My Ventura Review

[daiB]

Just as an update, Venture prices seem to have plummeted. Our TA is now offering the 15 night Caribbeans at £899 for an inside, £1195 for a balcony, or £1395 for a mini Suite through the end of December.

 

At these prices the ship is half full or not popular.

 

 

Or they are trying to shift the last few cabins quickly.

 

Remember they have to match the other offers on other lines, so if they are very low P&O has to follow.

 

 

Gan canny

 

 

Dai

[cruisebore]

Or they are trying to shift the last few cabins quickly.

 

Remember they have to match the other offers on other lines, so if they are very low P&O has to follow.

 

 

Gan canny

 

 

Dai

 

 

I checked availability on our February Ventura Caribbean cruise. There is availability in nearly all categories; something unheard of at this stage in previous years.

 

CB

[Gerrym]

Or they are trying to shift the last few cabins quickly.

 

Remember they have to match the other offers on other lines, so if they are very low P&O has to follow.

 

 

Gan canny

 

 

Dai

 

 

 

Dai, over a number of posts you seem very reluctant to accept the possibility that Ventura is not the success that was hoped for.

 

Do you work in the P&O marketing department?

 

 

 

Gerry

[yorky]

Or they are trying to shift the last few cabins quickly.

 

Remember they have to match the other offers on other lines, so if they are very low P&O has to follow.

 

 

Gan canny

 

 

Dai

 

These offers are on just about every ventura sailing from now until the end of the year, other p&o ships do not have the huge price drops. When you start offering mini suites at less than an inside normally is you know there is a problem

[Stackerman]

I have just read gerrym's Ventura review ( a little late I know), and having done 2 cruises on her , a 16 nighter and a 14 nighter I agree with most of his comments.

Most of the problems mentioned are not teething problems but design problems, for instance, how can you add an extra deck on a ship which adds 500 more pax. without increasing the amount of deck space and expect it not to be overcrowded. This is what P&O have done when you compare Ventura to say Golden Princess which is another Grand class ship.

[cruisebore]

I have just read gerrym's Ventura review ( a little late I know), and having done 2 cruises on her , a 16 nighter and a 14 nighter I agree with most of his comments.

Most of the problems mentioned are not teething problems but design problems, for instance, how can you add an extra deck on a ship which adds 500 more pax. without increasing the amount of deck space and expect it not to be overcrowded. This is what P&O have done when you compare Ventura to say Golden Princess which is another Grand class ship.

 

Princess do not find it as much a problem as P&O, presumably because our American cousins do not have the same urge to lie in the sun at every opportunity.

Given the problems where apparent on the Sun class ships transferred from Princess to P&O it would not have been rocket science to conclude that it would be even worse on the 'new' Grand class ships.

Just proves that the bean counters rule these days and P&O will try anything to increase revenue.

Perhaps they may come unstuck in the present economic climate when hopefully the customer will be king.

 

Cb

[tom_uk]

I have just read gerrym's Ventura review ( a little late I know), and having done 2 cruises on her , a 16 nighter and a 14 nighter I agree with most of his comments.

Most of the problems mentioned are not teething problems but design problems, for instance, how can you add an extra deck on a ship which adds 500 more pax. without increasing the amount of deck space and expect it not to be overcrowded. This is what P&O have done when you compare Ventura to say Golden Princess which is another Grand class ship.

 

Sorry, Stackerman, but it wasn't P&O that added the Riviera deck to the basic Grand class. There are nine Grand Princess class ships in service with Princess, and one with P&O, and the ten are now split 50:50 between having the extra deck and not. The ships without the Riviera deck are: Grand, Golden and Star (the original trio), Diamond and Sapphire (the Japanese-built pair). Those with the Riviera deck are: Caribbean, Crown, Emerald, Ventura and Ruby (which is either just in service, or due before the end of the year).

 

Of the larger ships, Caribbean Princess was the first and dates from 2004, so the decision to enlarge the ships must have been taken in 2002 or thereabouts - long before Ventura was thought about or commissioned.

 

You may be right that it's not a good idea, but it wasn't P&O's idea.

