Ventura
Ventura is the largest ship in the current P&O Cruises fleet, she and her sister ship Azura ooze ‘city at sea’.
Ventura appeals to all types of cruise passenger, from retirees to family, even single passengers. There’s more than adequate facilities and entertainment on-board, some passengers have shared gripes about the pool-side space and deck-space, or lack of. Although, this seems to be indicative of thoughtless passenger-etiquette ‘hogging’ deck chairs and not specifically an issue with ship design.
In a partnership with the Tate Modern there are over 7,000 works of art on-board totalling £1million in value. As well as an on-board art gallery passengers are invited to guest talks by artists as well as some practical classes. Staterooms are spacious, clean and very comfortable. Cabin stewards receive and extra hat-tip here as their faultless service has been mentioned by (returning) passengers on a number of occasions.
Dining and cuisine on-board Ventura is distinctly British with dishes such as traditional cottage pie, leg or pork, grilled steak and fillet of plaice. Alternately you can dine at the White Room, with dishes designed by, guess who?… You guessed it, Marco Pierre White. Experience some Spanish flair at Ramblas Tapas restaurant, or something Oriental at East restaurant, whatever your taste Ventura has something for everyone.
Ventura being a family orientated ship is geared up to entertain its passengers, full production theatrical performances are available in the theatre (the largest theatre on a British ship by the way). In the lounge areas you’ll find cabaret acts and at the Tamarind you’ll enjoy some laughs with regular comedy nights.
Worth a visit is the Metropolis, this lounge bar is a great observation room by day (don’t forget your camera!), but be sure to come back in the evening as it has an enormous floor-to-ceiling plasma screen wall showcasing different city skylines, if you don’t like jazz music take some ear-plugs.
