Apprehensive after reading all the negative reviews of Ventura but very pleasantly surprised. Arrived at cruise terminal two hours before appointed time of 2.30 but sent straight to check-in and then onto ship, so we were in the Waterside buffet by 1pm. Announcements were made that cabins wouldn't be ready until 2pm but this was no problem as we sat in the restaurant and enjoyed our first meal on board. When we were able to take over our cabin we found it to be well equipped with everything we needed.
The Bay of Biscay was rough so not the most enjoyable start to the cruise, then we had heavy rain in Vigo, the first port of call but, of course, nobody can do anything about the weather. Pleased to say that we arrived in Lisbon in sunshine and from then on the weather was lovely and the sea calm for the rest of the cruise. We dined first sitting in the Bay Tree and enjoyed the food, always attractively served by friendly, efficient waiters. In fact, all of the crew that we encountered were polite and helpful at all times.
Most of the entertainment was first class, particularly Adrian Walsh, Tony Wallace, Viva Voce, Elias Hendricks; The Headliners were also good but would be better if the volume was turned down slightly as they seemed to be louder than the other acts. The Arena theatre is spacious and comfortable. The sail-aways seem to be a bit like "Butlins-on-Sea" as some reviews have mentioned but, on such a huge ship, there is always somewhere quieter to retreat to and we enjoyed the sail-aways from our balcony.
Spacious and clean - everything we needed.
Funchal too commercial.
lovely city
Wet
Interesting city