Ventura October 2025

[Jan Rosser]

Currently on coach waiting to depart Southampton to Cardiff West services on the M4. Just been reading Foxy’s review of his Ambassador experience particularly noting the “is it adios P&O?” quote. I think from my experience on Ventura this past week a change is on the cards for me too - I’ll post a review after I get home.

[Onelife]

Currently on coach waiting to depart Southampton to Cardiff West services on the M4. Just been reading Foxy’s review of his Ambassador experience particularly noting the “is it adios P&O?” quote. I think from my experience on Ventura this past week a change is on the cards for me too - I’ll post a review after I get home.

Oh dear Jan, have a safe journey home.

[Ray B]

Look forward to your review Jan. We did not like the type of pasenger onboard Ventura during our cruise 15 months ago.
The language and behaviour was an eye opener.
Luckily Azura restored a bit of faith in P&O this last August.

[Whynd1]

It will be interesting to read your review Jan.

Take care
Lindsey

[oldbluefox]

Sorry to hear that Jan. We used to enjoy our holidays with P&O but the quality has been diluted and the behaviour of some of the new breed of cruisers left much to be desired. I felt sorry for the crew who had to cope and clear up after them. But this is P&O's target demographic to bring it into the 21st century.

[Stephen]

They can keep it as well.

[CaroleF]

Since returning from my Arcadia cruise in June I've been thinking about what next? I enjoyed my cruise, partly because it was the first reasonable length I'd taken since John died in 2020, and because there were aspects of the P&O I remember over the 30 or so cruises with them since 2003. However, some of these were because my sister-in-law and I shared a suite so things like the turn down service and the cabin serviced twice a day were still there. When I think back to those early cruises, mostly in mini suites on Oceana, the old Adonia, or suites in Azura or Ventura, then later on mini suites on Aurora. In these we used to get lots of trappings, amazing flower arrangements, even on a 3 night cruise, large packs of The White Company goodies, canapes every night (yes as the years went on the quality of these deteriorated compared to say Fred Olsen). We enjoyed the set dining and met some amazing people, silver service, well I'm not sure although it's traditional that plated isn't better as you don't have to wait for the potatoes and vegetables to be served to the whole table. I'm aware that these are all additional trappings, not necessary some would say for an enjoya

[barney]

I’ll be interested to read Jan’s views.

On our recent Azura cruise, someone was actually smoking on their balcony.
We could really smell it but couldn’t see where it was coming from.
I told an officer and he took it very seriously and letters were delivered to all cabins in the vicinity stressing the importance of not smoking.
It stopped from that day.

As I mentioned in my brief review, the type of passenger changed quite dramatically between week one and week two.

We have January booked and paid for, after that we are probably done with cruising.

We have a really upmarket land holiday booked for next year, so we’ll see how that goes. Have upgraded to Royal Level, adults only.

[Mervyn and Trish]

It was type of passengers on our last Azura cruise that made us start to think about moving on. To not beat about the bush, too many drunken yobs, of both sexist. Fortunately our family trip on Iona and the two of us on Aurora last year were better. But I think the next family trip on Arvia next year may be the last.

[Onelife]

It was type of passengers on our last Azura cruise that made us start to think about moving on. To not beat about the bush, too many drunken yobs, of both sexist. Fortunately our family trip on Iona and the two of us on Aurora last year were better. But I think the next family trip on Arvia next year may be the last.

Hi Sir Merv, do you think that cruise duration has any impact on the clientele/yobs it attracts.

Not that I have any reason to presume this but I would have thought longer duration cruises might have less of that yob culture onboard?

[Stephen]

To some extent.

On the other hand you will always get some with a Jekyll and Hyde personality who in normal life are pleasant as can be, but get on holiday and any pleasantries about them go out the window.

[oldbluefox]

That wasn't the case in our last couple of P&O cruises on Arvia and Azura. We don't go on holiday to see loutish behaviour and arguments over kids verging on a full scale punch up, no doubt fuelled by drink. The quality of what is being offered has deteriorated but the trend is very much away from the traditional cruiser even, it seems, on Aurora and Arcadia. It seems sad but this has been on the cards for a while as P&O look to attract families and a younger demographic. Not to worry, there are other options who are willing to provide a more traditional cruising experience.

[Stephen]

You obviously haven’t seen Merv after a few single malts.

[oldbluefox]

You obviously haven’t seen Merv after a few single malts.

I was taught to be cautious......

[Onelife]

Hi Foxy, I’ve just been reading reviews from different sources other than this forum and the majority are agreeing with your experience of cruising with P&O. I’m in the fortunate position that we don’t have a cruise booked until April 2027 and as such have the option of forfeiting £800 to save the other £8000 + spending money that we would be paying should we go through with this cruise. I’m hoping that the many bad reviews will filter back to P&O in order that they up their game, if however I am still reading the same kind of reviews come 2027, I shall cancel and stop cruising altogether…bearing in mind it has taken me ten years to convince my wife that she’ll enjoy another cruise… the chances are I won’t get another chance of convincing her again!

