Opinions about Ventura

Post by **gravy1955** » 21 Apr 2013, 23:47

Having just booked a short mini cruise(4 nights) on Ventura to celebrate our wedding anniversary I thought I would read up on a few reviews about her ( big mistake

) A lot of them were very negative especially about the mini cruises which created some doubts in my mind as to whether I had done the correct thing in making the booking

What are people's opinions about the Ventura ?

Post by **GillD46** » 22 Apr 2013, 06:48

I haven't been on her for a while now when i did, found her very lively.

Post by **JenniC** » 22 Apr 2013, 06:54

I have been on Ventura 3 times, one short cruise, the Grand Event Cruise and Caribbean in Feb this year. Enjoyed everyone of them. Without doubt she is a large, family ship, but that means there is lots to do, we have always had good service and food and had great and memorable holidays, meeting some wonderful people, who we are still in contact with.

Go with an open mind, everyone has different opinions and preferences ... I am sure you will have a wonderful cruise.

Post by **oldbluefox** » 22 Apr 2013, 08:24

We went on a 14 night cruise on Ventura last year with all sorts of reservations as a consequence of some of the reviews we read on different sites and we wondered if we had done the right thing. Pleased to say we had a lovely cruise and although it is a large ship it meant there was plenty to do and plenty of choice. The clientele aboard were much younger and the dress code more informal but I don't mean that in a derogatory way. I may be more accurate to say the styles were more fashionable but nevertheless the ladies looked just as glamorous.
Would I go on her again? I would be quite happy to go on Ventura although I wouldn't say she is my favourite. The prom deck was rather narrow, didn't wrap round the ship and there were no steamers. Nothing more serious than that for me though.

Post by **haveabeer** » 22 Apr 2013, 08:31

Been on Ventura 3 times and LOVED every minute go with a wide opened mind dont listen to others opinions.
Yes Ventura is big and as people have said plenty going on.

Post by **oldbluefox** » 22 Apr 2013, 08:44

...................... and children weren't a problem!! I've had more problems with children on Aurora. The kids were fine, it was grannies and grandads fussing over them, blocking the corridors and totally oblivious to the blockage they were creating.

Post by **Dark Knight** » 22 Apr 2013, 09:28

My view for what it's worth is this
pick which cruise you go on ,as it is a family ship and children will be in abundance during school hols, we went on ventura during term time, to the fjords and it was fantastic.
yes, it has a younger client base, but this is not an issue , it makes it more fun and less staid, good facilites, plenty to do, good choice of bars and restaurants

go with an open mind and enjoy, would be my advice

Post by **noddy10** » 22 Apr 2013, 11:12

Went on Ventura Maiden cruise when there were a lot of problems and complaints and have never sailed on her again. For the same design of ship Azura is completely different and we love her and been on Azura 5 times since her Maiden.

Post by **Gill W** » 22 Apr 2013, 14:18

I've been on Ventura three times - 2 Caribbean cruises and the two night 'pre-maiden' weekend.

My advice is go on your cruise, don't pay too much heed to the reviews and make up your own mind.

The weekenders on any ship tend to be a bit different to the longer cruises. People have only got a few days away and they are determined to make the best of their time away, and stay up later to enjoy the nightlife, so there is a more lively atmosphere. On some of the longer cruises you sometmes think that half the ship is tucked up with their Horlicks at 10pm!

Personally I love Ventura for a fun relaxed cruise, and will certainly sail on her again

Post by **Andrea S** » 22 Apr 2013, 14:57

Gill W, Slightly off line but as a lover of Azura did you find very much difference between the two. We are considering Ventura in the Med next year.

Post by **paultheeagle** » 22 Apr 2013, 17:22

Ventura is a fantastic ship...Don't let those things put you off....I've only been on her once but would go on her again without hesitation.

Have a wonderful cruise.

Post by **kaymar** » 22 Apr 2013, 17:22

gravy1955, I don't think you will find the answer to your question on this forum. What some people find lively and fun-packed others will describe as horrendous and unbearable - it depends on what you are looking for. Personally, I have reached a stage where, usually, I prefer calm relaxation to wild exuberance but everything is OK in moderation. At least you have gone for a short cruise on which to make up your own mind. I look forward to your report.

