Ventura
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Ventura Reviews

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4.2
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Based on 502 reviews
Cabin
4.3
Service
4.3
Excursions
4
Dining
4.3
Activities
4.1
Value for money
4.3
Entertainment
4.2
star star star star no star

Enjoyable cruise and visit to Bruges. The only down side was having to wait for an available table at dinner.

Verified customer
1 cruise
15 Oct 2018
star star star star star

This was the first time we have cruised with P&O. We have cruised with : Celebrity, Fred Olson and Princess. P&O are our new joint favourite with Celebrity. Everything was so efficient! I have never boarded a ship so quickly! Luggage arrived promptly and the cabin was huge. This was a bonus as my husband uses a mobility scooter due to having MS. Service throughout the ship was excellent. The trip to Bruges which we booked through P&O, was well run with good guides and a helpful driver which is essential when travelling with a disabled spouse.

Verified customer
1 cruise
15 Oct 2018
star star star star no star

The Ship was lovely and the staff really accommodating We booked on a Greek island cruise for 17 days and was really disappointed not to be able to get to the two island that we booked the cruise for. We had to stay in Athens for two days (which really isn't that nice) which spoilt the whole cruise for us.. We have been told by other passengers that on all of these cruises they never get to the two island we booked for. We shall not book again

Verified customer
1 cruise
15 Oct 2018
star star star star star

Very disappointed, ship, food, entertainment first class, but extrene weather in the Aegean sea meant that we missed the most imporetant ports of the cruise.

