5 Day Ventura Cruise

This was our first return to P&O cruises for approx 5 years. We had been on Ventura before earlier in its life and were looking forward to the return. How disappointed could we have been. The first delay was the boarding process. We seemed to be processed through efficiently enough at the check in desks but were then corralled in seating areas waiting up to an hour to move forward to security and finally board. Totally unnecessary. If we were not ready to board then why process us. Unlike other companies who appear far more efficient. When we got on board it was nearly 2:45 before we could access our cabins. Although clean and tidy the whole ship was looking very tired. But I understand she is due a refit soon. Once in the cabin, this was the very first we had been informed of any ‘My Holiday’ App. By P&O or our travel agent. Having read the information sheet I immediately downloaded the app and started to explore what bookings were available. ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. NO speciality dining available for the ENTIRE cruise. NO theatre seats available for any shows for entire cruise. As we had decided to try Freedom Dining for the first time I went onto the app to book a table. No chance. Bookings did not open until 15 mins before each service. Went on at 5:45 sharp and already found 143 bookings ahead of us in both Saffron and Cinnamon restaurants. Decided it would be easier on the first night to dine in the Waterside cafeteria. Wish we hadn’t. The choice of food was not only limited but hugely poor quality. Nothing like we had experienced in the past. Battered fish that was limp and oozing fat as you squeezed the tongs to pick a piece up. Complained to chefs but told that was all there was available. Seemed totally uninterested. I counted three table staff throughout our visit which appeared to be the reason it was taking so long to clear and wipe down vacated tables. Very little bar waiter service. Everywhere seemed to be suffering staff shortages. On second day we tried to luncheon in one of the restaurants but the queues were estimated to be taking 60 – 75 mins. That evening I tried again to book a table in one of the restaurants. 112 people ahead of me. Estimated time before we ate was around 8.30 – 9.00pm. Not acceptable. In the end we complained to reception and following a meeting with ‘Diane’ who was a food and beverage manager, who I have to say was a credit to her department and showed great empathy. She agreed that the new App booking system was not working as well as it should and many complaints had been received. We explained that the cruise was to celebrate my 60th birthday and we were facing the prospect of not being able to dine effectively on the formal night as a treat. Miraculously she found us a table in the Glasshouse restaurant. The food was excellent and the staff attentive. This seemed the norm when passengers were paying extra for the service. Days 3-5 back to normal. Not able to eat in any restaurants, food quality and variety in Waterside shocking. Bland, greasy, unappetising. On the one night we managed to gain a seat in the theatre, again after complaining, we left the Headliners show after 20 minutes. The performers were shocking. They were out of breath, the choreography was lack lustre and the singers voices? Well I have honestly seen better, far better. The female singers just seemed to be screeching. Competing with the orchestra as the overall sound was poor. We even missed a port in Zeebrugge due to bad weather but that fact was only reported on hallway speakers, not in the cabin. Very poor communications. Still! The entertainment team jumped to the rescue and put extra deck quoites on. Fantastic. If this is what P&O have become then we will not be returning. I cannot begin to imagine the number of first time cruisers who have been put off for life. Back to Royal Carribean every time from now on. Not a great experience at all. Even go as far as to say it was a waste of money. P&O customer service contacted and complaint raised. Awaiting results.