Ventura or NAvigator of the Seas

[lindabodrum]

Found two great deals to the Canary ISlands. Can't decide on these two ships. We have no kids. We like nightclubs, nice bars and dining. Also is one rather than the other preferable for non smokers, i.e. Casino. Is the food better on one rather than the other. Thanks for your help , those who have sailed on both ships

[Clarea]

I don't know about Venture, but Navigator allows smoking on one side of the outside decks, inside the Connoisseur Club on deck 5 forward, and inside the casino. Navigator does not allow smoking in the staterooms or on the stateroom balconies.

[Keith1010]

I would read member reviews about both ships.

 

Keith

[John Bull]

Like all P&O ships, on Ventura there's no smoking indoors or on balconies - it's confined to designated outdoor areas on one side of the ship.

Much the same with RCI, except that there's normally a cigar lounge (the only place that pipes & cigars are permitted), and their policy re casino seems to vary depending on the ship & itinerary. If the policy on Navigator is the same as on her predecessor ex-Southampton, Adventure, there's no smoking in the casino but another bar (upper level of Jesters nightclub on Adventure) will be designated for smoking. Because of the restrictions elsewhere, the only folk using the upper level in Jesters were those popping in for a smoke - so the air was thick, and presumably also affected the lower level.

I've also sailed RCI ships where there were smoking & non-smoking days in the casino.

 

Evening dining options on Ventura include Brit pub favourites like curries, S&K pies, fish & chips. Some folk jump on this & say that therefore the food is inferior but there are plenty of international dishes too.

 

Ventura has a high proportion of Indian crew & they tend to be reserved, whereas the Asian crew on RCI tend to be more inter-active - one's not better than the other, they're just different.

 

Adventure & other RCI ships I've sailed (haven't sailed Navigator) are more lively than P&O.

On that itinerary Navigator's passengers will be mainly Brits, not a lot different to Ventura.

 

It sounds like you'll find Navigator more to your liking, but bear in mind the much higher charges on board, including service & drinks.

 

JB :)

[whiteheather]

I've sailed on Navigator's sister ship Voyager of the Seas and on Ventura and enjoyed both.

Navigator has more of a 'wow factor' in the main dining room and the Royal promenade so I preferred the look of that ship. I've also cruised with NCL and Princess and found P & O to be the least luxurious. Having said that they offer tremendous value for money and I like being able to take a bottle or two onboard for my cabin so I'm looking forward to Azura in the Caribbean this year. The food was probably slightly better on RCI but I preferred the entertainment on Ventura. I always find the nightclubs on cruise ships practically deserted but maybe that's because I've done quite port intensive itineraries in the Med and people are too tired to party! Enjoy your cruise 😀

[lindabodrum]

Just booked Navigator for Oct 17 and may see you in the Caribbean as I booked Azura for this October