Multigenerational Cruise on P&O's Venutra

P&O Ventura: A Fantastic Multigenerational Cruise Experience

In April 2026, my parents, my husband, our 11‑year‑old son and 8‑year‑old daughter and I set sail on P&O’s Ventura from Southampton, visiting Santander, Lisbon, Porto, Vigo and Cherbourg on a wonderfully easy, multigenerational holiday. It was one of those trips where everyone, from the children to the grandparents, genuinely had the best time.

From the moment we arrived in Southampton, everything felt effortless. Check‑in was incredibly smooth and we were on board within 10 minutes of arriving, which set the tone for a relaxed and stress‑free start to our cruise.

Perfect for all ages

One of the biggest highlights was just how well Ventura caters for every generation.

My 8‑year‑old daughter absolutely adored the Surfers kids’ club. She has never really taken to kids’ clubs before, but this time she asked to go every single day. With games, computers, soft play, face painting and plenty of new friends, she was in her element.

Our 11‑year‑old son decided he was “too cool” for the kids’ clubs, but he was never bored. He spent his days between the swimming pools, table tennis, and the various deck games such as shuffleboard and basketball. It gave him the freedom he wanted, with plenty to keep him active and entertained.

My parents loved the slower pace. They enjoyed lingering over coffee and cake, relaxing on the balcony with a good book, and heading to the Exchange pub early evening for the quizzes. It was the perfect balance of gentle activities and quiet time.

Entertainment for everyone

Evenings were a real treat. We all came together to enjoy the shows, which changed daily and offered something for every taste and age. From family favourites like Sooty to jugglers, singers and full production shows, the standard of entertainment was excellent and we never struggled to find something we all enjoyed.

There are plenty of different venues around the ship, and we always managed to find somewhere comfortable to sit for evening entertainment and drinks. It felt lively but never overcrowded.

Dining highlights

The food on board was consistently delicious. We chose to dine at the same table most evenings and quickly grew very fond of our waiters. Nothing was ever too much trouble and they made a real effort to get to know us. My son, who bonded with them over a shared love of cricket, left feeling as though he had made friends for life.

The main dining room menus were varied, with a good choice each night and a local option that reflected the destination we were visiting that day, which was a lovely touch.

We also tried The Beach House, which was exceptional. The portions were generous, the quality was fantastic and everyone thoroughly enjoyed their meals there.

For breakfast, we alternated between the main dining rooms and the buffet. Both were very good, although we did try to head to the main dining rooms when we were up in time so that we could enjoy the attentive table service.

A smooth, stress‑free way to see Europe

Sailing from Southampton made everything so easy, especially for a family spanning three generations. No airports, no luggage drama, just a simple arrival and a smooth walk on to the ship.

Our ports of call in Santander, Lisbon, Porto, Vigo and Cherbourg were all excellent and offered a great mix of culture, sightseeing and family‑friendly exploring. I will share more detail about each port in a separate blog, as they really deserve their own spotlight.

Would I recommend P&O for multigenerational travel?

Absolutely. P&O’s Ventura was a brilliant choice for a multigenerational holiday. There was genuinely something for everyone, from active tweens and younger children to grandparents who value comfort, good food and gentle entertainment. We made so many special memories together and it never felt like anyone had to compromise.

If you would like to know more about cruising with P&O, or are considering a multigenerational cruise of your own, feel free to message me and I will be happy to help you start planning.