Live from 35 nights on Ventura, what have I done?

[terrierjohn]

3 minutes ago, Interestedcruisefan said:

Now that's a different matter

 

We dine with more than enough time for making the theatre

 

Sometimes we might forego cocktails on the way

 

But never missed a show yet

 

We dine early though and don't share tables 

We do like to share tables, that is one of the enjoyments of a cruise holiday compared to a hotel holiday that we do enjoy, and having to switch to a table for two to ensure we finish our dinner in time for the show, is a computer system too far for me.

[Interestedcruisefan]

15 minutes ago, terrierjohn said:

We do like to share tables, that is one of the enjoyments of a cruise holiday compared to a hotel holiday that we do enjoy, and having to switch to a table for two to ensure we finish our dinner in time for the show, is a computer system too far for me.

Fair enough 

 

But I'm not sure how having to get to a theatre 30 mins plus before a shows starts to queue for seats that aren't pre-booked does anything but make lack of time even worse for you John?

 

 

[Harry Peterson]

22 minutes ago, terrierjohn said:

We do like to share tables, that is one of the enjoyments of a cruise holiday compared to a hotel holiday that we do enjoy……..

John, we agree on something! 😉

[mrsgoggins]

Someone asked earlier about the activities on board such a long cruise. Now I've finally got the hand of posting photos, I'll attach today's itinerary.

 

I attended both talks this morning; Gilbert & Sullivan followed by the history of Hollywood and found both speakers to be excellent although the latter had technical issues with his presentation.  I'll be attending the follow-ons for both.

 

 

[P&O SUE]

1 hour ago, pennib said:

How lucky are you???? Having been to the Epicurean on Britannia for our Christmas dinner a few weeks ago, we wanted crepes suzette done by the table (which they always used to do) but were told that could not be done for health and safety reasons and that this was fleet wide now. So we had something else instead. This was the final straw for a poor meal ( no amuse bouche and no sorbet). The main course was also poor. So we decided that after years having our Christmas dinner in the Epicurean on various ships, that was it. Our last Caribbean Christmas on P&O so instead we are on Ventura for 35:nights in January 2025. Hope they continue doing crepes suzette by then!!

enjoy the rest of your cruise.

I was on Ventura in June and we had our crepes made by our table, loved it!

[P&O SUE]

@mrsgoggins I’ve just come across your report, really enjoying it thank you. Look forward to reading more.

[SeaJane]

2 hours ago, mrsgoggins said:

Monday at sea update

 

The clock went back an hour last night so there was a lengthy queue for 8 am breakfast opening even at the Bay Tree restaurant, which P&O don't even publish as being open! Again it moved quite quickly so I only mention this as part of my head's up to those who might be considering it.

 

Last night was our first Epicurean meal of this trip, and was excellent. The same server who did my crepes Suzette last May did so again, and even remembered where we had sat then - how do they do that? The prime rib was medium rare as requested (overcooked on our previous visits) and the celeriac soup was delicious. 

 

We have been very impressed with almost everything we have eaten on this ship so far 👍. I'll attach photos - the crepes Suzette tasted great despite not looking great when served.

 

@Interestedcruisefan I'm still pondering your posts, because despite taking very many cruises since 2016 (eg 6 last year, only 2 of which were P&O), this is the first time I have ever encountered the very lengthy queues for dining and the theatre being completely full 20 minutes before a performance.

 

I did ask 2 days ago why the App was abandoned for dining - it having (or so I believe) been in use on the similar long cruise on this ship last year, and definitely when we were on her in May. I was told by a Senior Waiter that 'it didn't work on this ship'. My cabin number was taken and I was told the Manager would contact me later in the day. He didn't! This was a laid-back exchange btw - I would have liked to know that's all.  I may raise it again but right now we are enjoying the cruise and going with the flow!

 

 

 

We had 3 lovely meals in Epicurean on Ventura in May and were served by the waiter in your picture. On that cruise all our MDR meals were very disappointing so I’m pleased to see that they seem to have resolved that issue! 