Reviews can be informative but can also be full of disappointment, especially for those new to cruising and even more so for those new to cruising but have already booked…so just for those in this position you will see your cruise through a fresh pair of eyes and the reviews you read are generally written through the eyes of seasoned cruisers who morn the loss of what cruising used to be like with P&O….Take heart, it will be a whole new experience for you and you will undoubtable enjoy your cruise….Enjoy!

If not blame Foxy

[Jan Rosser]

My recent trip on Ventura as I said yesterday was very disappointing for more than a few reasons. It began with the drive down by coach to Southampton on a day when the M4 was closed between two junctions for the weekend to replace a bridge - not a good start. We came off the M4 and drove down narrow roads bumper to bumper but the bonus was beautiful countryside and some amazing houses - they must have been mortified with the traffic! We arrived at Southampton over an hour later than usual - too late for lunch of course.

I had a balcony cabin on C deck - my son and his in-laws next to me - we had the steward open the doors between us. Lovely cabin steward very pleasant and efficient - “Sid” looked after us very well. There was no evening turndown or chocolate on the pillow which I must confess I don’t mind.

The cutbacks - little pots of jam and marmalade and butter - toast served by a waiter was a first for us - less waste I suppose. My son who has cruised now for 14 years against my over 25 has noticed a difference in standards but thought the food at dinner had improved. He didn’t experience bands playing and champagne fountains and streamers at departure but most of us have those memories and I’m glad I have them but P&O is not interested in our age group anymore as can be seen from the changes coming to Aurora and Arcadia. I know what it’s like to cruise in school holidays since I’ve travelled with my teacher son and daughter in law and it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. There are alternatives out there and we have been discussing them.

We ate in the Saffron dining room but I’m afraid we found the service slow at both breakfast and dinner. Breakfast service was particularly slow and we had to keep asking for more tea and coffee and when it did arrive it wasn’t hot - same with the cooked breakfast. I’d just had enough one day and spoke to one of the head waiters and simply stated what had happened and then we were approached by another head waiter who apologised for the service and from then on at each meal we were given 5* service.

The ports on the cruise were La Coruña, Gijon, Santander and La Rochelle. La Coruna was docked in the city - just a short stroll. We wandered around - had coffee and pastries in a little cafe in the back streets we found last time we were here and sat out on the balcony in the afternoon.

Gijon is a port we visited last time we did this cruise and we loved it particularly as it was a holy day and there was a procession in the streets. It is the home of my Luxembourgishe daughter in law’s family and my son and the family have spent a lot of time there - very little English spoken - definitely not a typical tourist stop. Imagine if you can opening the curtains walking out onto the balcony to be confronted by a huge pile of coal/lorries whizzing around and industrial units. The dockside was cordoned off and was filthy but people were rushing to get the shuttle buses - you know typical “let’s get on the first bus”. Gijon was way in the distance - a 30 minute drive. The organisation of the buses was shocking and couldn’t cope with the demands so we gave up. You can imagine the conversations around the ship later - Captain Turnbull apologised for the situation at the dock and the bus fiasco - said it was the port authorities decision where we were docked but even his attempts at humour fell flat. His wife and a couple of his children were on the ship with him - bet they wished they had stayed in his precious Derbyshire! One bonus at dinner that night was authentic food from Gijon - my son really enjoyed it.

It was a lovely sunny day in Santander - docked minutes from the city so we strolled in - had a coffee and came back for lunch. We had some lunches in the dining room particularly on sea days but did use the buffet a couple of times - food was okay but it was finding a table that was the most irritating.

Last port was La Rochelle and boy oh boy I thought Gijon was bad but this port was again industrial - awful. However the town itself was only about 15 minutes away and transport was really well organised - no waiting around for coaches. I’m not sure I’ve been there before but it was very quaint - old buildings and cobbled streets - lovely cup of coffee which incidentally was twice the price of a coffee in La Coruna - well it it is in France!

We went to a few Headliner’s shows in the theatre - all seen before except a new magic show by Stephen Mulhern which had a “mind blowing trick” at the end - well that’s what he told us anyway. We usually went up to Metropolis for a drink and a game of cards after dinner if we opted out of a show. One night the Ventura orchestra played up there and a lady pianist/singer performed another night.

We unexpectedly had two formal nights despite the personaliser saying one so I had to wear a dress twice - I know shock horror - I’ve got a flippin cruise wardrobe at home full of dresses . The dress code was compulsory in the Saffron dining room and the Epicurean plus the Metropolis bar but we did see a few let in who definitely weren’t in formal wear.

If you’re still with me or haven’t fallen asleep - well done - not much more for me to moan about.

It was Halloween on Friday night and oh my word I have never seen so many people dressed up and they had this witch outside the restaurant which lit up and cackled! I’m very bah humbug about this American tradition. There were far more adults than children in costumes - it was unbelievable the trouble they’d gone to - they must have spent an hour taking the makeup off before bed.

