Cumbria Cruises Ventura Review
On Sunday 13 April 2008, Cumbria Cruises were proud to be part of the inaugraual celebrations for the newest Superliner designed for Britain, the magnificent Ventura
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The latest addition to the P&O Cruises fleet, Ventura, the Superliner Designed for Britain, stunned Cumbria Cruises staff with its innovation and modern design, when we visited her, berthed at the Mayflower Terminal in her Home Port of Southampton on 13 April 2008.
After a 7 hour journey from Barrow-in-Furness, the sight of the classic P&O yellow funnel area rising into the Southampton sky-line was a more than welcome sight. A flawlessly smooth embarkation procedure was just the first sign that our Ventura experience would be one to remember.
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The first aspect of the ship that stunned our staff were the well-appointed and spacious cabins, with contemporary designs in all aspects, from the Nick Munro designed tea and coffee facilities to the flat-screen television and large balcony. The storage facilities were more than enough to accommodate our evening wear, but it was apparent that there was plenty of space to take all the clothing needed for a 14 night, or more, voyage. |
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Not wanting to spend too long in our cabins, we all headed out to discover Ventura. There were several show cabins available, from a two berth inside to the two luxurious family suites, which by general consensus were the most impressive we have seen on a cruise ship. These incredible suites contain a separate sleeping are for up to four children, and even provide a private bathroom and separate door into the cabin. |
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Most impressive was the fact that the children would need to pass through the main cabin area to reach the balcony, an important feature for all safety conscious parents.
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Equally impressive was the rear of Sun Deck, which is given exclusively to children's facilities for all ages, the teen area (Decibels) contains video games, table football and air-hockey plus plenty of space for teenagers to chill out in a relaxed environment. For the big kids from Cumbria Cruises, however, our favourite area was by far the Toybox (designed for children aged 2-4), with a sheltered outdoor play area, ball-pit, colouring and drawing facilities, plus Noddy's play house!!! |
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After indulging ourselves in the play area we headed for a full and fantastic buffet in the Waterside, before exploring the myriad restaurants, bars and spa facilities to be found all over the 115,000 ton Superliner. In Metropolis we were amazed by the scrolling video-wall which provides city-scape and calming under-water scenes also. |
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Sophisticated decor and stunning menu's were the order of the day in Marco Pierre-White's elegant restaurant, the White Room, which we are sure, will become a firm favourite dining venue for all who are fortunate enough to cruise on Ventura.
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A quick change later and we were decked out in our finery, ballgowns and tuxedoes, for a champagne reception in the Atrium followed by a lavish Gala Dinner in the Cinnamon Restaurant. The food was simply stunning and in the perfect quantities too - the only disappointment was that soon the last course had been served and the meal was over! |
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Havana, the Cuban Themed Night-Club was the place to be in the evening; the Legends show included impersonators of Robbie Williams, Kylie, Elton John and more and was rapturously received by all. In the small hours the Waterside food court provided snacks and refreshments before we headed for our comfortable beds, well fed and watered, wondering when the next opportunity to explore a cruise ship so effortlessly elegant and fine in attention to detail would be. |
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Other Highlights:
Cirque Ventura will surely be a big highlight of any cruise, from the trampoline to the tight-rope; all the ingredients for a perfect Circus experience are there!
Arena is a cracking venue for shows and films. We enjoyed and informative presentation from P&O Cruises in it's sophisticated atmosphere.
East is a truly wonderful dining venue with sleek polished floors and a great selection of Asian cuisine. You can even watch the chef preparing your food in the open kitchen area.
The world's largest floating Scalextrix set will provide hours of fun for all budding Lewis Hamilton's, on 20 lap races round a classic oval circuit.
Three or four berth cabins have the additional berths stowed in the ceiling, as opposed to against the wall as a lot of cruise ships tend to do. This is a great concept and hides the additional bed beautifully.