[mrsgoggins]

6 minutes ago, SeaJane said:

We had 3 lovely meals in Epicurean on Ventura in May and were served by the waiter in your picture. On that cruise all our MDR meals were very disappointing so I’m pleased to see that they seem to have resolved that issue! 

 

It is strange how they can vary isn't it? We're definitely not foodies and have been happy with food on every cruise overall, our only slight disappointment was on Iona and yet others rave about it. We had a good few 'dud' meals on her last March.  Epicurean on Iona was good though - but crepes Suzette not made at the table on her 😉

[nicki-k]

We loved our Ventura cruise in August, the food was good, the staff were amazing and we experienced no issues with queuing for the restaurant (generally eating around 7 pm) or getting seats in the theatre. Thank you for sharing your cruise with us mrsgoggins, I hope you continue to have a super cruise.

[mrsgoggins]

22 minutes ago, nicki-k said:

We loved our Ventura cruise in August, the food was good, the staff were amazing and we experienced no issues with queuing for the restaurant (generally eating around 7 pm) or getting seats in the theatre. Thank you for sharing your cruise with us mrsgoggins, I hope you continue to have a super cruise.

My 4th time on Ventura (over a 5 year period) and I’ve never experienced this level of queuing either!  DH and I have just been discussing what time to go down tonight and have decided no way are we standing for 20 minutes before opening to secure a table for 2, so we will try 6.15 in full knowledge that we will be sharing; as indeed we were when we went down at 6, by which time all the 2s had gone and we still queued for 10 minutes.  I think if I were to do this cruise again, I would opt for fixed evening dining and share at lunchtimes.  That could be a happy compromise.

 

The only time I have ever queued to go into a ship’s theatre was maybe 5 minutes before the theatre doors opened when Gareth Gates was performing - free to see him on Princess btw 😉.  I’m likely to be getting through a lot of books on this cruise if the theatre continues to be full by 8.10 pm, which is no bad thing. 

[MellyMoo1989]

3 hours ago, mrsgoggins said:

Someone asked earlier about the activities on board such a long cruise. Now I've finally got the hand of posting photos, I'll attach today's itinerary.

 

I attended both talks this morning; Gilbert & Sullivan followed by the history of Hollywood and found both speakers to be excellent although the latter had technical issues with his presentation.  I'll be attending the follow-ons for both.

 

 

 

Oooh that Comedy Quiz sounds great! Let's hope they have one on Britannia when I'm on board!

[Red Ray]

14 hours ago, RebelWithoutAClue said:

 

Oooh that Comedy Quiz sounds great! Let's hope they have one on Britannia when I'm on board!

Mrs Red Ray & I won that on Azura with 19 out of 20. You need to know your scriptwriters.

[mrsgoggins]

Tuesday, 9 January update

 

I need some donkey ears!  I spent ages doing a new post, tried to add photos that wouldn't upload, left the page to check the internet connection hadn't dropped out, lost what I had done, gave up and read some more of Richard Osman's latest Thursday Murder Club book! So here I go again, but probably in less detail.

 

As with @Selbourne on Aurora, we are taking a different course to minimise adverse conditions, so although the weather is warm, the ship is rolling a little too much for my liking, but I've experienced much worse. We are at sea until Barbados on Sunday, 14 January.

 

Last night's theatre performance was by Roy Locke, and since others knew about him, I guess he may be a regular on P&O. Forewarned, we arrived in the theatre for 7.55 pm and by 8.15 pm a young woman was at the front pointing newcomers in the direction of spare seats in an entertaining fashion. Lots stood for the show, which I really enjoyed. He opened with 'Oh what a beautiful morning' from Oklahoma and followed with songs from other musicals, all of which I knew 🎉. This pleased me since I have been on many cruises where I might have only known a few songs from the shows - and I don't think I'm only stuck in the past; I listen to Elaine Paige on a Sunday don't you know?  😁.

