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Wednesday 20th August 2008

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Hit and Miss Canaries Delight
Reviewed By: Billington, Ramsbottom on 22nd Jul 2008
Cruise Line: P&O Cruises	Times cruised before: 10+
Cruise Ship: Ventura	Sailed: July, 2008
Destination: Canaries	Age: 36-45

Na then, as us Lancashire folke like to say, lets get to the brass tacks. Myself and my partner have been on many cruises, 13 in total (Ventura) being the 13th. Some of the more detremental comments I have seen, I cannot entirely disagree with, however we are looking at a very new cruise ship with no particular following (please take in to account reviews on Aurora and Arcadia when they were in their maiden seasons). I am a little annoyed at those reviews from EXPERIENCED cruise passengers who are quite obviously hanging on to the past, and have not read the very clear P & O discription stating that Ventura is a family orientated ship. I have to say we were not really affected by the children who appeared to be catered for quite adequately. It should be noted we do not have any children. Our experience was hit & miss but we had a great time anyway, and I would suggest anybody who goes on a P & O cruise who states differently is looking for faults. HITS. The ship is stable despite comments to the contrary, it was the sea that was unstable on this particular cruise (na then, come on you past cruisers, admit it, you have taken previous cruises where you have experienced motion, haven't you !!!). Remember the joke about the two ladies having a discussion, one saying that she was sure Canbera was not as windy as Oriana haha (true though). Most reviews regards the ships movement will no doubt be referring to the outgoing crossing over the Biscay. Yes it was a little rough, but how many have commented on how smooth it was on the way back? The staff were okay, not brilliant, but some were outstanding, including 'Vince' in the Exchange bar. Seek them out and they will find you. The food was outstanding in the Beachhouse and Waterside and was very hot, something i have not experienced on a cruise before. Breakfast was outstanding. The Cabins are designed extremely well and serviced to a high standard. Dining rooms were very nicely presented. Embarkation / Disembarkation was excellent (better than I have previously experienced) Misses Can only smoke in one bar, the Exchange bar (we are smoker's but this really was a problem due to the high density of smoke which did affect our eyes). Come on P & O you need to find a suitable compramise !!! Lack of on deck party nights and barbeque's at lunch time. Summary You will enjoy your cruise if you want to enjoy your cruise. We could go on and on about the hits & misses but it really is pojntless, it depends on your ability to overlook the downsides and concentrate on the positives.
Quality of Food

Entertainment

Shore Excursions	n/a

Staff

Children's Facilities	n/a

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Cabins

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Comment by Jenkins, Wales (31 Jul 08 21:44) about this REVIEW.

Thank god they stopped smoking apart from one place on the ship, Best thing they done!!

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Question by worthignton, runcorn (22 Jul 08 21:27) about this REVIEW.

we are going on ventura in January and I have been a little worried we have previously enjoyed oceania and arcadia also rci. How many deck parties did they have and was there otehr emterianment appart from the shows many thanks

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Answer by MCPEAKE, HARLOW,ESSEX (23 Jul 08 06:34) to a QUESTION by worthignton (22 Jul 08 21:27)

Hi, I went on a 7 day cruise on the Ventura in May. I have to say the theatre groups and the shows were outstanding;the best I have ever seen on any P & O cruise.The group were extremely talented.The cruise also featured Brian Conley and the Dusty Springfield lady -Katie Setterfield I think her name was ,both of whom were excellent.There were also various music groups and comedians I believe, though I didn't see those. The Metroplolis bar is a lovely venue,very different. I have also been on the Oceana and the Arcadia and I think the Ventura is up there with those lovley ships. Of course it's not exactly the same but then would there be any point in going on her if she was? I enjoyed my cruise and would travel again on the Ventura.

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Answer by Billington, Ramsbottom (22 Jul 08 21:58) to a QUESTION by worthignton (22 Jul 08 21:27)

Hi There was one deck party at night and a couple of sailaway partys. However you are going in January and the entertainment maybe different. I think alot of it depends on the cruise director at the time of the cruise. Must say Ventura's deck parties were nothing to get excited about however I think they will get better going off previous experience. Have a great time.

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