Post by **Gill W** » 22 Apr 2013, 19:13

Andrea S wrote:Gill W, Slightly off line but as a lover of Azura did you find very much difference between the two. We are considering Ventura in the Med next year.

Hi Andrea.

I also like Azura, and for me the differences are fairly superficial. For example where you have a Blue Bar, on Ventura there's a Red Bar and so on. In fact now there's a Glasshouse on Ventura, there's even more similarities.

Of course, Ventura doesn't have the Seascreen (which some might say is an improvement). Also, Ventura is slightly less formal, as it doesn't have the jacket required nights.

But the P & O feel is there, the food and the entertainment is the same. If you felt at home on Azura, I think you'd be at home on Ventura too.

Sometimes I think people get sucked into the marketing, that Ventura is for families and newbies, and Azura is more sophisticated. But I think they are more or less similar.

Post by **Andrea S** » 22 Apr 2013, 20:11

Gill W, Thank you. I have come to realise that everyone has a different interpretation on what they like. Prior to travelling on Azura the reports were terrible but it was ideal for us. I do like the look of Ventura's itinerary and would like to give it a go.

Post by **Dark Knight** » 22 Apr 2013, 20:22

Ventura also has a retractable pool roof, which is great for nordic cruises as it is possible to swim and lounge when the weather is poor

Post by **Romig1** » 22 Apr 2013, 21:50

We did a mini-cruise last year on Ventura and loved it. Plenty of hen parties onboard, but didn't notice any rowdy or bad behaviour.

Post by **noddy10** » 22 Apr 2013, 22:01

Everybody has differing views and they are personal to that person only. Like I said in my earlier post we did Ventura Maiden and didnt really like the atmosphere or ship itself and when we did Azura Maiden we found the ship more to our tastes and that is now our favourite P&O ship. Funnily enough for the first 6 months of Ventura sailing it got a lot of scathing poor reports from a lot of people on all cruise forums but has now seemed to found its niche as a casual family ship and become popular where we prefer the more formal kind of cruising that Azura gives us.

Post by **Mariner Mike** » 23 Apr 2013, 11:30

Hi been on Ventura twice before and loved it and are going on a 5nt cruise break in June. People are right that the atmosphere is a bit different to Azura for all she is basically the same ship. I used to love Ramblas for tapas, but also love Glass House on Azura. As a spin off has anybody been on Ventura since the change and if so how does the new Glass House stack up? I'd be interested before seeing it myself in June (Can't wait!)

Happy Cruising

MIke

Post by **davecttr** » 23 Apr 2013, 12:40

Mariner Mike wrote:Hi been on Ventura twice before and loved it and are going on a 5nt cruise break in June. People are right that the atmosphere is a bit different to Azura for all she is basically the same ship. I used to love Ramblas for tapas, but also love Glass House on Azura. As a spin off has anybody been on Ventura since the change and if so how does the new Glass House stack up? I'd be interested before seeing it myself in June (Can't wait!)

Happy Cruising

MIke

According to reports elsewhere and photos it is the same old Ramblas with a name change and a wine dispenser machine added. Apparently they havn't even managed to change all the names. At least this means they can change it back quickly as IMO Ramblas was a better concept than Glass House.

Post by **oldbluefox** » 23 Apr 2013, 12:45

I used to love a tapas lunch in Ramblas. It was something totally unique to Ventura (in my experience) and we really enjoyed it. I have no 'Glass House' experience so can't really compare it but a name change and the installation of a wine dispenser sounds to me like a cheap changeover which can be quickly reversed if need be.
RIP Ramblas?

Post by **Emrobo** » 23 Apr 2013, 12:51

We loved ventura, slightly more over Oceana

Post by **Dancing Queen** » 23 Apr 2013, 13:31

We've only been on Ventura once ( the Maiden ) and had a wonderful time, whilst we liked the ship there are others that suit us better which is the reason we have not sailed on it since but I would certainly never say never.