 

I really do think that P&O should reconsider the timing of their dining and shows on some sailings. I've heard people complain that their second seating fixed dining at 8.30 pm was too late and ditto the second show at 10.30 pm. I know there are 80 odd year olds who are happy to keep going until late in the evening but I'm sure they are in the minority - certainly judging from the numbers at early breakfast, ie lots!

 

This morning I enjoyed the second talk by Barney Broom (gremlins now fixed in his excellent audio visual presentation) and intend to see them all on different aspects of the history of Hollywood.

 

There was a new guest speaker this afternoon - Dale Templar on The Human Planet; the production secrets. However, our dining companions at lunchtime were so interesting that we missed it. One of them had chosen this 35-nighter as her first ever cruise and was loving it. And she was alone. Just brilliant!

 

I'll close today with some pictures of today's lunch. DH had a veggie concoction with rice, which he enjoyed and I had a tasty fish pie. My dessert, opera cake?, looked better than it tasted and so was left largely untouched. Made me feel good about having a bag of mini Maltesers with my afternoon tea 😇.

 

 

Edited January 9 by mrsgoggins

[Eddie99]

That’s interesting - we had a lady of 80+ taking her first cruise on our 35-nighter.  On freedom dining too

We met her fairly early, when she was enjoying the novelty, and again later in the cruise, when she had already been to Future Cruises and booked her next one

[grapau27]

On 1/9/2024 at 6:18 PM, mrsgoggins said:

Tuesday, 9 January update

 

I need some donkey ears!  I spent ages doing a new post, tried to add photos that wouldn't upload, left the page to check the internet connection hadn't dropped out, lost what I had done, gave up and read some more of Richard Osman's latest Thursday Murder Club book! So here I go again, but probably in less detail.

 

As with @Selbourne on Aurora, we are taking a different course to minimise adverse conditions, so although the weather is warm, the ship is rolling a little too much for my liking, but I've experienced much worse. We are at sea until Barbados on Sunday, 14 January.

 

Last night's theatre performance was by Roy Locke, and since others knew about him, I guess he may be a regular on P&O. Forewarned, we arrived in the theatre for 7.55 pm and by 8.15 pm a young woman was at the front pointing newcomers in the direction of spare seats in an entertaining fashion. Lots stood for the show, which I really enjoyed. He opened with 'Oh what a beautiful morning' from Oklahoma and followed with songs from other musicals, all of which I knew 🎉. This pleased me since I have been on many cruises where I might have only known a few songs from the shows - and I don't think I'm only stuck in the past; I listen to Elaine Paige on a Sunday don't you know?  😁.

 

I really do think that P&O should reconsider the timing of their dining and shows on some sailings. I've heard people complain that their second seating fixed dining at 8.30 pm was too late and ditto the second show at 10.30 pm. I know there are 80 odd year olds who are happy to keep going until late in the evening but I'm sure they are in the minority - certainly judging from the numbers at early breakfast, ie lots!

 

This morning I enjoyed the second talk by Barney Broom (gremlins now fixed in his excellent audio visual presentation) and intend to see them all on different aspects of the history of Hollywood.

 

There was a new guest speaker this afternoon - Dale Templar on The Human Planet; the production secrets. However, our dining companions at lunchtime were so interesting that we missed it. One of them had chosen this 35-nighter as her first ever cruise and was loving it. And she was alone. Just brilliant!

 

I'll close today with some pictures of today's lunch. DH had a veggie concoction with rice, which he enjoyed and I had a tasty fish pie. My dessert, opera cake?, looked better than it tasted and so was left largely untouched. Made me feel good about having a bag of mini Maltesers with my afternoon tea 😇.

 

 

Nice food, photos and update.

