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Key Moments

Editorial Summary

The creators review a four night mini cruise on the P&O Ventura, noting that the ship was scheduled for a dry dock refurbishment shortly after their sailing. They describe the vessel as showing signs of age in public corridors and pool areas, though they found the bars and lounges to be well maintained with relatively new furnishings. The review covers their experience in a standard balcony cabin, which they found practical and comfortable for the price despite a small bathroom and lack of a sofa bed. Dining experiences received mixed reviews; while specialty restaurants like Epicurean and The Glass House offered highlights, the inclusive buffet and main dining rooms were described as average with declining variety. The creators also critique the service standards and drink packages, suggesting that the ultimate drinks package has many exclusions. Ultimately, they conclude that while the ship and service levels may feel diminished compared to pre-2020 standards, the Ventura provides good value for money for those seeking an affordable mainstream cruise experience.

Written by TripBacon from this video's transcript.

How This Review Compares

This review's score for Ventura
Slight Frown
All-time creator consensus for Ventura
A Nibble

This review is more critical than the all-time creator consensus.

What This Creator Said
Creator Had Mixed FeelingsFull Ship Review🥈Expert Creator
Northern_europe · Winter · 4 nightsFrom SouthamptonVeteran Cruiser

Source: Our analysis of the creator's lived experience, based on what they said in this video.

Creator's Key Takeaways

we paid just 340 pounds per person 410 each for a stand balcony cabin booked on a late saver rate

the quality of food seeming very average and not coming close to resemble the food train on piano's website and in TV adverts

Ventura surprised us at how well maintained she seemed inside

to us Ventura is a very average cruise ship

Creator's Tips & Advice

Consider booking specialty restaurants early as availability was good on this cruise
Pay as you go for drinks rather than buying a drinks package due to many exclusions
If you're new to P&O, you may enjoy the entertainment, but long-time cruisers might find it stale

Questions This Creator Answers

QIs P&O Ventura a good ship for a family cruise?
QWhat is the food quality like on P&O Ventura?
QHow does the service compare to pre-2020 standards?

Topics Covered

Service Crew2 Sad BaconDining Specialty1½ Sad BaconDrink Package2½ Sad BaconValue Pricing1 Happy BaconShip Condition1½ Happy BaconCabin Balcony½ Happy BaconDining Main2 Sad BaconEntertainment Shows1½ Sad Bacon

Port Highlights

Southampton
How to read the Trip Bacon Score
Happy Bacon — creators loved this aspect
Sad Bacon — creators took issue with this
Meh — no strong opinion either way

Scale: 0–5 strips in half-step increments. 0 = “meh”, 5 = “bacon bliss”. Aggregated from creator-review sentiment, weighted by channel expertise.

About our Bacon Score methodology

Video content sourced from the creator's original upload. Watch on YouTube