Ooooh Jamie. Great vlog, very informative. We had the very same experience on the Ventura in July. Fantastic food, terrible queues, lactuster, and diminished entertainment. I, too, was asked to leave the red room for the same reason. Ship now tired looking. It's all very sad because it used to be one of our favourites. When we got home, we cancelled our next Ventura cruise. You're fast becomming our favourite cruise vlogger. Your warm personalty shines through. Your interaction with your fans on-board is to be applauded.
Ah David this is such a lovely comment - thank you so much for your positivity and for taking the time to comment. Sorry to hear your cruise wasn’t up to scratch. I think I would have cancelled if I had another on Ventura booked as well, sadly.
Whatever the heck, it was absolutely fabulous to see your mum and sister, plus, of course, the amazing Mafoo! Thanks so much for sharing! Love and best wishes to you all, Claire and rescue 'furry family', Berlin ❤❤❤❤
What a brilliant vlog Jamie! My husband and I are new to cruising and we are doing the very same cruise for our first one in October 2024. You've given us an insight to what expect on our maiden voyage. Thank you!
Aloha thats awesome your moms 1st trip, I'm going on my 1st every in April 6-13 2024 from florida to carabean island for moms 80th birthday ,luv ur work mahalo
We have had some brilliant cruises on Ventura, pre covid. Not managed a P&O cruise post covid, we were booked on the maiden voyage next month but it been cancelled. We have booked an alternative cruise on Ambassador Ambience, small ship and it leaves from our local port. We cruised earlier this year on this ship, she is an old ship but the pubic areas are lovely, we certainly did not have the queuing issues you experienced on Ventura.
We sailed on Ventura on her 2nd sailing back in May 2008 on our first ever cruise and have been hooked eversince. We have tried to do at least 1/2 a year. Ventura was a lovely ship and the entertainment was top class back then. Our last cruise on her was 6 years ago and still very good but now after watching a few of your videos how things have changed. Ventura looks like a ghost ship on some of them with hardly any sunbeds etc. I hope things improve and more staff get hired. I think most people are cruising on the newer P&O ships which Arvia reminds of a larger version on Ventura when new. I hope Azura doesn't get left behind either because of the newer bigger ships. Great video and just subscribed.
Hi Carole - I completely agree. We had sailed on Ventura so many times and loved her: this was such a stark contrast. We couldn’t imagine booking again for some time unfortunately.
Hi Jamie, just watched your video and are in your cabin r730 in October. You have the patience of a saint and I can only hope it's better staffed when we sail. As usual an excellent informative and entertaining video. Cheers Dave
Your mum is so sweet. Cherish her as long as you can as i lost mine and she reminds me so much of my mum, the hair, the expressions and even the way she walks
Great video Jamie. I love Ventura. It was our first cruise and have fond memories of her. Was on her again last June. Also loved the sail under the bridge to and from Lisbon. Sad to see the staffing issues but it needs to be remembered it’s a management fault. Hope it sorts itself out soon. By way happy anniversary to you both. How does he tolerate you 😂 and belated birthday to your sister. To finish off love the little touch of inviting folk who say hi appearing on your vlogs. I might get on one day 😂
Thank you! Yes, I agree and I said in the video I totally felt it was a management responsibility and how the crew were (mostly) awesome (although overwhelmed). I love it when passengers come up and say hi! I thought it would be a nice memory for them too ❤️❤️❤️
Great to watch thanks Jamie, that itinerary was the last one I did with my Dad on Ventura October 20 so lots of memories and yes we had the stormy seas from Porto but didn’t get the queues.
Just checked cruise photos and definitely one huge queue at Cherbourg when we visited on Britannia, we just ignored it and went to look round the Titanic museum and no queue later on!
Wow, that was quite a marathon Jamie and loved every minute (apart from the cringy bits with me in 🙈). Despite it being so busy, me and Andy still enjoyed the cruise and would sail on Ventura again. It's just a shame P&O overbooked it and put their crew under such strain. We loved the ports and managed to get into dinner by going early and sharing tables, but this was definitely a compromise. We kind of gave up on breakfast in the MDR and used the buffet instead. Hazards of school holiday cruising for sure, looking forward to the days when we can sail in term time. Such a shame it was your Mum and Marie's first cruising experience though as it's not normally like this. It was so different from our cruise on Aurora in the summer where service was exceptional 👌. Thanks for your honest review Jamie xx
Oh I love the bits with you and Andrew!! Not cringe at all! I think the point you make about the crew is an important one; they really are under so much extra pressure. I also don’t think it’s fair on customers expecting a relaxing cruise and waiting in line so much. We have Iona and Arvia booked so will see how we get on! School holiday cruising the Norma for us both isn’t it, but never been like this before.
@@TravelBlogJamie Well, thats a good recommendation!! I haven't been on Cunard for a number of years but did enjoy every cruise I took with them and the last cruise with them I was in Queens Grill, so I was really well looked after. 🙂 As a single passenger you always pay more but thats life!!!
Hi de hi! Booked on a similar cruise in April. Regretting it after watching the video. Last travelled with P&O some 15 years ago and it seems to have gone downhill.
I have cruised many many times on every cruise line but P&O and seeing what problems you had I will not chance it to probably waste my money. Thank you!