[Valfan]

On 1/9/2024 at 6:18 PM, mrsgoggins said:

Last night's theatre performance was by Roy Locke, and since others knew about him, I guess he may be a regular on P&O. Forewarned, we arrived in the theatre for 7.55 pm and by 8.15 pm a young woman was at the front pointing newcomers in the direction of spare seats in an entertaining fashion. Lots stood for the show, which I really enjoyed. He opened with 'Oh what a beautiful morning' from Oklahoma and followed with songs from other musicals, all of which I knew 🎉. This pleased me since I have been on many cruises where I might have only known a few songs from the shows - and I don't think I'm only stuck in the past; I listen to Elaine Paige on a Sunday don't you know?  😁.

 

 

Lovely to read a glowing recommendation of Roy Locke's show.  I hadn't come across him until I was on a 19-nighter on Arcadia last April.  I enjoyed his first show so much that I went to both houses of each of his two shows - something that I hadn't done for an individual artist's show (I often go to more than one performance of Headliners shows) since the days of Leo Andrew back in the 1990's to early 2000's.

I had a quick chat with him after his final show and, as well as being a very good singer with good stage presence, he was very chatty and polite, very personable. In fact, meeting him and seeing his four shows was a real highlight in an otherwise godawful cruise.

[TigerB]

Thanks for the updates; I'm enjoying the food porn👍🏻

To the best of my recollection, I think the opera gateau is both GF and vegan, or at least a version of it was on one of the cruises we've been on, hence the taste.

I'm glad you had your Crêpes Suzette prepared tableside the other day; it does make a difference.

[mrsgoggins]

Thursday, 11th January update

 

Today I ventured into the laundrette for the first time and was aided both times by men; apparently the machines are new and I was pleased to see that the washing machines give you how long your chosen programme will take. Great as you can leave and return just before the end, but I wonder why the driers do not do likewise - they give you the percentage of moisture remaining in your load, so it’s guess work.  If you are reading, I’m sure it’s not for my laundry details so I’ll press on.

 

Alas our dining experiences at both breakfast and lunch have been frustrating and not up to scratch.  My ‘go with the flow’ resolve was tested. We have a table for 2 at breakfast and DH’s yoghurt, muesli and thick toast came out in reasonable time (ie, not speedy).  The juices were all mixed up in our section and my promised replacement arrived …… eventually.  So far, no big deal.  I had strayed from my usual order of fruit salad and toast to try an egg Benedict with 2 croissants.  DH sat with his food in front of him for 20 minutes before I went to find a manager to ask about mine.  Another 4/5 minutes and said manager brought out my food. I asked why the croissants couldn’t have been brought out first, if the issue was cooked food and he said he intended to find out.  We had the regular problem of trying to get refills of drinks.  Service at breakfast on P&O has always been a weak spot for us. Tomorrow it’s a return to my normal breakfast.

 

At lunch I chose badly.  We both had the macaroni cheese, which I thought lacked flavour and was only lukewarm.  I requested a replacement of mackerel pate which was just okay but would have benefited from a bit more Melba toast. I’m sure I could have got some, but getting a waiter’s attention is a skill I have yet to hone!  Unusually, the dining room was not very busy, possibly due to today’s lunch menu (and is the same as posted in Selbourne’s account).

 

It appears that tonight is formal night on Aurora, but not on here and we are dining at the Beach House, which I postponed from yesterday because of the movement of the ship. Instead we dined in Cinnamon on a shared table that included Guest entertainers, dance teachers Karen and Harry.  It was an interesting and entertaining dining experience.  I had bream and DH had roast beef, both tasty.  Green beans jokes were made, although I didn’t get any.

Sunday 14th January update 

 

Well I guess I’ve been too preoccupied the last few days and so I’ll attempt a bit of a catch up, even though I’ll be looking back so I hope it’s not too confusing.

