The Grand Event

The cruise I am reviewing was on the 3rd July 2012, my Husband and myself sailed on the Ventura (2nd time that year so were looking forward to going back on her ) and we were not dissapointed ..it was a cruise that we shall never forget.. It was called The Grand Event which saw all P&O,s 7 ships sailing away from Southampton together to mark the 175th Anniversary of the start of the P&O cruise line.
As we sailed down Southampton Waters from our berth at The Mayflower dock ,Ventura was the 2nd ship out following Adonia then behind us came Arcadia, Aurora,Oriana,Azura and Oceana. As each ship passed a barge a fantastic firework display occured as if by magic.. Princess Anne was on board THU Patricia to take the salute as each ship passed by.. The weather was very wet and misty and the Red Arrows fly past had to be cancelled a great dissapointment but obviously their safety came first and off we sailed on our merry way each Ship going off to its own destinations..our first stop was to be Malaga.. I say our merry way as along with flag waving to all the people lining the shore watching this wonderful spectical (they must have been so cold and wet) to the singing of patriotic songs ,drinks general merriment and anticipation of a very special cruise. it was a spectacular sight to look back and see the other ships following us albeit through the mist but that made it all the more surreal and the Photografic team took some stunning photos.Just to mention we also visited Corfu, Dubrovnik, Venice (an enjoyable trip to the Murano Glass factory and a trip on a Gondola around the canals here.) Split, Palma,Lisbon and Vigo also great sea days were we took part in whatever entertainments was put on
for us or just sitting on deck sipping a wine and watching the “Sea go by” and having a rest which we needed after the many memorable Sailaways that the Entertainments team organised .One that stands out was Captain Paul Brown strutting his stuff and putting the team to shame with his dancing ..reading a recent review for New Year 2014 he is still doing it..as the song goes ” What would I be if not upon the Sea ” the answer in Pauls case is obviuos..he needs to enter Come Dancing..Well as I keep saying it was an unforgetable cruise and is talked about on many cruises since ,,what ship did you sail on etc.. and all the time, headaches put into arranging of everything, a different route was sent to us and we got onto Ventura without a hitch..from the background Staff ..the Staff on board who as usual all fanastic no problem too much trouble for them, Cabin spotless as is normal and if anything is wrong is always sorted out quickly and efficiently Cabin Staff polite,courteous always on hand but unobstrusive The Saffron Resturant put on superb dining experiencies with a few special events…Winter P&O in the East…India Ceylon Straits China Japan Australia with the menus representing the various countries foods and The Grand Event Heritage Dinner.. Passengers with special needs diets are always well catered for ,,as I am myself a Vegitarian I have always been more than happy with my chioce of meal whichever P&O ship we have sailed on. Before we reluctantly left the cruise as well as the cruise log,, copies of all the special Menus a book copy of P&O Celebrating 175 years was also given to everyone..Anyway enough of our special memories time to make some of your own..we have mostly cruised on P&O andwill continue to do so “well done everyone” not only on that one memorable cruise but each and every ship that sails with P&O “KEEP ON CRUISING”in a safe and happy envirornment…