We were lucky enough to have our names drawn out of a hat to go an have a nosey around the new P&O Cruise Ship, MS Ventura today. She was fab (and seriously thinking about booking another hols!).
Mum and Dad are seasoned "cruisers", taking two if not three cruises a year with P&O ... but were left disappointed when they found out they weren't going to be treated to the pre-launch tour so we needed to report back!!
She did not disappoint!! They have still retained the 1st and 2nd Sitting Dining at two restaurants, but this ship offers freedom dining so you're not tied into set evening meal times which would work so much better for us with Callum to consider. There's a Marco Pierre White restaurant on board (£30 per head extra) plus a whole host of other dining including a Spanish Tapas style bar/restaurant and an Oriental restaurant. Plus the usual 24 hour dining facilities should you be awake at 3am!!
The 700+ seater theatre was stunning - just hope the entertainment crew can perform.
The only strange thing we found is that this ship is designed for family cruising ... but there are only two cabins that can sleep a family of 5 or more??? If my bro and his tribe ever decide to cruise again, they will need this option and there are no adjoining cabins on this cruise ship (they will either need to be very lucky when they book or persuade Granny and Grandad to go with them and let them have two kids sleep in their cabin!!)
The twin cabins did seem a little on the small side (just enough room to squeeze around the foot of the bed) and a very small seating area but the Junior mini-suites looked a little bit more spacious.
I must confess we did look on-line tonight at cruise availability and the only cabins that were available were those with pull down bunk beds for the kids. I know Callum (and most other 2/3 year olds) would fall out (he fell off a mattress on the floor a couple of weeks back, so at the mo, would not be happy with him sleeping 4 foot high - he'd break his arm at the very least).
Anyway, can very easily see my parents in a "Suite" on Ventura. Very plush cabin with separate sleeping and seating areas, very posh bathroom (with shower and bath!) and dressing area. Oh and the balcony had table chairs and sun lounger Lovely!!
Plenty of pool areas on board (including one in the Spa area that you can swim against a current!) The Beachcomber Pool (in photo below) looked very reminiscent of the Crystal Pool on Aurora, but I think the Terrace Pool gets our vote again. With it's outlook on the wake of the ship, it's one of the best views on the boat.
Oh, and a good job Ventura was staying in port during the tour. Today is the anniversary of the sinking of Titanic!
The kids had a real treat in store today - a visit to the Fire Station to see the fire engines and firemen close up. When we arrived all the engines were out on call, but two arrived back a few seconds later.
We saw the training tower and house (still smoking from an earlier exercise). And yes, they do still use a pole, although H&S are trying to get them banned. Given that these guys are putting their life on the line going into burning buildings for a living - which is more dangerous???
