All evenings include the whole family, and we always enjoy seeing a "whole family" dressed for formal evenings.

Enjoy!

Hi Hamrag thank you so much for your reply. It has really put my mind at ease. My girls are so excited and this is our first cruise which I hope will be one of many. Saying that the reviews about the Ventura are not great however we will go with an open mind and hope to enjoy it as much as we can. Thank you again.

Hi and welcome to HT!

We have a small topic on the Ventura HER which may have some additional information and you can find further topics where it is mentioned by using the Search facility.

luci

We were on the Ventura last year, and had also read the reports you mention. Most of these are from people whom I would describe as "traditional P&Oers" who have been used to a certain kind of cruise experience. Ventura is marketed as a family cruise ship, and therefore is somewhat more "informal" than some of the other ships.

Do bear in mind that most folks who thoroughly enjoy something do not bother to go on and write about it....normally the whingers come to the surface and pick up on things that, for them, are negative. Sometimes these writers contradict themselves too, complaining about something that is clearly not a problem in another part of the screed.

My message to you is simply ignore all of it, go with an open mind and you will love it. Our "kids" are now 25, 22 and 18 but we still often look at things from the perspective of a child, and the Ventura is fantastic for children, and at 11 & 8 they are at a wonderful age to enjoy everything. You have chosen an excellent ship for your family cruise!

Thanks again for your comments I am feeling so much more positive about this cruise and reassured it will live up to our expectations.

Hi bluediamond,

Children on formal night, then, yes absolutely, they will have a great evening.
We have cruised 3 times with P&O and was on Ventura last year with our 2 children, and they thoroughly enjoy the whole experience. Formal night is lovely to see the children get all dressed up. Whether they come for dinner with you or go with the children's club, they truly will have a fabulous holiday.
Caribbean too (lucky you).
Have a wonderful cruise.

Hi Theenchanted1,
How good to hear from someone who has actually been on the Ventura. Thank you for your comments we are so excited. Its great to know as we were a little worried it only applied to adults. What was your opinion about the ship there are so many negative comments on the holiday reviews about the Ventura we were starting to panic. Its not cheap to sail on her as a family and we are hoping to have a good time.

I'm so looking forward to seeing my boys in their suits on our cruises formal evening, especially as I am leaving the other half at home and I want them one on each arm when I'm all in my posh frock.

The youngest (10) wants to wear baseball boots with his pinstripe suit a la Dr. Who. I've told him he can put them on after dinner.

bless him! Let him wear them for the dinner....no=one will comment and he will feel he is making his statement!

Bluediamond

Go with an open mind. I was on Ventura last year, read all the negative reviews and was so pleased that I ignored them. I loved the ship.

Would I go on her again - without a doubt!

AgentQ - bless your son.
Kath x

Hi Kath, Thank you fpr youe reply I am feeling so much better knowing other people have had a great time on the Ventura. Thank you again for your comments Bluediamond x