Ventura a worrying review

[Meka3256]

I found Jamie's vlog useful - as are others on You Tube.  I find them better than reading reviews, as you can see yourself what they are saying.  I thought it was quite fair - he highlighted the good and bad points.

I have never done Ventura before - 1st with her next year, but have done 7 other cruises with various companies including P&O.  There has never been a trip where I haven't had to queue for something.  This includes the MDR (although usually for dinner not breakfast), and getting on and off - I purposely choose to alter my plans to avoid trying to get off the ship as soon as you are able to.  It's just what happens when you have hundreds of people with the same idea.

The no tea spoons thing amused me.  Can't say I have ever experienced that in the MDR, but no cutlery or plates happens all the time in the buffet.  Perhaps I only started cruising when "standards started dropping", but I just put it down to large numbers being being catered for - it's the same in a large resort too.  It does mean that I have never used words like 'pampered' in explaining my experiences, but I do have a good time and keep coming back. 

I don't feel like I am paying for a luxury experience, which is maybe the issue sometimes with reviews (generally, not Jamie's in particular) - perhaps those who have been cruising longer remember something that was more expensive, and so offered a different product

[Windsurfboy]

I'm not being negative about P&O just realistic. I think they offer fantastic value for money compared to other cruise lines. 

 

They provide a choice, you can have a great value holiday with good food , but perhaps a little queuing,  and busy pools.

 

Or if you want you can pay extra for extra services,  e.g. speciality restaurants or retreat or on ripples ice cream .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Fionboard]

48 minutes ago, Windsurfboy said:

I'm not being negative about P&O just realistic. I think they offer fantastic value for money compared to other cruise lines. 

 

They provide a choice, you can have a great value holiday with good food , but perhaps a little queuing,  and busy pools.

 

Or if you want you can pay extra for extra services,  e.g. speciality restaurants or retreat or on ripples ice cream .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Agree. If I want more luxury I can go with a more up market line. But would not be able to do so many cruises per year. 

[ozzysdad]

What needs remembering in all this is P&O like many are almost giving cruises away at the minute, you can cruise for peanuts now compared to when I took my first cruise in 2005, obviously this is going to be reflected in the levels of staffing and service you receive, it's not rocket science.

 

Other factors to consider are they are being undercut by the likes of MSC whose base fares for Southampton cruises work out cheaper than staying in Southampton in a budget hotel, they are torn between a rock and a hard place trying to balance the price with the Silversea service many feel they should receive, I went on Ventura 12 months ago and really enjoyed it, value for money was outstanding and I couldn't find anything to complain about, was it P&O from a decade ago? - probably not but I'd paid half the money from a similar cruise in 2010, now if service and luxury is my bug bear there are plenty who'll allow me to pay for the privilege. 

 

Problem I have now with those doing the reviews is they expect Butlins prices with Hilton service, that mindset invariably leaves you disappointed, anyway I'm off on Azura in a couple of weeks and have Arvia and Iona to look forward to next year all being well, I shall enjoy them the best I can whilst my health and legs allow me.

[Neil_c]

37 minutes ago, ozzysdad said:

What needs remembering in all this is P&O like many are almost giving cruises away at the minute, you can cruise for peanuts now compared to when I took my first cruise in 2005, obviously this is going to be reflected in the levels of staffing and service you receive, it's not rocket science.

 

Other factors to consider are they are being undercut by the likes of MSC whose base fares for Southampton cruises work out cheaper than staying in Southampton in a budget hotel, they are torn between a rock and a hard place trying to balance the price with the Silversea service many feel they should receive, I went on Ventura 12 months ago and really enjoyed it, value for money was outstanding and I couldn't find anything to complain about, was it P&O from a decade ago? - probably not but I'd paid half the money from a similar cruise in 2010, now if service and luxury is my bug bear there are plenty who'll allow me to pay for the privilege. 

 

Problem I have now with those doing the reviews is they expect Butlins prices with Hilton service, that mindset invariably leaves you disappointed, anyway I'm off on Azura in a couple of weeks and have Arvia and Iona to look forward to next year all being well, I shall enjoy them the best I can whilst my health and legs allow me.

