So nice to have a classic cruise instead of the hard sell, glitzy, quantity over quality that other companies seem to be providing now. Embarkation was seemless and from leaving our hotel to sitting in the buffet on board took just 45 minutes . Ventura is comfortable, clean with great food and lovely staff. We enjoyed the ships excursions we took in Gibraltar and Valencia although the guide in Valencia had poor English. We thought they were reasonably priced. The buffet was probably our only disappointment on the Ventura. It is far too small and cramped with little choice but there are always other options. The food in the main dining room was excellent. Always hot and delicious and served with a smile. The extra charge meal in Epicurean was on another level. Well worth the small extra cost. The cabins were clean and comfortable. The beds were great and we slept well. Not too keen on the old fashioned shower curtain in the bathroom but the toiletries provided were good quality . Overall we had an excellent cruise on a lovely ship.