[Elaine0138]

I expect that not so many families cruise at this time of year and as it is advetised as a family ship it can put others off from booking.

[Stackerman]

Tom Uk

Yes I am quite aware when all the changes where made to the Grand Class ships, and I am aware that at the end of the day P&O have to accept whatever ship they are allocated by Carnival.

All I was trying to point out was the shortcomings of the design, and after all P&O do advertise the ship as being designed for Britain, and us Brits. like the open deck space when the sun is shining.

Just proves that P&O wll have very little input into any of the major design features on any of there newbuilds in future.

[Flat booby]

We are going on the Ventura in 6 weeks to the Caribbean this will be our 1st Cruise and if there are Yobs on board will certainly be our last. we have had fantastic holidays abroad in Far East and Hotels were better than Britains and YOBS No NONE we ever saw. We are not snobs but like a good holiday and meet nice people. I hope we wont be sitting beside a group of Yobs at dinner that would be a nightmare.

[LibraLass41]

I've been on 6 cruises now since 2006 and have never seen any yobs!

 

A couple of ladies with tattoos ? but thats not for me to judge. What do people mean by yobs? Everyone is well behaved and enjoying themselves as far as I have seen

you will have a great time.

 

yobs on p&o ?? DON'T THINK SO!;)

[cruisebore]

We are going on the Ventura in 6 weeks to the Caribbean this will be our 1st Cruise and if there are Yobs on board will certainly be our last. we have had fantastic holidays abroad in Far East and Hotels were better than Britains and YOBS No NONE we ever saw. We are not snobs but like a good holiday and meet nice people. I hope we wont be sitting beside a group of Yobs at dinner that would be a nightmare.

 

 

In some 16 or so Caribbean cruises P&O & Princess

we have never been troubled by yobs. There have been a few who I thought may have the propensity for yobbish behaviour but being so outnumbered , behaved.

 

As for table mates, don't be to quick to judge them, some of the nicest people we have met have been 'slow starters'.

 

Regards

Cb

[Elaine0138]

Flat booby

 

I am sure Ventura won't be full of yobs, never seen any yob element on any cruise line we have sailed with. I am sure you will have a great cruise, we are really looking forward to it.

[jeanlyon]

I am quite surprised to learn that on Ventura you can wait up to 15 minutes to get a drink. Having just finished a cruise on Artemis, that certainly did not happen. Even when the bar was full, it was quite quick to get a drink, either at the bar or sitting down.

[Gerrym]

I've been on 6 cruises now since 2006 and have never seen any yobs!

 

A couple of ladies with tattoos ? but thats not for me to judge. What do people mean by yobs? Everyone is well behaved and enjoying themselves as far as I have seen

you will have a great time.

 

yobs on p&o ?? DON'T THINK SO!;)

 

 

 

They were certainly in the minority but there were a number of people on my Ventura trip that the average person would agrre that they displayed yobbish / loutish behaviour.

 

So yes, you CAN and DO get yobs on P&O! (as you do almost anywhere)

[jimjams]

Yesterday, I ( and hubby) returned from one of the BEST holidays I can remember...on board VENTURA (Indian Summer). After reading so many negative comments earlier on in the year, I wondered if I had chosen the right cruise for us, but gladly I decided I wanted to see for myself. How ecstatic I am that I did!

VENTURA is a great cruise ship! If I had taken any notice of the people who did nothing but complain, I certainly would have cancelled, thankfully, I didn't.

 

Our cabin on C deck was lovely with 10' x 9' balcony....brilliant!

 

We ate in the Bay Tree restaurant...8.30 sitting and were extremely lucky to be seated with a lovely couple who made dinner time a joy. The waiters on our table were very friendly, nothing was too much trouble, and they really are a credit to P&O! The meals were excellent, plenty of choice - variety and always hot.

 

Contrary to what others have said, we didn't have to wait for any drinks in any of the bars! The variety of bars suited every taste or mood; sometimes we frequented the Metropolis, mainly before dinner. The Rambles bar was also a favourite as was The Red bar. Later on in the evening, we would visit the Casino and Exchange bar, side by side.

