Ventura (1,550/3,597; BERMUDIAN; 957 FEET/115,000 TONS)
To be launched in April 2008, the £300 million Ventura, designed specifically for the British market, will be 40% larger than the Arcadia. Three distinct elements of British culture are being brought together on the ship: fine dining, family entertainment, and modern and contemporary art. Well-known British chef and three-star restaurateur Marco Pierre White is creating a signature restaurant, The White Room, and acting as a consultant to P&O Cruises. His culinary flair will also be integrated into other areas of the dining experience, such as The Beach House, a family dining venue, said to be a cruise-ship first as a venue designed specifically for families to dine together.
Further emphasizing Ventura’s family-friendly facilities, the much- loved British Toyland character Noddy will be featured in the children’s area for 2 to 4 year olds. Noddy will be on board all cruises to delight youngsters at character breakfasts and during playtime. Older children will be offered lessons in how to become a rock star and learn to play a guitar, keyboards, and drums. For the first time, P&O Cruises has designed an area specifically for parents to supervise their children under 2 years old.
Art and design are key themes for the Ventura, and she will be a floating showcase for the best of British contemporary art, with 7,000 pieces from 55 artists. Art experts from the famous Tate Modern museum in London will host Introduction to Modern Art cruises with seminars, presentations, and practical art classes to be held throughout the year. The Ventura’s design is embodied in the atrium—striking, contemporary, yet designed for purpose: the hub of the ship from which all public areas can be easily accessed. The 14-deck ship will carry a maximum of 3,600 passengers. She will have eight restaurants, six boutiques, five pools, and three show lounges, including the largest theater on a British ship; 900 cabins with private balconies and 1,200 crew members. British designer Nick Munro, renowned for his unique furniture, ceramic, and home ware designs, is creating items designed specifically for contemporary British tastes.
Ventura’s cabins will be contemporary and stylish in decor with modern art on canvas, fashionable bed linens, and designer touches. Deluxe cabins will have two lower beds convertible to a king-size bed; bathroom with full-size bath and separate shower; lounge sofa, chairs and table; vanity/writing desk; flat-screen television and radio; safe, hair dryer, and refrigerator; tea-and coffee-making facilities; direct-dial telephone; and balcony furnished with teak furniture. Suites will have all these features plus butler service, a full-size Jacuzzi bath, a dressing area, DVD player and hi-fi, and trouser press and ironing board. The ship’s spa with alluring sea views, will be equipped with a thermal suite and a pool. It will offer a blend of ancient traditions and alternative therapies and a wide range of treatments, from body wraps to a makeover and a massage.
Unofficial Guide © 2009
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