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Thursday 21st August 2008

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It was ok!
Reviewed By: Terrell, Bristol on 2nd Jun 2008
Cruise Line: P&O Cruises	Times cruised before: 3-5
Cruise Ship: Ventura	Sailed: May, 2008
Destination: Iberia	Age: 46-55

We have just returned from an Iberian cruise on the Ventura. Check in was smooth, although there were long queues for the valet parking they were soon dealt with. The immediate thing that struck us as we boarded the ship was how friendly and smiling the staff are (such a difference from the Oceana last year). This continued throughout the week and the service we experienced was excellent. Shaju our cabin steward was efficient, unobtrusive and went out of his way to speak to us. We had treated ourselves to a Junior Mini Suite and it was fab, loads of storage, clean, very comfy bed and had everything we required. The only downside was the severley overlooked balcony ( I think they all are? ) which meant tumbling out of bed for an early morning coffee on the balcony was a bit unnerving as invariably there was an audience! I know there have been many complaints about the amount of children on board ( apparently there were 450 on our voyage ) but we can honestly say we didn't see any episodes of bad behaviour - in fact it was much 'livelier' shall we say on the Oceana last year. The Ventura seems to cater very well with kids clubs etc. The weather was very hot at times and as we're not sunbathers we spent many happy hours sitting in Breakers Bar on deck- over half the tables have ashtrays ( well this is a holiday and not a boot camp!) the only problem being no parasols, one day my leg got burnt through my jeans! At any time we could have got a sunbed if we had wanted ( also unlike the Oceana last year). The pools were very busy with families having a great time ( so nice to see nowadays) but we can certainly see the need for a designated adults only pool. The food was ok I suppose but no where near as good as the Oceana, Oriana, or of course the QE2; Breakfast in the waterside was the best-bacon,eggs etc, dinner in the Saffron was the worst- poor choice, nicely presented but sometimes inedible due to poor quality ingredients ( ok I know other people have differing views but this is My review thanks). The entertainment was variable with 1 good comedian and 2 really bad ones , the Theatre Company was good but not as good as the other ships and the strong armed man and flexible women routines as described in another review were indeed tedious and not our thing. In fact I'm glad we saw it before and not after dinner yuk! I have a few tips to share: Book 2nd sitting or freedom dining and go to the 1st showing of the Theatre Company as this is the least crowded. The lifts are very congested at times so we started pressing both up and down buttons to call the lift and if we could(!) got in to the first one that came to get a space - eventually you'll get to the deck you want! I can't comment on the ports as we only went to see the ship so therefore only got off twice- La Corruna is a great place to get a photo of the front of the ship and Guernsey to get a photo of the ship at sea - the tender transfer was smooth and well organised by the way. All in all we enjoyed the cruise and the only things that let it down for us were the food and the variable entertainment. We would go on the Ventura again but only if they bring the prices down!
Quality of Food
Waterside for breakfast-good but can't forgive the quality of the food in the Saffron at dinner.
Entertainment
Adrian Walsh the comedian was great!
Shore Excursions	n/a

Staff
Shaju our cabin steward was great and so were all the other staff.
Children's Facilities	n/a

Onboard Activities	n/a

Cabins
Loved our Junior Mini Suite, Clean, attractive and very comfy. Although hated overlooked balcony.
Overall Rating

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Opinion: Disagree Comment by Bryant, Clevedon (03 Jun 08 13:04) about this REVIEW.

Yes, agree with most of your comments, except we found lifs not too bad as on deck 11 not far to walk up stairs to Waterside or Beach House. Yes lots of children on board - we moved from our relaxing sun bed spot at one time due to the childrens club behind the netted area - the noise was just toooooo much. Even a Junior teacher next to us moved, said she came on holiday to get away from the little darlings - not to be deafened by them for 3/4hr at play time !!! La Corunna was rather an ideal spot to leave the ship and wonder around easily though it a lovely spot to dock at. Like you noticed the lack of Parasols at time when the sun did come out and was quite hot at times. Guerney was also an ideal port and tenders were fast and efficient, we were on the 8.30 one over - did the tour bus around the island from the termimus for 1 1/2 hours at £1.20 per trip, What were the ship charging for a tour round £28.00 we past the Ventura bus near Guernsey Airport. What a rip off price. eh. Agree with your food comments as my review (Clevedon) Well we excaped all the heavy rain they had in Bristol and Somerset - our week away - that was good timing. We took the scenic route home Salisbury, Warminster, Frome, Wells, to Clevedon - lots of traffic on the route to Warminster and it was not for the Royal Bath and West show either. Did it in just under the 3 hours. May do Ventura again if prices are on offer for balcony cabins.! But ours was very cheap any way booking some 18 months before sail day

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