Azura & Ventura - Pools and adults only areas

[sotonjoe]

I've tried to research the answer to this bit can't quite piece the details together.

 

On Azura, the Oasis Pool is part of an area which you have to pay extra to use, but is it open to all on Ventura?

 

Is the Terrace Pool 'adults only' on both ships?

 

Does either ship have any additional 'adults only' areas which you don't have to pay extra to use?

 

Thanks.

[madison quest]

hi there, we were on ventura last july and the oasis pool was adults only, all the time. it has got one of those machines that you swim against, so you feel you are going nowhere fast:D this was adhered to quite strictly so no kids there. the pool at the rear of the ship was also supposed to be adults only but i did see children using that one on odd occasions. cannot help with azura as we have yet to go on her, but from the brochere you are right in saying that the oasis pool is in the spa and you have to pay to use the spa, so my guess is it will not be avalible to every one.

[sotonjoe]

Thanks for that.

[Suebiker]

Hi - just to say that "The Terrace Pool" varies - last year we cruised on Ventura and it was adult only. This year we also sailed in April and we were specifically told in the kids club that it had been changed and kids could now use the terrace pool!!!!!!

 

Apparently during the maiden season - kids could use it. Then on the second season they made it adult only. This year they have changed it back again!!!!!!!

 

So - tbh it's anyones guess!!!!!!

 

Sue

[sotonjoe]

Thanks, it would make choosing cruises easier if they published these changing policies!

 

Did you say you cruised Ventura in peak Summer season? I'd be interested to know how a full Ventura compares with a full Independence of the Seas for overcrowding.

[tom_uk]

Hi - just to say that "The Terrace Pool" varies - last year we cruised on Ventura and it was adult only. This year we also sailed in April and we were specifically told in the kids club that it had been changed and kids could now use the terrace pool!!!!!!

 

Apparently during the maiden season - kids could use it. Then on the second season they made it adult only. This year they have changed it back again!!!!!!!

 

Sue

 

That fits with our recollection, which is that in September/October 2008 it was open to children.

[barneymag]

I've tried to research the answer to this bit can't quite piece the details together.

 

On Azura, the Oasis Pool is part of an area which you have to pay extra to use, but is it open to all on Ventura?

 

Is the Terrace Pool 'adults only' on both ships?

 

Does either ship have any additional 'adults only' areas which you don't have to pay extra to use?

 

Thanks.

 

Without wanting to get shot down in flames but why don't you just consider an "Adults Only" cruise if you are concerned about children being around the ship. We do have kids and specificaly chose Ventura as it is marketed as a family friendly ship (Azura marketed slightly different but has the same kids facilities so I guess they will still take the same number of children)

 

Many cruiselines have "Adults Only" ships including P & O with Arcadia and Artemis, with Adonia coming next year - They seem to do similar itineries as Ventura and Azura.

 

Its entirely up to you but why book a cruise on a "Family Friendly" cruise if you want child free zones.

 

Hard Hat on and taking cover :o

[sotonjoe]

There are several reasons for not wanting to cruise adults only.

Firstly, the adults only ships attract older adults and I prefer the mixed age range offered by the open to all ships. Secondly, the summer itineraries aren't to my liking on those ships as they often head north instead of south.

 

My only cruise so far was on Independence of the Seas. That handled the adult and child situation well through its adults only Solarium which was well policed. I don't wish to cruise again on that ship this summer for.the sake of variety so I'm keen to research what P&O can offer.

[lostinvegas]

The Oasis pool was generally quiet on our cruise on Ventura, it was always adults only and was our usual spot to spend the day time. The terrace pool was always packed, I did not notice if there were any children round it but it was always busy.

 

I have nothing against children at all and enjoyed cruising on a family friendly ship, but it is a good idea to have an adult pool because a lot of people actually want to swim lengths for fitness and this is not easy when there are lots of children playing in the pool. This way everyone is happy.

 

We found Ventura was excellent, the only time I notice children in an inappropriate place was when 1 family had their two toddlers in the exchange /casino late at night. This was a one off but I felt it was an unsuitable environment for children at that time.

 

Chris

[Suebiker]

Thanks, it would make choosing cruises easier if they published these changing policies!

 

Did you say you cruised Ventura in peak Summer season? I'd be interested to know how a full Ventura compares with a full Independence of the Seas for overcrowding.

 

Sorry we've only ever cruised out of school holidays - so can't help you there. I would imagine it to very busy during summer holidays - I believe they can have up to about 800 children onboard (although I may be wrong on this) I will say however that the kids clubs on Ventura are huge and very well staffed. Our 4 year old spent alot of time there and had a ball so I would imagine alot of other children would hang out there too. In fact on our cruise - there were about 200 children onboard and you hardly noticed them really.

 

Sue

[sotonjoe]

Thanks all.

 

Bearing in mind the Ventura cruise I was looking at has hit its kid cap already, I booked Azura instead for the 20th Aug sailing today. This cruise comes back on the 5th September, whereas the schools round here go back on the 6th, so I'm hoping it may be a little less popular than an early Summer cruise etc.

[Britchic4]

Thanks all.

 

Bearing in mind the Ventura cruise I was looking at has hit its kid cap already, I booked Azura instead for the 20th Aug sailing today. This cruise comes back on the 5th September, whereas the schools round here go back on the 6th, so I'm hoping it may be a little less popular than an early Summer cruise etc.

 

Hi! We're on the Azura then too, come and join the roll call! :)

[sotonjoe]

I joined it but it's very quiet at the moment. Mind you, that might be a good sign!

[Britchic4]

Yes it's very quiet on a few cruise forums. Maybe we are the only ones on the ship?

[athurstance]

Nothing wrong with wanting a child free area. We were on Ventura at Xmas with two teenagers of our own but we still spent quite a bit of time by the Oasis pool as it's nice and quiet.

Bear in mind though that the pool's are over 16 rather than adult only.