Having booked this cruise long before she was built our expectations about going on a new ship were high - we were disappointed!
Freedom dining was a bit of a gamble - will the food be good tonight? how long will we wait for a waiter to take our orders? will a wine waiter even come to see if we want drinks? The food is definately not 'fine dining' with a poor selection and only ever lukewarm. The White Room was excellent well worth the extra charge so too was East. We had 5 attempts to eat in the Beach House having been told once they have done the required numbers of covers thay close - this at 7.30pm!!
Sea days were a bit of a lottery as to whether or not you get a sun bed.
Entertainment was very poor and not enough of it.The Ventura troup was very amatuerish
Would I go on Ventura again? only if it was a giveaway deal. I think P&0 have built a bigger ship but not organised it very well its been 'dumbed down'

just come back from cruise food lovely staff brill would go again on ventura. entertainment needs to be a bit better 2 or 3 nights there was not much on at all, sad people complaining they didnt see any dolphins on trip does say you may not see any on trip perhaps they should text the dolphins to say the tourists are coming.

FIRST I WOULD LIKE TO CONGRATULATE P&O FOR THEIR EXCELLENT TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS BOTH OUTGOING AND RETURN. THE CABINS WERE MORE THAN WE EXPECTED THE BEDS SO COMFORTABLE AND THE ATTENTION FROM OUR CABIN STEWARD WAS FIRST CLASS. WE WERE ON FREEDOM DINING AND HAD NO PROBLEMS WHATSOEVER WE HAD TO WAIT FOR A TABLE ONLY THREE TIMES FOR HALF AN HOUR. THE SERVICE AND CHOICE OF FOOD WAS VERY GOOD. WE THOROUGHLY ENJOYED MARCO PIERRE WHITE ROOM. BREAKFAST AND LUNCH AT THE BUFFET ALSO PLENTY CHOICE AND QUALITY. ALL STAFF WERE CHEERFUL AND PLEASANT. ENTERTAINMENT SOME EXCELLENT SOME MEDIOCRE, PETER PIPER WAS EXCELLENT. FELT THAT PASSENGERS MADE A GREAT EFFORT FOR THE FORMAL NIGHTS BUT NO INPUT FROM SHIPS OFFICERS. HOWEVER WE WOULD RECOMMEND VENTURA.

We have just returned from our winter break on the P & O Ventura cruising the Caribbean.
We found the food was below standard and not fitting for a ship portraying this class.

There were measures to stop any outbreak of the Nova virus on board and we did not hear of any outbreak.

The crew and staff were very friendly and helpful.

We were not happy with the automatic deduction from our account for tipping.

The entertainment in the Bars and Clubs was very poor. In the main Arena theatre the entertainment was excellent

Our junior suite was very good although the illusion from the brochure of included WIFI and other accessories did not materialise Presumably the trade’s description act does not apply to American Owned ships

The main criticism was the excursion on the train at St Kitts. Two carriages were de-railed because a section of rail track had been cut presumably by the maintenance crew who appeared from no-where after the accident.
I took some photos and tried to put an official complaint on Heath and Safety grounds. The P & O Tours manager explained that they had no route for official complaints and to put forward a written explanation in the suggestion box.
I gave copies of the photos to the P & O Tour organisers and with several other passages tried to force an investigation and a refund. A few days later we received a limp letter of explanation along with and a pathetic refund. I received a verbal confirmation that Health and Safety would be looked at?
We spoke with other passages and they were happy that they escaped without injury but were not prepared to complain. Presumably if the train carriages had toppled over and killed half of them the surviving half would not complain as they had lived through it?

Having been on several-cruised prior, this ship rolls a lot in strong winds and moderate seas. Perhaps it should have been named TITANIC II?

Sailed on Ventura at the end of October on the Spirit of the Caribbean cruise, we had read reviews before and were apprehensive, but we found boarding was quick and cabin was clean and tidy and plenty big enough for 2 people with cabin boy always on hand if you require anything, the ships cleanliness was always in our opinion very good. We thought the food on board was very good, but did think the meals at night were not quite as good as we have had on other P&O cruises and couple on our table went on Select dining one night and said it was not very good, but everyone has differnt opinons. Staff were always helpful, and especially our waiters at night, as we were on select dining, we thought they were brilliant. We thought the entertainment was ok, dance company were very good, putting on some really good shows, comedians - 2 were good - rest a bit dire, singers were good, but after a fortnight I think you get a bit tired of hearing them every night. One thing I thought p&o could have put a cinema in on such a large ship, just to give you a break from all the other entertainment. Regards children on board we were ok, as there were only 160 but remember it is a family ship, and completely different to p&o's other ships, as it is geard to familys. Would I sail on Ventura again NO, our reason is, I think it is too large for us, you tend to keep getting lost, plus getting up at 7.00 am to get a sunbed, is not my idea of fun, but everyone tends to do it, or else you are struggling to get sunbed. Plus I do think p&o going for Freedom dining, is taking something away from the way people dress at night, with people walking about in shorts, when formal, semi-casual and casual nights, and I think people will say, why should I bother dressing up if they are disregarding code of dress, but overall we enjoyed our holiday very much and will sail with p&o again, but on a different ship. But please try it for yourself. Just one last thing, may I say the flight home on Thomsons plane was first class.

