Ventura Review

Nice ship, shame about the passengers and service!

Review for the Western Mediterranean Cruise on Ventura
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Philimorr
2-5 Cruises • Age 70s

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Sail Date: Jul 2011
Cabin: Suite with Balcony and Bath/Shower

This was our fourth cruise and our second with P&O. Our first cruises were on the Island Star and Ocean Village. We sailed on the Arcadia to the Canaries in July 2011 and the difference between the two ships is obvious in many areas.

Firstly, I have to say that my wife and I liked the Ventura in general. More than enough bars for anyone and a wider selection of places to eat. Good size cabins and a choice of three pools and associated sunbathing facilities. Ventura is big and it can be a long walk between venues but, for some strange reason, the designers could not provide a single, unbroken promenade deck! The usual P&O offerings are available within the staterooms e.g. tea/coffee making, hair dryer, Steward service at least twice a day and a fridge. The bars still serve Stella and Boddingtons on draught and a good range of spirits and soft drinks at or below UK pub prices.

In comparison with our Arcadia cruise, the most obvious difference is in the food and service. The main dining experience on the Arcadia was quite good whereas, the Ventura main dining (we went freedom dining) experience was not good. The food was average at best and the service was terrible in the Cinnamon restaurant reserved for freedom dining. We only used the Cinnamon restaurant twice as, on our second visit, it took 20 minutes to get a wine waiter and 45 minutes for our starter to arrive. We withdrew our automatic gratuities at reception a couple of days later. It was also obvious that the Cinnamon restaurant waiters were not interested in offering alternative starters if the ones on the menu did not suit. On the Arcadia, the waiters would have a salad made or a melon selection but on the Ventura, not interested!

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Suite with Balcony and Bath/Shower

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