teas
- Sindhu - boasting a delectable British/Indian fusion menu
- The Beach House - serving delicious grilled food from all over the world, in a relaxed and comfortable setting
- The Glass House - created by well-known wine connoisseur Olly Smith, this is the perfect venue to try some new wines and learn about pairing them with the perfect dish
As the light fades, you can shine on. Ventura's theatre, bars, and clubs offer numerous options for a fantastic night out. Whether you fancy a show, a drink in a sophisticated bar, or listening to a little jazz, you will be in for a great night, every night, onboard Ventura.
With so many bars to choose from, you will be certain to find the perfect spot for a pre-dinner drink. While, after a wonderful meal, you can simply decide which venue best suits your mood. From dancing the night away in Havana, to trying your luck in Fortunes casino, or enjoying an evening of comedy in The Tamarind Club, your nights will be fun-filled and sociable.
Ventura is a haven of contentment. Her Oasis Spa, salon, and gymnasium on Deck 16 will be sure to make the path to a greater sense of well-being a smooth one. You can indulge in a luxurious range of treatments and opt for a new look, all in the safe hands of Ventura's skilled therapists and fitness experts.
Equipped with a thermal suite and an endless pool, Ventura's spa offers numerous ways to revitalise and invigorate. Presenting an interesting blend of ancient traditions, alternative therapies and modern, technological advancements, Ventura's spa has the added allure of sea views. So, all you need to do is relax and unwind. From a body wrap, to a makeover and a massage, Ventura's skilled therapists and beauticians will have you looking and feeling your very best.
Teenagers will also benefit from the Oasis Teen Spa, in which all treatments and facilities have been created especially for 13-17 year olds.
Ventura offers all sorts of fun things to do and great things to see. The two-tiered Arena Theatre doubles up as venue showcasing West End style shows, as well as classic and modern movies on a state of the art LED screen, or for something more active head to the Cirque deck where you can play sports like basketball, football, and table tennis.
And then of course there are the pools. Ventura boasts 6 different pools and 6 whirlpools, including adults only, children's pools, and even a pool with a retractable roof meaning it's possible to swim and play no matter what the weather has in store.
Inside, the ship also has an extensive art gallery, with upto 7,000 different pieces to peruse, as well as superb shopping opportunities. Guests can expect to see well-known, high-end brands including some of Britain's favourites like Cath Kidston, Radley, and various different gins.
Families will be particularly well looked after, with 4 player Scalextric at sea, 3D films, circus skills training at Cirque Ventura and a bone fide Rock School.
The kids club provides an onboard programme for those aged between 2 and 17, and is split into four age groups offering age-specific activities.
The dress code onboard Ventura is a balance of smart casual and formal. During informal evenings the dress code is smart casual, though men are still expected to wear a jacket. The formal evenings are when to get into your glad rags, with black tie and cocktail dresses seen throughout the ship. Whether you are late back from an excursion, are having a relaxing evening or you're not a fan of dressing for dinner, you can head to the buffet for more casual dining.