We love Ventura. We did 35 nights on riveria deck aft (with that ‘secret door’) straight out onto the back terrace pool! Thankfully on that longer cruise we didn’t have long wait times for restaurants or getting back on the ship.
What a delightful video, Jamie. I hope you all told your mother how lovely she looked with her new hair style. What a complement to you how comfortable she felt getting her hair done. You were so thoughtful giving them the larger cabin. I’m sorry for all the issues with their first cruise.
Enjoyed watching this - especially spotting us in the background a number of times! Fully agree with your points - one of the most disorganised cruises I've done (this was number 20!), but the food in the main dining room was immense!! I cancelled my upcoming Ventura Cruise on board, and moved it to Iona, because I really wouldn't go back at this stage, which is a shame as it has always been one of my favourite ships.
Hello Jamie love Ventura we were on the maiden season in May 2008 we flew over from Sydney we hadn't cruised for a number of years it reintroduced us to cruising and returned each year for a number of years to Crouse on Azura and Ventura. Just disembarked Queen Elizabeth loved it.
We’ve just booked the Ventura 2026 solar eclipse cruise - pushed the boat out for a 2 bed family suite so we can get breakfast stress free 😂 and get our butler to bring us food if the queues are bad in the evenings. Still never cruised but that’s 4 booked now and counting 🤣
Thank you for taking us along on your anniversary/birthday cruise with first timers. I am so sad that your mum and sister didn't have the real cruise experience that seems to have disappeared (only for a while I hope). I just got off Iona for 14 days to the Canaries. While I did not experience the long queues that you had, I am a solo traveller and it was easier I think for the ladies at the desk to squeeze me in. I never had to wait, nor did I ever join a virtual line, and observed those that did pre-book were kept waiting a long time while I guiltily walked in without a wait. I noticed that the waiting staff were stressed, and there were no staff serving drinks on deck, whereas in the past I was fending off waiters from bars to the left and right. It was not possible to get a drink to have on deck unless one went to a bar and asked for it. There was definitely a shortage of manpower. Everything else was up to standard, the room and all public spaces were kept clean and sparkly, the food was excellent in the main dining rooms, but the buffet was a bit lacking in choice and quality, which is why I ate in the MDRs almost all the time. The quays and the Olive grove were my favourites and I ate in both those often. Service and quality on both were superb. I look forward to seeing your experience on Iona when you get back. Thanks as always for your quality content. Always excellent.
Thank you for your comments! It was the poorest cruise we’ve experienced in the last couple years - they must ensure they have enough crew or reduce capacity. I do love Iona so am looking forward to revising ❤️
I'm planning my first ever cruise next year from Southampton and am looking at P&O a lot.. I think I might go with them but am still undecided on a cruise line. I've come across your videos & think they are great. I cant choose a ship & destination haha so these videos are very helpful. Although I don't think I'll take my first cruise on Ventura I want something a bit more modern (I'm in my 30's) and will be taking my Mum too.
Omg queue queue, we’ve just done our first ever cruise on MSC Virtuoso, not impressed, the boat was full and we queued a lot. Now booked a Ventura cruise for November, smaller boat, less people and you are saying still queues. My husband isn’t keen on cruising anyway, so this could well and truly put a spanner in the works. Hopefully it will be ok 🙏🙏🙏🙏
Hello Jamie, Wow what a shame too much queuing 🙄 Thanks for showing the reality . Do hope your Mum & Sister will try another cruise soon . Can you book a set time for evening meals yet?? Hope so have booked Brittania with set dinning 😂
We were saver fare so could not do fixed dining; it wouldn’t have worked either way. First sitting too early for us being in Port. Late sitting too late for my mum to eat. Otherwise you can’t Boole a specific time for dining - all pot luck
Great video. Booked out first ever cruise doing this same cruise in Sept so hoping the issues have been sorted. Fingers crossed. As a total cruising newbie your videos are a huge help and a great watch due to your fab sense of humour.👍
My wife was on the Ventura in May and said it was all plain sailing with no queues..With yourselves i was wondering if there was much of a wait in bars or casinos etc (the places where they want to lighten your wallet)..Fully agree with its a Management issue as with a lot of poor service nowadays..Back on The Ventura in 2 weeks so it will be interesting...
Thanks for another awesome video Jamie 🤩 Honest, helpful, and entertaining as ever 😊 Its such a shame that P&O got those elements so wrong (especially canapé-gate!) - it's not surprising that you won't be back on for a while. We will let you know if its any better when marina is onboard 😬 Some fantastic ports though and so great that you were able to sail with your mum and sister 😊 Very exciting about Florida as well!
Great video👍. On the canapes - we've cruised with P & O in a suite a few times where you get canapes each evening. First thing we do now is ask for them not to be delivered. All I can say is you had a lucky escape by not getting them😂, they are famously bad - normally soggy bread with something squeezed onto it🤢
Oh Jamie… what a shame 😢this was very informative all though I hope this queuing situation will be resolved, Ventura has always been one of our favourite ships and we are due to sail on her next year!! I can see why your mum is not overly impressed with cruising, it must have been very frustrating for you when you know this is not the normal way of things… maybe mum will give it another go and she will see and experience cruising the way we all do x
I was on this cruise too with my extended family and I was in the Orsava Suite on the stern with my daughter and her family in an inside cabin next door. We didn’t like the suite or the cruise that much and certainly wouldn’t rush to sail on her again unless the itinerary was key or post refit. We had breakfast in the Epicurean each morning and to be fair the service there was pretty good, apart from that everything was pretty meh 😬
GREAT Blog.. loved it. I do have a question about the MDR. If you have booked late sitting, am I still to have to queue or can I go straight in at 8.30pm?
