This was our third time on Ventura - all voyages over Christmas and NewYear in the Caribbean sailing from Barbados. The flight from Manchester was good and on time and we thought there had been an improvement in the food on the plane. The usual efficient P&O service at Barbados meant that we were soon on the ship.

We had booked a cabin on A deck at the back which was exactly where we wanted to be but a few days before leaving home we found out by chance that P&O had upgraded us to D deck very near the front. The cabin was a superior deluxe balcony cabin which was very comfortable for us two but I would imagine it could be a bit claustrophobic if there were three people in it. There was a bath with shower over. The shower head was fixed so my husband at 6 ft tall found it a bit low for him. Tons of hot water and huge bath towels. Good quality shampoo and conditioner and shower gel. The worst thing about the cabin was the balcony which is useless if it is raining as there is no overhead cover so you cannot sit out (as you can on all other balconies) and watch the rain!! Yes the balcony is overlooked by those above but this did not really bother us. The cabin was kept tidy by Veron, our stewardess although the grouting around the bath under the shower head could have done with a clean. Also the net curtain at the sliding door leading to the balcony had seen better days and was in shreds at one end.

We had some nice touches - the best being a little Christmas cake - proper fruit one, with marzipan, icing and a snowman on the top!! Read more