Back from Ventura yesterday.....

[loopyloo33]

Hi

 

Back from Ventura yesterday and had a fantastic two week cruise even though we were delayed leaving Southampton and had to miss out port of call at Palma. Thought I would give the most up to date info from the ship:

 

Taking alcohol onboard

 

We didn't see anyone having alcohol confiscated at the gangway when boarding Ventura. My husband took a couple of cans of lager on board for the fridge in the cabin and no questions were asked. They were still selling spirits from your cabin steward as well. 99% of the ship brought alcohol back onboard at Gibralter as well and nothing was confiscated.

 

Dress code

 

I would say 90% of passengers adhered to the dress code on formal night with those who chose not to eating on the Waterside buffet or The Beach House. Cruise director request each formal evening that formal dress is adhered to in all public areas with the exception of the buffet.

 

I have to say that the ship is starting to look a little tired in some places (uneven floors and tatty ceilings in the buffet) plus the service onboard doesn't seem quite as good as it was last year. Still this didn't detract from us having a fantastic time!

 

Anymore questions let me know and I will try to answer them.

[geecee1]

Hi

 

Back from Ventura yesterday and had a fantastic two week cruise even though we were delayed leaving Southampton and had to miss out port of call at Palma. Thought I would give the most up to date info from the ship:

 

Taking alcohol onboard

 

We didn't see anyone having alcohol confiscated at the gangway when boarding Ventura. My husband took a couple of cans of lager on board for the fridge in the cabin and no questions were asked. They were still selling spirits from your cabin steward as well. 99% of the ship brought alcohol back onboard at Gibralter as well and nothing was confiscated.

 

Dress code

 

I would say 90% of passengers adhered to the dress code on formal night with those who chose not to eating on the Waterside buffet or The Beach House. Cruise director request each formal evening that formal dress is adhered to in all public areas with the exception of the buffet.

 

I have to say that the ship is starting to look a little tired in some places (uneven floors and tatty ceilings in the buffet) plus the service onboard doesn't seem quite as good as it was last year. Still this didn't detract from us having a fantastic time!

 

Anymore questions let me know and I will try to answer them.

 

More mixed messages from P&O staff as to casual dress on formal nights.

The Cruise Director's statement conradicts a statement on "beyond ships" by Ventura's Food and Beverage Manager and I quote:

"Dress code applies to the MDRs,the Red Bar and the Metropolis" which from what I can see from the deck plans does not eqate to "all public areas".

 

We are looking forward to our Caribbean cruise in December and will dress smart casual on all occasions, encouraged as, we are, by some posters.

However. I am fast coming to the conclusion that P&O has one of the most dysfunctional management teams that ever inhabited our planet.

Ms Marlow really needs to get a grip, unless, of course, there is deliberate strategy in place to confuse "new" customers in an attempt to fill their ships.

Cruises on Ventura were being sold over the Tannoy at our local Asda yesterday, and only this morning, one major cruise TA, is promoting balconies at less than £1000 for a two week cruise in November!!!!!

[Denarius]

I agree. P&O really do nead to get a grip on the dress code issue. They are beginning to look quite incompetent and, indeed, stupid, as if the right hand does not know what the left is doing. I have sailed on Ventura 5 times in 2009 and 2010 and on each occasion the formal dress code appplied only to the main and select restaurants, the Red Bar and Metropolis. Now it appears that passengers are being told otherwise, in direct contradiction of what P&O reps are telling passengers on Ocean Village and, indeed, of page 30 of the P&O brochure.

Is, I wonder, policy being made "on the hoof" by individual cruise directors in the face of weak and indecisive central management?

This really will not do.

P&O. Get a grip before you alienate all your customers. This smacks of gross incompetence and an MD who is, quite honestly, not up to the job.

[mrspjotter]

Boy am I confused - "formal nights the formal dress code applies to all public areas except the buffet" - so being pedantic - how are you meant to get to the buffet in your "non-formal" dress without going into a public area and does that mean if you choose to eat in the s/s buffet but want to go to the theatre afterwards you can't?:rolleyes:

[Beckyfaye-2008]

I think there will always be conflicts, as it depends on what you read and where you read it, because no two places appear to be saying the same.

 

For example when we were on Oceana, on the back of the Horizon magazine, which is delivered to your cabin each day, giving the days activities it stated and I quote:-

" Our Dress code notice for every evening is applicable to all areas of Oceana but is particularly enforced at the Ligurian and Adriatic Restuarants and Magnums Bar after 6.00pm.

We asked that passengers refrain from wearing sports vests, other vests, or sleeveless shirts whilst attending any restaurant or buffet area"

 

If it applies to all areas, why only enforced in some??????

 

I would agree, the marketing dept, H/O and the ships personal, need to get it sorted, so that everybody is singing from the same hymn sheet.

