Ventura - Review / Log of our cruise N002 - Part 3

[Stitchman]

Sunday 24th Jan 10 - Day at Sea

Last day at sea (thank goodness in my opinion) - rather a long route as well to do only a short distance to the next port of St Maarten! Can't really write too much about today as another day at sea is much rather like any other for me! I went to the church service in the Arena (a traditional maritime church service) and a collection was held to help the Haitian earthquake victims. It was very nice as I haven't been to church for a couple of years let alone a service on a ship! 11.45am I found myself again in The Exchange taking part in a quiz "Battle of the sexes" which was great fun. Spent a little time up on deck with Mandy who was enjoying the sunshine as usual!

Black/White Formal night and yet again everybody looked fab in their formal gear with the black & white theme (I was pleased to see that 80% of passengers still made the effort to stick to the dress code).

Monday 25th Jan 10 - St Maarten

Berthed next to Abramavich (Chelsea football owner's yacht - well small ship with 2 heli pads, jacuzzi, 4 jet skis, a dozen staff etc etc etc - jealous NOT). Got the water taxi to the beach $6 return each - our favourite island in the Caribbean as it has just about everything - wonderful beaches, fabulous designer shopping, cheap beer and food and sunshine a plenty - unlike Aruba we got 2 sunbeds, 1 parasol and 5 beers in a bucket of ice served to us for $15 (what a bargain) - had a great day in paradise and to top it off, sailaway party that was brilliant - all singing rule Britannia amongst other silly songs whilst we sailed away into the sunset. After dinner, watched Freddie Mercury tribute in Havana (had to almost fight another passenger to get seated as he was rudely taking up 4 seats - you know who you are and should be ashamed)! The act was fantastic and left us with baited breath for the next show in a couple of nights time. Unfortunately the George Michael tribute had to call off his 2nd show as he had a sore throat!

Tuesday 26th Jan 10 - Antigua

Shared a taxi to Dickinsons Bay with another couple and had a lovely day at the beach there - noticed like many of the other islands in the north Caribbean that the tide was extremely high and left only a couple of metres of sand on the beach and the water was rougher than normal (probably after effects of the earthquake)! The beach bar here charges $4 per beer but if you just walk across the road outside, there's a mini-mart that sells cold beers for $2 each (just a tip to keep your costs down). Hired jet skis and really enjoyed the rough seas and went full throttle for 20 mins each - don't forget you can haggle to not only reduce the price of hiring a jet ski but also the amount of time as 30 minutes is too long really when you're not an experienced rider - you can have more fun in 15 minutes and not completely wear yourselves out! (We have 2 skis at home and so know how much punishment your body goes through on these very fast motorbikes on the water). You'd never know I was a brilliant driver though if you'd seen my 70mph wave crash extravaganza much to Pablo's (entertainment officer) horror when he thought I'd killed myself - I actually thought his ski was broken as he was driving it like an old lady!

The last evening of karaoke beckoned and we were amazed at the turnout in The Exchange as word had gotten around the ship of my outrageous performances to entertain!!! Unfortunately, the hosts were Sarah & James and well we could all tell that they just didn't want to be there so the atmosphere wasn't as good as when Jay & Pablo or Jay & Greer presented the evening! We still sang until 2pm and even attempted to go to Havana to enjoy a dance but alas as usual it was closed when we arrived.

Wednesday 27th Jan 10 - St Kitts

Shared a taxi again with a different couple and on their recommendation went to South Friars Bay and it was lovely - we saw loads of monkeys (not seen on previous visits to St Kitts but we were assured they lived there)! This is a quite primitive beach with not many facilities ie a portaloo, 1 shack for a bar/restaurant and a few sunbeds and this wonderful floating pontoon out on the deep blue water where one can just while away an hour or so watching the world go by in complete silence right up until a bloody drunken Geordie family (kids and all) decided to invade our space and jump up/down on it, swearing like troopers, telling their daughter to wee in the sea as they couldn't be bothered to swim her back to the shore so I swam back to the shore instead biting my lip rather than getting into a brawl with them but I did think - why me!!!

We were berthed next to the Celebrity Solstice today and met some nice American passengers and had a chat about their experiences on their ship.

We arranged to wave across decks during the sailaway party we had been promised to show them how it was done!! Little did we know that we were being conned as the cruise director (Rob Boyd on Ventura) is a Yank and it soon became apparent that he didn't want us to outshine the Yankie ship in the sailaway party stakes so we started singing rule Britannia ourselves + various oggy, oggy, oggy type chants!! The Yanks seemed to like this and reciprocated by mooning at us as we sailed away!

