Very disappointing

Will not be recommending P&O cruises and will not be returning myself! Very disappointing.

I recently went on P&O Ventura Cruise UK Southampton Departure: 7 Nights.

I was very disappointed in the food and service.

Food was of very poor quality and standard, from cold, over cooked and hard!

The service in all catering and bar areas was appalling.

When we arrived at the terminal we were asked if we had checked in.

We then were told we needed to purchase a drinks package card: after looking into what package was right for us. We then decide to go for the basic package, to then be told if we took this package we would need to pay for water at £2 per glass on top of the package. Plus tea and coffee at £3.35.
Considering we drink a lot of water when it is hot weather we then decided to upgrade to the next level of drinks package jumping from £10.95 to £24.95 (alcohol free)

Food: three cramped buffet areas all serving the same food! All the food was tepid, either over or undercooked.
Water, Tea & Coffee FREE!!! ( didn’t need to update drinks package)

Saffron & Cinnamon restaurant
Both serving that same food with one or two changed all week! Food was mean portion sizes of appalling quality. Cramped in seating area, could not have a conversation without the next table being able to hear.

Pool area : all ice cream had to be paid for at £2.35.
Pizza and Bar & Grill was not worth the long queues.

Tried to be fair in our decision and eat at different places throughout the boat, went to the Epicurean for dinner where we had to pay an extra £30 per head. With good service, with mediocre food. Trying to pull off a standard of food that they could not meet. For example – the Amuse-bouche could only be described as a warm creamy/milk, substance, with a mango flavour. Again trying afternoon tea at the same establishment. Charged at £17.50 PH It is obvious that whoever set up and organises afternoon has never had tea at the Savoy let alone a garden centre.

No evening entertainment for 25-30. If you are lucky to find something you may like, be prepared to stand.

Having cruised with other companies it is very apparent what P & O stands for “penny pinching and over rated.”