 

The entertainment was 1st class, (Masquerade) - Andrew Lloyd Webber music was FANTASTIC! You wouldn't have seen better in London!

 

We took part in the quizzes; great fun....met lots of lovely people and has to say NOT many moaners. At worst, the ones who did complained that the ship was too big for them.

 

The whole experience was unforgettable, and I have to say I didn't come across any Yobs! Didn’t see any misbehaved children, they seemed entertained and very well behaved! I even saw NODDY!

 

Loved Rome, Monte Carlo, Florence, Elba....to put the icing on the cake...we were blessed with sunshine at each of our ports of call.

Would I book VENTURA again....YES!

[stopgo]

Nice to hear such a positive review. Unfortunally a lot of the other posters

had made up their mind to dislike the ship from the word go. Even those who have not sailed on it but just spend their time being negative

[LibraLass41]

I thought Ventura was a very nice ship.:)

[daiB]

Yesterday, I ( and hubby) returned from one of the BEST holidays I can remember...on board VENTURA (Indian Summer). After reading so many negative comments earlier on in the year, I wondered if I had chosen the right cruise for us, but gladly I decided I wanted to see for myself. How ecstatic I am that I did!

VENTURA is a great cruise ship! If I had taken any notice of the people who did nothing but complain, I certainly would have cancelled, thankfully, I didn't.

 

Our cabin on C deck was lovely with 10' x 9' balcony....brilliant!

 

We ate in the Bay Tree restaurant...8.30 sitting and were extremely lucky to be seated with a lovely couple who made dinner time a joy. The waiters on our table were very friendly, nothing was too much trouble, and they really are a credit to P&O! The meals were excellent, plenty of choice - variety and always hot.

 

Contrary to what others have said, we didn't have to wait for any drinks in any of the bars! The variety of bars suited every taste or mood; sometimes we frequented the Metropolis, mainly before dinner. The Rambles bar was also a favourite as was The Red bar. Later on in the evening, we would visit the Casino and Exchange bar, side by side.

 

The entertainment was 1st class, (Masquerade) - Andrew Lloyd Webber music was FANTASTIC! You wouldn't have seen better in London!

 

We took part in the quizzes; great fun....met lots of lovely people and has to say NOT many moaners. At worst, the ones who did complained that the ship was too big for them.

 

The whole experience was unforgettable, and I have to say I didn't come across any Yobs! Didn’t see any misbehaved children, they seemed entertained and very well behaved! I even saw NODDY!

 

Loved Rome, Monte Carlo, Florence, Elba....to put the icing on the cake...we were blessed with sunshine at each of our ports of call.

 

Would I book VENTURA again....YES!

 

 

Now you have done it, you have upset so many people who like to have a go at Ventura/Arcadia/P&O.

 

It is really not on, fancy enjoying a new ship with great bars and wonderful entertainment, how could you.

 

You have really spoiled it for us in January:mad: We will have to enjoy ourselves.:cool:

 

:D:D Nice One:D:D

 

 

 

 

 

Gan Canny

 

 

Dai

[CASPALL]

I wondered what had become of Dai!!!!

Good to have you back again and glad you had such a good time.

I also LOVED the Lloyed Webber show and thought it stood up well next to a London version.

Keep writing!

[Beckyfaye-2008]

Yesterday, I ( and hubby) returned from one of the BEST holidays I can remember...on board VENTURA (Indian Summer). After reading so many negative comments earlier on in the year, I wondered if I had chosen the right cruise for us, but gladly I decided I wanted to see for myself. How ecstatic I am that I did!

VENTURA is a great cruise ship! If I had taken any notice of the people who did nothing but complain, I certainly would have cancelled, thankfully, I didn't.

 

Our cabin on C deck was lovely with 10' x 9' balcony....brilliant!

 

We ate in the Bay Tree restaurant...8.30 sitting and were extremely lucky to be seated with a lovely couple who made dinner time a joy. The waiters on our table were very friendly, nothing was too much trouble, and they really are a credit to P&O! The meals were excellent, plenty of choice - variety and always hot.

