Overview
Holidaying on Ventura.
There’s always something happening on Ventura, enjoy delicious fine dining, a tranquil spa, many quiet spaces to unwind, great sports facilities and four pools. Evenings are particularly memorable, with the lavish two-deck theatre where you’ll witness elaborate shows and stand-up comedy.
Inside Cabin:
Air-conditioned, mirrored, inside cabins have two lower beds that are convertible to a queen-size bed with wardrobe and drawer space. The bathroom has a shower, or shower over bath, and WC plus a hairdryer.
There is a vanity/writing desk, and interactive TV System for your enjoyment, plus a radio, telephone, safe and tea and coffee making facilities.
On arrival you will be offered Mineral water and a Luxurious pamper pack.
Outside Cabin:
Air-conditioned outside cabins have two lower beds that are convertible to a queen-size bed with wardrobe and drawer space. The bathroom has a shower, or shower over bath, and WC plus a hairdryer.
There is a vanity/writing desk, and interactive TV System for your enjoyment, plus a radio, telephone, safe and tea and coffee making facilities. Outside cabins may have a window or portholes.
On arrival you will be offered Mineral water and a Luxurious pamper pack.
Balcony Cabin:
Fully air-conditioned balcony cabins enjoy two lower beds convertible to queen-size bed. Bathrooms boast a bath with shower or shower, sink, and WC. Additionally there is a hairdryer.
There is a chair and table, a flat screen interactive TV, plus radio and telephone, writing desk, refrigerator and tea/coffee making facilities. There is also a safe. Floor to ceiling sliding glass doors lead to your balcony with recliner chairs and table.
Balcony cabins include mineral water and pamper pack on arrival.
Dining:
Great memories are on the menu on board Ventura. Enjoy three main restaurants offering a choice of Club Dining - the same table at the same time each evening - or Freedom Dining with no fixed seating or dining times.
There’s also the opportunity to visit the Select Dining venues of Sindhu, the first restaurant at sea from master of spices Atul Kochhar; The Epicurean, where a sense of occasion is always on the menu; and The Glass House, a wine bar and restaurant created in partnership with award-winning wine guru Olly Smith.
Main Dining Options:
Freedom Dining at Saffron & Cinnamon Restaurant
Like to escape the usual routine on holiday? Then you’ll love the flexibility of Freedom Dining. Opt for an early dinner one night and a late supper the next; you can shape each day as you please.
With Freedom Dining you'll still enjoy the special ambience and sociable atmosphere of a main dining room, with a five-course menu (six-course on Gala Nights). The difference from Club Dining is that this option allows you the flexibility to turn up at selected restaurants anytime you choose between 6pm and 9.30pm, with whoever you like, and every effort will be made to accommodate you. Freedom Dining is included in your fare. Book Select Price to specifically select your dining option.
Club Dining in the Bay Tree Restaurant
Choose a particular Club Dining seating and you’ll dine at the same time and table each night and enjoy the same company. It’s the way many a friendship has been made on board.
With Club Dining you'll enjoy the special ambience and sociable atmosphere of the main dining room, and a five-course menu (six-course on Gala Nights). This style of dining is a wonderful way to share your holiday experiences and meet new friends.
By choosing Club Dining you’re opting for the cruising tradition of set sitting times. The same table will be reserved for you and your table companions every night for first or second sitting, at 6.30pm or 8.30pm. You can request your preferred sitting when you book a Select Price and we’ll inform you of your table number and sitting with a card in your cabin when we welcome you on board.
Classic English Afternoon tea served on board daily
Treat yourself to a classic English afternoon tea, served daily in the main restaurants. You can enjoy a selection of finger sandwiches, delicious cakes and of course the all important scone topped with clotted cream and jam, all served alongside a pot of tea or coffee.
Casual Dining Options:
Waterside
At P&O Cruises, we believe great holidays should be all about choice and freedom. No matter what time of day it is, if you fancy a good meal you'll always get one on board Ventura. Our main self-service restaurant offers high quality dining throughout the day in a relaxed, informal environment. So if you've just returned to the ship after a shore excursion and have worked up a late afternoon appetite you can still enjoy a great meal.
