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A Christmas cruise booked to replace one cancelled due to covid rules. We normally sail Cunard, but p&o we’re the only line taking kids at Christmas so we “jumped ship.”
Overall we had a lovely time, the onboard entertainment wasn’t upto much, especially as it had been sold as a Christmas cruise with lots going on, the food was ok, nothing to write home about (Princess and Cunard both far better especially in the speciality restaurants). Cabins were tired and in need of updating. Crew worked so hard given the lower numbers of them due to covid and having to pull double duty as stewards and bar staff!
Shore excursions - we did two this time in Tenerife and Lanzarote. Both were excellent! We took a trip to Siam water park in Tenerife and and took the e-twizzy your in Lanzarote, brilliant, brilliant, brilliant.
The weather on shore was gorgeous, the weather at sea bloody awful, Ventura is not made for those types of seas.
The pools were closed most of the cruise due to weather and Madeira missed due to weather.
Overall I would do this itinerary again on a different ship if I were to cruise at Christmas time.
I would sail p&o again, but only if it were really good value for money or in a suite (which was sold out this time so we had two balcony cabins).
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Third cruise with P&O.
Was more of an old channel ferry than a cruise ship.
Will never sail on Ventura again and new bookings will not be with O&O
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We had never been on a cruise before but it exceeded everything amazing we will be going on one again amazing
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All round a lovely cruise obviously because of the pandemic a few changes didn’t feel enough waiters in the dining room, menu was t so varied but to be honest it was enough
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We enjoyed this cruise but feel Ventura could do with a refit - looking tired in the cabins especially.
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It was so amazing time. The staff were outstanding too. Good was dilisious. Rooms were outstanding quality and always spotless. It was our first timer. Definitely will go again.
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Sailed from Southampton and the Covid test system worked quite well, my negative test came to me within fifteen minutes. There was no problems after that, embarking and the new muster system worked really well, no problems. The cabin was clean and well maintained, Jason our steward, introduced himself within 30 minutes and explained the changes in place due to Covid procedures. He was a pleasant man who the next day, and on other occasions, offered us information when requested and otherwise did not bother us; he was very quick and efficient in his work and was always friendly; unlike two other stewards on that deck.
The food was enjoyable, but was sometimes a little limited in comparison with other ships we have been on, especially the late night buffet. The restaurant that quickly became our favourite had staff who were very friendly and helpful and the food there was excellent with one exception; I ordered a steak that was well done, but a third of the way into eating it I could not help but notice the growing pool of blood oozing out of the steak. Service was carried out quickly and efficiently by people who were friendly.
The Ventura was clean and well maintained, the deck did bet wet at least twice and I almost fell on both occasions, but this might have been because I was attempting to avoid excitable children who were not under the control of parents that might have been there. Masks were worn by many of the passengers, sometimes and by the end of the week long cruise were mostly absent.
On the whole the cruise was relaxing and satisfying, the only real bugbear we have was the noticeable attempts at up-selling. The entertainment on the whole was good quality with one exception, Rock Goddess, they should stick to working in pubs. We met a number of passengers who said they left after the first few songs and one woman told us that she was in the front row and after the first song told her husband to get out his phone and pretend that there was an emergency.
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Booked this cruise late as the price was such good value. Visits to Spain,Portugal and France,weather was be
autiful,warm and sunny.Ventura as always a friendly ship,with helpful staff,and nothing too much trouble. Apart from wearing masks in the theatre and the cruise terminals the cruise was almost back to the old normal.
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Cruising during covid was not easy! However the crew were very attentive and observed all protocols without being intrusive. The standard of dining on board was superb! The best selection and flavours at every meal that we have ever experienced on any cruise. Our cabin was spacious and well appointed with some lovely extras like a kettle and nice tea and biscuits. The toiletries in the bathroom were beautiful from the White Company. Understandably some of the entertainment and activity options were restricted at this time we enjoyed the leisurely pace and didn’t feel the need to rush and do everything on the daily list of events. We did not partake of shore excursions as we were familiar with the places on the itinerary, however I heard very good reports from other passengers regarding the value for money and professionalism of the tours.
Our only real moan was the embarkation process with covid testing. This was not something that P&O could have changed, it had to be done, but the testing company, which was employed, presumably by the port authorities was shambolic. Testing was held in a marquee with an uneven flooring that almost ended our holiday before it even began. Multiple Employees of the testing company with no name badge or sign of authority asking personal questions over and over again….it took ages, and was exhausting. It was a lovely cruise overall though and we would definitely return to Ventura and to P&O, the value for money was excellent.
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We decided to treat ourselves to a Christmas cruise to the canaries stopping at Maderia on the way and Lisbon on the way back .
A wonderful cruise, being completely spoiled with food and by the staff.
We had a balcony cabin at the back of the ship which was lovely with good sea views. Was however a long walk to other end of the ship .
Ventura was decorated just right to get us in the Christmas spirit.
Definitely recommend...
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Overall an enjoyable cruise with decent entertainment but no guest speakers. The service in the dining room had decreased since our last cruise with them with the waiters having too many tables to service and the menus have certainly been reduced, however the quality of the food served was ok. P and O cancelled an excursion that we had pre-booked due to only a small number of people going on it but not until we were actually on the ship which meant that we had not packed any formal wear as we were meant to be off the ship at that time which meant that we were asked to leave some bars because of our dress code - insane
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Thought I would be bored on the weeks to and from the Caribbean, but we had excellent speakers and up to date films. The entertainment was amazing, putting on extra shows for the 5 week voyage. Only downside was we had an inside room. Never again. You need a balcony.