And so I arrived home yesterday after an uneventful drive - no bridges being rebuilt - no drives along narrow roads - the house had survived without me and the grass had grown in fact the garden looked pretty. One thing the cruise couldn’t spoil was the pleasure I had spending time with my family but it may well be on a different cruise line next time which they are in full agreement with.

It’s been very useful reading about experiences members of the forum have had on different cruise lines - it seems we are all getting disillusioned with P&O.

Just noticed Barney’s remark about smoking on the balconies. We could smell smoke quite strongly one day and I very pointedly looked at the balconies above and below and remarked - loudly - that I was going to ring reception - I didn’t actually ring but didn’t smell it again or I would have.

Apologies I’ve rambled on - always good to get it all out

[Ray B]

Such a shame your cruise had issues which took the edge of the enjoyment.
A year last August on Ventura we found a cigarette but on my daughters balcony. We reported it and and officer and deck manager came to inspect it,still where it landed. Same as your experience, letters were sent out, the officer was not happy knowing it had been thrown from above, we were on deck 10.
Most of us have fond memories of what a great cruise you would get with P&O. But the way they are taking the cruise line,it will not be long before it becomes no more than what a cheap Costa bucket and spade brigade holiday use to be.
It saddens me in a way because we had had absolutely many fantastic cruises and memories. A cruise is supposed to be just a bit of a luxurious time which you experience good food and company and visit wonderful places.
Hopefully your next cruise will restore your faith in cruising again Jan.
I will say that we did enjoy Azura in August.

[Onelife]

Hi Jan, not sure if it’s just because you are a really nice lady, but having read your previous post I was expecting far worse to come out of your review.

Nice review Jan, much better than foxy’s

[oldbluefox]

Thank you for your cruise report Jan and congratulations on writing the forum's longest report!!!
Actually it was a good warts and all read. Shame about the delightful docks you visited. They reminded me of the port in St Petersburg before the new one when you were kept awake all night by scrap iron being loaded onto ships. I suppose they did try to make up for it with a little Russian combo playing on the dockside at 7.00 in the morning!!!

[towny44]

I am actually in agreement with Onelife Jan, your review was nowhere near as grim as I expected.
We are rarely early enough for breakfast in the MDR, but the last time we were, we found the service was slow, even on a table for 2, however you seemed to resolve this after bringing it to the head waiters attention.
Most of your other complaints seem to involve off ship issues, which probably P&O are unable to control.
Pauline and I are more than happy with the last few P&O cruises we have done on Iona, in fact Iona is now our favourite ship, mainly because it is so accessible, and with all the extra included restaurants and entertainment venues.
Sorry that you find P&O no longer appeals to you, and I hope you can find another cruise line that does.

[Jan Rosser]

I am actually in agreement with Onelife Jan, your review was nowhere near as grim as I expected.
We are rarely early enough for breakfast in the MDR, but the last time we were, we found the service was slow, even on a table for 2, however you seemed to resolve this after bringing it to the head waiters attention.
Most of your other complaints seem to involve off ship issues, which probably P&O are unable to control.
Pauline and I are more than happy with the last few P&O cruises we have done on Iona, in fact Iona is now our favourite ship, mainly because it is so accessible, and with all the extra included restaurants and entertainment venues.
Sorry that you find P&O no longer appeals to you, and I hope you can find another cruise line that does.

I must admit John that I do like Iona too - its size doesn’t bother me and in June there were fewer children. I like the layout and considering it holds so many passengers I feel it’s pretty spacious and its newness makes Ventura seem quite shabby. I was on Iona in June during its Fjords season and enjoyed it particularly the food venues. My son has always liked Aurora but hasn’t sailed on her since it became adult only - my youngest grandchild is now 18 but I can’t imagine she’d want to cruise with us oldies now anyway. I’m considering all the options before I book another cruise but certainly will be giving the coast of northern Spain a miss!

[Stephen]

Enjoyed your review Jan. Good for you for speaking up.

[Jan Rosser]

Just reading replies this morning and John commented it wasn’t as “grim” as he thought - more worryingly he agreed with Onelife

Well I realised looking at my review I didn’t mention the blocked toilet in my cabin which occurred early in the week. Probably my mind trying to forget the experience The loo wouldn’t flush early one morning so I rang reception, told Sid the cabin steward and waited and waited. I rang three times went to reception twice and by 3’ish in the afternoon I became the passenger from hell - I could have used my son’s loo but chose to go down to deck 6 and walk past reception catching the eye of the receptionist who I’d spoken to. I didn’t need to be told how the toilet system works or that there was only one plumber out of 4 on duty and he was working his way down the decks but when she mentioned he was on deck 12 I thought is she fobbing me off again so I went up to check and found him. He had me on his list but came down with me straightaway and sorted it out. With 1500 newbies on board goodness knows what the blockage was despite signs everywhere!

[Stephen]

A woman after my own heart Jan. Take no prisoners.

[oldbluefox]

It's clear John's got no class. As for Onelife, enough said