We are seasoned cruisers having chosen this holiday for the last 15 years. This cruise saw us reach Mediterranean level on the Penisular Club so we have long experienced P&O over this time.
Embarkation was civilised and reasonably speedy but not as quick as Royal Caribbean from the same cruise terminal in April on a bigger ship. We arrived at the port at 12.45 and set foot on Ventura at 2.15 so not too bad.
We had a deluxe balcony cabin on deck 9 which could politely be described as 'tired'. I don't know when Ventura is having a refurbishment but if this cabin is anything to go by it should be next week. The carpets were stained and threadbare, the furniture stained heavily and the bathroom tiles covered in mound. The shower curtain was equally stained and the bathroom floor had several areas of grouting missing. Not what I would class as deluxe. The balcony furniture was also in need of a makeover.
Poor condition. Certainly far from deluxe.
Southampton is usually excellent for embarkation
Lovely port town. Well worth the visit.