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Any Opinions on Ventura please

By Dorset cruise fan , July 12, 2023 in P&O Cruises ( UK )

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Dorset cruise fan

We have a cruise booked on Aurora next September and we were thinking of inviting our children along to make it a family cruise (first time for them). However one child is now pregnant so if all goes well there will be a baby in tow which rules out Aurora. So I have been looking at alternatives and there are only 2 that I like the itineraries for, 1 on QM2 and 1 on Ventura. We really like QM2 but the Ventura itinerary is appealing and obviously cheaper.

I know that Ventura has a mixed reputation so would appreciate advice on whether we should try her.

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Go for the QM2, The Ventura in my opinion is a back to front ship. No forward views unless out on deck or in The Retreat or Spa. 

P&O SUE

I was very happy with my Ventura cruise recently. No problems for us, the best Epicurean I’ve been in. Love the Glasshouse not being in the Atrium.

The balcony rail was a bit tatty but that’s being picky. The staff were friendly and we had a lovely time.

2 hours ago, Dorset cruise fan said: We have a cruise booked on Aurora next September and we were thinking of inviting our children along to make it a family cruise (first time for them). However one child is now pregnant so if all goes well there will be a baby in tow which rules out Aurora. So I have been looking at alternatives and there are only 2 that I like the itineraries for, 1 on QM2 and 1 on Ventura. We really like QM2 but the Ventura itinerary is appealing and obviously cheaper. I know that Ventura has a mixed reputation so would appreciate advice on whether we should try her.

You obviously were happy to go on Aurora rather than a mega monster, so Ventura a grand class ship is the smallest adult ship that P&O have along with Azura. We were on Ventura end of May and we too were concerned about some of the reports we had read especially as we had not been on her since 2014. However on boarding we were pleasantly surprised with all the painting and washing of paintwork going on. Based on our experience and that of others who have recently reported from Britannia, feel that the reductions in food quality, choice and entertainment and general cutbacks since the pause is fleet wide. Although we hope that when we go on Aurora next year the smaller ships may have escaped some of this as the fares seem to be at a premium. Sorry I am drifting off topic, If like us itinerary is the major factor in choosing a cruise, then I would go for the most appealing itinerary especially if it’s not one that in churned out en mass year on year.

I hope due to the circumstances if you decide to take your grandchild P&O will look at the transfer of booking favourably.

I like the Ventura: it might be missing some things that other ships do better, but generally I think it’s a nice ship, not a mega sized one, and despite being a bit old in places (and the awful buffet that’s so badly laid out, I suspect a toddler designed it) it’s still a really good option.

Plus I always favour destinations and price over ship.

59 minutes ago, Cloudyrain said: I like the Ventura: it might be missing some things that other ships do better, but generally I think it’s a nice ship, not a mega sized one, and despite being a bit old in places (and the awful buffet that’s so badly laid out, I suspect a toddler designed it) it’s still a really good option.   Plus I always favour destinations and price over ship.

I think that is being offensive to toddlers!

So is Ventura an adult only ship? 

AndyMichelle

9 minutes ago, Minnie29 said: So is Ventura an adult only ship? 

No, only Arcadia & Aurora in P&Os fleet. 

14 minutes ago, Minnie29 said: So is Ventura an adult only ship? 

No, correction should have said "smallest none adult only ship" as the OP is possibly looking for a replacement for Aurora, but most people are aware its a family ship

How does the demographic compare on Ventura to Iona? 

I've just been looking at Ventura's deck plans as hadn't clocked that she didn't have a Crows Nest Bar which is always a favourite. Does the Metropolis Bar work in the same way as a Crows Nest ie with a view of the sea, albeit it the wake rather than forward?

4 hours ago, P&O SUE said: I was very happy with my Ventura cruise recently. No problems for us, the best Epicurean I’ve been in. Love the Glasshouse not being in the Atrium. The balcony rail was a bit tatty but that’s being picky. The staff were friendly and we had a lovely time.

Thanks for posting Sue,  I am glad that you enjoyed your cruise.  We are booked on Ventura in November and as it has been a while since our last time on her I was starting to think that maybe it was a mistake to book on the spur of the moment.  We had already said that we would enjoy ourselves regardless of the age of the ship.