I can't believe the queues! I was on Ventura in 2015 and never really had to wait more than 10 minutes for a table anywhere. Having said that, after two previous cruises on Princess I did notice that P&O was nowhere near as good. Don't get me wrong, it's still a mighty fine way to spend a fortnight. But it felt a class below Princess in almost every way. I decided after that cruise that I wouldn't bother with P&O again and your vlog has cemented that decision.
Hi again Jamie, I'm finished the vlog and to be honest underwhelmed by P&O. We were considering booking for Christmas 2023 on Azura but the troubles you ran into and the issues with the lines just puts me off. I enjoyed as always watching your video. Thanks for bringing us along
We did the Azura taster cruise. They are so unprofessional. Took us to Guernsey when everything was shut. Sick of all the queues. Not enough seats in the theatre so had to sit on the stairs. Food was good but never again. Back to Cunard. They know how to do it in style.
Jamie, I have just come back from my Birthday Cruise with P&O Ventura below is my review: When I went before the cabin stewards would be available all the time and were very friendly and would make up the room every single time you left the cabin. That’s now not the case I only saw our steward once a day and he would never change the bed even when I requested that it be change three times. I ended up cleaning the room myself. - Dinner was at a set time In the Baytree, the same time everyday with no option to change or visit any other restaurant. - Service in the restaurant was very slow and etiquette rules were not followed. We were given two clearly dirty glasses with lip stick on them. - There were queues for everything (from car parking to the port buses to boarding and disembarking). - The staff were all new and did not speak English in most cases. It felt like we were bothering them even though we paid a lot to be on the ship. - The management did not care about the customer at all. - I was charged for something I did not order and when I called reception they promised to call back but never did. - P&O tried to charge for coaches out of a dangerous port which was completely Ridiculous and got overruled eventually. - There was no photography service on Formal Night like before. P&O tried to blame Covid which was a useless excuse! - Overall atmosphere was bland and Ventura did not offer much to do. Service was poor and I miss the old P&O service.
Just come off 35 day cruise on this ship. Exactly the same issues but the return at the end of the cruise was a disgrace - I have cruised for 25 years always with P&O hate to think of how much I have spent. The Holiday app does not work etc etc. P&O need to get a grip or they will loose many loyal customers.
You were on my cruise and I didn't even see you once lol. The Bay of Biscay on that water day after having hit Cherbourg, France was horrible at night, beds tossing and turning everywhere. You probably saw me, I was in a massive group of teenagers we were all about 15-18. I bet I'm going to end up seeing myself in this video hahahahaha.
I'm going on my very first cruise in July 2024 and we're going on the Ventura. I hope they get the queues sorted however the food looks fab!! I'm very nervous about boats and I get sea sick but I'm so looking forward to it. Fab video video by the way xx
Fantastic informative video as always Jamie! I do however feel for those waiters/other workers. They are overworked and stressed to high heavens! Bless them.
Thank you. I feel for them too and it makes me annoyed that management know they can’t cope with the volume of guests - sail with fewer passengers whilst there aren’t enough crew is what I would like to see
Very interesting video. I'm looking to do a similar itinerary next year, but starting to have second thoughts. The queues for dining & at the port in Cherbourg were quite off putting. I've only cruised with Thomson/Marella, so used to ships with about 1200-1800 passengers, but not sure if I could cope with a much larger ship. I've never queued for dining on 12 cruises, so that would be quite hard to adjust to.
I’ve queued like this before and I’ve done so many cruises with P&O and loads of other lines too - quite simply, not enough staff for number of passengers on this particular cruise
@@TravelBlogJamie we have cruised a few times with PO pre covid did a mini cruise Easter 2022 on Brittania didn't enjoy it food had gone downhill and wait times to tables were ridiculous We are booked on another mini cruise on Ventura in a few weeks and hoped things had improved,previous trip on Ventura a few years ago was amazing Worried now Came off Marella Explorer a week ago only had to wait for a table once Mind you food has gone downhill on there too
Shame about the long waits for MDR. We sailed Ventura post Covid last year with no problems. Short wait for breakfast whenever we turned up and same for dinner, though we usually went at opening time.
Just got of the 5 night France rotterdam, the ship was better than expected, decor , entertainment was upbeat loved the wrap round promenade deck , we didn't have to wait in the MDR shared with other people , For me put deck 7 on the QM2 itle be perfect
We have been back since 19 th August . We travelled to Canary Islands , Cadiz, Lisbon and back to Southampton . Pretty much the same experience as yourselves . Long queues and even was charged for room service , which we never used . This is still going on now and still awaiting what I feel, is a refund . I don’t think we will sail P&O again :(
Sooo this is what was added on my statement 18/06/2023 15:33 E208 Room Service (24012267) £6.80 -£1.49. Total £5.31 This was the very last entry on my statement .
Wasn’t aware of this until I looked at my account the following day . I didn’t get an account summery delivered to the cabin . I was wondering ‘ why everyone else ‘ who was disembarking got a white envelope and I never saw one outside our cabin .
