Party cruise

Reading through recent reviews just shows how subjective they really are. A recent review of Ventura was very critical of slipping standards, surly staff and disappointment. Myself and my sister enjoyed a short 4 night party cruise in May on Ventura and although nothing in life is ever perfect we had a fantastic time at an unbeatable price. It was my sister’s first cruise and my 6th so I shared her excitement from the beginning and it did not disappoint. Check in was smooth and completed in less than 30 minutes. Much more relaxing than waiting about in an airport queue, we even had free magazines while we were sat waiting. Once on board we headed for lunch until our rooms were ready. The food in the Waterside restaurant was always varied and plentiful and we found the staff helpful at all times. Our room was very clean and we were well looked after by Leslie our stateroom attendant. In fact every time we returned we had folded towels..elephant, swans, and even balloons for my sister’s birthday. Leslie remembered to leave us fresh ice in the fridge each day and fresh milk for our tea. The food and service in the Cinnamon restaurant was mostly excellent, on one night service was a little slow but we were not in a rush so just enjoyed the conversation. Wine was well priced and good quality, in fact the drinks prices on P&O ships are more like English pub prices unlike some of the American ships. We were even allowed to bring our own drinks on board for a pre-dinner tipple while sitting out on the balcony
The shows were the best I have seen, even though I saw the boogie nights show on a previous cruise, still great entertainment.
There was something to suit all tastes from comedians, tribute acts, pub quizzes, discos and quiet piano bars. The variety is well thought out with something to suit most tastes.
OK, we had to queue to get off the ship in St Peter’s Port but it was a chance to chat with other guests, it was a party cruise after all. The great British sailaway was predictably cheesy but had to be done even though it was a bit blustery, all part of the experience. ON the last morning we were really sad to be leaving, we had been very well looked after and my sister reckons she will not be flying out for her holidays in future, she is hooked now and looking forward to her next cruise. My husband and myself are booked on the Oriana in July for a 12 night cruise to Iceland and although I am a little apprehensive about a smaller ship I am hopeful that P&O will still deliver a great experience for the affordable price they charge, a cost which is equivalent to a weeks self catering in Spain with no food included and no entertainment. They offer amazing value for money and I will definitely be sticking with P&O in the future