 

As we had shared a table with Dale Templar and friend at breakfast on Friday morning, we attended her final talk on Saturday on the making The Human Planet, the BBC TV series and it made us regret not having been to her earlier lectures.  A selection of interesting speakers was one of the things I really wanted from this cruise and I wasn’t disappointed. Today Barbados, was our first Caribbean destination - after 6 sea days.  All of the guest speakers and most of the guest entertainers disembarked, as did, or so I’ve been told, the Captain. 
 

Sunday was excellent from start to end.  We enjoyed our first balcony room service breakfast.  I had selected 7-7.30 for delivery.  It arrived at 6.40 am when I was just out of the shower and DH had gone off in the hope of them opening the pool a little early!  

 

We were the first ship in port and I watched the Viking Sea take pole position at the dock, and they were soon joined by a TUI Marbella ship. Because of our location in a busy industrial port, passengers were told they must use the provided shuttles to get to the cruise terminal building.  We took a Barbados Coast to Coast excursion, which we quite enjoyed even though only one of the stops was new to us; a tropical garden, where we were given tokens for either a rum punch or fruit punch.  It was a charming brief stop - and had free WiFi which enabled DH to download 3 books to his phone whilst I took a look at the gardens.

 

Photos will come when I’ve changed the internet over to my phone.  We also visited St John’s church and Bathsheba Beach.  The evening saw us back in Epicurean for the B menu; so no crepes Suzette alas, but a very good Dover sole for me and lamb for DH followed by a trifle concoction for him and cheese and biscuits for me, though he also ate more of the cheese than I, as I dislike any blue or goats cheese, and there were both in ample quantities.  Another good dining experience.

 

This was followed by an evening visit to Metropolis to listen to the pianist which I only discovered as a daytime lounge last year, and had no idea it was such a great evening venue!  The New York street scene moving wall kept us both entertained.  Great.

 

Time to swap over now for easy photos posting.

 

 

 

 

[mrsgoggins]

Barbados photos first 🤞. 

 

 

[Selbourne]

Just now, mrsgoggins said:

Thursday, 11th January update

 

Today I ventured into the laundrette for the first time and was aided both times by men; apparently the machines are new and I was pleased to see that the washing machines give you how long your chosen programme will take. Great as you can leave and return just before the end, but I wonder why the driers do not do likewise - they give you the percentage of moisture remaining in your load, so it’s guess work.  If you are reading, I’m sure it’s not for my laundry details so I’ll press on.

 

Alas our dining experiences at both breakfast and lunch have been frustrating and not up to scratch.  My ‘go with the flow’ resolve was tested. We have a table for 2 at breakfast and DH’s yoghurt, muesli and thick toast came out in reasonable time (ie, not speedy).  The juices were all mixed up in our section and my promised replacement arrived …… eventually.  So far, no big deal.  I had strayed from my usual order of fruit salad and toast to try an egg Benedict with 2 croissants.  DH sat with his food in front of him for 20 minutes before I went to find a manager to ask about mine.  Another 4/5 minutes and said manager brought out my food. I asked why the croissants couldn’t have been brought out first, if the issue was cooked food and he said he intended to find out.  We had the regular problem of trying to get refills of drinks.  Service at breakfast on P&O has always been a weak spot for us. Tomorrow it’s a return to my normal breakfast.

 

At lunch I chose badly.  We both had the macaroni cheese, which I thought lacked flavour and was only lukewarm.  I requested a replacement of mackerel pate which was just okay but would have benefited from a bit more Melba toast. I’m sure I could have got some, but getting a waiter’s attention is a skill I have yet to hone!  Unusually, the dining room was not very busy, possibly due to today’s lunch menu (and is the same as posted in Selbourne’s account).

 

It appears that tonight is formal night on Aurora, but not on here and we are dining at the Beach House, which I postponed from yesterday because of the movement of the ship. Instead we dined in Cinnamon on a shared table that included Guest entertainers, dance teachers Karen and Harry.  It was an interesting and entertaining dining experience.  I had bream and DH had roast beef, both tasty.  Green beans jokes were made, although I didn’t get any.