Thursday 28th Jan 10 - St. Vincent

Visited this island a couple of times before and we were pretty unimpressed and we'd sort of decided before we arrived that we would probably spend the day on the ship but curiosity got the better of us as usual and we thought we'd have a walk round the port etc. to see what was going on. We found a water taxi for $15 return each to a local beach so we thought what the hell we're not gonna be seeing sand any time soon in the UK so let's go. Well are we glad we went out today - oh yes we were as we were taken on a small fishing boat to a lovely little beach where the facilities were in a ladies house and she was serving light refreshments from an ice bucket outside her back gate - it was heavenly. We did a bit of snorkelling (not much to see really), swimming, chatting, drinking and had a thoroughly enjoyable day.

Another great sailaway party - the Great British Sailaway party actually and this was the party we had all wanted last night when we were docked next to the Solstice as tonight it was just us so we all happily sang to ourselves and congered around the decks!

Our last night on board our home Ventura and what a let down - there was absolutely nothing going on tonight apart from all the staff wanting their tips (and rightly so) but we were all up for a last night party and we were all very disappointed. The casino closed at 1.30pm, Havana closed at about the same time and we were all left chatting in The Exchange bar with nothing to drink just for a change!

Friday 29th Jan 10 - Barbados

Immigration turned from orderly, organised event into a massive queue from Havana to reception on Deck 6. I managed to get in/out within 20 minutes so not too bad and beats queuing up at the airport with your suitcases anyday. We checked 3 bags in on the way home (result) and our hand luggage was yet again well over the weight so all good as no extra charges - thank you very much P&O! Stayed on the ship today just chilling out and enjoying our last day of sunshine for a while. Luckily our flight was not delayed unlike the Gatwick one (27 hour delay)!

 

Smooth flight home - landed to snow at Stansted but another brilliant holiday with P&O cruises.

 

SUMMARY OF SHIP

 

Ventura is big .... very big. But it still has the charms of a normal sized ship. It probably seems big due to all the extra cabins I suppose, but there you go.

 

At sea days - there are loads of things to do. No-one reserved sunbeds on both sides of the ship as said in other reviews.

 

There are too many places to eat (believe it or not).

 

The casino shuts too early (while punters still want to play).

 

Havana is the worst venue I've ever seen on any ship I've been on. I hope they don't do the same thing on Azura.

 

Having spoken to alot of people that are on freedom dining, they love it. I on the other hand think it's thrown off the balance of the ship regarding the entertainment & shows etc.

 

For up to the 9th day of the cruise, there was no power to the sound system on top deck so we had no sailaway parties until then, but when we did it was great fun.

 

All in all - a fabulous ship with lots of facilities, great company from like minded passengers (lots of ex OV's who found they also loved the dressing up for formal nights) but Havana must be changed!

 

Hope you're still awake and if you are - well done - I would definitely recommend Ventura to anybody.:D

[Johnthed0g]

I really like the bit where the OV passengers enjoyed dressing up, really, I am pleased to see it, it's a bit of fun we love it, wouldn't want it every night though. Thanks Stitch a nice review ...balanced.

[Stitchman]

JohnTheDog - just saw your fabulous deal on Azura for one month Xmas/New Year £2400 balcony with £450 OBC!!!! Would you be kind enough to let us know where you booked this as it seems too good to be true you lucky devil!;) I would snap the TA's hand off for this deal! Thanx a lot.

 

Stitch & Mandy x

[Johnthed0g]

JohnTheDog - just saw your fabulous deal on Azura for one month Xmas/New Year £2400 balcony with £450 OBC!!!! Would you be kind enough to let us know where you booked this as it seems too good to be true you lucky devil!;) I would snap the TA's hand off for this deal! Thanx a lot.

 

Stitch & Mandy x

It was fairly standard at the time of booking, you had to pre-register before they released it last April sold out within hours. £50 of the obc was for a cancelled party cruise on Aurora last Dec.

[capasamari]

I'm glad you both enjoyed your cruise, I have enjoyed reading your reports.

 

Carol x

[Stitchman]

I'm glad you both enjoyed your cruise, I have enjoyed reading your reports.

 

Carol x

Thank you Carol it was a pleasure (if it weren't for Mandy it would have

taken me six weeks to type it) x

 

Stitch (planning the next one !) x

[The Welsh Man]

Thanks Stitchman,

 

For your excellent reports, I'm very glad you both enjoyed.

 

I'm now re-planning some of our trips having read your reports for our 1st trip on Ventura in January 2011.

 

She doesn't sound as bad as made out of in a lot of threads.