29 minutes ago, Dorset cruise fan said: I've just been looking at Ventura's deck plans as hadn't clocked that she didn't have a Crows Nest Bar which is always a favourite. Does the Metropolis Bar work in the same way as a Crows Nest ie with a view of the sea, albeit it the wake rather than forward?

Yes. Although the view from the crows nest is popular you have to ask yourself how often you will need a forward facing view rather that a rear facing one or some people even prefer to use their balcony. The only time it’s probably desirably is a long scenic sailing such as the Panama or Suez canals. Grand class ships don’t sail there, they were too wide to go through the old locks on the Panama, not sure if they can use the new ones.   But only you can decide how important a crows nest is to you.

1 minute ago, Bill Y said: Yes. Although the view from the crows nest is popular you have to ask yourself how often you will need a forward facing view rather that a rear facing one or some people even prefer to use their balcony. The only time it’s probably desirably is a long scenic sailing such as the Panama or Suez canals. Grand class ships don’t sail there, they were too wide to go through the old locks on the Panama, not sure if they can use the new ones.   But only you can decide how important a crows nest is to you.  

The cruise we are looking at is only 7 nights so only a couple of sea days. Are babies allowed in bars? Is the ship likely to be sailing full outside of school holidays?

We had avoided Ventura like the plague…clearly total snobs! We went on her last year and must say we were very impressed. The ship’s activities weren’t up to full speed post Covid but we were more than happy with the MDR. Staff in general were keen to please. Deck games were well organise and up to schedule. Shows were similar to those on other P&O ships. We certainly found her as good if not better than Azura (big plus for Ventura is the lack of a blaring sea screen.)There isn’t a Crows Nest but the (the name escapes me) bar at the stern high up had a couple of nice nooks where you got a view forward. 

Thank you Ranchi, one of my concerns was the passenger mix and you are very reassuring. Just been you tubing the Metropolis barxand it looks like a substitute for a Crows Nest

2 hours ago, Minnie29 said: How does the demographic compare on Ventura to Iona? 

Difficult to answer. I’ve been on Ventura in August when it’s full of children and young families. I’ve also been on Ventura in January, long cruise, with fewer than a dozen children but thousands of retirees! 

If the sailing is a full ship, you will likely find it much more crowded than QM2. I've been on sister ship Azura twice and personally felt it was really overcrowded.

8 hours ago, Britboys said: If the sailing is a full ship, you will likely find it much more crowded than QM2. I've been on sister ship Azura twice and personally felt it was really overcrowded.

Same as our experiences Andrew. 

Although we liked Ventura on the whole, it does feel a lot busier than others, especially in poor weather when everyone crams inside. 

10 hours ago, Ardennais said: Difficult to answer. I’ve been on Ventura in August when it’s full of children and young families. I’ve also been on Ventura in January, long cruise, with fewer than a dozen children but thousands of retirees! 

And of course, us retirees can sometimes act like children!!

Old_tilly_billy

Ventura is the ship I have sailed on the most and had thoroughly enjoyable cruise every time.   

Best Glasshouse (Ramblas) love the plastic tree 

13 hours ago, Dorset cruise fan said: The cruise we are looking at is only 7 nights so only a couple of sea days. Are babies allowed in bars? Is the ship likely to be sailing full outside of school holidays?

Sorry can’t comment on cruising with little ones. Thirty years ago we did not think that ordinary people went on cruises. We thought we were doing well taking the family to Eurocamp caravans,   I believe the minimum age for babies with P&O is six months, and there is a night nursery but don’t known any details. Suggest that you post another thread on this forum to find out more about travelling with babies/little ones

20 hours ago, Dorset cruise fan said: Thank you Ranchi, one of my concerns was the passenger mix and you are very reassuring. Just been you tubing the Metropolis barxand it looks like a substitute for a Crows Nest

View from the Metropolis a couple of weeks ago

love ventura, been on her with my boy at 6months old - 2 yrs and 6yrs old - not the newest ship obviously but i think she is fine.

On 7/13/2023 at 7:34 AM, AndyMichelle said: Same as our experiences Andrew.  Although we liked Ventura on the whole, it does feel a lot busier than others, especially in poor weather when everyone crams inside.  Andy 

We were on Ventura in May and agree it did feel very crowded. Although it was not school holidays there were a lot of children on board. We had good weather and the outside decks and pool side was extremely busy and it was impossible to find a quiet spot to sit. Fortunately we had our own balcony so were able to sit there. The ship was in good condition and we had 3 fantastic meals in Epicurean, however the quality of the MDR food was, in our opinion, poor.

