The room was excellent. it took us over a week to properly book a table for when we wanted to eat at night.There were two people at the point of booking,one the man was very good and tried to help when he could.The other a female was one of the most horrid people I have ever met on a cruise liner.Basically the ship was too big. To say I wont be going back is an understatement.
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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Chosen because of itinerary and more days on land than at sea. Had been on this ship more than 10 years ago. Ship recently refurbished so looks very smart. Balcony cabin more spacious than other P&O ships. Food generally good in main dining rooms though getting a table for 2 very difficult unless you are prepared for a long wait. Entertainment good, itinerary excellent (Santander is recommended, not often on itineraries). Ship had to have a deep clean so boarding was late but didn't detect high levels of sickness, just keep away from the buffet and Jacuzzis!
On the whole, good value and the only gripe was missing out on Guernsey with a day at sea instead. As there was warning that this would probably happen there was disgruntlement among the passengers that there appeared to be no effort made to find a substitute port of call.
Only our 2nd cruise (1st was the Caribbean on Arvia) but even though we were on a smaller and older ship we still had an amazing holiday. The destinations and tours we did were fantastic. Our only negative was we should have booked for 2 weeks instead of one!
Lots to love some not so good
Arrived at port had to wait to book in cabin with balconie very good no problem with luggage arrived on time was quite rocking in bed sailing for 2 days got to madera very nice but not a lot to do alot of old poeople on board which was fine food was nice staff very nice dont like the strict dress code though but others didnt seem to mind lovely weather in the canaries very pleasant cruise going to another cruise with pand o in november
Just as good as ever, Tenerife is great at Xmas and my Teide is stunning as is Madeira