 

Had a good deal and decided that as she was the only ship (at time of booking) we hadn't done,we should give her a go outside of school holidays in the Caribbean.

 

Thanks again

 

Carl

[capasamari]

We arrived home to the snow after Christmas and New Year in the Caribbean on Ventura on Sunday 3rd January; I had booked Thomson Destiny for next New Year in the Caribbean by Thursday 7th!

 

We are also booked on Thomson Celebration to Greece and Turkey in June.

 

It keeps us going at work!

 

Carol x

[ebony.1]

Hi there, I am a newbie to the P and O boards and cruising really as well.

I have really enjoyed reading your reports on your recent cruise.

We have booked The Ventura leaving 31st Dec 2010 and have been having 2nd thoughts after ready many reviews.

Your report was honest and refreshing to read.

Thanks Jan

[GixxerGal]

I really like the bit where the OV passengers enjoyed dressing up, really, I am pleased to see it, it's a bit of fun we love it, wouldn't want it every night though. Thanks Stitch a nice review ...balanced.

 

 

Nice review Stitch :) 'spose this is where we all be next year -- still need to understand the tipping system though :confused:-- and what you do on the extra sea days , and if the hol is cheaper overall cos of loosing Port days ??

 

All to be sorted for later in year xx

 

Btw John we all like dressing up on OV too --just dont like carting suits /shoes etc for our men as its less *frock space* in the case :(

[Johnthed0g]

Nice review Stitch :) 'spose this is where we all be next year -- still need to understand the tipping system though :confused:-- and what you do on the extra sea days , and if the hol is cheaper overall cos of loosing Port days ??

 

All to be sorted for later in year xx

 

Btw John we all like dressing up on OV too --just don't like carting suits /shoes etc for our men as its less *frock space* in the case :(

I know about OV, we have been on OV 1 Caribbean, it was fine!

Tips are easy, you get an envelope towards the end & put cash in at the recommended level +/- as you see fit.

I think the holiday SHOULD be cheaper if you miss a port, they save all the port charges after all.

[Brayman]

I think the holiday SHOULD be cheaper if you miss a port, they save all the port charges after all.

 

They save on Port charges but use more fuel out at sea. Who wins?

[Johnthed0g]

They save on Port charges but use more fuel out at sea. Who wins?

They still go the the same place next... but slower.

[GixxerGal]

They save on Port charges but use more fuel out at sea. Who wins?

 

It wont be the Punters lol :(

[corseford]

Thanks Stitchman for the great report.

 

We were also on cruise N002 and had a wonderful cruise. As first time cruisers with P&O we did go on 4 excursions (St Lucia Rainforest Ride, Grenada River Tubing, Tortola Island Tour and St Kitts railway) and only St Kitts and Grenada excursions seemed value for money (River Tubing fantastic !!!). Probably follow your plan next time and head off to beaches to relax more !. I did play Golf in Antigua with friend (and his partner) who we met on the cruise. Course not that great but the sunshine and beers at the 19th hole made it a great day.

 

As far as the ship was concerned we loved the space, choice of restaurants (we were on freedom dining) and entertainment. We did visit the Havana club a few times for the comedians and although very busy managed to get a seat (go early) or watch the many screens round the bar etc. Acts last only 45mins so even standing is acceptable.

 

We are not into gambling (tried roulette on the second night and lost £40 in 15mins, never lucky me) and didn't try the quizes but they sound fun. We did go to 3 of the 5 shows in the Arena theatre and thoroughly enjoyed them all. Loved the drinks service in there during the shows.

 

Have to compliment the organisation of P&O for the embarkation and disembarkation arrangements, checked in bags at Glasgow Airport and saw them next outside our cabin (D410) that evening. Leaving the ship also very straightforward and stress free.

 

Loved the final sailaway party and wish we had gone to more.

 

Tried all the speciality restaurants and East probably our favourite, White Room next. Ramblas a bit disappointing as portions a bit small. But all good value for the extra charge.

 

Well we have now booked back on Ventura next Jan on N102A with 4 of our friends and can't wait to cruise once more. Some new islands also...Jamaica, Grand Turk, Dominica and Bonaire. Revisits to St Lucia, Antigua, St Maarten (a favourite) and Aruba.

 

Recommend Ventura for a great holiday, one of the best we have had.

[Stitchman]

Hi Corseford.

Can't believe you were there !! I'm so glad you enjoyed yourself.