My family and I spent a week on the Ventura it was brilliant we didn’t queue for anything so I think Jamie was on the wrong ship or the wrong frame of mind I’m not sure witch & food was top class and the service was brilliant I Would do it every year well done P &O
Hmmm nope - as someone who’s sailed on Ventura many times before, I wasn’t on the wrong ship or the wrong state of mind. Did you not see the queues we experienced in this vid? And did I not say the food was great? 🤔
@@TravelBlogJamie yes Jamie I did see the one queues but when we went on the Ventura we were able to book are times witch we did ,had no queues sorry for my sense of humour earlier but you got to look on the bright side, bit picky about the cold toast,
@@johnbenham6658 it is possible to have completely different experiences isn’t it; we weren’t on the same cruise after all - it was one of the worst we’ve had in over 50 cruises unfortunately. I don’t doubt yours was wonderful, and I’m pleased for you but ours wasn’t. You have focused on my negatives and not the positives i mentioned. I know people on Ventura right now and they are horrified by the queues to eat and this really needs attention. We really wouldn’t cruise on Ventura again in a long while after this experience but I hope those who do have a great time. There’s a ship for everyone.
I'm sorry for commenting a third time, but I can't figure out why there were "hotel:" signs above the windows 😂 Could you please explain? Oh & I didn't know one could get beef wellington well done? 🤔 that's why I never tried it because I'm terrified of raw meat lol
Hi, I was on the Ventura in March I went to the Canary Islands. It was my very first cruise and we will have to wear masks everywhere. The ship is a beautiful ship. I think it needs a update.
Another honest and quality vlog. Sadly on a cruise in September with ventura my parents in law didn't have a good experience on a similar level. Hopefully your mum and sister won't be permanently put off from cruising.
I was draw to this video because of the title. The wife and I cruised on ventura last October and definitely felt there wasn't enough staff. Low and behold 2 minutes into the video we see ourselves. We're now committed to the rest of the video 😂
Have to agree it's was definitely a mixed experience on that cruise. We dubbed it P&O Queues's. After 3 days we kicked up such a fuss that we were given a dedicated table in the MDR that we could just turn up to, we nicknamed it the naughty table. We also had breakfast in the epicurean. As a result we've changed all our future cruises to set dining. As for the actual cruise, ports and excursions we thoroughly enjoyed it.
Hello jamie I am NEW to CRUISING, and am in a wheelchair , please can you give us info how to board ? X many thanks we sail from the 6th to the 16th of MAY 2023 MARILYN & STEVE BLAKEMAN
@@marilynblakeman5380 you’ll be given assistance on arrival at the terminal. Boarding is fully accessible. If you want peace of mind you can always contact P&O im advance with any Qs or requests
You are encouraged to do your own, but it wasn’t obligatory and you don’t have to show evidence. For particularly long cruises / some countries, you might be asked to do so.
One time, we were in a very nice famous steak house. We ordered our food. Then, a waiter arrived and very carefully picked up all of our cutlery one by one and placed them on a fancy silver platter. He then left. Several minutes later, all our food was delivered by someone else. Well, we thought that was extremely funny! We were left with gorgeous food with no cutlery to eat it in the end!
Ooooh Jamie. Great vlog, very informative. We had the very same experience on the Ventura in July. Fantastic food, terrible queues, lactuster, and diminished entertainment. I, too, was asked to leave the red room for the same reason. Ship now tired looking. It's all very sad because it used to be one of our favourites. When we got home, we cancelled our next Ventura cruise. You're fast becomming our favourite cruise vlogger. Your warm personalty shines through. Your interaction with your fans on-board is to be applauded.
Ah David this is such a lovely comment - thank you so much for your positivity and for taking the time to comment. Sorry to hear your cruise wasn’t up to scratch. I think I would have cancelled if I had another on Ventura booked as well, sadly.
Love this vlog! We are big fans of your vlogs! 😍 ⛴️
🙏🙏🙏
Whatever the heck, it was absolutely fabulous to see your mum and sister, plus, of course, the amazing Mafoo!
Thanks so much for sharing!
Love and best wishes to you all, Claire and rescue 'furry family', Berlin ❤❤❤❤
Hey Berlin 👋
So entertaining 😀 you are such a natural. Lovely personality and funny. Just subscribed 👏👏👏👏
Brenda that’s sooo kind of you - thank you so much 😊
Amazing vlog. Your dad is right there with you every time. I have no doubt ❤
🙏🙏🙏
What a brilliant vlog Jamie! My husband and I are new to cruising and we are doing the very same cruise for our first one in October 2024. You've given us an insight to what expect on our maiden voyage. Thank you!
Enjoy your cruise 🚢
First time watching you and I subscribed! Will go back and watch others. Your Mum is quite adorable.
Awww thank you Rita ❤️❤️❤️
Great blog, you really captured the highs and lows of this cruise.
We nicknamed it the queues cruise 🤣
Ooof I’ve never had to queue so much for food before 🙏
Aloha thats awesome your moms 1st trip, I'm going on my 1st every in April 6-13 2024 from florida to carabean island for moms 80th birthday ,luv ur work mahalo
That’s awesome 😎 Hope you both have the best time!
We have had some brilliant cruises on Ventura, pre covid. Not managed a P&O cruise post covid, we were booked on the maiden voyage next month but it been cancelled. We have booked an alternative cruise on Ambassador Ambience, small ship and it leaves from our local port. We cruised earlier this year on this ship, she is an old ship but the pubic areas are lovely, we certainly did not have the queuing issues you experienced on Ventura.