I fully agree with your comments. It seems to me a number of people go on a ship with an attitude that all must be perfect to their standards and are looking for things which do not meet them and if you look hard enough then you can find something to moan about.

 

I go with the attitude of | am going to enjoy my cruise  and if there are issues I will either ignore, if they are small, or complain onboard if they are major and impacting my enjoyment.

 

This has worked over a number of cruises with P&O and other cruise lines. Yes it is different post covid but I can cope with the lack of turndown and no chocolate on pillow and slightly less choice in MDR.

 

On Ventura in a couple of weeks and looking forward to it 

[Selbourne]

55 minutes ago, ozzysdad said:

What needs remembering in all this is P&O like many are almost giving cruises away at the minute, you can cruise for peanuts now compared to when I took my first cruise in 2005, obviously this is going to be reflected in the levels of staffing and service you receive, it's not rocket science.

 

Other factors to consider are they are being undercut by the likes of MSC whose base fares for Southampton cruises work out cheaper than staying in Southampton in a budget hotel, they are torn between a rock and a hard place trying to balance the price with the Silversea service many feel they should receive, I went on Ventura 12 months ago and really enjoyed it, value for money was outstanding and I couldn't find anything to complain about, was it P&O from a decade ago? - probably not but I'd paid half the money from a similar cruise in 2010, now if service and luxury is my bug bear there are plenty who'll allow me to pay for the privilege. 

 

Problem I have now with those doing the reviews is they expect Butlins prices with Hilton service, that mindset invariably leaves you disappointed, anyway I'm off on Azura in a couple of weeks and have Arvia and Iona to look forward to next year all being well, I shall enjoy them the best I can whilst my health and legs allow me.

These are all very fair points. However, the appeal of P&O for us was always that they seemed to strike a very good ‘middle ground’ position. They offered a product that was a good step above the more budget oriented lines and you paid a premium for that, but obviously nowhere near that of the luxury cruise lines. That suited us perfectly.
 

That has all changed over the past 5 or so years (it started well before Covid) and they have made a conscious decision to move more mass market with, as you say, prices to match. As I have said several times on this forum, I think that’s a very wise business decision, especially with the vast capacities that they now have to fill. The problem is that it’s not what appeals to us. We remain happy to pay more for a better product, but not the eye watering prices of the luxury lines. I’m not sure which ex-U.K. operators fit the bill for us now. We are thinking of trying Cunard and, if the price is right, Saga. 
 

Your point about MSC is spot on. Family members who, like us, have only done P&O cruises recently went on an MSC cruise. Their feedback was that it was very similar to the pre-Covid P&O offering, but at much less cost. The clincher was the discounted top end drinks package. Roughly half the price of the P&O drinks package and without all the daft restrictions that makes the P&O drinks package totally unviable for most people. 
 

So, in summary, you are quite right that we can’t expect a 5 star product at 3 star prices, but I am keen to hear suggestions as to which cruise lines (ex U.K.) offer a 4 star product at 4 star prices, as they are likely to get our future custom. 

[9265359]

1 hour ago, ozzysdad said:

Problem I have now with those doing the reviews is they expect Butlins prices with Hilton service

 

Exactly

 

The Iona cruise I returned from last week cost the two of us under £40 per person per night each.

 

FORTY POUNDS!

 

And that provided for accommodation cleaned daily, three meals a day served in the MDR plus whatever you wanted to eat elsewhere, transport to Spain and Portugal, entertainment (usually three different shows a night), gym, cinema, etc. 

 

For FORTY POUNDS a night!

 

Am I expecting Hilton service at that price, of course I am not, but what I did get was an awful awful lot better than Butlins.

 

If you want Hilton service then pay Hilton prices - and there are plenty of cruise brands within the Carnival portfolio offering that.

