P&O vs Thomson

[happy v]

Welcome back Geo.

It's a shame the holidays are over or you could have just hung decorations on 'your' tree.;). Seriously I hope there isn't too much damage.

I'm enjoying your review, pictures too, how posh.:rolleyes::)

[clareq]

This takes me back - we sailed on the Ventura for our Silver Wedding, 5 years ago. We're on the Majesty this year, first Thomson cruise, though our first cruise was on the Island Star before Thomson acquired them.

[Little Nell]

Loving it, Geo :) Can't wait for the rest ;)

[geomagot]

the eateries

 

the buffet...there are 2 buffet restaurants (beach house& waterside) plus poolside burger/pizza bar & ice cream bar, each buffet has 2 sides, each side has 2 main counters/lines plus some island counters for puddings/bread & cheese etc it worked well even at busy times....however i was struck by how many people walked into he serving areas without sanitizing and no one there enforcing? this was a bit of a culture shock for me being used to the alcohol gel stazi police on dream, despite this i didn’t notice any sign of illness on board

 

food was (imo) on par with thoms, same carvery, same meat in various sauces, same selection of potatoes/more potatoes/yet more potatoes! chips and veggies....puddings were nice (much nicer than thoms greasy mouses?...sorry moooses?...opps...whipped deserts) with some little extras...we had moules marinaire one day and a lovely fillet steak (chateaubriand) another day, yes chateaubriand & moules marinaire on the buffet at no extra charge:cool: (take note again thoms);)

 

plenty of pizza, burgers, chips & ketchup by the pool (happy kids)

 

the main dining room....we were given an early sitting in the bay tree restaurant (fixed dining) freedom dining was available in cinnamon restaurant we chose traditional fixed dining

 

food and service was excellent, 5 courses and good portions....typical starter....baby crab salad...wow!..... (crab salad on thoms consists of crab sticks in mayo!) really couldn’t fault the food, tasty and well presented, similar fare to thoms (ok so maybe similar to thoms food on a good day) and consistently of a good quality imo (food is horses for courses tho?) ambience was very pleasant, there were tables for 2/4/6/maybe more available

 

we also liked the glasshouse, which is described as a premium extra restaurant...but not all the dishes carry a supplement quite a few dishes are free (hot tip) it can get busy but they will give you a pager and call you when a table becomes available:cool:

 

there are also 2 Freedom dining restaurants which we didn’t use...I'm guessing the food was the same? also marco pierre whites white room at £30 pp supplement (a bit dear imo) didnt go there...looked lovely from outside:rolleyes:

 

we toughly enjoyed all our meals in the mdr...until formal night....then, unlike thoms if you turn up for dinner in smart casual (ie no dj) then you are turned away and sent to the buffet!...drat (went back with ds to cabin to change)....que much death glare's from ms magot & dd's

 

there were 2 (or was it 3?) formal nights and a black & white ball, on formal nights there is an almost 100% turnout of black tie..... the ship is literally a sea of dinner suits, dickie bows, sparkly garments, heels, big hair etc.... there were very few dark suit/jacket & tie to be seen and no/none/zilch/zero jeans/tee shirts/flip flops/crops/dark denim not even a chino? nnlike thoms P&O WERE! enforcing the dress code even in some of the bars, most people were in formal dress all evening....que..much culture shock (grumbling) from myself & ds....ms magot & dd's were in their element:rolleyes:

 

tbc: bars & drinking

[geomagot]

the bars

 

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bar service was good and drinks quality good and consistent, I never had to go to the bar to order drinks waiters were plentiful

 

drinks prices a little dearer than thoms (not much)

 

 

beer consistently cold, cocktails consistently tasting like they are meant to, wine fine

 

 

so many bars and lounges to choose from:confused: kids spent most evenings in the late night disco and the exchane for karaoke & quizzes also daytime movies showing in havana (that was the kids sorted)

 

we (well I) spent most evenings in the casino which was part of a pub like atmosphere....very pleasant... loved it here casino was a bit dear tho imo £5 minimum on tables!:( compared to thoms £2 i found my little nightly casino allowance disappearing v quickly! I don’t think I ever lasted more than 20 minutes in there....note to self....dont drink rum and play poker

 

but pub like ambience reigns, many of the staff crew drink here, great place for socialising and a pleasant (quite large) open room in which to sit, nurse a beer (cry into) and watch the world go by

 

we also liked metropolis, a sky (like) bar at the top of the ship featuring a plasma wall where they show movies of various city scapes/sky diving etc etc, a very pleasant bar this with a duo playing in the evenings, nice for a get together and a (quiet) chat with others? and rather underused imo, beautiful views & sunsets (reminded me a little of blakes):cool:

 

there is also a large future cruises office, a library and some other rooms?? (dunno what they were?)

