Ventura Review
Rating by category
Additional details
This was a 5 week cruise, having only undertaken a few shorter cruises before, unlike many well seasoned cruisers on board, we were pleasantly surprised at the quality, standard and presentation of everything.
In a nut shell: on reading reviews (after we had paid a deposit) I started to get concerned! Fortunately a very level headed well travelled friend reassured me that the Ventura was ‘lovely’. How right she was. Readers, do not be put off by some highly critical reviews here, much of which I cannot say we witnessed or experienced and leave me baffled.
The food was excellent, plentiful and exceptional choice for every palate. We tried every venue. We did not wish to put on weight and by choosing from the enormous range of fresh foods, salads and fish we came back at the same weight! The eggs had golden yolks, the fresh burgers on the deck had quality beef, the sea food kebabs in the Beach House were amazing and as for the food in the Epicurean - well wow wow wow.
Cabin Review
Suite with Balcony and Bath/Shower
Immaculate condition, spacious with excellent double sized bathroom and large glass door cubicle shower and spa bath. Room Decor somewhat mixed (orange, blue, grey, violet) not our taste in room wall art but certainly acceptable. Everything thought of and simple the most fantastic butler (both butlers we met were exceptional) and fantastic steward.
Port Reviews
La Coruna
We were able to walk off ship and along sea front and around the town. Bit wet so not the best of days. Good information handed out at port.
Hamilton
Caught local bus to Hamilton town itself. Walked around. Pleasant locals chat on the vpbus.
New Orleans
This has changed so much in the last 20 years since I was last here. Mass over tourism (this will now change in light of the global pandemic no doubt). Bourbon Street felt more like a hen and stag place with hustlers on the street corners. Took the hop on hop off bus (caught it early as they did get busy). Took the walking tour with the bus pass. Main streets crowded when we were there & city felt grubby. Stopped at one of the famous beignet (donut) cafes on Bourbon St (can’t recall which one as several contenders for the title) , and staff looked really unbelievably scruffy and fed up. We were too horrified to use the loos even.
N. Took a P& O excursion bus tour which gave us a great tour of the city and levees, including one of the incredible church yards.
Key West
Very pleasant. Again over run with tourists at time we called. The further you walk away from the ship’s terminal the quieter it is.
Miami
Over run with tourists when we called in. Avoid the Big Bus. All stuffed, couldn’t get on and we bought a ticket from a shop agent who disappeared after no bus appeared and when it did it was full. Main Street frantic. One visit was enough.
San Juan
Pretty main town an easy walk from ship. Found the ‘ home’ of the Pina Colada which at 10am was early to have one, but the place was quiet and cool! Soon another ship arrived and the town filled up. Enjoyed the walk to the fort and to see the shanty town and read the plaque of the history.