[Host Sharon]

1 hour ago, ozzysdad said:

What needs remembering in all this is P&O like many are almost giving cruises away at the minute, you can cruise for peanuts now compared to when I took my first cruise in 2005, obviously this is going to be reflected in the levels of staffing and service you receive, it's not rocket science.

 

Other factors to consider are they are being undercut by the likes of MSC whose base fares for Southampton cruises work out cheaper than staying in Southampton in a budget hotel, they are torn between a rock and a hard place trying to balance the price with the Silversea service many feel they should receive, I went on Ventura 12 months ago and really enjoyed it, value for money was outstanding and I couldn't find anything to complain about, was it P&O from a decade ago? - probably not but I'd paid half the money from a similar cruise in 2010, now if service and luxury is my bug bear there are plenty who'll allow me to pay for the privilege. 

 

Problem I have now with those doing the reviews is they expect Butlins prices with Hilton service, that mindset invariably leaves you disappointed, anyway I'm off on Azura in a couple of weeks and have Arvia and Iona to look forward to next year all being well, I shall enjoy them the best I can whilst my health and legs allow me.

These are all valid points. I think one of the major problems though is that P&O are not being upfront about it when you book. People are booking cruises  based on what they read in the brochures and on the website and only finding out on board that some of the speciality restaurants are closed or that there is no longer afternoon tea in the  MDR or nightly turndown. That is why expectations are higher than reality.

[ozzysdad]

1 minute ago, Host Sharon said:

These are all valid points. I think one of the major problems though is that P&O are not being upfront about it when you book. People are booking cruises  based on what they read in the brochures and on the website and only finding out on board that some of the speciality restaurants are closed or that there is no longer afternoon tea in the  MDR or nightly turndown. That is why expectations are higher than reality.

Fair points but I wouldn't allow any of that to spoil a holiday, it may be worth bearing in mind that brochures are printed years in advance, some of these staff now have multiple roles onboard and I'm thankful for the service they provide, I'd be disappointed if the speciality restaurants aren't open but I suspect this is done as a last resort and is really something P&O are loathe to do given the extra revenue they provide. 

 

Is anything ever as good as it used to be? Probably not and having introduced friends to cruising over the past few years all are more than happy particularly when you compare them directly to beach holidays.

[9265359]

4 minutes ago, Host Sharon said:

These are all valid points. I think one of the major problems though is that P&O are not being upfront about it when you book. People are booking cruises  based on what they read in the brochures and on the website and only finding out on board that some of the speciality restaurants are closed or that there is no longer afternoon tea in the  MDR or nightly turndown. That is why expectations are higher than reality.

 

Aren't P&O being upfront?

 

For afternoon tea the website says "and even daily afternoon tea are included in the buffet" so that isn't misleading, and as far as I can see there is no mention of a nightly turndown.

 

The speciality restaurants being closed is a reasonable complaint, but like all holiday packages there is always the fall back of 'subject to availability' and the world is still in a post-covid state.

[Harry Peterson]

All these derogatory comments about Butlins………..a little unfair.
 

My daughter takes the children there every year at the moment. They have an absolutely wonderful time - free rides, great pool, free entertainment of every sort, loads to do.

 

Husband prefers to stay at work, and daughter hates it - but the children love it!

[Yorkypete]

43 minutes ago, Selbourne said:

These are all very fair points. However, the appeal of P&O for us was always that they seemed to strike a very good ‘middle ground’ position. They offered a product that was a good step above the more budget oriented lines and you paid a premium for that, but obviously nowhere near that of the luxury cruise lines. That suited us perfectly.
 

That has all changed over the past 5 or so years (it started well before Covid) and they have made a conscious decision to move more mass market with, as you say, prices to match. As I have said several times on this forum, I think that’s a very wise business decision, especially with the vast capacities that they now have to fill. The problem is that it’s not what appeals to us. We remain happy to pay more for a better product, but not the eye watering prices of the luxury lines. I’m not sure which ex-U.K. operators fit the bill for us now. We are thinking of trying Cunard and, if the price is right, Saga. 
 