I think the biggest problem with Ventura was it got some very bad press in the first couple of years and people tend to remember that which is a little unfair, we have friends who wouldn't consider going on any other ship they just love it.

Post by **Mariner Mike** » 23 Apr 2013, 14:45

davecttr wrote:
Mariner Mike wrote:Hi been on Ventura twice before and loved it and are going on a 5nt cruise break in June. People are right that the atmosphere is a bit different to Azura for all she is basically the same ship. I used to love Ramblas for tapas, but also love Glass House on Azura. As a spin off has anybody been on Ventura since the change and if so how does the new Glass House stack up? I'd be interested before seeing it myself in June (Can't wait!)

Happy Cruising

MIke
According to reports elsewhere and photos it is the same old Ramblas with a name change and a wine dispenser machine added. Apparently they havn't even managed to change all the names. At least this means they can change it back quickly as IMO Ramblas was a better concept than Glass House.

Thanks 'davecttr' - I've been looking at other sites and seems very much the case. Much as we love Glass House on Azura, OH and I mourn the passing Ramblas - particularly for tapas lunch with a bottle or two on sea days in the courtyard. The Ventura version sounds a bit of a fudge to see if it works.

Post by **Lynn S** » 23 Apr 2013, 17:14

We sailed on Ventura last summer, 2 weeks Western Med, and loved it! We're early 60's and my husband is a full time wheelchair user - never had a problem with anything or anyone! OK, we didn't do the clubs/discos but enjoyed our holiday all the same. We loved seeing the families together, and never saw a badly behaved child;-) Proof that we enjoyed it? We booked onboard to go again this June - can't wait! (We were on Arcadia prior to that - also good, but a much older clientele and not so accessible in some ways.)

You'll have a great time, I'm sure!
Lynn

Post by **Capt Black** » 23 Apr 2013, 22:17

We've done two one week cruises on Ventura and thoroughly enjoyed both of them. One of them was just at the start of the school summer hols, so lots of children on board. Didn't affect our trip at all. We've also done a longer cruise on Azura and thoroughly enjoyed that too.

Post by **oldbluefox** » 24 Apr 2013, 08:42

It is lovely to see children with their parents on formal evenings, and on other nights, whose parents have gone to some lengths to ensure the children are dressed to reflect the dress code.The kids look great, are thoroughly enjoying a sense of occasion and their parents look tremendously proud of their offspring. It was quite refreshing to see young families in abundance on a cruise and the children were a credit to them. I would have no hesitation in going on Ventura again although P&O's offering of fly cruises going around the same circuit all summer does not appeal.

Post by **Whiterdesign** » 25 Apr 2013, 12:57

I have been both on Azura and Ventura and personally like Ventura better. One of the main reasons is the roof. Went to Canaries on Azura last November obviously at that time of year weather is inclement for quite a few days on the cruise. Nobody was using the area around the pool which made the rest of the ship very busy. My thoughts were that if it had been on Ventura the roof would have been closed making this area usable thus relieving the overcrowding problem in the other areas.

Post by **ronay2006** » 25 Apr 2013, 22:36

Our very first cruise was on Ventura in 2009 & loved it.
On again last year & nothing changed...Still loved it!
Going on Azura this year so will see what we make of it as it's basically the same BUT we will undoubtedly miss the Ramblas.

The tapas & wine at lunch time & the meals in the evening were truly scrumptious. Will keep an open mind about the Glass House until we try her.

Post by **Mr-big-bits-mk2** » 27 Apr 2013, 04:28

We were on Ventura Oct last year. With Vicki being disabled we were worried about children and running etc but with no need as all the kids onboard were perfectly behaved. It was the cruise were the top deck let go in BOB and it when off with a huge bang.

Overall we loved it but it seemed far more laid back than Arcadia and we did miss the semi formal nights that some other ships do. We're back on her this October and looking forward to trying the Retreat etc.

Post by **tylie37** » 28 Apr 2013, 21:52

We have been on Ventura 4 times, the first 3 were fantastic, including a 3 nighter last July, the last one however did not match up but that was more to do with the passengers than with the ship.