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• P&O Cruises ( UK )

Ventura Dry Dock Feb 2023

By JG&Lcruisingnewbies , November 7, 2022 in P&O Cruises ( UK )

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JG&Lcruisingnewbies

So husband and I have booked a 4 night Amsterdam cruise on the Ventura for April next year 😃  

we understand she’s in dry dock for 2 weeks next year, but will we know before the dry dock what they are planning to do?

I keep hearing how tired she’s looking but maybe they’ll do some refurbs like new carpets, while in dry dock, which will help 🤷‍♀️  

I know we’ll enjoy ourselves regardless, & I know a lot of dry dock is just routine maintenance 

but I was curious to know if we’ll find out the plans for dry dock before she’s in it

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P&O don't tend to give any info out before a refit and tell you precious little about what they have done afterwards. Maybe the occasional post on social media...

7 hours ago, Britboys said: P&O don't tend to give any info out before a refit and tell you precious little about what they have done afterwards. Maybe the occasional post on social media...

Ok thanks. I shouldn’t be surprised

Seeing as P&O don’t even tell you arrival & sail away times for any port, pre-cruise, either

information giving is not P&O strong point is it 😂  

Nor technology

I’ve only sailed once with P&O so far, but my word they are rubbish at it 🙄 😂

yorkshirephil

8 hours ago, Britboys said: P&O don't tend to give any info out before a refit and tell you precious little about what they have done afterwards. Maybe the occasional post on social media...

Probably because they have nothing to brag about

Son of Anarchy

Been on a couple of cruises immediately after a refit, or immediately prior to one.

The only thing noticeable on the post refit cruises was that carpets had been replaced.

There will probably be some contractors on board on the pre and post refit cruises as well.

1 hour ago, Son of Anarchy said: Been on a couple of cruises immediately after a refit, or immediately prior to one.   The only thing noticeable on the post refit cruises was that carpets had been replaced.   There will probably be some contractors on board on the pre and post refit cruises as well.

Thanks for the info

we were looking at booking the feb immediately pre refit cruise. Same itinerary. But changed it to after refit, April, just incase there were problems post or pre refit

good to get our suspicions confirmed. We’ll avoid in future too!

We are just back from the 1st cruise following the refit of Emerald Princess.  We were on this ship in July so can remember her well pre-refit.

We couldn't see any differences on the ship so I asked what had been done and was told that it was mainly a clean and touch up of the outside, removing barnacles etc off the hull, cleaning off rust, replacing marked and stained soft furnishings.

We had the same cabin on both cruises and I can say that the carpet in our cabin had been definitely been replaced because it was very worn by the clothes rail in July but it is clean and not worn now.

Just now, Josy1953 said: We are just back from the 1st cruise following the refit of Emerald Princess.  We were on this ship in July so can remember her well pre-refit. We couldn't see any differences on the ship so I asked what had been done and was told that it was mainly a clean and touch up of the outside, removing barnacles etc off the hull, cleaning off rust, replacing marked and stained soft furnishings. We had the same cabin on both cruises and I can say that the carpet in our cabin had been definitely been replaced because it was very worn by the clothes rail in July but it is clean and not worn now.

I forgot to say that the refit over ran by 2 days so the cruise so missed out Cadiz and Lisbon.

11 hours ago, Son of Anarchy said: Been on a couple of cruises immediately after a refit, or immediately prior to one.   The only thing noticeable on the post refit cruises was that carpets had been replaced.   There will probably be some contractors on board on the pre and post refit cruises as well.

Be grateful for small mercies. Major "upgrades" on P&O ships tend to include the loss of public space in favour of additional revenue raising. So Ventura lost the large lounge area next to the Exchange to create additional cabins, and the front of the top deck area to create a Retreat. And Oriana lost the small Crystal Room (?) lounge, formerly the venue for classical music recitals (remember them?) to create a pay extra restaurant. Such is progress, P&O style.

