Ventura, which launched in 2008, and sister ship Azura (2010), aimed to break the mould for P&O Cruises' ships at that time — bigger, contemporary and family-friendly. The idea was to transform what many people considered P&O Cruises' somewhat stuffy ambience to one more in tune with the times — as well as making a play for the market all UK cruise lines are chasing: new to cruise. By popular consensus, they succeeded.
Ventura offers plenty of space for amenities such as expanded kids' facilities, a spa, numerous dining venues and lots of recreational activities (four pools, sports court, golf nets). The passengers make up is mixed on Ventura, with families with children, especially in the school holidays, and a mix of couples of different age groups.
The ship has all the popular mainstays onboard most of the rest of the fleet including wine guru Olly Smith's The Glass House and superb contemporary Indian restaurant Sindhu; as well as adults-only sundeck area The Retreat and a large kids club called The Reef.
The line has had a couple of refits since it first went into service. The most recent, in 2023 and with the next due in 2026, the line does a great job of keeping the ship feel refreshed.
Overall, Ventura does a good job of catering to families in holiday times and the classic P&O Cruises passenger outside of those times. The line has also done a good job of keeping the ship contemporary, despite it moving into its 16th year of service.
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Fellow Passengers
In school holidays expect a large number of families with young children with the average age hovering around the early- to mid-40s. Outside of these times and on longer cruises, the average age rises to a more traditional P&O crowd: over-60s and no kids.
Ventura is also popular with solo passengers thanks to its 18 purpose-built single cabins and activities for single travellers, including a number of solo afternoon tea parties and regular get-togethers with crew and officers for those travelling alone.
Note that passengers are almost exclusively British, with many so loyal they would not dream of cruising with another line.
Ventura Dress Code
A typical two-week cruise will have four formal nights and the rest will be 'evening casual', which is defined as open necked shirt and 'tailored trousers' or smart jeans for men; dress or casual separates for women. Most passengers err on the side of smart.
Note that even though this ship is family friendly and has a more relaxed vibe -- formal still means full black tie in the public rooms. Ventura might break many of P&O Cruises' traditions, but dress code still rules -- and that also applies to older children.
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P&O Lustre has lost its Shine
many10+ Cruises
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Age 60s
ok , but could have been much better
couple2-5 Cruises
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Age 60s
many10+ Cruises
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Age 60s
Bad weather,Good cruise
couple2-5 Cruises
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Age 70s
