Well what can I say..once we had booked I have looked at all the reviews that everyone have been leaving for the Ventura..all very mixed so in one respect I was a little worried to what we were going to find!! The only gripe we had was when we arrived at the port to board the ship..we had to join a very long queue ..think it took the best part of an hour to board etc..but once we checked in at the desk we were on our way,just like airport check-in..once you have gone through the scanner you continue through another doorway and there is a photographer there snapping everyone as they go through..if I new itt was gping to be posted on the photo gallery boards we would have been a bit more enthusiastic and not looked so suprised..im sure you all know what I mean..looking at them on the gallery board there are some funny ones!!..anyway once aboard we could start our holiday.the Atrium is just fabulous..everywhere bigger and better than peoples pictures and video's..cabin towels changed twice a day..I think Jowel our cabin steward could have changed our sheets more than just the once though and that wasnt till the second week,also the carpet could have been vacuumed a few times aswell.our cabin was the 12th deck midship so we didnt have any noise..so that was a plus for us..think we would go for a window or balcony next time..as when you walk along the corridors you see other cabins with the doors open..so so bright,would be nice to wake up and look out the window .. The food is good so much to eat..if you want too,we had breakfast and lunch in the waterside and the beachhut..we had freedom dining so we had dinner in cinnamon..its huge!! excellent quality..service perfect..couldnt fault it at all.No way would you think you were at sea having dinner..just perfect. Entertainment was fine..(Fogwell Flax was very good comedian)Also Robbie Williams impersonater was very good also.. There were lots of more mature passengers onboard over the age of 65/70 plus..not many children,we didnt use the pools as the children were in them most daylight hours.. The sail aways were very entertaining..the last one leaving Gibraltar was the best I thought..and we did join in!! Lots of places you can go and have a sitdown in and have a drink...by the way you dont pay for tea/coffee etc when you are eating in the waterside or the beachhut..have as many as you like its self service. I thought there would be more shops onboard,also they have special sale days and bring out tables selling perfume,watches,jewellery etc but one of the tables looked abit like a carboot with loads of cheap bags and watches etc didnt look very good to me!! On the formal nights the photographers come out and ask if you would like your picture taken..as we all look very good with our posh togs on..range from £5.95 upwards think we purchased 5 in all..as they also take your picture when you go ashore..mind you ..you dont have to buy them if you dont want to..there were loads and loads unsold. We had good weather after a few dull days,we came home with a nice suntan which was even better.

You do get a mix of people on the ship.. there was no noisey people on the cruise thank goodness..plenty of people in wheelchairs young and old,not a problem,plenty of lifts and stairs to keep you fit!!

Sunbeds if you wanted one..plenty of them. You dont go to the bar for a drink the barstaff/stewards come to you all the time!!...prices are average,cocktails from 2.65 upwards . The Arena theatre is large but still if you dont get there early enough for the first show etc you wont get a seat..its a lovely theatre. Read more