The Pier // Cruise Ships // Large Resort Ship // Ventura
Ventura is the P&O version of Princess Cruises’ Grand-class ships, and with together with sister ship Azura, is the largest cruise ship built specifically for UK passengers. With its flat stern, it looks a bit like a giant hatch back, but the ship’s side is softer and more balanced. Promenade walking decks are to port and starboard sides underneath the lifeboats. There are three pools: two on the pool deck and one at the astern. The center pool can be covered by a glass-roofed dome.
There are 7,000 pieces of at onboard, from 55 British artists and there’s an art gallery so you can buy art work.
Ventura in Cadiz, Spain on May 23, 2012. Photo: Dex Sularte
Ventura is targeted at families and children. Indeed, children will be pleased to find that, for 2-4 years old, Noddy is onboard. There are children’s clubs for the under-2s up to 17 years, plus a rok ‘n’ roll school. Youngsters an also enjoy Scalextric at sea with Grand Prix-style track, 3D cinema and interactive art classes. Family shore programs feature aqua and “theme parks”. There’s a useful Night Nursery for the under-5s. It’s possible to get married onboard , with the captain officiating.
Suitable for:
Ventura is best suited to families with children and adult couples who want to spend time together and are seeking a big-ship environment with comfortable but unstuffy surroundings and lots of options.
| Cruise Line: | P&O Cruises |
| Entered Service: | April 2008 |
| Original Cost: | Euro 535 million |
| Builder: | Fincantieri (Italy) |
| Former names: | none |
| Gross Tonnage | 116,017 tons |
| Length: | 290.0 m |
| Beam: | 36.0 m |
| Registry: | Bemuda |
| Passengers: | 3,574 |
| Crew: | 1,239 |
| Lifestyle: | Standard |
Extracted from the Berlitz Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships 2011 http://www.berlitzpublishing.com/
Previous Photos:
Ventura in Lisbon, Portugal on April 7, 2010. Photo: Dex Sularte
It's full name is Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company, though none of its ships are still operated by steam turbines. Based in Southampton, England, it was founded in 1837 just before Samuel Cunard established his company and was awarded a UK government contract in 1840 to carry the mails from Gibraltar to Alexandria.
Berlitz Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships 2010
