P&O Ventura offers a well-rounded experience with a host of features designed to cater to families, couples, and solo travellers alike. This family-friendly cruise ship, part of the P&O Cruises fleet, provides a comfortable and engaging environment with thoughtful touches across its reception areas, dining venues, entertainment offerings, accommodation options, and hospitality services.
The guest experience on Ventura is defined by its blend of comfort, entertainment, and attentive service. While some reviews note occasional inconsistencies in dining service or dated cabin technology, the ship’s strengths lie in its diverse offerings and family-friendly focus. Passengers often praise the crew’s efforts to create memorable moments, from engaging children during meals to hosting lively evening events. The ship’s design, with over 7,000 artworks and modern facilities, adds a touch of elegance without feeling overly formal. Recent refurbishments, including a 2018 update adding new cabins and a revamped library, keep Ventura fresh and appealing.
Guests boarding Ventura can anticipate a holiday filled with choice and flexibility. Whether seeking relaxation by one of four pools, including one with a retractable roof, or engaging in activities like archery or dance classes, the ship offers a balance of leisure and excitement. Families will find plenty to keep children entertained, from dedicated clubs to outdoor play areas, while adults can enjoy quiet spaces like the library or the adults-only Retreat sun deck. The dining experience allows guests to tailor their meals, whether opting for a casual poolside bite or a refined evening at a speciality restaurant. With a capacity of 3,192 passengers, the ship feels spacious yet sociable, fostering connections through shared activities or dining.
Reception Areas: A Welcoming First Impression
The reception areas on Ventura, located in the atrium on Deck 5, serve as the ship’s bustling hub. Guests are greeted by a spacious, multi-level atrium with warm wood tones and modern decor, creating an inviting atmosphere. The area features a central desk staffed by attentive crew members ready to assist with queries, from booking shore excursions to resolving onboard concerns. Nearby, the Tazzine coffee bar offers a relaxed spot for a quick coffee or pastry, perfect for people-watching or catching up on a magazine. The atrium also hosts occasional live music and dance events, adding a lively yet approachable feel to the ship’s heart.
Dining: Options for Every Palate
Ventura’s dining scene caters to a range of tastes with 14 venues, from casual buffets to refined restaurants. The main dining rooms—Bay Tree, Saffron, and Cinnamon—offer two styles: Club Dining, with fixed seating and times, and Freedom Dining, allowing guests to dine between 6:00 pm and 9:30 pm with flexible seating. The Waterside and Beach House buffets provide all-day dining with diverse menus, including burgers, pizzas, and international dishes. For a special experience, The Epicurean serves modern English cuisine with ocean views, while Sindhu, curated by chef Atul Kochhar, delivers Indian dishes with a contemporary twist. The Glass House, a wine bar and restaurant, pairs fine wines with small plates. Breakfast options include made-to-order dishes in the main restaurants or a leisurely buffet, with suite guests enjoying an exclusive breakfast at The Epicurean.
Entertainment: Fun for All Ages
Ventura’s entertainment lineup ensures there’s something for everyone. The two-tier Arena Theatre on Decks 6 and 7 hosts West End-style shows, comedy performances, and films on a large screen, with two nightly shows to accommodate dining schedules. The Havana nightclub, with its Cuban theme, offers live music, salsa dancing, and karaoke, while the Tamarind Club provides a more intimate setting with live piano music and cocktails. Daytime activities include free salsa and line dancing classes, quizzes, and art seminars in the onboard gallery. Families will appreciate The Reef, a children’s club for ages 2–17, with age-specific activities like soft play for toddlers, air hockey for older children, and teen discos. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the Sports Deck for tennis, archery, or deck quoits, while the SkyDome’s retractable roof creates a versatile space for poolside events or evening light shows.
Accommodation: Comfortable Retreats
With 1,546 cabins across 35 grades, Ventura’s accommodation suits different budgets and preferences. Inside cabins, starting at 130 square feet, offer a compact yet functional space with ample storage, a vanity desk, and interactive TVs. Balcony cabins, ranging from 165 to 172 square feet, include small seating areas and private balconies for sea views. Superior Deluxe Balcony cabins add a sofa and complimentary amenities like bathrobes and slippers. Suites, such as the Aft Penthouse at 410 square feet, feature spacious lounges, expansive balconies, and butler service for tasks like unpacking or booking reservations. All cabins come with mineral water and toiletry essentials on arrival, ensuring a comfortable stay.
Hospitality: Attentive and Approachable
Ventura’s crew of over 1,200 delivers service that aims to make every guest feel valued. Personal cabin stewards attend to daily needs, from tidying rooms to arranging room service, available at no extra cost from morning to late evening. The hospitality team is praised for their friendliness, particularly in bars like Havana and Tamarind Club, where staff engage with guests to create a warm atmosphere. Priority check-in and boarding for suite guests add a touch of exclusivity, while the crew’s responsiveness across the ship ensures queries are handled promptly. The Oasis Spa enhances the experience with treatments, a thermal suite, and a hydrotherapy pool, offering a haven for relaxation.
Standout Features
Ventura shines with features that cater to diverse interests. The SkyDome’s retractable roof transforms the pool area into a versatile space for day or night events. The Arena Theatre’s state-of-the-art sound and lighting elevate performances, while The Reef’s tailored children’s programmes ensure young guests are entertained. Speciality dining venues like Sindhu and The Epicurean offer culinary highlights, and the Oasis Spa provides a tranquil escape. The Sports Deck, with activities like tennis and archery, adds an active dimension, while the art gallery and seminars appeal to those seeking cultural enrichment.