 

Contrary to what others have said, we didn't have to wait for any drinks in any of the bars! The variety of bars suited every taste or mood; sometimes we frequented the Metropolis, mainly before dinner. The Rambles bar was also a favourite as was The Red bar. Later on in the evening, we would visit the Casino and Exchange bar, side by side.

 

The entertainment was 1st class, (Masquerade) - Andrew Lloyd Webber music was FANTASTIC! You wouldn't have seen better in London!

 

We took part in the quizzes; great fun....met lots of lovely people and has to say NOT many moaners. At worst, the ones who did complained that the ship was too big for them.

 

The whole experience was unforgettable, and I have to say I didn't come across any Yobs! Didn’t see any misbehaved children, they seemed entertained and very well behaved! I even saw NODDY!

 

Loved Rome, Monte Carlo, Florence, Elba....to put the icing on the cake...we were blessed with sunshine at each of our ports of call.

 

Would I book VENTURA again....YES!

 

JimJams

Fully echo your report having just returned from same cruise on Ventura N817. This was our first cruise and we became friendly on board with a couple who have been on 6 cruises, mostly P&O. We all loved Ventura and would not hesitate to book her again. We were worried about the food before travelling as we are both plain eaters, but the food was fantastic, lots of choice, hot and the service was exemplorary. Again no problems with waiting to be served drinks in any of the bars or on deck, placed our orders and virtually served straight away.

Entertainment was fantastic, thoroughly enjoyed all the shows in the theatre (except the last). The comedian in the theatre, the mind reader and Daren Day were also brilliant, Daren Days show was one of the best shows I have seen, his impersonations were spot on. The evening Cabaret in the various bars was also excellent accept the last two comedians.

Saw no yobs, in fact everybody I spoke to was very friendly and helpful, also the weather was again excellent except for the Force 10 gail on the way back, which I thought the ship handled excellently.

Great Cruise, Great Weather, Great Entertainment, Great Food, Great Ports Of Call and Lovely Fellow Cruisers.

Finally no problem booking a table on Freedom Dining by phone from cabin, and getting a sunbed even on days when the temperature was in the 80s as it was in Elber.

Cannot wait to return.

 

Happy Cruising:D

Beckyfaye

[jimjams]

JimJams

Fully echo your report having just returned from same cruise on Ventura N817. This was our first cruise and we became friendly on board with a couple who have been on 6 cruises, mostly P&O. We all loved Ventura and would not hesitate to book her again. We were worried about the food before travelling as we are both plain eaters, but the food was fantastic, lots of choice, hot and the service was exemplorary. Again no problems with waiting to be served drinks in any of the bars or on deck, placed our orders and virtually served straight away.

Entertainment was fantastic, thoroughly enjoyed all the shows in the theatre (except the last). The comedian in the theatre, the mind reader and Daren Day were also brilliant, Daren Days show was one of the best shows I have seen, his impersonations were spot on. The evening Cabaret in the various bars was also excellent accept the last two comedians.

Saw no yobs, in fact everybody I spoke to was very friendly and helpful, also the weather was again excellent except for the Force 10 gail on the way back, which I thought the ship handled excellently.

Great Cruise, Great Weather, Great Entertainment, Great Food, Great Ports Of Call and Lovely Fellow Cruisers.

Finally no problem booking a table on Freedom Dining by phone from cabin, and getting a sunbed even on days when the temperature was in the 80s as it was in Elber.

Cannot wait to return.

 

Happy Cruising:D

Beckyfaye

 

 

Hi Beckfaye,

 

Wasn't the weather just fantastic ! Landing in Elba by tender boat was a first for me, very exciting and a lovely place to visit. Rome was as hot and absolutely buzzing! ...we took the tube to the Colosseum...such fun! Made our way back to the tour bus on foot to meet up with the others (Rome on your own)...such a great choice. Saw all the places I had ticked off, the Trevi Fountain...awesome, Spanish Steps ....what an unforgettable atmosphere.

 

 

The force 10 gale you mentioned was a little hair raising but I remembered to take my tablets as advised a few hours before so suffered no sickness. (hope you didn't);)

 

 

I was sorry I missed Darren Day....everyone said how funny he was and thought he really was one of the best acts on board.