Ventura is a family ship and that should be borne in mind when booking, too many times I have heard "It's not for us, it's too big". We like others enjoyed Ramblas and we're not that keen on the Glass House on Azura (too cold with odd chairs) however we are booked on N314 in June and hopefully the cruise will be as enjoyable as our first three.

Post by **Lollie** » 29 Apr 2013, 11:15

We went on Ventura for a 2-nighter with our family two years ago and enjoyed every moment. Due to our business we are unable to 'do' long cruises every year so have done quite a few short ones including four different four night breaks, these are very different to the two night ones, ours have been fantastic short holidays which seem more like a week than four nights. Sadly you tend to hear much more from those who complain than those who don't... we have just booked a fly-cruise on Ventura next year and although we loved Las Ramblas we are thrilled that there is now a Glasshouse restaurant/bar on her. Haev a fantastic celebration cruise holiday.

Post by **gravy1955** » 08 May 2013, 15:43

Many thanks for everyone's input and opinion on Ventura. I realise reviews are very subjective, so I shall go with an open mind and intend to enjoy the cruise regardless.

Post by **barney** » 08 May 2013, 16:55

I'll be interested in what you think Gravy because we're intending a Getaway (there I've said it ) on Ventura next April/May

Biggest we've done so far was the Indy. Loved the ship but the final onboard bill was a bit of a shocker.

We've stuck with P&O since

Post by **paultheeagle** » 08 May 2013, 18:40

gravy

You mght find this interesting.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zxl7apcPTac

Ventura is a fantastic ship....have a wonderful cruise.

Post by **Rob Jackson** » 10 May 2013, 18:59

Just about to go on our 8th and 9th Ventura cruises this summer. Azura twice so far, so it speaks for itself.

Post by **Islander** » 10 May 2013, 19:13

Ventura a great ship.Hope you have a wonderful time. We're both mid sixties and found it has something for every one, whatever their age.

Post by **Kaziebelle** » 30 Nov 2013, 22:15

Haven't got a problem with Ventura,have had problems in the past with some of the crew,mainly in clerk kind of positions,hopefully they have moved on and won't be so nauseating now!love everything else about the ship

Post by **Mr-big-bits-mk2** » 02 Dec 2013, 12:45

We did our October cruise. Ventura was as wonderfull as ever, the only gripe was that now that silver service (P&O's version of it anyway) has gone and the meals were tiny. One slice of beef, one spud and one piece of broccoli made up a main course. Tried asking for a large portion and got 2 spuds (were not talking jacket potatoes size but more of a golf ball). Other than that it was great, they even managed to show the F1.

Post by **CruiseLover30UK** » 08 Jul 2014, 15:18

Ok so i've not got another ship to compare it to as it was my first cruise but I thought the Ventura Ship was amazing! I'll still never forget that moment we came round the corner to board it and i'd never seen anything like it in my life, it was HUGE!

I couldn't find fault with it anywhere! Our cabin was lovely (I highly recommend a balcony), always kept clean and tidy by our lovely cabin steward. Every meal I had was delicious and the chocoholics event was to die for! There was plenty of entertainment on board, always something going on especially on sea days! In fact I loved the sea days, gave you plenty of time to rejuvenate after port days and was always very relaxing with the staff just not be able to do enough for you!

I really didn't want to go home, i'd love to go on the Ventura again some day but think i'd also like to try out some other ships too! The Ventura will always be very dear to me though as it was the ship my husband and I had our honeymoon on

Post by **Lollie** » 27 Jul 2014, 11:19

Glad you had such a great time, there really is nothing quite like the very first time you see your cruise ship holiday home as you board, especially for your first cruise, I still remember as if it were yesterday walking up the steps to board Arcadia in Barbados for our first 'proper' cruise, until then our only experience was a weekender celebration cruise.

Post by **CruiseLover30UK** » 08 Aug 2014, 14:59

It really is something when you've never been on one before and I think some people have been on so many they may take what a big thing it is for granted!

I've been wondering about the Arcadia Ship, it does look amazing! Agh I want to go away again! Some days when i'm fed up I just imagine i'm back on the Ventura again LOL

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