Ventura Review
Rating by category
Additional details
This was our first time on Ventura for 3 years, and she remains one of our favourite ships. I was a bit wary of what the weather would be like in early November but it was much better than I feared.
Embarkation in the refurbished Mayflower Terminal was excellent. Our check-in time was 15:30, but we arrived at 13:15 and had dropped car off, checked in, boarded and got to our cabin within 25 minutes, with luggage already there.
There were some minor areas where Ventura could do with a bit of TLC, such as stains on the bed valance, carpets on stair edges and in buffet frayed, and the gold covering on panels in lifts peeling off - but these are just minor cosmetic issues.
Cabin Review
Outside Twin with Balcony and Shower
C deck cabin, so has double sized balcony. Kept clean and tidy by our friendly steward. Carpet could do with a deep clean or replacing, nothing nasty, just 8 years of wear and tear is showing.
Port Reviews
Lisbon
Lisbon is lovely city, but is let down by the number of street beggars who are very intrusive when you're trying to enjoy a coffee at any outdoor café.
Seville
Cadiz is one of our favourite ports and so easy to get around.
Valencia
Valencia is a beautiful city, and we were very impressed with the park built on the former river and especially the City of Arts & Sciences complex at the seaward end.
One area where Valencia let itself down was the absence of any welcome. Nobody at the terminal, no maps available. Got shuttle bus into city and there was tour operator office round the corner who sold you a tear off map for 1euro.
Ibiza
Loved Ibiza, berth is a 30 minute walk into town centre (bus available if needed). The old town was lovely, some steep slopes and passageways to negotiate if you are less able but well worth the effort, harbour area quite pleasant, but away from their the commercial streets were not really worth visiting (although it was a Sunday so shops were shut anyway)
Cartagena (Spain)
Ships berths within 5 minute walk of main tourist area. It was Monday so Roman Theatre was supposed to be closed but with 3 ships in port the museum had opened, 6 Euros to get on which was good value. Lots of other archaeological sights dotted around the city, and the walk up to the castle for the view over the city was well worth it.
Gibraltar
Just a short call (8am to 1pm) at Gibraltar, which was mainly for those who wanted to go shopping. So we just had a wander around and a coffee. (must go up to the rock one day...)