 

 

Wasn't sailaway from Southampton thrilling passing QE2 , another one of my highlights...I could go on and on.....

 

 

 

Loved Ventura - Long may she sail.

[stopgo]

JimJams

Fully echo your report having just returned from same cruise on Ventura N817. This was our first cruise and we became friendly on board with a couple who have been on 6 cruises, mostly P&O. We all loved Ventura and would not hesitate to book her again. We were worried about the food before travelling as we are both plain eaters, but the food was fantastic, lots of choice, hot and the service was exemplorary. Again no problems with waiting to be served drinks in any of the bars or on deck, placed our orders and virtually served straight away.

Entertainment was fantastic, thoroughly enjoyed all the shows in the theatre (except the last). The comedian in the theatre, the mind reader and Daren Day were also brilliant, Daren Days show was one of the best shows I have seen, his impersonations were spot on. The evening Cabaret in the various bars was also excellent accept the last two comedians.

Saw no yobs, in fact everybody I spoke to was very friendly and helpful, also the weather was again excellent except for the Force 10 gail on the way back, which I thought the ship handled excellently.

Great Cruise, Great Weather, Great Entertainment, Great Food, Great Ports Of Call and Lovely Fellow Cruisers.

Finally no problem booking a table on Freedom Dining by phone from cabin, and getting a sunbed even on days when the temperature was in the 80s as it was in Elber.

Cannot wait to return.

 

Happy Cruising:D

Beckyfaye

Was ventura full with passengers, because there were complaints that there was not enough sunloungers by previous posters.

[stopgo]

JimJams

Fully echo your report having just returned from same cruise on Ventura N817. This was our first cruise and we became friendly on board with a couple who have been on 6 cruises, mostly P&O. We all loved Ventura and would not hesitate to book her again. We were worried about the food before travelling as we are both plain eaters, but the food was fantastic, lots of choice, hot and the service was exemplorary. Again no problems with waiting to be served drinks in any of the bars or on deck, placed our orders and virtually served straight away.

Entertainment was fantastic, thoroughly enjoyed all the shows in the theatre (except the last). The comedian in the theatre, the mind reader and Daren Day were also brilliant, Daren Days show was one of the best shows I have seen, his impersonations were spot on. The evening Cabaret in the various bars was also excellent accept the last two comedians.

Saw no yobs, in fact everybody I spoke to was very friendly and helpful, also the weather was again excellent except for the Force 10 gail on the way back, which I thought the ship handled excellently.

Great Cruise, Great Weather, Great Entertainment, Great Food, Great Ports Of Call and Lovely Fellow Cruisers.

Finally no problem booking a table on Freedom Dining by phone from cabin, and getting a sunbed even on days when the temperature was in the 80s as it was in Elber.

Cannot wait to return.

 

Happy Cruising:D

Beckyfaye

Was ventura full with passengers, because there were complaints that there was not enough sunloungers by previous posters.

[BrianI]

I too was on Ventura N817 and the ship was full. The captain said that there were 3400 passengers and full to capacity. Additional sunbeds were put on around September and there is now no shortage, even on the hot sunny sea day from Rome to Alicante, there were still some available. I was concerned that with the numbers on board, it would be very crowded but there were no problems in disembarking or embarking, including two tender ports and we just walked on and off each time. There was never a problem finding a seat and table for a drink as there are many bars to choose from.

There was a variety of entertainment in the evening in different venues although the 8:45pm theatre show filled up early. Did not try the pay restaurants as the main restaurant was perfectly acceptable, but we had the tapas in Ramblas on three ocassions at lunch and it was very good (£2.50 for choice of three out of about ten). Strange that they do not put on the menu that alternatives are available as they do on other P&O ships. If the menu does not suit, you can have prawn cocktail, or caesar salad as starters and steak, chicken, or salmon as main courses. All in all it was an enjoyable cruise and even the weather was good for most of the time. However, there is no card room so the bridge players met in one of the restaurants and also the syndicate quiz was in the saffron restaurant.

Brian