After a slick passage through covid testing, check in and boarding we enjoyed an excellent welcome-aboard lunch (for higher loyalty tiers) and were unpacked and settled in no time.
We know Ventura very well so no need for exploring.
Throughout the cruise season were calm to moderate, the Bay behaved very kindly but the weather was not so generous! Whilst Britain basked in unseasonably warm sunshine what showers and cool breezes with a few exceptions, notably Lanzarote and Madeira.
The food – we ate mostly in the main dining rooms – was fine, less choice than usual and repetitions which is not the normal.
There were always several vegetarian and one vegan choice available perhaps at the cost of others.
The usual always available except caesar salad which was missed! Can’t say we considered Hot Pot to be a meal of choice for a formal night but we found an acceptable alternative.
The theatre entertainment was very good, better than some of late, notably Peter Howarth (Hollies), Neil Lockwood (ELO Mark II), the Flyrights, not so impressed with the current Pulse line up and, unfortunately, the only Headliners show we went to, Astonishing, was stopped part way through due to a technical fault.
It was repeated one afternoon but we were busy elsewhere.
As is the norm with P&O, the staff were exemplary, they truly are magnificent, friendly, hard working und always polite.
Just wish we could see their smiling faces under the masks.
As for masks, they were worn whenever moving around and in the theatre, not a huge problem and very well observed by all passengers.
Overall we thoroughly enjoyed our cruise and are counting the days to the next one!