 

tbc: the (all important) entertainment

[geomagot]

pictures too, how posh.:rolleyes::)

 

but of course happy.......me is...I mean one is a proper p&o'er now....dontcha know:);):rolleyes::D

[joeholiday2]

Great review Geo, you are selling it to me.

[seasider1956]

Look nice ,do you know if P and O are going to bring in a no smoking policy on their balconies ,I dont want to be sat on a balcony and being killed by someone elses second hand smoke.?:)

[davecttr]

Geo, the Glasshouse restaurant you mentioned is actually the Beach House which turns into an american diner in the evening. The actual Glasshouse is a bar that serves food ( It used to be called Ramblas). No need to book there and no need to eat anything so you can treat it as a bar.

 

The actual Beach House is a quieter version of the Waterside buffet with the same menus. I eat breakfast there and there is nothing to stop you eating in there even if the servery is closed. One side always has tables available as it gives access to the terrace bar and pool.

 

I always get rid of my navy blue suit jacket (more versatile and smarter than a penguin suit) after formal dinner. They only ban you from Metropolis and the Red bar so all the main entertainment bits are open to folks wearing evening casual.

 

they must have changed the table minimums in the casino as they were £3 and £2 on sea day afternoons and the first evening the last time i was aboard. The blackjack rules are better than Thomson though.

[Jakanne1]

Thanks Geo for the photos. I had to read back to confirm it was Ventura. The public areas look a lot better than Dream. I will read the comments carefully later. I had friends on Ventura for Christmas but haven't seen them since they came back.

[davecttr]

Don't forget Tazzine in the atrium. Costa coffee and the cakes are free :D

[geomagot]

the entertainment

 

I only attended one show in the (huge) theatre the room was very busy but plenty of seats to be had (little tray tables fold out of the armrests airline style) the room is a standard theatre with tiered seating...as in any theatre if you are at the back, the stage is miles away!

 

 

really I am not an expert on theatre shows? 2 shows were performed one at 8.30ish and 10.30 sih.....despite the all singing all performing very hi tech stage...with my limited expertise I would describe the quality of the show as...well? average...I believe there were 12 members of the headliners/show team (i couldn’t really see too well from the back) who performed about 3 songs max, accompanied by much effects...lighting....wind...trapeze...huge billowing skirts…smoke and much screaming before the curtain went down and they were off to give their ears a rest (probably)

 

ms magot & kids attended the (the not to be missed) comedy show in the theatre....while i was in the pub/casino, they left the 'not to be missed' comedy show after 15 minutes.....I left the casino after about 5 minutes!

 

kids enjoyed the night club style of havana (mainly because there was a lot of neon lighting in this room...kids seem to identify with neon?!) also the usual (family fare) gameshows and quizzes in the tamarind

 

the atrium is also a little bit of a hub at nighttimes, shops are buzzing with thru traffic and there is a (pavement culture) style coffee bar, the glass lifts get a little mesmerising after a while and so does the accompanying background clip clopping on the marble!....a little too much like a shopping mall for me

 

tbc: my (imo) comments ventura v dream

[geomagot]

pricewize

 

ok...fares roughly comparable to thoms imo...obviously there is much more of a choice of cabin grades on ventura than on thoms, we had a balcony cabin (they cost more) worth the extra cost imo especially in caribbean, thoroughly enjoyed our balcony and the ship pretty much comparable to thoms but with a balcony (and bigger obviously)...only the extra sea days on p&o would dissuade me from booking again .....if only thoms had a nice ship like ventura...a mix of a good/bigger/newer ship and thoms legendary cruise product...perfect

 

also tips are added to you bill (£3.50 pp per day) this adds up a bit when there are 6 of you on for 2 weeks...so bear that in mind when comparing p&o v thoms fares...I belive you can have the tips removed and tip your favourite staff yourself....(we tipped individually as well)

 

i was a little concerned about alcohol confiscations...I wasn’t exactly sure of p&os policy on this so i didn’t take any duty free with me, but on our fist port day, i purchased a bottle and attempted to take it on board....'no problem' said gangway man (with a grimace)...yay! happy bunny

 

duty free shop was also offering duty free with a discount on certain days, you can also order bottles for cabin consumption via your interactive tv....but its dearer

