Another great P&O cruise

Good itinerary inc. Rome/Naples/Sardinia, and whilst we are not anti-kids this was the first one outside the 2018 school summer holidays on Ventura.

Usually, take a suite but prices were crazy, typically double what we normally pay, and P&O were still offering a suite at the top price on the morning we sailed. Opted for E730 Superior Deluxe and it was great with the big end/corner balcony, and none of the horror stories about noise from the nightclub below or engine vibrations – there must be some very picky light sleepers who find this cabin a problem.

Lots of familiar friendly faces in the crew who remembered us from previous cruises and were genuinely pleased to see us and chat and update us on their families, lovely.

Food was generally good in MDR and Buffet at lunch and lots of veg. choice, not all green beans as some so often point out. Galley tour and Brunch was good. Buffet not as frenetic as it can be and far less table reserving whilst one goes to the Buffet and one stays holding table – which takes too much time if tables are busy. MDR menu cycles are a bit repetitive, the same cycle for a number of years, but with ten main course choices at dinner, not an issue.

Epicurean continues to be a delight and on day one excellent value at £17 per person.

Did three shows all good, “Phantom” singer, comedy pianist, and Astonish which was amazing, OK you can work out some of the illusions but not all, and I’m still trying to work out the 4 card trick you all take part in!

WW2 talks are same/similar as in all previous cruises over the years and are getting a bit long in the tooth, you will be 90 now to have been in service in WW2. Some new topics perhaps, still military, what about the Falklands, and current armed forces?

Dancing is not my love although the Leader of the Opposition loves it and I can get around the dance floor. Goran and Roanna who we have been with before are excellent, and with Roanna even I thought I could Cha Cha. Met some nice fellow dancers and “watchers”.

Wheelchair/scooters not as many as can be sometimes, and none were demanding special service/queue/lift jumping.

Second time on Ventura this year and 6/7 times overall. Been on other P&O ships and all good but we like Ventura and Azura best – big enough to have everything but not too big, mind you we will give Iona a try.

Booked two cruises on board – best value.

Took one P&O excursion to Amalfi coast and Pompeii excellent, two through Cruise Excursions Barcelona Gaudi and Rome under our own steam – dropped off at the Colosseum and picked up at St Peter’s, easy and Rome done leisurely.

Captain was quite visible around the ship and approachable.

Rescued three migrants halfway between Africa/Spain, an increasing issue I suspect, well done to passengers and Bridge spotting them.

Embarkation and disembarkation seemed to be further tweaked and improved, very little waiting around or big queues.

An excellent cruise as ever.

Martin

Cabin Review

Cabin E730

Took this as suites were far more expensive than normal (£10-11k for two – we normally pay £4-7k). Lots of horror stories about these cabins which are immediately above Havanna and noise especially on the port side, above the stage. Yes, you can hear a steady bass beat but its not intrusive. All quiet by midnight. Might be different on other cruises and passenger mix. And as for complaints about engine/thruster vibrations, can’t see this can be avoided on a ship but it is only 5minutes when docking.

The double-length balcony on this cabin and its starboard partner and the same two on the above deck are great.