Verified customer
1 cruise
13 Oct 2018
star star star star no star

Ventura N826 - Greek Islands. My take on a cruise with a difference. We always come down the night before. On the day of our cruise we left our hotel at 11:50, arrived in port area and were in the terminal by 12:10. We were on ship by 12:50, we had a 15:30 boarding time. In cabin at 13:30, all suitcases there, unpacked and all ready for the cruise by 14:15. Cabin C527 is in a good location, close to lifts and stairs for both midships for those journeys down to Deck 7 and beyond, as well as up to the Sun Decks and also close enough to the aft stairs and lifts for the Buffet, Epicurean and Metropolis visits or down to the Havana nightclub. Our Steward, Hilda, has been great. She is very pleasant and the room is always clean and tidy. She was looking forward to Santorini and because it was cancelled she was a little down. So we brightened her day with an M&S box of Chocolates when we were in Gibraltar. The TV’s are not interactive now, so no more viewing your spending. You now have to visit reception to get a printout. No dress codes, by day, you now get a forecast of entertainment and dress codes leaflet for the full cruise. Everything is now paper based. So much for going Green. The planned Ventura FB meet. Well P&O had a FB meet planned, 10:30 - 11:30, (mentioned in Horizon) in the Epicurean, on our first full sea day. A few people attended, but Natalie the P&O host, introduced the meet and then left us to our own devices. A few of the Ventura group found each other and we had a chat, it is nice to put faces to names, we then proceeded up to the Metropolis, for the planned Ventura N826 meet at 11:00, and found it packed. We did look around but no one seemed like they were having a meeting, but it was very difficult with an Art class going on and also so many passengers in there, maybe a thought for other meets, plan an exact location and a way of finding you. So the 10 of us from the Epicurean had our own meeting and chat. Thoughts on Around the Ship We like Ventura, our 4th time on her, similar to Azura in many ways. We love her flow, the staff are very happy and it just seems a good ship. Apart from the weather, more in this later, we enjoyed our cruise. My thoughts on our Formal evenings. Going on our previous 2016 cruise these had not been planned, spaced out, well. There were 5 Formals planned and in the first 11 days we only had 2 Formal evenings and that was followed by casual - formal - casual etc, so 3 Formals in 6 days. That is not because of the weather, that was on the forecast of events leaflet that was in our cabin. However, from what I saw everyone who attended the ‘Formal Areas’ were correctly attired. The shops have become very expensive, even the sale items are not cheap, things like buy 2 and get 20% off the second item, so unless you want 2, then not a bargain. Jennifer remarked on the jewellery shops, it seem they have thought of a price, doubled it, added £100 and then offered 15% off. The every day nik nak shop is, well ‘rubbish’ is too good a word for it, very limited stock and again prices seem to have risen. I heard one person remark in the duty free shop that the cigarettes were a lot cheaper in Gibraltar. Not being a smoker I cannot confirm this. Dixon’s seem to be doing a roaring trade with their stock of cameras, phones, devices and watches. The photographers have not been in your face, yes they were around, but they did not pester you, has they have done in the past, allowing you to ask them for that evening photo. MDR, Buffet & Speciality Restaurants On this cruise Sindhu seemed to be very under used, we passed by it every night and it was almost empty, every time. Formal evenings seem to be the more popular evenings here, but still not full. I also think this was shown by you being pestered at lunch and dinner and any bar you sat in with the staff trying to sell you their venue, especially Sindhu. Whereas the Glass House was always full in the day and evening with passengers having meals. We decided to dine here on our B/W night and we sat down around 18:00 and by 19:00 there were couples and foursomes looking p, but not finding empty tables. This venue is still our favourite and we dined here in the evening 3 times. The Epicurean is still outstanding and we finally dined here on a sea day in a storm, inside but over looking the stern, the wake vanishing into the distance and lightning in the sky. Even here, on this casual dress evening, it looked over 75% full. For the first time we gave the Beach House a miss. On the MDR we have mixed feelings. Some nights brilliant and others were not so good. Meals do seem to be better presented, but sometimes only lukewarm, soup was sent back on 2 occasions. We did find, if you went through the main door and went to the desk on the right then the staff/waiters for your table were better and more attentive than if you went through and selected the desk on the left. It could have been coincidence but that was how it was for us. For this cruise we have enjoyed just going a few times to the buffet in the evening. They do Indian, Asian, Greek etc, themed nights. Yes you get waiter service in MDR but in case you do not know it, the buffet tables are laid at night, there is an excellent drink waiter service, the food selection in the buffet is very good, lots of choice, you have starters, soup of the day, the main menu consist of the theme of the day, roast of the day, salad, and there is a very good choice of desserts and believe it or not it is a relaxed area and if you get here early enough, it is open from 18:00, you can get a window seat. It is also good if you really want to make that early show/venue. If you do not believe me, just give it a try one evening. Not the place for those Formal evenings but the occasional Casual night, yes. In the evening it is not the scrum you think it is. Cruise Entertainment All the clubs have been filled to capacity when shows are on with people even standing at the back of venues to watch the shows. So you really needed to get in there early. We both think that the entertainment has been fantastic throughout the cruise and we have had some brilliant acts. For us, Ida, 4 ladies singing classical/modern being the highlight of the cruise with Helen Ward, Adele & Diva Delights and Steve V King, Soul & Motown, coming a close second. But everyone we saw, Jon Fisher as Gary Barlow and Paul Ruck in a tribute to Eric Clapton to name a few made for fantastic evenings. My thoughts on the show ‘Astonishing’ it’s OK, yes the illusions are good but that is as far as it goes. Cabin problems We only had one problem with our cabin, 4 days into the cruise one of our lights in the bathroom started flickering, only for a short while, and would then come on. This we reported to our steward. On day 5 with nothing being done we reported it again, on day 10 it finally started flickering but not coming full on. On speaking to our steward, she informed us that she had reported it both times for us and she had also reported it on the previous cruise on disembarking day. Because of