Lynne I’ve never experienced this on any P&O ships before - they must stop overselling cabins when not enough crew
I love how you thank Jesus for your lovely life experiences.
🙏🙏🙏🙏
Enjoyed this, thank you. Ventura has had a bit of an upgrade since your cruise 😊
It has indeed!
Your mum & sister are beautiful ladies. Thank you for another awesome video 😊
Thanks 😊
@@TravelBlogJamie you're welcome
We sailed on Ventura on her 2nd sailing back in May 2008 on our first ever cruise and have been hooked eversince. We have tried to do at least 1/2 a year. Ventura was a lovely ship and the entertainment was top class back then. Our last cruise on her was 6 years ago and still very good but now after watching a few of your videos how things have changed. Ventura looks like a ghost ship on some of them with hardly any sunbeds etc. I hope things improve and more staff get hired. I think most people are cruising on the newer P&O ships which Arvia reminds of a larger version on Ventura when new. I hope Azura doesn't get left behind either because of the newer bigger ships. Great video and just subscribed.
Hi Carole - I completely agree. We had sailed on Ventura so many times and loved her: this was such a stark contrast. We couldn’t imagine booking again for some time unfortunately.
Hi Jamie, just watched your video and are in your cabin r730 in October. You have the patience of a saint and I can only hope it's better staffed when we sail. As usual an excellent informative and entertaining video. Cheers Dave
Hi Dave! I do try and stay patient! 😂 a I’ve heard better things more recently so fingers crossed for you 🙏
Thanks Jamie, another great vid - really enjoyed it - Happy belated tin anniversary to you and Maffoo x
And thank you so much Sheila ❤️
Your mum is so sweet. Cherish her as long as you can as i lost mine and she reminds me so much of my mum, the hair, the expressions and even the way she walks
Always ❤️❤️❤️
Oh my goodness! So Hooked love your channel.
Looking to book for my family with my Mum on our first cruise ever in 2024😅
Diana that’s so very kind! Thank you 🙏
Great video! Making me excited for our cruise on Ventura in September :)
Enjoy 😊
Great video Jamie. I love Ventura. It was our first cruise and have fond memories of her. Was on her again last June. Also loved the sail under the bridge to and from Lisbon. Sad to see the staffing issues but it needs to be remembered it’s a management fault. Hope it sorts itself out soon. By way happy anniversary to you both. How does he tolerate you 😂 and belated birthday to your sister. To finish off love the little touch of inviting folk who say hi appearing on your vlogs. I might get on one day 😂
Thank you! Yes, I agree and I said in the video I totally felt it was a management responsibility and how the crew were (mostly) awesome (although overwhelmed). I love it when passengers come up and say hi! I thought it would be a nice memory for them too ❤️❤️❤️
Great to watch thanks Jamie, that itinerary was the last one I did with my Dad on Ventura October 20 so lots of memories and yes we had the stormy seas from Porto but didn’t get the queues.
Oh I soooo wish we didn’t get all those queues 😫
Just checked cruise photos and definitely one huge queue at Cherbourg when we visited on Britannia, we just ignored it and went to look round the Titanic museum and no queue later on!
@@alisont308 ha! We got off later so no queue for us
Wow, that was quite a marathon Jamie and loved every minute (apart from the cringy bits with me in 🙈). Despite it being so busy, me and Andy still enjoyed the cruise and would sail on Ventura again. It's just a shame P&O overbooked it and put their crew under such strain.
We loved the ports and managed to get into dinner by going early and sharing tables, but this was definitely a compromise. We kind of gave up on breakfast in the MDR and used the buffet instead.
Hazards of school holiday cruising for sure, looking forward to the days when we can sail in term time.
Such a shame it was your Mum and Marie's first cruising experience though as it's not normally like this. It was so different from our cruise on Aurora in the summer where service was exceptional 👌.
Thanks for your honest review Jamie xx
Oh I love the bits with you and Andrew!! Not cringe at all! I think the point you make about the crew is an important one; they really are under so much extra pressure. I also don’t think it’s fair on customers expecting a relaxing cruise and waiting in line so much. We have Iona and Arvia booked so will see how we get on! School holiday cruising the Norma for us both isn’t it, but never been like this before.
@@TravelBlogJamie true, school holidays is the norm for us, but has never been this overbooked before.
@@emmaludlow8173 agreed. Eeeeek
Oh my goodness this is the epic one! It may be 1h12 mins but there’s a whole week to pack into that time! Drop all your comments below!
We were on at the same time. Will keep an eye out, lol.
@@chrislewis1981 oh you might well spot yourselves!
I have just booked 2 cruises for next year on the Cunard Victoria and booked Britannia Club which hopefully for the extra cost should be worth it.
@@alanhoyle8901 oh I loooove Cunard
@@TravelBlogJamie Well, thats a good recommendation!!
I haven't been on Cunard for a number of years but did enjoy every cruise I took with them and the last cruise with them I was in Queens Grill, so I was really well looked after. 🙂 As a single passenger you always pay more but thats life!!!
Second time of watching … the food looks GOOD !!! I’m happing Azura will be better staffed in March/April enjoyed this both times Jamie, thank you 😊
The food was very good on this cruise
Hope all the issues are sorted by next April, your mum is so adorable!