 

unlike thoms quite a few things can be found for free, many dishes in the glasshouse (a premium resturant) carry no supplement, premium coffees and buns...free and often free shuttle busses into town

 

also there is much much more choice on drinks and cocktails (spoilt for choices really)

 

so my opinion on price on this cruise, it cost more than like for like on thoms, but you got more for your money, so i would say...value wize (swings and roundabouts) turns out about right (for what you get)

 

p&o have a complicated fare structure (which i still dont understand?) i can see how regular p&oers can snap up bargains (understand the system)

 

weather and general ambience

 

dream is a smaller ship so its easy to make friends very quickly especially if you get into a routine of doing the same things/going to the same places/at the same time, you very quickly see the same faces doing likewise, ventura is much bigger there are more things to do, you find yourself doing different things each day and not really getting into a routine, it took us 2 days before we even spoke (more than an hello) to anyone and that was only because we shared a table in the restaurant, kids soon took up with other teens (as they do) and after a few days I met the same faces in the casino/pub each night, but really that was it, we didn’t seem to come across others very regularly, there was quite an international mix, french/german/italian/american/canadian, we also spent a lot of time off the ship during the day....I can safely say that i did not feel the thomsons happy village atmosphere on the ventura, people were friendly enough but going about their private day enjoying their own thing

 

I can also safely say that there was plenty of other things to be occupying yourself with during time on ship......there were more places to go/things to do especially on the 3 sea days, so there was none of the thoms traditional 'loafing about on deck with a plate of cheese social get togethers' between shows/bingo/mr & mrs (I really missed those little cheese breaks/chats)

 

staff friendly enough but not really engaging, some smiled a lot, quite a few didn’t, staff officers were more visible tho and did take time out to chat (a bit...if you followed them)....same gangway security guards (never cracked a smile?)

 

cabins and ship were kept spotless by very hardworking housekeeping team...it is a beautiful ship!

 

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plenty of bar waiters, and restaurant waiters very efficient (no traditional/occaisional thoms 2 hour wait for service)

 

we also overnighted in barbados which meant we could attend the oistins fish fry....something I have wanted to do for a while, this was rather a highlight for us, if you are ever in barbados overnight on a friday this is a must do event

 

overall, yes we had a great christmas, we loved something’s and hated others (pretty much the same as thoms) we always found something enjoyable to do...there was something for everyone from raucous parties to the quiet library, coffee shops, piano bars, art auctions, shops, bingo and riding about in the glass lift....whoever you are you will find something that you like

 

the weather was not amazing, it rained each day (just showers) but everyday and a huge thunderstorm on christmas eve, which I believe did some serious flood damage in st lucia, st vincent and dominca, it was consistently windy (as can happen in caribbean) the ship was rockin n rolling some nights but ship coped well ....that can happen to anyone on the ocean in a ship (dream copes pretty well in choppy conditions too in my experience)

 

wont go into the ports of call as I have covered them in (minute) detail on other threads

 

I can happily say that i am very much looking forward to returning to my beloved thomson dream (warts an all) and will put my head on the block and say that P&O didnt blow me away especially, I am not knocking it... it was a v enjoyable holiday and great if there is a group of you and you have different tastes and like doing different things, p&o cater to all, really very broadly similar to thoms, its the same product when you pare it down to the bones, p&o's is glossier and feels much more luxurious but the veneer does crack in places...I really do feel that p&o could learn a few things from thoms....but then...its the passengers that make the thoms product what it is (what that is is very hard to put your finger on?)

 

 

just for comparison (and just in case thoms are watchin)...I didnt take any pics of the food on ventura? but trust me it was very very nicely presented

 

here’s a pic of the dream crab salad starter (I think you can imagine what the ventura dressed crab starter looked like...it wasn’t like this!)

 

[stevedeccaman]

Geo , the review was superb, love your wit and honesty :)

 

ps how many sprouts did they serve in MDR? :rolleyes:

 

Stevie

[joeholiday2]

Cracking review Geo, thank you.

 

I would agree with this comment, it applies to the Oceana too:

"I can safely say that i did not feel the thomsons happy village atmosphere on the ventura, people were friendly enough but going about their private day enjoying their own thing"

 

Also, as you say there is more polish on the ship, but not the underlying camaraderie between the staff and passengers, or even passengers to passengers.

[geomagot]

no sprouts steve........I asked for sprouts, waiters scurried off each time (backed away).....I never saw any sprouts? I think they may have had some for christmas dinner? think i may have missed that?......loads of radishes tho;):)

[Julessmiles]

Geo

 

Thank you for a truly comprehensive & honest review.

