Amsterdam Getaway from Southampton, 8 July 2025 (4 nights)

This was our first no fly cruise from Southampton. We have been on a few cruises, and this one ran really smoothly for the Embankment, much more organised than any of our previous trips. This ship itself is a little outdated the cabins especially but it’s spotlessly clean with cabin porters going above and beyond to help you. We ordered room service a couple of times and the food was delicious and delivered hot and within half an hour. The entertainment is amazing, shows in the theatre outstanding. So much to do throughout the day, Bingo, casino, swimming, gym dance lessons, you name it it’s on board. Buffet food is great, but seating is a little overcrowded at times , but you also have the choice of sit down waiter service meals in a really posh restaurant allocated to each Cabin area. Also if you wanted to try different restaurants there was a small fee, but very reasonable. Trips were great, shuttle coaches free of charge to the city centres and back to the ship running all day until time of departure. All in all great holiday and very reasonable prices

Was a lovely cabin the itinery was lovely and varied and the staff couldnt do enough for you absolutely wonderfull two weeks

Done many cruises with P&O and unfortunately standards are deteriorating, particularly the dining experience. We were on first first sitting and found it quite rushed, eg. serving coffee before we finished our sweet course. Clearing tables before people had finished eating. Also, little things, such as serving butter individually, not on the table, same with sugar. The variety of the menu and quality of food was not up to previous standards. The transfer between ship and the port Dijon was a bit of a shambles, very long lines and taking upwards of thirty minutes to board a bus. Otherwise, the entertainment and the helpfulness of the staff was very good.

2nd time on Ventura and it is a lovely ship however, it is noticeable that economies have been made over the last 5 years. The cocktail list is much reduced and you can't get a real margarita for instance. Certain bars only do certain cocktails so you have to hunt around a bit. There seems to be less entertainment going on around the ship in the evenings as well. However, the shows were excellent, as were the main band and group. Super food, service, hygiene and friendly crew - especially the captain who doubles as a comedian. In two ports shuttle coaches had to be used (Gijon and La Rochelle). The queues at Gijon going and returning were unacceptable as there didn't appear to be enough coaches to cater for everyone going ashore, yet at La Rochelle there were plenty and everything was well organised. Overall though another really nice cruise with P&O