The problem we had about the Havana was we couldn't get there as we were on second sitting and it seemed that some people got there early and sat there all night and the shows started at 8.30 and 10.30. But thats cricket!! I did stand and watch the show (as Mandy has to sit down cos she can't stand in high heels for prolonged periods )........(especially 45 minutes!) on half screen and half around the stancheons and did get a bit fed up . But I was right next to the bar and lovely Pillar the waitress was on hand to serve me champagne and beer to comfort me a little !! But the truth of the matter really is its not the end of the world.

Don't you love the P&O check-in service ? That does it for me against any other cruise there is. Even if you book through wonderful Virgin you still have to do your own luggage !

We haven't booked the next big one yet so you never know me may see you on board next year !!

 

Happy cruising chuck.

 

Stitch x

[Stitchman]

Nice review Stitch :) 'spose this is where we all be next year -- still need to understand the tipping system though :confused:-- and what you do on the extra sea days , and if the hol is cheaper overall cos of loosing Port days ??

 

All to be sorted for later in year xx

 

Btw John we all like dressing up on OV too --just dont like carting suits /shoes etc for our men as its less *frock space* in the case :(

Tipping is easy instead of just giving "Whoever" cash you put it in an envelope and give it to your dinner waiters and to who else you fancy.

I must admit you always look classy but there is always room for a DJ .

By the sounds of it we'll be doing karaoke this time next year in St Lucia. And you'll see that Ventura really does berth there .

I always took my DJ on OV !!

Take it easy GIX x

 

Stitch x

[vizzog]

Thanks for the great review. Sounded like you had a fab time.

 

Off on Ventura in two weeks for the first time, counting the days now!!

[GixxerGal]

I must admit you always look classy but there is always room for a DJ .

By the sounds of it we'll be doing karaoke this time next year in St Lucia. And you'll see that Ventura really does berth there .

I always took my DJ on OV !!

Take it easy GIX x

 

Stitch x

 

Lol and still not looked at your pics yet :o Once I have finished putting mine on and assuming I dont make faceBook crash --yours will be next to view :D

 

I have never seen another ship thier (St. L) and thought someone said Ventura was too big for the berth .. If so I cant wait !!!!

 

(Might have had a blonde moment :rolleyes:)

[MattyBarlow]

 

I have never seen another ship thier (St. L) and thought someone said Ventura was too big for the berth .. If so I cant wait !!!!

 

(Might have had a blonde moment :rolleyes:)

 

When i was on Ventura last year, we docked in St Lucia and had 3 other ships with us. Plenty of room for all. Ventura did a reverse turn in the harbour :D

[GixxerGal]

When i was on Ventura last year, we docked in St Lucia and had 3 other ships with us. Plenty of room for all. Ventura did a reverse turn in the harbour :D

 

 

Matty - I have looked on Youtube and so far not found any other clips of ships other than OV -- think the port was called St Seraphine or somthing --and if I remember (doh) ,thier is only one berth anyway ??? (at that port/part of St L)

 

Yet think Stitch has a photo on his V cruise of that area ??

[Johnthed0g]

Pointe Seraphine is the duty free area at Castries, St. Lucia. Where the flavoured rum shop & Kareoke bar is.

[Stitchman]

Pointe Seraphine is the duty free area at Castries, St. Lucia. Where the flavoured rum shop & Kareoke bar is.

 

And that's where we docked !

[caroden]

So glad to have found your blog/Ventura review. We have just booked to go on the Ventura around Iberian Peninsula sailing 5th June 2010, and after reading 46 bad reviews on another cruise review website regarding the Ventura I was in two minds whether to cancel the cruise booking!

 

So many people slagged off the miserable crew/waiting staff, the poor entertainment, (the entertainers who had been compared to that of Butlins), the lack of stability of the Ventura causing it to make seasoned hardline cruisers to suffer seackness for the first time ever, and endless complaints about sun loungers, (or rather the lack of), that by the time I got to the end of many other horror stories I felt quite sick!

 

It was quite refreshing to to read your review especially as it was a 2010 review too.

 

I thought the entertainment was meant to be circus themed and that there were shows on the decks with trapeze artists? Can you let me have some information about the shows on deck. I was also concerned to read that the Theatre only holds 800 seats, and with 3000 passengers many went disappointed and never got to see the shows!

 

If anyone else reads this and has been on the Iberian cruise before I wouild love to hear your thoughts and reviews.

 

Carole :confused:

[Stitchman]

Hi Carole

glad my review will ease your mind. She's a lovely ship and you'll love her.

Circus thing. 1 show thats a bit acrobatic. They hold a circus class once a day with trampolines etc and juggling. The theatre is plenty big enough and nobody missed a show unless they were late. The only place you had trouble getting into was ....... and I know that I keep going on about it ...... was Havana !!!!!

Happy cruising

 

Stitch x