[kruzseeka]

That's a brilliant review geo........ I always feel you are very objective and give really well explained reasons for your opinions - this is so important as then the reader is able to put your points in context and decide how relevant they are in terms of his/her priorities. But you also retain the emotional aspect to your descriptions. And if there's a common thread amongst Thomson fans it's the emotional attachment they have to 'the product' - especially the atmosphere generated by crew and fellow passengers. So I'm sure we all relate to that.

 

I do like the look of the ship. We came off Aurora saying if only Thomson had something similar. I think Ventura might be more impressive and is much bigger.

 

We thought the P&O entertainment very second rate as compared with Thomson (and I am a bit of an expert having hardly ever missed a show! :o:rolleyes:) but perhaps with rather more choice of areas/activities there is a little more on offer on Ventura as an alternative if it's not so good.

 

I look forward to your next instalment - many many thanks for all the time and effort put into doing it. I really appreciate it - and I too am still a Dream fan despite my recent concerns. ;)

[CRUISIN LINDA]

Great review Geo. Not been on P&O yet, but Ventura is sister ship to Crown Princess. We had one of those big balconies too when we went to the fiords in September - fabulous :) I think that Princess is very similar to Thomsons - friendly staff, good entertainment and food (although reading the recent reviews on Dream and Celebration perhaps better food :eek::eek:)

 

As I said on fb, Princess is just like Thomson with newer and bigger ships :rolleyes::D

[Little Nell]

Thanks for the fabulous review, Geo, done in your own inimitable way and so enjoyable, informative and fun.

[geomagot]

Great review Geo. Not been on P&O yet, but Ventura is sister ship to Crown Princess. We had one of those big balconies too when we went to the fiords in September - fabulous :) I think that Princess is very similar to Thomsons - friendly staff, good entertainment and food (although reading the recent reviews on Dream and Celebration perhaps better food :eek:)

 

As I said on fb, Princess is just like Thomson with newer and bigger ships :rolleyes::D

 

actually linda...yes……I was looking at (hankering after) the new royal princess when i saw the ship in southampton in the summer....a truly beautiful ship

 

also....have heard some v favourable reports (while chatting....cruise chatting...as you do) on ventura last week, many others seemed to highly rate princess too....watch this space;):)

[geomagot]

Look nice ,do you know if P and O are going to bring in a no smoking policy on their balconies ,I dont want to be sat on a balcony and being killed by someone elses second hand smoke.?:)

 

smoking outside is a perfectly law abiding happy pastime for some....actually....I am a non smoker.....in fact I dont have any bad habits at all (wicked grin) but mrs me is a smoker...she can happily (legally) smoke anytime she likes when outside in the fresh air as far as I am concerned ….its called tolerance of others (especially important when living in the close confines of a cruise ship filled with all of life)

 

she does try to be considerate when smoking and doesn’t like to smoke around others even when outside ( has been pilloried for it so many times)

 

I dont like people who barge past me (or others...elderly others!) when on the stairs....but I am not about to start a campaign to ban more than 2 people on any flight of steps at any one time:rolleyes:

 

i do believe that p&o and other cruise lines are considering banning smoking on balconies (mob rule speaks) hopefully we can continue to pick our noses and scratch our butts on our balconies if we wanted to;)

[OldJerseycruiser]

Look nice ,do you know if P and O are going to bring in a no smoking policy on their balconies ,I dont want to be sat on a balcony and being killed by someone elses second hand smoke.?:)

 

Smoking on balconies will be banned on P & O from March 2014.

[happy v]

I must say I'm surprised Geo.

When I was reading the review and looking at the (fabulous) photographs I thought you were smitten.:) Just shows cruises are not all about the glitz...... a little bit would be nice though ;).

PLEASE listen Thomson no matter how many times you decorate the ships they are still OLD! We are all very loyal and love our holidays but, a little bit of glamour and posh nosh would send us to heaven and back.:D

[CRUISIN LINDA]

actually linda...yes……I was looking at (hankering after) the new royal princess when i saw the ship in southampton in the summer....a truly beautiful ship

 

also....have heard some v favourable reports (while chatting....cruise chatting...as you do) on ventura last week, many others seemed to highly rate princess too....watch this space;):)

Princess banned smoking on balconies a couple of years ago, but strangely, you can still smoke in the casino :eek:

 

Me, I'd ban smoking all over the ship - sorry geo :D:D:D