Dine around the clock - Late night snacks are available from buffet restaurants between 10pm and 6am. The menu for these late night buffet options changes each day however, examples may include: self-service sandwich bar, ready-made paninis, homemade cakes, biscuits and pastries.
Peckish by the pool?
All that swimming and lounging can be hungry work, but there's plenty of complimentary poolside snacks to choose from...
Poolside grill - Enjoy self-service burgers, hot dogs, chicken and chips.
Poolside pizzeria - serving freshly-made pizzas.
Poolside icecream - serving a range of ice creams, sundaes and milkshakes. (Please note these are charged at an additional cost)
Enjoy room service in your comfy cabin
You can order breakfast, lunch, snacks and dinner straight to your cabin.
Select Dining Options: Payable.
Eric Lanlard's afternoon tea at The Epicurian
For the ultimate indulgence, The Epicurean’s sensational afternoon tea simply has to be experienced. And as you’d expect from the imagination of Master Pâtissier Eric Lanlard, there are some delicious surprises waiting to plucked from each tempting cake stand. Prepare yourself for the likes of edible Earl Grey perfumes, savoury gruyère cheese éclairs with brie, rocket and red onion marmalade, and exotic pop cones topped with orange blossom Persian candy floss. Eric’s unique twist on this classic British institution elevates the humble afternoon tea into something utterly decadent!
The Epicurean
A sense of occasion is permanently on the menu at The Epicurean. Here you will find a selection of much loved classic dishes. It's all about taking the finest British ingredients - fresh, seasonal and all thoughtfully sourced by our team of Executive Chefs - and presenting them with great skill to achieve maximum flavour. Expect the finest cuts of organically-reared meat, and the best seafood and fish British shores have to offer.
Sindhu Atul's restaurant, Sindhu
Sindhu will showcase an elegant fusion of Indian and British cuisine featuring sublime flavours. Enjoy a menu inspired by Atul Kochhar. His Soft Shell Crab and Squid Salad in particular is sure to be a favourite. Guests will also be able to order from a lighter menu for a more informal bite to eat, or sample one of Atul's exotic cocktails from the equally chic bar.
The Glass House
If you enjoy a glass of wine with your meal you'll want to visit The Glass House.
On the venue's signature menu, every course will come with the option of a different glass of wine, expertly matched by our expert, Olly Smith. With a handsomely stocked wine cellar and mouth-watering daytime and evening menus, The Glass House will be a relaxed, informal haven of good food and fine wine. What's more, selected bottles will be available by the glass, so there's no need to order the whole bottle to sample a particular vintage.
The Beach House
The Beach House transforms into a chilled out grill at night. Informal, fun and full of fantastic flavours.
The Beach House offers an experience that can’t be found anywhere else on board. The menu features ingredients from across the globe alongside regional speciality dishes such as Cuban Pulled Pork and American Baby Back Ribs. You can even cook your own Fillet of Beef on our speciality Lava Rocks. With only a small cover charge, dining here represents exceptional value for money (and your taste buds will definitely thank you!). An additional supplement applies to selected items.
Entertainment
Arena theatre
Ventura's two-tier theatre is located forward on Deck 7.
West End-style shows and cabaret light up her technologically advanced stage, but you can also enjoy talks and watch films on the big screen in this venue.
Tamarind club
The rich fabrics and colours of the Indian subcontinent provide the inspiration for Ventura's Tamarind Club on Deck 7.
Imperial and exotic touches will combine to create an element of escapism and opulence. A wonderful setting for comedy and live music, this venue will provide a memorable night. Listening to the comedians centre stage, you can soak up the jovial atmosphere and revel in great company and entertainment.
During the day in this venue you can enjoy enrichment lectures and port lectures.
Havana
Visit Havana, Ventura's Cuban themed nightclub, for all the passion and exuberance of Latin America.
This venue will be found on Deck 7 aft. This will be the place to party into the night. With a stage and dance floor you might dance to a live band or DJ, take part in some karaoke, or enjoy some late night cabaret. This vibrant venue will get livelier as the night progresses. Order a mojito, let your hair down and get your feet moving to those salsa rhythms.