Your point about MSC is spot on. Family members who, like us, have only done P&O cruises recently went on an MSC cruise. Their feedback was that it was very similar to the pre-Covid P&O offering, but at much less cost. The clincher was the discounted top end drinks package. Roughly half the price of the P&O drinks package and without all the daft restrictions that makes the P&O drinks package totally unviable for most people. 
 

So, in summary, you are quite right that we can’t expect a 5 star product at 3 star prices, but I am keen to hear suggestions as to which cruise lines (ex U.K.) offer a 4 star product at 4 star prices, as they are likely to get our future custom. 

I must say that to a virtual non-drinker the drinks packages on ships seem to cater for the semi-alcoholic. On some  it would seem you have to be sitting at the bars all day to cover the cost. When we were given a complimentary drinks package on Britannia we used about £100...and that was mainly coffee!

 

[Yorkypete]

35 minutes ago, ozzysdad said:

Fair points but I wouldn't allow any of that to spoil a holiday, it may be worth bearing in mind that brochures are printed years in advance, some of these staff now have multiple roles onboard and I'm thankful for the service they provide, I'd be disappointed if the speciality restaurants aren't open but I suspect this is done as a last resort and is really something P&O are loathe to do given the extra revenue they provide. 

 

Is anything ever as good as it used to be? Probably not and having introduced friends to cruising over the past few years all are more than happy particularly when you compare them directly to beach holidays.

Compared to some holidays cruises are very expensive. We love Malta and in April we are once again going there. We have a 5* hotel, all meals,drinks, entertainment, casino, plus exploring a great island...all including flights and private transfers for less than £2,000 for both of us. Ther are two pools as well. Cruising is looking less appetising as the cost of living increases and those who go on three or four a year dont realise how lucky they are.

[Windsurfboy]

Please define 4 star prices, in terms say of a balcony cabin pp

[davecttr]

What do the star ratings actually mean. Is it still the facilities or is service now officially included

[Ardennais]

I’ve just checked their website now. States clearly that afternoon tea is available in buffet AND main dining rooms.

 

Also wondering whether the Reef is operating as described.

 

 

 

[terrierjohn]

3 hours ago, Yorkypete said:

Compared to some holidays cruises are very expensive. We love Malta and in April we are once again going there. We have a 5* hotel, all meals,drinks, entertainment, casino, plus exploring a great island...all including flights and private transfers for less than £2,000 for both of us. Ther are two pools as well. Cruising is looking less appetising as the cost of living increases and those who go on three or four a year dont realise how lucky they are.

Assuming  the £2000 for both of you is for 7 days, we normally book 14 night cruises and on P&O we normally pay between £3600-£3900 for a balcony cabin, which is less than you pay.

[Ardennais]

8 minutes ago, Ardennais said:

I’ve just checked their website now. States clearly that afternoon tea is available in buffet AND main dining rooms.

 

Also wondering whether the Reef is operating as described.

 

 

 

Just seen Vampiress post on the other thread that they’re turning children away from the club on Iona. Not delivering against the website! 

[Denarius]

This year I have sailed with both P&O (Azura) and Saga (Spirit of Adventure and Spirit of Discovery). The quality of the Saga cruises were way above that of the P&O, but so were the prices. Looking back on my first P&O cruise - on Oriana in 1997 - however, I recall the quality being not dissimilar to my recent Saga cruises. But so in real terms was the price. In the intervening years, P&O have cut back to a price rather than priced up to a standard. If they had done the latter perhaps they would still equal Saga in terms of quality, but with prices to match. What they have done is taken a business decision to reduce standards in order to minimise fares and compete better in the emerging cruise market. Probably the right decision commercially but one which has not proved popular with many long standing customers.