Well what can i say about this ship? I would definitley sail on the Ventura again. Beautiful ship, & beautiful food. The cabins were small but much bigger than Thomsons. We disembarked the ship yesterday after we sailed around the caribbean, for the first time. It was also the ship's first time in the caribbean and as it being quite new I think it still needs some time to calm down. The service wasn't that brilliant - maybe because they hadnt got enough staff but I was expecting better service anyway. Also the entertainment was abit odd too, very good dancing and singing but too much magic tricks and acrobatics. Brilliant singing though! The pool area was fab, and very clean. However Ive seen on some other reviews that theres too many kids; well what do you expect its a family ship, and if you dont want to be on a ship full of kids, all i can say is Ventura is not this ship for you!

We have just returned from our first cruise as a family onboard Ventura. The itinerary was The Spirit of The Carribean sailing from Southampton and flying back from Barbados.

Like others I read the reviews beforehand.

We were very pleased to find our fears were not needed.

All public areas and restaurants were very clean and the staff couldn't have been more attentive. The cabin was very spacious , with lots of storage space even for a family of four and all our clothes!

Food was excellent everywhere. My children loved the pizzas and the family buffet in the Beachhouse. We were on freedom dining and I thought it worked very well. We often wanted a table for two and only ever had to wait maximum 15 minutes at peak time.

Entertainment was good overall. Comedians in the Arena were better than those in the Tamarind.
The ship has an excellent choice of bars and restaurants. Metropolis is fab for a drink. We never had a problem if we wanted a tble in Ramblas or The White Room.

The childrens clubs were absoloutly first class!! Our children loved them . It also meant my husband and I could dine together which is a rare occurance!

Sunbeds were an issue with some people but really these were the peaople who didn't go to the pools till later on and the earlybirds had got there before them, also they were a little jammed in !

We only had one rough day crossing the bay of Biscay and that was expected.

The shore excursions were very well organised but book early because a lot of people were disapointed when trying to book at the desk on the ship.

Finally the only complaint I had was with some fellow passengers. Several occasions I was made to feel uncomfortable by remarks from some of the older pasengers about children. One lady remarked they should be seen and not heard! and you wouldn't get them on some of the other ships. No you are right P & O have two child free ships so travel on them! and in future don't book a cruise that heavily advertises its a family friendly ship with Noddy and Mr Bump and don't travel over a period that covers half term!

We will definatly book on Ventura again, smashing time !

Sailed on Ventura 24th October/7th November. Coach from Manchester to Southampton was early and efficient and after putting cases on coach never saw them again until arrived at cabin on board. Embarkation was smooth and quick (25 mins from coach to boarding) and we were on board by 12.50 having lunch in the waterside restaurant. Got call that cabin was ready about 1.45 and headed down to C deck. Lovely well-appointed cabin with balcony (about 9ftX9ft) and walk in wardrobe with enough hanging space for both of us. Tea and coffee making facilities in cabin with complimentary biscuits.
Yes the ship is huge (sure there were some places we never saw!) and not signed very well but finding your way round is part of the adventure.
Bars.
Our favourite was Tamarind club although didn’t like the idea of it being walk through to other parts of ship which was off putting when watching shows in there. Metropolis is a lovely bar too but through the day seems very under used. Red bar is an extension of the atrium but ok for a drink and people watching. Exchange bar we were not impressed with, seemed just like any local bar in UK and where sport was shown so only went in there once. Ramblas we liked too and could get tapas in there (3 for £2.50) which was nice for a snack. You could also get light meal in there (£5) but never tried that.
Restaurants.
We used Waterside/Beachcomber (self service) for breakfast and lunch and we found the food and service in there very good and always managed to find seating after a couple of minutes of searching. We started off on freedom dining and although we never had to wait to be seated and service was good, we didn’t take to dining with different company each night so switched to club after 3 nights. We were on a table with some wonderful company and enjoyed every evening meal. Choice of 3 starters, 2 soups, 4 main course and 3 deserts plus ice cream etc (and still some people complained not enough choice) and all very tasty. If nothing on menu was not to your liking could order steak or chicken.
On deck.
Sun-beds are plentiful but very tightly packed so was interesting watching people getting on/off them but we never found it a big problem getting one after a little searching. The pools are kept nice and clean and yes there are children in them but it’s a family ship and we had no problem with that. There is a 16yrs+ (endless) pool at front near the spa, which seemed nice but we never used it. Smoking (dreaded word) is allowed on open areas starboard side and this seemed to work well and on this cruise heard no complaints and everyone seemed to adhere to the rules.
Entertainment.
Went to all the major shows in the Arena theatre and the production was excellent although thought the content in some of them could have been better. Masquerade is by far the best show. Saw some good shows in other bars too (classical concerts in Tamarind very nice) tribute acts etc.
Had a meal in the White room which was very nice and excellent service (£56 including wine)
We had 9 sea days so had plenty of time to see most of the ship, and yes if you looked for negatives you could find them but why do that on holiday?
We would definitely go on Ventura again if itinerary and price were right. All in all a very good and enjoyable holiday.