[Single Cruiser]

And this was the reason why I have "so-far" avoided P&O. I don't mind eating in the buffet and letting those who want to play dress up in the MDR. But not being able to get a drink or go to the theatre/lounges after for 4 nights out of a 14 night sailing (i.e 29% of the holiday) is a no-no..

 

Got home today and what have I got..

 

Oh an exclusive offer from P&O for ex-OV passengers- a FURTHER 10% off the prices that the regular P&O folks will be paying..

 

Talk about A) desperate for custom and B) in your face from P&O to its hardcore passengers..

 

 

This is so annoying as there is a great hol in Caribbean, very cheap and they fly from East Midlands which is like 10mins drive from my house!!

[loopyloo33]

Very confusing indeed. The only bar where there was a sign about formal dress was Metropolis. I didn't see anyone refused a drink at a bar or in the theatre without formal dress though.

 

I have to say that the mixed messages being put out by P&O Are very annoying, I really wish they would make it one or the other. Might put me off booking again to be honest.

[Denarius]

Boy am I confused - "formal nights the formal dress code applies to all public areas except the buffet" - so being pedantic - how are you meant to get to the buffet in your "non-formal" dress without going into a public area

Beam me up, Mr Scott!

[LibraLass41]

Glad to see 90% formal dress code onboard Ventura as per all ships in the P&O fleet.

 

If you don't want to play dress-up, perhaps another cruiseline is for you - simples?

 

It is confusing but P&O want your money OV cruisers and don't want to loose you, but perhaps next April they will announce one ship in the fleet will be a casual cruise ship to capture the lost OV market?

[Denarius]

I would agree, the marketing dept, H/O and the ships personal, need to get it sorted, so that everybody is singing from the same hymn sheet.

Quite right. It appears to me that there are two hymn sheets in use.

P&Os official announcements appear to be consistent. Page 30 of the latest brochure states that "Formal wear ....applies to all restaurants with the exception of the buffet restaurants and certain bars." On Ventura, the "certain bars" were the Red Bar and Metropolis. This is consistent with the statement in "beyond ships" refered to by a previous poster, and with what Ocean Village passengers are being told by P&O sales reps. The problem appears to be that individual cruise directors are either unaware that P&O have updated their code, or are deliberately imposing their own version. The solution is simple. P&O need to reiterate that the dress code is as stated in the brochure, and to instruct all their cruise directors to abide by it. This should have been done long ago, rather than allowing the current chaotic situation to develop.

[geecee1]

Quite right. It appears to me that there are two hymn sheets in use.

P&Os official announcements appear to be consistent. Page 30 of the latest brochure states that "Formal wear ....applies to all restaurants with the exception of the buffet restaurants and certain bars." On Ventura, the "certain bars" were the Red Bar and Metropolis. This is consistent with the statement in "beyond ships" refered to by a previous poster, and with what Ocean Village passengers are being told by P&O sales reps. The problem appears to be that individual cruise directors are either unaware that P&O have updated their code, or are deliberately imposing their own version. The solution is simple. P&O need to reiterate that the dress code is as stated in the brochure, and to instruct all their cruise directors to abide by it. This should have been done long ago, rather than allowing the current chaotic situation to develop.

 

Along with many other posters, I have been wanting (but not getting clarification).

Simples!!!

[Single Cruiser]

The solution is simple, next dry dock due for Ventura paint her in some nice new colours with a big O C on the front :D

 

Then strictly enforce dress code, formal, semi-formal etc on the rest of the P&O fleet..

 

Depending on the bookings for Ventura they can then decide whether to repeat it a year later for Oceana..

 

But hey who said life was simple!! ;)

[C at Sea]

I agree that P&O should allocate a ship in the fleet to be just casual for ex OVers. It would solve all the problems with the dress code if you knew definitely what to expect. Personally we like "playing dress-up", part of our cruise experience but likewise accept its not for everyone. Thats why certain ships should be allocated for dress-downers! Ventura and Oceana seem to be tending towards this now. So leave the others as they should be and enforce the code. If you dont want that at least you'd have an informed choice. After all you dont book a beach holiday if you are allergic to sand!

[davecttr]

Quite right. It appears to me that there are two hymn sheets in use.

P&Os official announcements appear to be consistent. Page 30 of the latest brochure states that "Formal wear ....applies to all restaurants with the exception of the buffet restaurants and certain bars." On Ventura, the "certain bars" were the Red Bar and Metropolis. This is consistent with the statement in "beyond ships" refered to by a previous poster, and with what Ocean Village passengers are being told by P&O sales reps. The problem appears to be that individual cruise directors are either unaware that P&O have updated their code, or are deliberately imposing their own version. The solution is simple. P&O need to reiterate that the dress code is as stated in the brochure, and to instruct all their cruise directors to abide by it. This should have been done long ago, rather than allowing the current chaotic situation to develop.