Edited November 17, 2022 by Denarius

[Harry Peterson]

18 minutes ago, Denarius said:

This year I have sailed with both P&O (Azura) and Saga (Spirit of Adventure and Spirit of Discovery). The quality of the Saga cruises were way above that of the P&O, but so were the prices. Looking back on my first P&O cruise - on Oriana in 1997 - however, I recall the quality being not dissimilar to my recent Saga cruises. But so in real terms was the price. In the intervening years, P&O have cut back to a price rather than priced up to a standard. If they had done the latter perhaps they would still equal Saga in terms of quality, but with prices to match. What they have done is taken a business decision to reduce standards in order to minimise fares and compete better in the emerging cruise market. Probably the right decision commercially but one which has not proved popular with many long standing customers.

A very neat and accurate summary.

[cheshire]

On 11/13/2022 at 9:08 PM, Camberley said:

I find most vloggers come across very self-absorbed that they can be very hard to watch. A shame as there can be good content hidden within the nonsense

The obsession over £10 canapés was such I was inclined to put £10 in the post to have it edited out.  Classic sign of OCD. 

[cheshire]

7 hours ago, Host Sharon said:

These are all valid points. I think one of the major problems though is that P&O are not being upfront about it when you book. People are booking cruises  based on what they read in the brochures and on the website and only finding out on board that some of the speciality restaurants are closed or that there is no longer afternoon tea in the  MDR or nightly turndown. That is why expectations are higher than reality.

And that’s the rub.   The prices were based on what was supposed to be included in the fare.  If you book a five course meal and get four you wouldn’t be happy.  I can think of many other analogies too but the principle is under promise over deliver.  

[Windsurfboy]

2 hours ago, Denarius said:

This year I have sailed with both P&O (Azura) and Saga (Spirit of Adventure and Spirit of Discovery). The quality of the Saga cruises were way above that of the P&O, but so were the prices. Looking back on my first P&O cruise - on Oriana in 1997 - however, I recall the quality being not dissimilar to my recent Saga cruises. But so in real terms was the price. In the intervening years, P&O have cut back to a price rather than priced up to a standard. If they had done the latter perhaps they would still equal Saga in terms of quality, but with prices to match. What they have done is taken a business decision to reduce standards in order to minimise fares and compete better in the emerging cruise market. Probably the right decision commercially but one which has not proved popular with many long standing customers.

 

Agree ,  as you say you get what you pay for. I haven't cancelled my Arvia cruise and just hope speciality restaurants are fully open

 

19 minutes ago, cheshire said:

And that’s the rub.   The prices were based on what was supposed to be included in the fare.  If you book a five course meal and get four you wouldn’t be happy.  I can think of many other analogies too but the principle is under promise over deliver.  

 

Not providing what is promised in advertising is a clear breach of contract. Very hard to get P&O to accept this. ABTA will be useless. 

 

You can complain to advertising standards authority.  They can't get compensation or force P&O to provide what they promised. However they can force P&O to immediately change website but we want afternon tea not a change in website. . 

 

If you paid by credit card they are jointly responsible for you being supplied with what you paid for,  you could claim a reasonable , say £10pp per day, from CC company.  Worth a few letters. If they agree they will just take money from P&O.

[Yorkypete]

4 hours ago, terrierjohn said:

Assuming  the £2000 for both of you is for 7 days, we normally book 14 night cruises and on P&O we normally pay between £3600-£3900 for a balcony cabin, which is less than you pay.

Nope..the price paid is for 14 days.Much cheaper than any cruise. The Hotel also has 4 separate speciality restaurants where you can eat twice during the stay.It also includes a sea-view balcony (4 times the size of the ships ones) and the sea is only 100 yards away  with an unobstructed view over the bay..

Edited November 17, 2022 by Yorkypete

[Windsurfboy]

Just looked at a random selection of cruises for various cruise lines for standard balcony for next June.

 

Ambassador £700 pp week

P&O  and Princess,  circa  £1000 pp week

Cunard about £1400 pp week 

Celebrity  about £1700 pp week 

Saga about  £2000 pp week

Regent , Silversea,  Seabourn £3000 or much more

 

Which confirms what people have been saying   you gets what you pay for. Ie you pays your money and takes your choice

 

All of them offer what their customers consider value for money. Just choose your price point, but don't expect 5 star service for 3 star price.