Ventura - Mini Cruise

I was lucky enough to travel on Ventura on one of her two night mini cruises. I had seen Ventura before when she was first launched. As she’ recently had a refit I was keen to see what had changed.

The whole embarkation process was easy and quick, so in no time at all we were on-board and found our balcony cabin on lido deck. On-board there are maps to help you navigate the ship, failing that there are plenty of staff on-hand to help. Our balcony cabin was spacious and well-appointed with everything you could need for two nights or two weeks.

Ventura is a large, modern, spacious ship, with lots to explore. She offers a wide range of bars, lounges, shops and eating venues.

We were on Freedom Dining so ate in the Cinnamon Restaurant. The food and service was very good. There was a great selection and we had no problem finding a table for two each evening.

Alongside the main dining rooms you could also eat in the more informal buffet area, The Waterside and Beach House. There is also the speciality restaurants - Marco Pierre White's The White House or Atul Kochhar's East - both carry a small cover charge.

The ship was full so there was a happy buzz and a great atmosphere during the evenings, particularly on the formal night.

Even though this was only a two night cruise, each evening offered a full entertainment program. There were full stage shows as well as various music styles and tribute bands to enjoy.

From late October Ventura will be in the Caribbean doing a series of fly cruises from Barbados with direct charter flights from UK airports. From April 2014 she will undertake a series of Mediterranean fly cruises from Venice or Genoa, again with direct charter flights from the UK.

Ventura has a younger sister Azura, which will also be in the Caribbean from late October. From April 2014 she will offer a range of cruises from Southampton.

If you like to know more about Ventura or Azura please do ask.