P&O Ventura – A Wonderful Cruise Experience
Our first time on one of the medium size P&O ships...
Embarkation at Southampton was seamless, and before long we were settling into our cabins and exploring P&O Ventura. Smaller and more traditional than some of the ships we’ve sailed on, she proved to be charming and comfortable. We opted for fixed dining this time and shared a table with three lovely ladies from Somerset — quickly nicknamed “The Golden Girls.” From the very first evening, the food was excellent and the company even better.
Sea days gave us the chance to relax, enjoy quizzes, card games, and live music, while evenings were spent in favourite spots like The Glass House. Formal nights added a touch of glamour, and I even discovered a new favourite cocktail thanks to our waiter’s recommendation.
Our ports of call were varied and memorable. In Vigo, we enjoyed sunshine, shopping, and tapas, while Cam explored further afield to castles and gardens. Lisbon brought a dolphin-spotting trip (sadly without dolphins), but we still enjoyed sights like Belem Tower and indulged in Pastel de Natas. In Porto, Graham’s Port Lodge was a highlight — with stunning views, fascinating insights, and tastings that left us happily tipsy.
Cherbourg was our final stop, and although not our favourite port, we made the most of a sunny stroll, quiet time onboard, and a fun afternoon of basketball. Throughout the cruise, the crew were outstanding, especially the bar staff at The Glass House, who looked after us so well.
There were personal touches too — from waiters presenting us with a keepsake book of menus, to the joyful parade of restaurant staff on the final night. These moments made the cruise feel extra special.
Despite a brief spell of illness, the holiday was filled with laughter, relaxation, and wonderful memories. From shared dinners with the Golden Girls to Cam’s adventures ashore, it was a fantastic experience from start to finish.
As we head home, we’re already counting down to the next one. Ventura may be smaller and more traditional, but she gave us a truly memorable cruise.