Ventura Review

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Review for the Mediterranean Cruise on Ventura
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bettyanddavid@gmail.com
6-10 Cruises • Age 70s

Rating by category

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Additional details

Sail Date: May 2016
Cabin: Outside Twin with Shower (Part-Obstucted View)

We had cruised on Ventura last September and were a bit anxious about such a big ship as we had found Britannia not to our taste. However we loved her and so were happy to book again for this May.Arrived in Southampton at 1pm for our timed slot of 1.30pm and were amazed that in less than 1 hour we were on board eating a delicious lunch in the Cafeteria.

We had requested Freedom Dining as usual and were very happy to be given that option. It worked well and we shared tables with many nice people and found the change added to the enjoyment of meeting new people on a daily basis.The menu has been refined slightly from previous cruises but we were nearly always spoiled for choice. My Crab starter one evening was the best I have ever had anywhere.

The weather was not as good as previous cruises with rain for the first 4 days but gradually improved.For the first time there were a number of small children on board and because it was so unpleasant outside the indoor areas became a bit crowded at times and the noise level at the indoor pool was a bit high. Not good if you wanted to relax with a good book..but we managed.!!

Cabin Review

Outside Twin with Shower (Part-Obstucted View)

Cabin NA

We had booked an obstructed view cabin again and were equally impressed. We looked between two lifeboats and so it was still a pretty good view..would certainly book one again. A nice roomy cabin even with a Queen sized bed and the usual big walk-in wardrobe which still allowed for freedom of movement when dressing etc.

Our cabin steward was very pleasant,quiet but totally efficient and we nearly always returned from breakfast to find all had been prepared for the day.It was always clean even under the bed which isn't always the case.

Port Reviews

Lisbon

The ship moors very close to the town and a shuttle bus is not needed unless you have mobility issues

Valencia

Since the ship moors a considerable way from the City we felt it was unfair to make shuttle buses payable. It would have taken at least 45 minutes to walk and so we had to use them or take a taxi.

Ibiza

Gave a very different impression of Ibiza from the "night club" ideas we had previously held. The old town is a bit of a climb but well worth it for the views and atmosphere.Shuttle buses needed as the walk was quite long.

Cartagena (Spain)

A very interesting old town,very smart and superb architecture..well worth the visit and since ship moors very close to the main street no shuttle buses are provided.

Gibraltar

Such a regular port of call it really loses it's appeal. We arrived on a Sunday and quite a number of the stores were closed. Cigarettes and spirits widely available bt little else. They have built a new Duty Free Outlet since our last visit...but shop carefully as the prices are much dearer than the shops in town.

Could manage without this Port of Call but it seems to be a must for most cruises either going or returning.

Seville

The closeness of mooring makes this a very easy port to visit.

Southampton

A very convenient Departure port as we only live at Gosport down the coast. Love the Ocean Terminal and feel the holiday starts there.

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