Ventura Review

Cruising Cacophony!

Review for the Caribbean Cruise on Ventura
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Altaj Maroj
10+ Cruises • Age 70s

Rating by category

Cabin
Value for Money
Embarkation
Dining
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Entertainment
Fitness & Recreation
Service

Additional details

Sail Date: Feb 2019

We try to get away from the UK winter weather and, having sailed twice before on the Oriana on similar itineraries, we like the US ports, and although not great fans of the Caribbean islands, at least they're warm. We find the P&O service, dining and entertainment entirely adequate and sometimes exceptional and had no qualms about booking Ventura as a cruise of this length was likely to be child free and full of retired couples like ourselves. Unfortunately however, there was discordant modern "party" piped music played continually at a significant volume in all bars, lounges and public areas of the ship including around both top pools - the only quiet area was our cabin - it was impossible to relax, read or chat quietly to fellow passengers. Why on earth do P&O think that passengers in their 70s & 80s would want "shouty party" music for teens/ twenties blasted in their ears 24/7?

The westbound crossing was a bit "bumpy" with the ship frequently noticeably heeled over due to a cross wind acting on the huge superstructure, not a problem for us, but not ideal.

We enjoyed most ports, even in the rain in New Orleans, but found Key West, St Lucia and St Martin very overcrowded - St Martin had 7 huge cruise ships in port - around 25,000 people!

Cabin Review

Cabin Balcony twin with shower.

Cabin was quiet, clean and tidy and mostly in good condition although the shower tray was cracking.

Port Reviews

Freeport

Oh dear! Not possible to easily access anywhere out of the port and immediate port area full of tat shops and loud bars.

New Orleans

Have visited many times before and done many excursions - great atmosphere / bands in the French Quarter and decent shopping at the port. Shame about the low temp / rain.

Port Canaveral (Orlando)

Have previously gone to Space Centre and Orlando theme parks several times, so lately we go to the Meritt Island Mall - there's nowhere like the USA for clothes for tall men and bargains for the wife!

St. Maarten

Hideously overcrowded, shops all selling the same "duty free" goods. Wifi charged for and swamped.

St. Lucia

Not a fan of St Lucia and this time more crowded. Am a fan of rum however and visited distillery to stock up on favourites.

Barbados

Done some good tours here in the past, so we just walked in Bridgetown. Port area also hideously overcrowded, wifi swamped and even more unpleasant music than on the ship!

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