Ventura Review

Ventura - better than we thought!

Review for the Western Mediterranean Cruise on Ventura
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CAROL
First Time Cruiser • Age 20s

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Sail Date: Jul 2009

Well - we booked the cruise and then checked out the ship which was probably the wrong way round. We were a little anxious when we found out how big the Ventura was and how many children it may hold.  Oh well, it was booked and paid for so we couldn't change our mind.  Glad we didn't!The pre-boarding was absolutely fantastic - the best we've done so far.  It was an apparently new terminal and we hardly waited 10 minutes before boarding. This was around noon and we couldn't go to our cabin until 2pm but we were told to go to the Waterside restaurant for lunch.  Waterside is self service which always makes me worry but needlessly so this time.  The food was of a high standard with a good variety. The salads were marvellous and, I'm sure, not very slimming!!We were allowed into our cabin just after 2pm.  It was an inside one and was very well fitted out. Two wide single beds which we pushed together - we probably could have asked our room steward, Clevy, to do for us.  He made the beds up into a proper, large double later that day.  There was plenty of hanging space and hangers in what I'd roughly describe as walk-in type of wardrobe.  Mirrors were everywhere to heighten the feeling of space and light and the bathroom facilities were good.Evening meals were 'anytime'.  Food was of a very high standard and the service very good most evenings although a couple of times it became a little slow but 2 out of 14 slow nights isn't bad. There were two swimming pools which were adult only and we spent most of our on board time near the 'pointy' end which had plenty of space.  Plenty of sun beds to be had and pool towels were supplied in our rooms.Entertainment was good although a little repetitive.  Lots of quizzes, shows, dancing places so something for everyone. We were lucky that a Scottish comedian was on board who was very funny - he did a Billy Connelly act the second time we saw him.The tours were also good.  We went to Pisa which was a half day trip and the Colloseum and other places in Rome which was full day and very, very tiring as it was so hot.  There was a lot of queuing to get on and off the ship at some ports, Barcelona being the worst.  Perhaps open another gangway and use more than one xray machine???So far good points. Now a couple of bad ones.The waiting staff in the Waterside and Beachside restaurants need to be trained to avoid walking into passengers - they seem to be very reluctant to move aside and one barged into me holding a heavy tray - very painful - he didn't apologise even though I'd moved over and was against the side tables.  He came back in about 5 mins and apologised which was a bit late and I wasn't very nice about it.  Then the restaurant manager came over and apologised.  I think the waiter must have thought about it and was worried about keeping his job if I'd complained.I do think P&O could refrain from charging for teas, coffees and soft drinks when around the pools, decks and bars.  They are free when in the restaurants though.Disembarking was very good and we actually left the ship about an hour earlier than scheduled.  We have now cruised with the Sea Princess (2004) which were impressed with, the QEII (2007) which was just fantastic and now Ventura.  I can honestly say we enjoyed the cruise but it just didn't compare with the very elegant QEII.

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