1 minute ago, Denarius said: Be grateful for small mercies. Major "upgrades" on P&O ships tend to include the loss of public space in favour of additional revenue raising. So Ventura lost the large lounge area next to the Exchange to create additional cabins, and the front of the top deck area to create a Retreat. And Oriana lost the small Crystal Room (?) lounge, formerly the venue for classical music recitals (remember them?) to create a pay extra restaurant. Such is progress, P&O style.

Curzon Room became Garry Rhodes.   Both excellent 

1 hour ago, Denarius said: Be grateful for small mercies. Major "upgrades" on P&O ships tend to include the loss of public space in favour of additional revenue raising. So Ventura lost the large lounge area next to the Exchange to create additional cabins, and the front of the top deck area to create a Retreat. And Oriana lost the small Crystal Room (?) lounge, formerly the venue for classical music recitals (remember them?) to create a pay extra restaurant. Such is progress, P&O style.

And Arcadia gained additional cabins - firstly at the aft end and then forward behind the Crows Nest...

• 3 months later...

For anyone interested. Ventura arrived in Hamburg last night for refit.

She's due to resume service with N305 late February.. Were on her for the next cruise N306 .

https://www.hamburg.de/livecam-michel/   Link is the webcam where she can be viewed 

12 minutes ago, Vendepac said: For anyone interested. Ventura arrived in Hamburg last night for refit. She's due to resume service with N305 late February.. Were on her for the next cruise N306 . https://www.hamburg.de/livecam-michel/   Link is the webcam where she can be viewed 

Interesting. We are on her in the Autumn. Do you know what they are doing? Given the very short time window, other than any mechanical bits and bobs, I doubt it’s anything more than upgrading some soft furnishings (carpets etc).

Methuselah55

Ventura is currently in Hamburg (13th Feb); she followed Iona in last night (son is onboard Iona so I was tracking them both on Cruise Mapper).

Looks like she's docked away from the cruise terminal so I'm guessing she's there for refitting.

carlanthony24

https://www.empire-riverside.de/en/around-the-hotel/#live-view-at-the-port-of-hamburg  You can see her on the webcam

molecrochip

Its largely the MOT style jobs to meet the 5 year requirements.

terrierjohn

1 hour ago, molecrochip said: Its largely the MOT style jobs to meet the 5 year requirements.

Moley, are P&O ever going to.undertake a full refurbishment of their older ships. RCI and Celebrity seem to lead the way in this field, and even Princess have sharpened up some of their older ships, but I cannot remember any such work being done on a P&O ship.

2 hours ago, terrierjohn said: Moley, are P&O ever going to.undertake a full refurbishment of their older ships. RCI and Celebrity seem to lead the way in this field, and even Princess have sharpened up some of their older ships, but I cannot remember any such work being done on a P&O ship.

I'm glad someone else was having similar thoughts to me. I was wondering if I was being unfair...

Went on Ventura after refit (think it was 2018) and noticed some internal improvements like new carpets and furniture. Plus improved lighting ad general spruce up. Cabin had new carpet (at last!) but still the same old TV. 

• 2 weeks later...

Ventura still occupying dry dock in Hamburg.  She wont be back in Southampton for tomorrows 3 day cruise, which I guess has been cancelled. Hopefully all will be well for our 2nd March 35 nighter to Bahamas, Miami etc.   Link to webcam attached

https://www.empire-riverside.de/en/around-the-hotel/#live-view-at-the-port-of-hamburg

2 hours ago, Vendepac said: Ventura still occupying dry dock in Hamburg.  She wont be back in Southampton for tomorrows 3 day cruise, which I guess has been cancelled. Hopefully all will be well for our 2nd March 35 nighter to Bahamas, Miami etc.   Link to webcam attached https://www.empire-riverside.de/en/around-the-hotel/#live-view-at-the-port-of-hamburg  

According to Southampton VTS she's now expected at 1830 on 1st March.

As I write this (Tuesday 27th  0830am)  Ventura is leaving dry dock in Hamburg

Should be Tuesday 28th   sorry

I was on Iona on 11th February and noticed Ventura sailing out early - around 3pm. Next saw her in Hamburg 2 days later! The captain of Iona made reference to her in his daily update  🙂

• 4 weeks later...

Cjolicoeur504

Just watched the Venture pass through my town (belle chasse) south of New Orleans she was on the Mississippi wonder where she's headed to 

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