 

I take this to mean that smart casual dress is only allowed in the buffet restaurant plus the Red Bar and Metropolis. So everywhere else is formal and if you are casual you can't go in the theatre or casino etc etc etc!

 

I notice the P&O web site has the 'old' formal policy.

[sheeper370]

It is confusing but P&O want your money OV cruisers and don't want to loose you, but perhaps next April they will announce one ship in the fleet will be a casual cruise ship to capture the lost OV market?

 

To late I fear. I note from signatures and comments that quite a few of the OV customers are already booking elsewhere.

 

Sheer genius on P&O's part.

[ROSEBASKETS]

I take this to mean that smart casual dress is only allowed in the buffet restaurant plus the Red Bar and Metropolis. So everywhere else is formal and if you are casual you can't go in the theatre or casino etc etc etc!

 

I notice the P&O web site has the 'old' formal policy.

 

The Red Bar and Metrolpolis are the only places apart from the MDR's that they expect you to wear formal dress. The theatre, casino and all other places you CAN go without wearing formal attire.

[davecttr]

The Red Bar and Metrolpolis are the only places apart from the MDR's that they expect you to wear formal dress. The theatre, casino and all other places you CAN go without wearing formal attire.

OK, but the original quote says the exact opposite :confused:

[Denarius]

OK, but the original quote says the exact opposite :confused:

Your understanding of English grammar is obviously different to mine, and to P&Os. The clause "with the exception of the buffet restaurants" obviously qualifies the previous word "restaurants", giving the sentence the meaning which P&O intended and which everyone apart from you appears to understand.

[davecttr]

Your understanding of English grammar is obviously different to mine, and to P&Os. The clause "with the exception of the buffet restaurants" obviously qualifies the previous word "restaurants", giving the sentence the meaning which P&O intended and which everyone apart from you appears to understand.

 

OK, your quote

"Formal wear ....applies to all restaurants with the exception of the buffet restaurants and certain bars."

 

Now for me this is certainly not clear.

 

....applies to all restaurants with the exception of the buffet restaurants.... I understand

 

....and certain bars.... I do not understand

 

it implies that those certain bars are exempt from the formal code, the Red Bar and Metropolis on Ventura. In which case what is the status of other bars, the theatre, casino etc????

 

I do not have the P&O brochure and the web site has the 'old' formal formula.

[geecee1]

Glad to see 90% formal dress code onboard Ventura as per all ships in the P&O fleet.

 

If you don't want to play dress-up, perhaps another cruiseline is for you - simples?

 

It is confusing but P&O want your money OV cruisers and don't want to loose you, but perhaps next April they will announce one ship in the fleet will be a casual cruise ship to capture the lost OV market?

 

Firstly, Sue, we have booked Ventura for December and found your photos of balcony cabins(we are on Riviera Deck) very useful.We have chosen this ship because it offers good itineraries(we are only interested in Fly Cruises and would never consider sailing from Southampton) Uk drink prices and sterling on board.

But no, we do not want to attend the formal evenings and will dine in the buffet on those evenings and I find it insulting that as ex OV pax we "should find another cruise line".We consider our smart casual attire as dressing up. To me a suit/formal attire is too much like work clothes.And I cannot,for the life of me ,understand why any man would want to take a suit to the Caribbean.But I respect his decision so to do. All we ask is that you people respect our decision not to do so.

Many posters on both sites have have experienced both vessels and not found any problem with dressing smart casual on formal evenings on Ventura.

It did not detract from their holiay and it certainly will not affect our enjoyment of the cruise.

[beanozak]

We are thinking of cruising the caribeana November 2011, while getting quotes today, I noticed if we went this November the price is nearly £800 cheaper:eek:. Is this because they have not sold the cabins or cruises next year will be a lot more. We are now thinking of waiting until October 2011 and booking then. Has anyone done this and what are the pros and cons .:confused:

[BrianI]

The downside is that the cruise might be sold out next year.

However, November is the most difficult month to fill the ships so I would think there is every chance you will get a good deal.

The early booking incentives that were available when the brochure was released in April have now gone and the prices now (for 2011-12) are higher despite the advertising blurb.

Start looking for offers shorlty after the 56day before departure when people have to pay the full amount

Brian

[Rum Rat]

Start looking for offers shorlty after the 56day before departure when people have to pay the full amount

Brian

 

Have to agree with that statement. Been offered the new Queen Elizabeth Caribbean Christmas and New Year Southampton to Southampton at a little over £1000 pp !!!

 

Wait a bit longer and they may pay me to do the cruise ;-)

 

'Sort of interested' but just done an Atlantic double crossing (R010) and have to be in the UK for January 5th for three months to look after daughter and son in law's business whilst they do the Worldie on Arcadia!

 

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