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 up to 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.
Unusual Activities onboard P&O Ventura
Aside from the obvious things like watching a show, taking part in a trivia or dining, Ventura offers some fun and exciting, more unusual activities too;
Fruit Carving
We all gasp with amazement when we walk into the buffet restaurant and see a face carved from watermelon or an animal made from bananas, and so P&O Cruises have made it possible for you to learn how to create them yourself. After a short introduction from one of the professional fruit carvers (aka a chef!), they go on to explain the techniques behind the carving before giving out tools and talking you through your creation. This is a really fun activity that you can share with friends and use to make table decorations for events and dinner parties.
Type of activity: Creative
Good for: Adults, Couples, Singles, Families
Cost: Complimentary
Wine Tasting
Set in Olly Smith’s Glass House, a small group will be gathered around a large table for an extensive wine tasting experience. A knowledgeable wine master conducts the event, answering any questions and enlightening guests on all sorts of interesting wine trivia. You’ll find out how different wines are made, what pair them with, ways to drink them, and what to look for on a wine bottle. Learning these facts is not only interesting, but you can also use your new understanding when arranging a dinner party, or to impress your friends at the wine bar. But, most importantly, you will know exactly what to look for when choosing a wine and how to match it with food.
Type of activity: Informative
Good for: Adults, Groups, Couples, Singles
Cost: Complimentary
Dance Lessons
Have you always wanted to learn to dance but never had the time, funds or confidence? Many cruisers find that when they got onboard a ship they love to watch fellow guests showing off their moves on the dance floor, but they don’t know how to achieve such perfect coordination or know exactly how to move to each song. If this is the case for you, make the most of onboard dance lessons! A cruise is a perfect opportunity to try one; you are in holiday mood (we are always slightly more daring on holiday), nobody knows you, you don’t have to sign up for a course of lessons, you are with other people that have never danced, and you will be taught by a professional dancer chosen by P&O Cruises.
Type of activity: Learning something new
Good for: Adults, Groups, Couples, Singles
Cost: Complimentary
Shuffleboard
Shuffleboard is a popular American game that has slowly been introduced to the British crowd, especially cruisers. P&O Ventura has regular friendly and competitive shuffleboard competitions, and the opportunity to learn the game. Patient crew members will teach you how to play, and you can keep practising until you feel ready to enter a competition.
Type of activity: Learning something new, Competitive
Good for: Adults, Groups, Couples, Singles
Cost: Complimentary
Behind the Scenes Tour
Both well-seasoned cruisers and those new to the scene will no doubt, at some point, think about the behind-the-scenes operation at least once. From how the ship is maneuvered, where the crew live, the culinary operation, or how the engines work, it is certainly an incredible feat. If this side of things intrigues you, be sure to sign up for a behind the scenes tour. Hosted by a senior member of staff, you will be taken around the galley, behind the theatre and around the engine room before ending on the bridge with Champagne and a selection of snacks.
Type of activity: Exclusive
Good for: Adults, Groups, Singles, Families
Cost: Approx. £75 per person
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.