Ventura – Cruise Ship Review

Date: 18 May 2016

Reason for being on board: CLIA conference 2016

Who are you? Francesca from Ocean World Travel

Name of the ship: Ventura

Cruise line: P&O Cruises

Ventura ship review: dining with Marco Pierre White

Food: the food was simply divine, every mouthful was full of flavour. I must say that during my ship visit our lunch was prepared by Marco Pierre White, one of the Michelin star rated chefs who occasionally cooks onboard P&O Cruises. Here are the dishes I tried:

• Starter: I had a cold appetizer composed of different fish, a simple but really effective dish.

• First course: I went for the vegetarian option a big ravioli filled with mushroom on a base of spinach, the ravioli was accompanied by a creamy sauce, asparagus and a quail egg. I was really impressed with this dish, all the ingredients worked really well together and the ravioli was lovely.

My raviolo in a sauce

Beef: another dish on the menu

• Dessert: apple pie, a classical deliciously made.

I had also the chance to talk to Marco Pierre White as there was a photo contest onboard and I won one of the prizes, he seemed like a really genuine person.

Entertainment: I had the chance to attend a classical musical featuring energetic rock music and talented dancers. The performance was admirable and everyone enjoyed it.

SPA

Specialty restaurant

Wine dispenser

Facilities: the facilities are good and functional, there are various swimming pools and restaurants, also there are numerous venues for entertainment onboard. I was also pleasantly surprised by the amount of beautiful artwork.

Artworks

The gym

Outdoor pool

Nursery

Kids’ space

Kids’ toys

Type of décor: the décor is rather traditional, very neutral. It might be considered too beige and plain, yet overall it is nice.

Staircase

Deck

Courtesy of the staff: very good. Members of staff have been helpful and very smiley with us.

What did you like the most of this ship?
The really useful indoor pool and whirlpools have a retractable roof for when the sun comes out. The atmosphere in there was very relaxed and the temperature was pleasant, an ideal space for when the sun is not shining.

What did you like the least of this ship?

Some spaces of the ship feel a little tired and dated.

SHIP STATS

• CREW MEMBERS 1,220
• PASSENGER CAPACITY 3,192
• NUMBER OF CABINS 1,546
• ENTERED SERVICE April 2008
• GROSS TONS 116,017

More information on Ventura...

This is the picture that made me win a two night cruise!