P&O Ventura: Onboard Dining, Entertainment & Facilities...

Launched in 2008 and regularly refurbished, P&O Ventura is one of P&O Cruises’ most popular family-friendly ships, operating primarily from Southampton. With a passenger capacity of around 3,100 and a crew of over 1,200, Ventura offers a relaxed yet traditional cruise experience with a distinctly British flavour.

Main Restaurants

Ventura features three main dining rooms, each offering a different style of service:

• Bay Tree Restaurant – located aft and operating Club Dining with fixed sittings at 6:30 pm and 8:30 pm.
• Cinnamon Restaurant – midships, offering Freedom Dining where guests can arrive at a time that suits them between 6:00 pm and 9:30 pm.
• Saffron Restaurant – also midships, and like Cinnamon, operates under the Freedom Dining concept.

Specialty Dining

For those seeking something a little different, Ventura offers several specialty dining options (supplement applies):

• The Beach House – casual grill-style dining with steak, ribs, and sizzling lava rock options.
• Epicurean – fine dining at its best, blending modern British cuisine with molecular gastronomy touches.
• The Glass House – wine bar and restaurant curated by wine expert Olly Smith, offering wine flights paired with small plates and gourmet mains.

Bars & Lounges

There’s no shortage of places to enjoy a drink or unwind aboard Ventura. Highlights include:

• Metropolis – a stylish lounge on Deck 18 with panoramic views and a video wall simulating skylines from around the world.
• Red Bar – the ship’s elegant cocktail bar, perfect for pre-dinner drinks.
• The Exchange – a traditional British-style pub with quizzes, sports, and live music.
• Terrace Bar – poolside bar ideal for daytime lounging with a pint or a Pimm’s.

Entertainment

Ventura is well-equipped for entertainment, catering to all tastes:

• Arena Theatre – a two-tiered venue featuring West End-style productions, comedy acts, guest entertainers, and live music.
• Havana – part show lounge, part nightclub, featuring live music and dancing late into the night.
• Tamarind Club – hosts cabaret acts, game shows, and themed events in a vibrant, intimate setting.
• Cinema Screenings – both indoors and open-air movies under the stars on deck.

Family & Kids

Ventura is very family-friendly, offering age-specific kids’ clubs through The Reef programme, with spaces for:

• Surfers (5–8 years)
• Scubas (9–12 years)
• H2O (teen zone)

There’s also a night nursery service for under 5s, and child-friendly pools and activities are run daily.

Other Facilities

• Oasis Spa and Thermal Suite – full-service spa, hydrotherapy pool, and relaxation rooms
• Gym and Fitness Studio – fully equipped with ocean views
• Sports Court – for tennis, football and basketball
• Library and Internet Café
• Shopping Arcade – offering duty-free goods and high-street brands

Conclusion

P&O Ventura remains a firm favourite in the fleet thanks to its wide choice of dining options, vibrant bars, and British-style entertainment. Whether you're looking for family fun, a romantic getaway, or just some time at sea with a decent cuppa, Ventura caters to all with a solid dose of charm and cruise tradition.