Brilliant Holiday |
5 of 5 people found this review informative
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Reviewed By: Pember, Worcester on 9th Apr 2011
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| Cruise Line: Carnival Cruises |
Times cruised before: 1-2 |
| Cruise Ship: Ventura |
Sailed:
March,
2011 |
| Destination:
Transatlantic
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Age: 46-55 |
| Cabin: Balcony |
Occasion: Wedding anniversary |
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We flew from B'ham on a Thomson flight. Had read reviews about problems with Thomsons so were a bit apprehensive. Have to say our flight was on time, great staff, lots of legroom, really nice food and lots of free drinks. Transfer from the plane was speedy and efficient and in no time we were aboard.
Having been on Ventura only a few months ago, finding our cabin was easy, although help was available had we needed it. Had been upgraded from A deck to a portside cabin on deck R. We were slightly disappointed with the overhang from the deck above, but didn't let this spoil our holiday.
Our cabin, as previously, was specious and well equipped, and despite my best efforts, I still didn't fill the hanging space! Pradip our steward was friendly and efficient - 20 minutes from ordering a bottle of spirits to it being delivered to our cabin.
Food was superb no matter where we ate. Had read on reviews that Whites gets very booked, so we booked our table that first afternoon. On the night, we were lucky enough to be able to sit outside and watch the Caribbean slip from view. Freedom dining suits us, the longest wait for a table for two being about 25 minutes (just time for a cocktail). Food and service in Cinnamon was fantastic with so many opportunities to try new dishes. There was a great red and white wine on offer for £12.45 per bottle, which we thought very reasonable. Ate at the Beach House one night and can thoroughly recommend the Sizzling Prawns.
Enjoyed the entertainment on board, although felt towards the end there were too many comedians. Nick Owen's afternoon talk was entertaining. Caught about 5 mins of a talk from beauty/fashion speaker, Anne Graydon and was alarmed to hear her tell us ladies that after putting make upon the back of our hands to disguise age spots, we only need use the bacterial gel around the ship on our palms. "Sophistication" were great, although The Exchange is too noisy a venue for them. Laura Fletcher's solo show was superb. Agree with other reviewers that the Cruise Director was conspicuous by his absence. We enjoyed the sailaway parties and the entertainment team do a great job.
Not great sunbathers, but never managed to get a sunbed, although I appreciate we may not have been looking in the right places, and did manage to get upright chairs. How do people remember which sunbed they have reserved when all the towels are the same colour? Why don't P&O adopt the same excellent rule as in the Theatre - the ony way to reserve a seat/bed is to sit/lie on it. We didn't think it would matter as we had a balcony, but because of the overhand mentioned above, we never had any sun on our balcony.
We took one P&O excursion - the sugar train in St Kitts which we thoroughly enjoyed, even managing banana daquaris at 9.30am. Trip seemed expensive but we considered it worth every penny. It is worth getting up early in the Caribbean to see the sunrise and the approach to the islands with their breathtaking scenery.
I know its not under P&O's control, but for information, the weather was blazing hot with a slight breeze for most of the cruise and the ocean like a millpond throughout. Had to look out of the window to check we were still at sea!
Overall another fantastic cruise, with mostly friendly and helpful staff. Been back three weeks now and desperate to go again.
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.jpg_thumb.jpg "Santorini sunset")
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