Fortunes casino
Love the sense of excitement as the roulette wheel spins? If so, pay Fortunes Casino a visit.
The flashing lights of the slot machines and the suspense of blackjack beckons, as does a great night out.
The Exchange bar has been integrated into the area to create a lively entertainment venue that's perfect whether you simply want to soak up the atmosphere over a drink or enjoy the casino.
Things to do
Sea day activities
With a range of activities taking place throughout the day, you’ll struggle to fit everything in. Take a look below for some examples of activities you could enjoy on board...
Dance classes - Take place on all cruises with 7 or more days at sea which are hosted by coupled dance instructors. A variety of complimentary dance lessons are available with the main type of dance offered being ballroom and Latin. It may be possible to arrange 1 to 1 tuition; any charges generated from this would be at the instructor's discretion. Everyone is welcome regardless of experience.
Guest speakers - will be on board cruises of 7 nights or more (if over 20 night duration - 2 speakers share the cruise)
Deck quoits - however this is weather dependent.
Shuffleboard - however this is weather dependent.
Watercolour art - classes take place on all cruises with 6 or more days at sea. Art materials can be purchased on board or you may bring your own art materials to participate in the classes.
The Library
Enjoy Ventura's complimentary library with a good selection of books, jigsaws, magazines, CDs and DVDs available to borrow.
Just check your daily Horizon newspaper for the library opening times. Also in the library you will find the stations where you can use the internet; these are open 24 hours a day. Assistance is available at various times throughout the day and evening.
Art gallery
Ventura houses an impressive art collection.
Whitewall Galleries on board Ventura offers unparalleled inspiration in the Atrium at the heart of the ship. Whether you are buying your first limited edition, expanding an existing collection of original paintings or simply browsing our latest selection of exclusive artwork the gallery offers the perfect environment in which to make your choice. Representing a phenomenal portfolio of fine artists, Whitewall showcases international names and award winners such as Jack Vettriano, Sherree Valentine Daines, Doug Hyde and Philip Gray, to the most exceptional new talents from the international contemporary scene. The gallery is continually sourcing new artists and artwork from around the world to ensure that the gallery walls on board remain fresh, cutting edge and exciting, and enhance your on-board experience.
Our new Interactive Gallery will take you on an artistic journey and let you browse through our eclectic portfolio, view our new releases, and register to receive artist news, catalogues and exclusive exhibition invitations held across the UK. You can even request that a member of the team contacts you while you are on board so that you can meet up to discuss how contemporary art can impact your life and your home. Enjoy our Interactive Gallery as you discover the virtual wonders of Whitewall Galleries, 24 hours a day.
Shopping
What will catch your eye? A designer scent, a new handbag or dress, or perhaps some new jewellery for formal night?
Shops you can enjoy on board Ventura
Eternity - a jewellery store offering designer high end jewellery including our range of Pandora Jewellery and watches.
Essence - perfumes, fine fragrances and designer scents.
Emporium - home to duty free liquor and tobacco.
Holiday Essential Store - has everything you may need whilst on holiday from sweets and snacks to souvenirs and toiletries and other holiday essentials such as batteries and sun lotion.
The Wardrobe - offers a wide selection of every day clothing and well known fashion brands for both men and women.
Regalia - offering souvenirs, clothing, beach wear, toys and games.
Life by the pool
Enjoy a leisurely dip in the pool or simply relax on deck and soak up the sun on one of our sun loungers.
Oasis pool - endless pool exclusively for adults that has a current which you can swim against. There is no need to book as the pool can be accessed from the Sun deck - 1 metre to 1.8 metres depth. 9.5 metres long x 6 metres wide. Located on Sun Deck. Has eight steps into the water.
Laguna pool - outdoor pool, 1.6 metres to 2.2 metres depth. 11 metres long x 4.6 metres wide. Located on Lido Deck. Has one ladder with seven steps.
Beechcomber pool - Indoor/outdoor pool with retractable roof. 1.6 metres to 2.2 metres depth. 10.5 metres long x 4.6 metres wide. Located on Lido Deck. Has one ladder with seven steps.
