Ventura Carribean 2010 help please

[maryquitecontrary]

Hi all,

My husband and I are thinking of booking Ventura for next January. I would appreciate any thoughts you may have or tips on anything from booking to suitable clothes. We've never cruised before so this is all new to us. We were thinking of a balcony cabin, but were not sure what the difference is in cost from an inside cabin.

Thank you MQC

[Brayman]

Hi all,

My husband and I are thinking of booking Ventura for next January. ......We were thinking of a balcony cabin, but were not sure what the difference is in cost from an inside cabin.

Thank you MQC

 

Er, have you thought of looking in the brochure or the P&O website for details of costs?

[LEESRE]

First of all find the cruise you wish to do on Ventura, if this is your preferred ship, and then ring at least three travel agents and ask for quotes on both inside and balcony staterooms. You will find the prices vary. Also you can go on the P&O web site and price it for yourself, but it is more than always dearer than the travel agents.

Regards once you get to the islands, you will find P&O charge an awfull lot for their excursions, you can do most of them on your own. When you dock there will be lines of taxis and you just ask what fare they are prepared to offer you to a beach or a sightseeing excursion. Make sure you get a price before getting into a taxi. Then also make sure you are back to the ship with 1 hour to spare before sailing. If you are not there for the sailaway they will go without you.

Any further info please ask.

[annieuk]

If you look on the P&O website you will find a list of recommended cruise agents. It is much better to go to a specialised cruise agent rather than an ordinary travel agent because you need someone who knows about cruises.You can book online with some cruise agents but personally I always prefer to phone as you can then ask any queries you may have.

 

I really would recommend you look through the P&O brochure - it will give you all sorts of information about the ship, dining choices, deck layouts etc. I hope you have a fantastic time. I would always opt for a balcony if your budget allows, there is nothing like your own outside space, out there in the morning with an early tea or coffee and then in the evening as you leave a port, with a glass of something in your hand!:)

[jenny wren]

just to add to this....if you decide on a balcony C deck have the biggest ones!!!! We did the transatlantic on this ship last year and had a fabulous time!!

[Jackielan]

Firstly you will LOVE the Ventura, it has something for everyone

 

Secondly, you will LOVE the Ventura in the Caribbean in January.

 

I have just booked my second January cruise on this ship. When you are swimming in those clear blue waters, you think what they are all doing back home and boy does that feel good.

 

The sun will be very warm, although not "too" hot, you will be wearing shorts, tshirts and light shoes all day, and evening wear is what you want it to be, not a jumper in sight until you land back at your UK airport.

[Jackielan]

Last time I was in St Lucia I used this guy :

 

3 ws dot hugotoursslu dot com

 

He is a highly educated St Lucian, who used to be an accountant, but so he could spend more time with his family and his hours be more flexible he set up a tour company.

 

5 star service, I learnt more about St Lucia in 3 hours than months researching the web.

 

I will be there again in 14 months and will use him again definitely.

[gadge]

I'm also booked on the Ventura in Jan and this will be my first P&O cruise but have sailed several times on the Princess and third cruise in Jan. If you like dressing up then I think there are 3 or 4 formal nights. I am 50 and my daughter and boyfriend are 21 and 27 and we love that bit! You don't need many clothes, every year I take back stuff I did'nt wear. So travel light. Not sure about cabins but we always have an inside cabin as it's pointless (to us anyway) to spend anymore because we are never in it. (only sleep) There is plenty to do on board on sailing days and you will spend most of the day when you visit the islands. Only thing that bugs me is when you get off the ship you are bombarded with people trying to sell you stuff and try and dump you in a taxi. ALWAYS negotiate and if you pair up with a few pals you can hire a taxi all day and get a good price. Very rarely do we go on the organised trips-It's a lot cheaper to research before you go and jump in a taxi and get there before everyone else at half the price. If you hit the beaches again negotiate, I have been badly ripped off by people getting me drinks and charging double. It is how ever very hard to say no to these guy's as they do get upset. Be polite, firm and remember they are quite poor and that's their living.

Have a good holiday and I think you will love it. If not pull my plug out on the running machine in the gym as I will be there every morning around 7am

Regards Glenn