I’m sure they’ll get them sorted 👍👍👍
Hi de hi! Booked on a similar cruise in April. Regretting it after watching the video. Last travelled with P&O some 15 years ago and it seems to have gone downhill.
Well this was 1 year 4 months ago - our most recent cruise was v good
I have cruised many many times on every cruise line but P&O and seeing what problems you had I will not chance it to probably waste my money. Thank you!
You are very welcome 🙏
Looks like yous are having a great time on the cruise! Lovely family!
Thank you
We love Ventura. We did 35 nights on riveria deck aft (with that ‘secret door’) straight out onto the back terrace pool! Thankfully on that longer cruise we didn’t have long wait times for restaurants or getting back on the ship.
It’s a great location for sure and one we’d consider again
What a delightful video, Jamie. I hope you all told your mother how lovely she looked with her new hair style. What a complement to you how comfortable she felt getting her hair done. You were so thoughtful giving them the larger cabin. I’m sorry for all the issues with their first cruise.
Well in fairness they did pay the extra for that cabin 😂 Thanks for your lively comments ❤️
Great vlog Jamie. Such a shame about the queues. I would find that really frustrating. I wonder if things have improved since last October. X
I’ve heard very mixed things unfortunately 😩
Enjoyed watching this - especially spotting us in the background a number of times! Fully agree with your points - one of the most disorganised cruises I've done (this was number 20!), but the food in the main dining room was immense!! I cancelled my upcoming Ventura Cruise on board, and moved it to Iona, because I really wouldn't go back at this stage, which is a shame as it has always been one of my favourite ships.
Sounds like we had a very similar experience unfortunately and I would have done the same as you!!
Hello Jamie love Ventura we were on the maiden season in May 2008 we flew over from Sydney we hadn't cruised for a number of years it reintroduced us to cruising and returned each year for a number of years to Crouse on Azura and Ventura. Just disembarked Queen Elizabeth loved it.
Hi Diana - thanks for stopping by! Love Cunard and pleased you enjoyed!
Nice to see dear old Ventura not been on her for years but strangely enough we are booked next year.
She’s a lovely ship for sure
We’ve just booked the Ventura 2026 solar eclipse cruise - pushed the boat out for a 2 bed family suite so we can get breakfast stress free 😂 and get our butler to bring us food if the queues are bad in the evenings. Still never cruised but that’s 4 booked now and counting 🤣
Now that will work very well!!
Love Metropolis- I have a thing for the carpet!! 😂 and it’s where little Elliot first started crawling!
I like being that high with a drink and the views. Don’t even remember the carpet!
Thank you for taking us along on your anniversary/birthday cruise with first timers. I am so sad that your mum and sister didn't have the real cruise experience that seems to have disappeared (only for a while I hope).
I just got off Iona for 14 days to the Canaries. While I did not experience the long queues that you had, I am a solo traveller and it was easier I think for the ladies at the desk to squeeze me in. I never had to wait, nor did I ever join a virtual line, and observed those that did pre-book were kept waiting a long time while I guiltily walked in without a wait.
I noticed that the waiting staff were stressed, and there were no staff serving drinks on deck, whereas in the past I was fending off waiters from bars to the left and right. It was not possible to get a drink to have on deck unless one went to a bar and asked for it. There was definitely a shortage of manpower.
Everything else was up to standard, the room and all public spaces were kept clean and sparkly, the food was excellent in the main dining rooms, but the buffet was a bit lacking in choice and quality, which is why I ate in the MDRs almost all the time. The quays and the Olive grove were my favourites and I ate in both those often. Service and quality on both were superb.
I look forward to seeing your experience on Iona when you get back. Thanks as always for your quality content. Always excellent.
Thank you for your comments! It was the poorest cruise we’ve experienced in the last couple years - they must ensure they have enough crew or reduce capacity. I do love Iona so am looking forward to revising ❤️
*revisiting
Just found your blogs enjoyed we are on ventura 1st July 23 Hooe they sort queues out before we sail xx
That’s plenty of time for them to sort it out! They just need to recruit more staff!
We are sailing on Ventura in April to the Canary Islands..can’t wait
Have a great time!
Enjoyed watching that. Shame about the wait for restaurants, we go on her Oct next year so hopefully sorted by then.
I’d like to think so, Marecia
I'm planning my first ever cruise next year from Southampton and am looking at P&O a lot.. I think I might go with them but am still undecided on a cruise line. I've come across your videos & think they are great. I cant choose a ship & destination haha so these videos are very helpful. Although I don't think I'll take my first cruise on Ventura I want something a bit more modern (I'm in my 30's) and will be taking my Mum too.
Sounds like Arvia or Iona might suit better if P&O?
Yes! I was just watching your Arvia video. It looks so good!
Omg queue queue, we’ve just done our first ever cruise on MSC Virtuoso, not impressed, the boat was full and we queued a lot. Now booked a Ventura cruise for November, smaller boat, less people and you are saying still queues. My husband isn’t keen on cruising anyway, so this could well and truly put a spanner in the works. Hopefully it will be ok 🙏🙏🙏🙏
There are cruise lines where this isn’t the norm, I promise you!
Hello Jamie,
Wow what a shame too much queuing 🙄
Thanks for showing the reality .
