Excellent Voyage
Ventura Cruise Review
Contributor Level:
First Mate
Cruises: 7+ cruises
Reviews: 26
Helpful Votes: 545
Spain and Portugal
Sail date: December 05, 2021
Ship: Ventura
Traveled as: Couple
Reviewed: 2 years ago
Review summary
A truly wonderful voyage, please see each individual section.Embarkation
Testing was very efficient, there wasn’t even a queue. The whole process was a matter of about 10 minutes. We then proceeded to the terminal where we waited for our results, we received the negative results in exactly 19 minutes! We were only sat down for about 5 minutes as we had to complete a health declaration and other documentation with terminal staff before proceeding.
We then proceeded to check in and through security which only took 10 minutes and we were on the ship. It really was efficient, possibly the best embarkation we’ve had for years!
Ship experiences
Onboard Activities
We thoroughly enjoyed the entertainment on board. We took part in trivia everyday, we particularly enjoyed the 10:30 Morning Challenge in The Exchange, we also enjoyed the classic Syndicate quizzes. We actually managed to collect a good few stamps and walk away with a P&O wine cooler and a P&O Whiskey Glass. We also took part in the £5000 jackpot bingo twice which was rather enjoyable.
The entertainment hosts were very engaging and we couldn’t fault them.
Entertainment
The Elton John tribute act was actually very good and we saw both of his shows. The resident vocalist was a jazz singer, she was very good and we saw her on a few occasions.
The only downside to the entertainment was the resident band Pulse, the singing was borderline atrocious and received laughs for all the wrong reasons.
We only saw one theatre show on this cruise (The Vinylettes), they were good but not something we’d go and see again.
The Headliners Theatre Company did perform a Motown show in the Havana one evening, it was absolutely awful and we walked out after 10 minutes (we weren’t the only ones).
Service and Staff
The crew were truly phenomenal on this particular voyage. We were sailing at quite a small number of 1200 so we did almost have a 1:1 passenger crew ratio.
Our waiter in the Bay Tree Restaurant (Santosh) was just outstanding, he really got to know us and our preferences. We really did get along with him and he did make going to dinner an absolute pleasure. Our wine waiter was also fantastic.
The crew really did get to know your routine and your preferences. As an example, we always sat in the atrium at 11:30pm and after a couple of nights, the waitress from Tazzine just brought two gin and tonics over to us without us even asking. The service was just amazing.
Ship Quality
Ventura is a wonderful ship with a rather traditional feel to her. Ventura is quite a nice size, not too big but with some excellent facilities. Ventura is a truly beautiful ship.
The ship is clean and we felt extremely safe with regards to Covid, crew were constantly cleaning tables and other touch points such as handrails.
Cabin / Stateroom
Superior Deluxe Balcony Cabin:
A very spacious cabin with a good layout. In my opinion, this cabin is more like a mini suite rather than a deluxe balcony cabin, in fact this cabin is identical to the Princess Grill suites on board Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria.
The balcony is of a good size however be warned that it is overlooked, this didn’t bother us but it may bother others.
Our particular cabin could be converted to a 4 berth with a double sofa bed, I don’t think that 4 individuals would struggle for space in this particular cabin especially considering the separate dressing area.
Ship tip
Enjoy every minute!
Thumbs up
0
Ports of call
The Rock Revealed tour was very informative and we were able to see the Gibraltar Apes and St Michael’s Cave which is just breathtaking.
We have visited Gibraltar before.
We were able to have one extra day in Lisbon due to missing Vigo. Lisbon is a wonderful city and the centre is a short 10 minute walk from the terminal.
We have visited this port before.
We didn’t find Cartagena to be a pleasant place although it was Interesting to see the amphitheatre again. We only spent about an hour in port.
We have visited this port before.
Disembarkation
Very efficient.
Traveler Photos