no activity she had now raised the issue with her line manager. We had a visit from her line manager who spoke to us and promised that it will be sorted today. Well guess what, the electrician arrived at 16:15, changed the bulb, and was gone by 16:16. It has taken them 12 days to complete a 30 sec job that fixed the problem. Our Ports (what we had) We had a brilliantly start to the cruise, weather-wise, up to and including the Messina Strait, but it soon changed. Firstly Mykonos was cancelled and Zakinthos was reduced to a 1/2 day. Later on, whilst in Athens, both Santorini and Katakolon were cancelled, again due to the storm that was affecting the Ionian Sea. So 9 days into a 17 day cruise and 3 ports have been cancelled and 1 reduced to 1/2 a day. However, on the positive we gained a new port, Cagliari. More later when I comment on the weather. Other than that hiccup we made the most of our time in ports. You just have to. Palma, there is lots to do in Palma to keep you occupied all day. However, this was our 5th visit, 2 holidays and 3 cruises, so we had decided to do an excursion, Soller Train, strangely enough something we had not done before. Not a bad excursion. Zakinthos, our second visit here, yes it was cut short to 1/2 a day but we still had enough time to get off, it is a tender port, walk around the town, buy some bits and pieces, have a coffee and get the tender back by 11:30. Athens, Now, if you do visit Athens then plan your visit well. This was our second visit here and we had already visited the Acropolis so a different day was initially planned. Because we now had 2 days we split our time and planned itinerary. Day 1 we visited Hadrian’s Arch, Temple of Zeus, Tomb of Unknown Warrior, some shopping, visit to Plaka for lunch, and back to the ship. Day 2 we started with a visit to the Acropolis museum, €5pp, (not sure if this is an oldies price, we were not asked our age) we entered at 09:45 and left at 12:15, you can spend longer, a lot longer, quite easily, a fascinating place. One other thing to mention, it has a great restaurant on the 3rd floor with views of the Acropolis and their menu is very reasonably priced. Back to the Plaka for lunch with a quick visit to the Roman Agora, before heading back to the ship. Now as a guide, for our original, one day, visit our planned itinerary was, Acropolis museum, Hadrian’s Arch, Temple of Zeus, Tomb of Unknown Warrior, some shopping, visit to Plaka for lunch and back to the ship. Thinking that around 4 - 5 hrs would be enough. How wrong we were. So, as it turned out the weather and the extra day was a godsend because once actual there and visiting these sites we found out that to do them justice there was no way we could have fitted all of that into a short amount of time. Cagliari, Sardinia, our extra port. The first downside, It is a Sunday, and the problems that that brings in Italy. We had never visited here before so all new to us. We just did our own thing. We purchased a €2 Map from the tourist office before you get on the shuttle. Then following the map we walked up to the Bastione St Remy, for those much commented on views, to find it cordoned off and under repair. So, not a good start. We then walked, via what turned out to be the wrong road, to the Piazza Independence, but we eventually found it, again for those views, and we were not disappointed. From here a short walk to the Roman Amphitheatre. However, can I now say it was not worth the effort and somewhere I would not recommend going to. But, if you do want that all important photo of the ruin, then there is no need to pay to go in, you can see everything from the railings outside. Then just below the Amphitheatre are the Botanical Gardens, worth the €4pp to enter, to just stroll among the trees, cacti and plants all in the shade. We then strolled back into town had a short break in one of the many cafes in the main square and made our way back to the ship. I think we would have stayed ashore longer if it had not been a Sunday, in Italy, and almost everything was shut. Now, Cagliari is build on a hill and the roads are very steep in some places. The sites around the town are well spaced out and, yes, mainly up hill. So take your time, have plenty of water and if hot a hat. My suggestion, to get your bearings, and maybe see those far out places, ie the Flamingos, is take a tour bus. (Maybe someone can comment on price and route). We are back here in 2019. Gibraltar, if you have never been, even with only a few hours in port, there is lots to do and see, not just the apes. I have lost count on the number of times we have been here. So, we made our way off ship and into Casemate Square. From there we walked straight through town and onto the botanical gardens. On our way back we picked up a few things for the folks back home and 2 beautiful glass ornaments from the glass shop on Casements Square, for us. A final stop for a drink in Casement Square and we were back on board by 12:30 for a 14:00 departure. That was it, we are now heading back to the UK and home. So, finally ‘The Weather’ Well you go to the Mediterranean in September/October for the warmth and of course sun. But nothing is guaranteed and things can change suddenly. I heard lots of passenger going on and on and on about the cancellation of ports and more should have been done to find new destinations. Yes, some passengers on board were really upset, and we heard someone talking in the Metropolis about how they had saved hard for this cruise and with so many ports been cancelled it took all the shine off their holiday. All I can say is the weather can be unpredictable and also if you do have to change plans, due to the weather, you just cannot turn up in a new port, these things need to be planned and that is not down to the Captain. We booked this cruise around its itinerary, it was same one we did in May 2016 and also have holidayed in Greece in September and all I can say is what we experienced was not the norm and this major weather storm lead to major changes in the cruise itinerary. I for one am glad we had somewhere to lay up safe and sound. We have different destinations and ships planned for 2019 and 2020 so a revisit to Greece is not planned. However, I have noticed that in 2019 Azura is doing a similar cruise with an extra 2 days added, so now 19 days, a few different ports, with Malaga and Messina added, and Palma & Katakolon being removed. Shame about Katakolon, it is the nearest port to Olympia. Maybe Zakinthos would have been a better cancellation. Other muses Strange happening; We were sat in the Atrium and in walks a gent dressed in his P&O bathrobe, socks and sandals, yes in the Atruim at 18:30, and orders a coffee from the Costa. Is this the new thread now that the tip threads are on their way out. Is it OK to wear my P&O Bathrobe, Socks and Sandals, after 18:00 in the MDR? Once in the theatre, a lady sat down in front of us and then said to her husband, ‘this is no good I cannot see the stage properly’ she then got up, moved one seat to the left and said, ‘that’s better’. Well we just looked at each other in amusement.