Do hope your Mum & Sister will try another cruise soon .
Can you book a set time for evening meals yet??
Hope so have booked Brittania with set dinning 😂
We were saver fare so could not do fixed dining; it wouldn’t have worked either way. First sitting too early for us being in Port. Late sitting too late for my mum to eat. Otherwise you can’t Boole a specific time for dining - all pot luck
@@TravelBlogJamie Thanks Jamie for info 👍
@@janemayhew1442 welcome 🙏
Great video Jamie I have tweeted it for P&o to watch had the same experience as you cancelled our next one
Oh did you really? On the same ship?
@@TravelBlogJamie yes in July same ship but hundreds of children on board with us couldn’t get in any pool even adults only
@@michelemottram5998 oh that’s not good at all
Great video. Booked out first ever cruise doing this same cruise in Sept so hoping the issues have been sorted. Fingers crossed. As a total cruising newbie your videos are a huge help and a great watch due to your fab sense of humour.👍
Thank you so much - appreciate that! Hope you have the best time 🚢
My wife was on the Ventura in May and said it was all plain sailing with no queues..With yourselves i was wondering if there was much of a wait in bars or casinos etc (the places where they want to lighten your wallet)..Fully agree with its a Management issue as with a lot of poor service nowadays..Back on The Ventura in 2 weeks so it will be interesting...
Yes, bars also slow on the whole.
Thanks for another awesome video Jamie 🤩 Honest, helpful, and entertaining as ever 😊
Its such a shame that P&O got those elements so wrong (especially canapé-gate!) - it's not surprising that you won't be back on for a while. We will let you know if its any better when marina is onboard 😬
Some fantastic ports though and so great that you were able to sail with your mum and sister 😊
Very exciting about Florida as well!
Sometimes these things happen and all sorts of variables at play - I’m sure it’s not always like this. Look forward to finding out how Marina gets on
@@TravelBlogJamie we are really hoping the wait times are resolved, otherwise marina and her mum will have two hangry little children on their hands 😬
@@MarinaAndJoeGo I imagine it will be less busy than half term so hopefully not a problem
@@TravelBlogJamie fingers crossed 🤞
Great video👍. On the canapes - we've cruised with P & O in a suite a few times where you get canapes each evening. First thing we do now is ask for them not to be delivered. All I can say is you had a lucky escape by not getting them😂, they are famously bad - normally soggy bread with something squeezed onto it🤢
Not a lucky aftermath of trying to sort my refund though!!
You have a cute family! I enjoyed the Blog.
Thank you 🙏
Oh Jamie… what a shame 😢this was very informative all though I hope this queuing situation will be resolved, Ventura has always been one of our favourite ships and we are due to sail on her next year!!
I can see why your mum is not overly impressed with cruising, it must have been very frustrating for you when you know this is not the normal way of things… maybe mum will give it another go and she will see and experience cruising the way we all do x
I’m not sure I’d be able to get mum on another tbh but she did enjoy herself and got to see some new places ❤️
I was on this cruise too with my extended family and I was in the Orsava Suite on the stern with my daughter and her family in an inside cabin next door. We didn’t like the suite or the cruise that much and certainly wouldn’t rush to sail on her again unless the itinerary was key or post refit.
We had breakfast in the Epicurean each morning and to be fair the service there was pretty good, apart from that everything was pretty meh 😬
Sorry to hear this 😫
Enjoyed the 1hr12 , great vlog.
Oh Joyce you brave brave lady!!
GREAT Blog.. loved it. I do have a question about the MDR. If you have booked late sitting, am I still to have to queue or can I go straight in at 8.30pm?
If you are on a sitting you just rock up - sometimes there are lines to get in but they should pass quickly
I can't believe the queues! I was on Ventura in 2015 and never really had to wait more than 10 minutes for a table anywhere. Having said that, after two previous cruises on Princess I did notice that P&O was nowhere near as good. Don't get me wrong, it's still a mighty fine way to spend a fortnight. But it felt a class below Princess in almost every way. I decided after that cruise that I wouldn't bother with P&O again and your vlog has cemented that decision.
We never used to queue either 😩
Hi again Jamie, I'm finished the vlog and to be honest underwhelmed by P&O. We were considering booking for Christmas 2023 on Azura but the troubles you ran into and the issues with the lines just puts me off. I enjoyed as always watching your video. Thanks for bringing us along
No problem 😌 it’s the first time I’ve experienced this with P&O in 10 years
We did the Azura taster cruise. They are so unprofessional. Took us to Guernsey when everything was shut. Sick of all the queues. Not enough seats in the theatre so had to sit on the stairs. Food was good but never again. Back to Cunard. They know how to do it in style.
@@jilllawton8556 oh I must say I’ve never sat in the stairs in the theatre - that’s a new one
Jamie, I have just come back from my Birthday Cruise with P&O Ventura below is my review:
When I went before the cabin stewards would be available all the time and were very friendly and would make up the room every single time you left the cabin. That’s now not the case I only saw our steward once a day and he would never change the bed even when I requested that it be change three times. I ended up cleaning the room myself.
- Dinner was at a set time
In the Baytree, the same time everyday with no option to change or visit any other restaurant.
- Service in the restaurant was very slow and etiquette rules were not followed. We were given two clearly dirty glasses with lip stick on them.
- There were queues for everything (from car parking to the port buses to boarding and disembarking).