Terrace pool - outdoor pool, 1.7 metres deep. Located on Riviera Deck. Has seven steps into the water.
Plunge pool - children's pool, 1.1 metres deep. Located on Sun Deck. Has one ladder with four steps.
Splash pool - children's pool, 0.25 metres deep. Located on Sun Deck. Has one ladder with one step.
Whirlpool spas - enjoy six whirlpool spas in total, two located by each of Oasis pool, Beachcombe pool and Laguna pool.
Sports
Head to Cirque deck for the sports court and golf nets.
Sports you can enjoy playing on Ventura are;
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Basketball
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Darts
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Football
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Table tennis
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Deck tennis
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Golf nets
Kids' clubs
Rock up to The Reef! With age-specific clubs, a night nursery, a boatload of activities and enthusiastic Reef Rangers on hand, The Reef is the place to be for under 18s. Our exciting free on-board programme for 2–17 year olds is called The Reef. Split into four age groups, there are a whole host of exciting activities organised daily by our enthusiastic and well qualified Reef Rangers, to keep children of all ages entertained safely throughout the day and evening, and to ensure that they have the chance to make friends of their own age. We really have thought of everything, so why not let us take the stress out of family holidays.
Age groups are:
Splashers 2-4 year olds - Qualified youth staff provide a full programme of age-specific activities.
Surfers 5-8 year olds - Qualified Reef Rangers provide activities, adventure, games and sport coaching sessions.
Scubas 9-12 year olds - Children this age can either join in the organised games with the specialist Reef Rangers or simply hang out with friends in the chill out areas.
H20 13-17 year olds - Children have their own room to chill out, watch movies, play games or participate in coaching sessions, talent shows and parties.
Family pools
Get ready for some family fun on deck
Ventura family-friendly pools are:
Laguna pool - outdoor pool, 1.6 metres to 2.2 metres depth. 11 metres long x 4.6 metres wide. Located on Lido Deck. Has 1 ladder with 7 steps.
Beechcomber pool - Indoor/outdoor pool with retractable roof. 1.6 metres to 2.2 metres depth. 10.5 metres long x 4.6 metres wide. Located on Lido Deck. Has one ladder with seven steps.
Terrace pool - outdoor pool, 1.7 metres deep. Located on Riviera Deck. Has seven steps into the water.
Plunge pool - children's pool, 1.1 metres deep. Located on Sun Deck. Has one ladder with four steps.
Splash pool - children's pool, 0.25 metres deep. Located on Sun Deck. Has one ladder with one step.
Sun loungers - there are a number of sun loungers on deck if you want to sit back and relax while the kids enjoy the pool.
Stay Connected
More flexible. More focused. Always-on satellite internet It’s great being able to stay in touch with loved ones back home while you’re away with us. This is why our satellite internet service is easy to access and tailored to how you like to use the internet. Our satellite internet puts you in complete control of the services you use, with a connection that’s available 24/7*. There are three packages to choose from, alongside Pay As You Go:
The Connect Package
£6.75 per 24 hours with a full Cruise Plan. £7.75 for a single 24 hour period. Stay in touch with family and friends. Includes internet messaging and social media.
The Browse Package
£10 per 24 hours with a full Cruise Plan. £12.50 for a single 24 hour period. Browse the internet as you would usually, (with the exception of video streaming) plus email and social networks. Includes web browsing, email, internet messaging and social media.
The Works
£20 per 24 hours with a full Cruise Plan. £24.95 for a single 24 hour period. Stream YouTube, Spotify and Apply Music, video call, browse, email and share via social networks. Includes YouTube, Spotify and Apple Music streaming services, web browsing, internet messaging, email and social media.
Pay As You Go
65p per minute. A flexible alternative to a 24 hour package. (To help keep an eye on costs, we’ll automatically log you out after 30 minutes).
*Satellite reception permitting. Due to limitations with satellite bandwidth, video streaming may be blocked. Other sites may also be blocked for excessive bandwidth consumption or the types of content offered.