Sunday 14th January update 

 

Well I guess I’ve been too preoccupied the last few days and so I’ll attempt a bit of a catch up, even though I’ll be looking back so I hope it’s not too confusing.

 

As we had shared a table with Dale Templar and friend at breakfast on Friday morning, we attended her final talk on Saturday on the making The Human Planet, the BBC TV series and it made us regret not having been to her earlier lectures.  A selection of interesting speakers was one of the things I really wanted from this cruise and I wasn’t disappointed. Today Barbados, was our first Caribbean destination - after 6 sea days.  All of the guest speakers and most of the guest entertainers disembarked, as did, or so I’ve been told, the Captain. 
 

Sunday was excellent from start to end.  We enjoyed our first balcony room service breakfast.  I had selected 7-7.30 for delivery.  It arrived at 6.40 am when I was just out of the shower and DH had gone off in the hope of them opening the pool a little early!  

 

We were the first ship in port and I watched the Viking Sea take pole position at the dock, and they were soon joined by a TUI Marbella ship. Because of our location in a busy industrial port, passengers were told they must use the provided shuttles to get to the cruise terminal building.  We took a Barbados Coast to Coast excursion, which we quite enjoyed even though only one of the stops was new to us; a tropical garden, where we were given tokens for either a rum punch or fruit punch.  It was a charming brief stop - and had free WiFi which enabled DH to download 3 books to his phone whilst I took a look at the gardens.

 

Photos will come when I’ve changed the internet over to my phone.  We also visited St John’s church and Bathsheba Beach.  The evening saw us back in Epicurean for the B menu; so no crepes Suzette alas, but a very good Dover sole for me and lamb for DH followed by a trifle concoction for him and cheese and biscuits for me, though he also ate more of the cheese than I, as I dislike any blue or goats cheese, and there were both in ample quantities.  Another good dining experience.

 

This was followed by an evening visit to Metropolis to listen to the pianist which I only discovered as a daytime lounge last year, and had no idea it was such a great evening venue!  The New York street scene moving wall kept us both entertained.  Great.

 

Time to swap over now for easy photos posting.

 

 

 

 

It was indeed meant to be formal night on Aurora tonight, but it has now changed (presumably tomorrow). 
 

Plenty of green bean jokes on here as well. I think they must have a deck below where they grow  them, as they seem to appear with most meals, whether they are a suitable accompaniment or not 😂 

[mrsgoggins]

Epicurean, no Marmite butter for us 😉

 

 

[mrsgoggins]

Note to self - attempt precis! Apologies for the length of the recent post. I'll try brevity 😁.

 

Now a Metropolis photo of that great New York wall. I had hoped to add a small video but it was taking too long to load.

 

[mrsgoggins]

Today in St Lucia

 

Another great balcony breakfast in lovely St Lucia.  We had an enjoyable brief visit to the Pink Plantation House and gardens and a short tour, complete with refreshments.

 

What we dislike about tours in the Caribbean especially is the way the seats are often crammed and with poor leg room. DH is 6'2" he always tries to get the middle seat at the back. However, as we are getting older and are lucky enough to have visited Caribbean ports many times, I can see us less likely to bother with shore excursions in the future.

 

A photo of his knees pressed against the seat back included for your delight 😄

 

 

 

 

 

Edited January 15 by mrsgoggins
Wrong photo

[TigerB]

I've been anticipating your updates, thanks!

 

Great photos.👍

 

It would have been annoying getting in first at Barbados and still getting the rubbish parking spot; having to get a shuttle even to the ports shops would have been a pain in the proverbial.

 

We like St Lucia, not so much for touring as it's difficult for our lass, but sitting on the balcony and watching the planes land and take off, and having a mooch in the Port Seraphine shops. I always come away with some banana ketchup from the 'local shop'.

[Eddie99]

Nice to get your update

Lovely Caribbean blue sky

Fancy only just discovering Metropolis!  You’ve plenty of time to enjoy it more though