Verified customer
1 cruise
12 Oct 2018
star no star no star no star no star

1 - Toilet system in our Cabin A229 did not flush for 4 times during our 17-day holiday. This happened every time in the morning when you need the toilet system most. On the last day, it happened again, & I need to rush to the Public toilet system in my pajamas. On several occasions, our waiters got our orders wrong. Attention to details is certainly missing. On many occasions, our food was luke warmed.i Sports facility advertised Tennis in the Daily program. But when we climbed to the very top of the ship, there were no net, balls or rackets. So why advertised, when facility is not complete. Not happy that this Cruise did not turn out to be a Greek Island Tour, package in view of the storm in Greece. This was known before we set sail, and yet there was no back up plan from a big Company like P&O. Imagine when we were about to set sail from Athens, the Captain announced that we are not sure where our next port is, as we were still negotiating. We have written to P&O expressing our deep disappointment.

Verified customer
1 cruise
12 Oct 2018
star star star star star

It was a disappointment not to have cruised to the Greek Islands but thanks must go to the Captain who kept us safe during unprecedented weather conditions. The Ventura is now getting a little worn but nevertheless is kept immaculately clean and nothing is too much trouble for the hardworking staff. We thought that the food was excellent and the chefs did a marvellous job ensuring that my husband who has coeliac disease are everything that we had but had made it gluten free and this was every breakfast, lunch and dinner for 17 nights!!! All staff were wonderful and we could not fault anything. One point to note is the constant endeavour to sell goods on board which does wear thin after a few days and the prices on board are extremely expensive...but then again you don't have to buy! Also a point to note is that we had cabin R 751 Riviera deck, it has got a restricted view and is noisy from the sun plungers being moved overhead, but after 5:00pm it all goes quiet.

Verified customer
1 cruise
11 Oct 2018
star star star no star no star

Food good. Very big busy ship. Too big for me personal taste. Didn't feel cabins were cleaned as well as they could of been. Some of entertainment very good (Comedian) (Overtones). Not so good Madonna. Rate 3 3 1/2

Verified customer
1 cruise
11 Oct 2018
star star star star star

We in August had a great time shows was good and food was excellent went to Portugal and Spain and gurnsey

Verified customer
1 cruise
30 Sep 2018
star star star star star

Went on a cruise earlier in the year to the Canaries, loved the Ventura staff good, food good in fact we had no complaints at all cannot wait for the next one.

Verified customer
1 cruise
12 Sep 2018