The ship was clean enough overall, but we felt that the carpets were not particularly well cleaned, and tables in the buffet dining area were slow to be cleaned, and not properly cleaned. The inside cabin we had was the best general size and layout on any of our 11 cruises, so P&O are to be commended for their cabin design.

Having cruised with 7 other lines previously, and three different new ships, we felt that the Ventura lacked that WoW factor, and the ship is not striking in any way! The ship's ethos is typically British (sorry, make that English) and lacking in imagination compared to e.g. American lines like royal Caribbean, Celebrity or Holland America, and also Cunard.

The menus in the main restaurant were sometimes lacking in content, and we struggled at times to select an appetising meal. Service in the restaurant was very good, and the food certainly hot enough. The buffet restaurant is fine, no better or worse than others we have encountered, with one area of exception....choice of salads was extremely poor and unappetising.

Most of the ship staff did what they are supposed to do, most of the time.

Entertainment was inconsistent ranging from occasionally very good to sometimes very poor. One aspect really disturbed us...they have so called "adult" comedians most nights, and this "entertainment" takes place in the tamarind bar which is open in a walk through area of the ship. It is impossible to make your way to and from the Havana club, or photograph area on that deck without passing through this area. We would never choose to listen to such entertainment, but found we had to for a couple of minutes or so every time we passed that way. Not good enough, especially on a family ship.

Children were never a problem, and well behaved with good, and well organised facilities for them.

We had excellent weather, apart from a force 9 gale off the west coast of Portugal coming back which the ship did not handle very well. We thoroughly enjoyed our cruise, but honestly feel P&O fall short of what other lines are offering.

Disembarked Ventura yesterday after her 2 week Indian Summer cruise.These are my honest views.Yes, she is a family friendly ship but we met many people who did not understand this meant just that , and consequently felt rather piqued to not have sun beds or to be able to use pools ..jacuzzies etc.because kids had taken them all over.The entertainment was dire.We had asked for first sitting..we got no sitting..We were put on freedom , meaning each day we had either to book a table or take pot luck or get paged when we could eat, meaning we couldnt see shows ( no great loss and that was felt by many ).After 3 days of changing tables..eating with strangers we decided to eat in the buffet.The food there was poor and monotonous..no changes ,always luke warm. The carpets are stained and fraying..there is often no seating so you carry a tray about until you find some.Often no hot water for drinks and no cups or spoons. One can't really join in formal night and makes you feel a sort of social leper.Had we been told we couldn't have a dinner sitting or a table we would have been prepared and taken no formal wear.The library has no seating , so to choose books you just stand there.We were upgraded to a front outside cabin..very nice you may think but front and back cabins are cabins from hell.Two away from us were crew cabins and even they said they cant stay in them when its choppy.The noise and movement is horrendous.First night we couldn't stay in cabin in force 6 scared silly,went walk abouts and ended up with about 20 other people doing same thing..and yes all from front cabins on various decks.Coming back from Gilbrata we had a 10 with 25 foot waves.On captains ship log he stated the ship had been pitching and pounding into the seas.The noise and banging felt like we were being hit by something. We couldnt lay in bed , we were literally moved.This time it was so terrifying I slept on a sofa in the Antrium..again with about 30 people , so was not just me.I wonder if there is a design fault or the stabilisers are iffy? I am a good sailor usually and have been in force 10s before.,but this had to be experienced to be believed. The entertainment was poor.One show was excellent and that was the Andrew Loyd Webber one..As for the 368 children on board we saw little of them and those we met were well behaved and having a great time.I did have a confrontation with a drunk in a lift at 3pm one afternoon ..never experienced that on P&O before. One thing I must mention..there were a lot of older people on walkers, several disabled people using scooters.. many wheel chairs and several people with learning disabilities and the ship seemed to cater well for them.I think this ship provides a lot people who need that bit extra and I commend the crew for how they help them .In fact the crew were all great. The internet facilities are excellent..if you pay for a plan which is good value and use it at *happy hour * Bernardo gives you additional minutes.I even joined the Ventura choir..thats fun!Overall, I would never sail on the Ventura again..just our personal opinion.For a fairly new ship her carpets and some furnishings look old and soiled.No one can change the sea state but thats the time when you find out how good a ship is..and I do foresee this ship just changing into another Ocean Village type of vessel once the traditional P&O passengers have tried her once , but who knows? Maybe this is the way forward for cruises ? As I said this is my opinion and I am not seeking a fight from those who maybe saw her a while ago.It doesnt come much more up to date than yesterday!