- The staff were all new and did not speak English in most cases. It felt like we were bothering them even though we paid a lot to be on the ship.
- The management did not care about the customer at all.
- I was charged for something I did not order and when I called reception they promised to call back but never did.
- P&O tried to charge for coaches out of a dangerous port which was completely
Ridiculous and got overruled eventually.
- There was no photography service on Formal Night like before. P&O tried to blame Covid which was a useless excuse!
- Overall atmosphere was bland and Ventura did not offer much to do. Service was poor and I miss the old P&O service.
Thanks
Just come off 35 day cruise on this ship. Exactly the same issues but the return at the end of the cruise was a disgrace - I have cruised for 25 years always with P&O hate to think of how much I have spent. The Holiday app does not work etc etc. P&O need to get a grip or they will loose many loyal customers.
@@christ5856 very sad 😢
You were on my cruise and I didn't even see you once lol. The Bay of Biscay on that water day after having hit Cherbourg, France was horrible at night, beds tossing and turning everywhere. You probably saw me, I was in a massive group of teenagers we were all about 15-18. I bet I'm going to end up seeing myself in this video hahahahaha.
Oh really?! I didn’t notice too much movement but I love rough seas! Did you spot yourself?
@@TravelBlogJamie Spotted my whole family, yes all 10 of them yet not a single second had me in it unfortunately. 10/10 vlog though. Well done Jamie.
@@user-sc2oi6py2x oh damn!!!
I'm going on my very first cruise in July 2024 and we're going on the Ventura. I hope they get the queues sorted however the food looks fab!! I'm very nervous about boats and I get sea sick but I'm so looking forward to it. Fab video video by the way xx
The food was great and I hope you have the best time
@@TravelBlogJamie thank you Jamie 🤞🤞
Love Ventura. Both my son and I have cruised aboard her several times.
Enjoy
Fabulous
Oh for to remind your Mum. No one hears you scream under the water 😱
@@henryv3943 yeh I might leave that detail out
Beautiful vlog, beautiful mum
Thank you 🙏
Fantastic informative video as always Jamie! I do however feel for those waiters/other workers. They are overworked and stressed to high heavens! Bless them.
Thank you. I feel for them too and it makes me annoyed that management know they can’t cope with the volume of guests - sail with fewer passengers whilst there aren’t enough crew is what I would like to see
Where was that lovely eatery in Vigo it look divine
If you google the name it’ll come up for you (it was opposite the cruise terminal up the hill / next to the church)
I tried to but my Spanish is a bit rusty so will watch it again
Just booked 14nights on the ventura for june 15th . I hope they will have resolved the que situation at meal times as its a bit off puttng already .
2
I agree - it was off putting for sure. I’ve heard mixed things since.
The buffet food looks fab can you take buffet food to your cabin
Yes you can
try Arcadia worst cruise i had and cocktails you can now only have whats on menu x ventura for me next oct xx
I’ve sailed on Arcadia many times but not since the more recent return to cruising
Very interesting video. I'm looking to do a similar itinerary next year, but starting to have second thoughts. The queues for dining & at the port in Cherbourg were quite off putting. I've only cruised with Thomson/Marella, so used to ships with about 1200-1800 passengers, but not sure if I could cope with a much larger ship. I've never queued for dining on 12 cruises, so that would be quite hard to adjust to.
I’ve queued like this before and I’ve done so many cruises with P&O and loads of other lines too - quite simply, not enough staff for number of passengers on this particular cruise
@@TravelBlogJamie we have cruised a few times with PO pre covid did a mini cruise Easter 2022 on Brittania didn't enjoy it food had gone downhill and wait times to tables were ridiculous
We are booked on another mini cruise on Ventura in a few weeks and hoped things had improved,previous trip on Ventura a few years ago was amazing
Worried now
Came off Marella Explorer a week ago only had to wait for a table once
Mind you food has gone downhill on there too
Shame about the long waits for MDR. We sailed Ventura post Covid last year with no problems. Short wait for breakfast whenever we turned up and same for dinner, though we usually went at opening time.
It’s a real shame 😫😫😫
Has P&O finally scrapped their formal wear nights? Do hope so.
No - shown in the vid
Just got of the 5 night France rotterdam, the ship was better than expected, decor , entertainment was upbeat loved the wrap round promenade deck , we didn't have to wait in the MDR shared with other people , For me put deck 7 on the QM2 itle be perfect
👍
We have been back since 19 th August . We travelled to Canary Islands , Cadiz, Lisbon and back to Southampton . Pretty much the same experience as yourselves . Long queues and even was charged for room service , which we never used . This is still going on now and still awaiting what I feel, is a refund . I don’t think we will sail P&O again :(
Room service charges were out in place some time ago but I’m saddened to learn you had a similar experience with lines. It really needs addressing!
Sooo this is what was added on my statement
18/06/2023 15:33 E208 Room Service (24012267) £6.80 -£1.49.
Total £5.31
This was the very last entry on my statement .
@@marjoriewilliams8001 assuming you took this up with P&O and resolved it on board?
Wasn’t aware of this until I looked at my account the following day . I didn’t get an account summery delivered to the cabin . I was wondering ‘ why everyone else ‘ who was disembarking got a white envelope and I never saw one outside our cabin .
Still trying to get this through email communication .
Do love a good cruise vlog! Great video
Thank you 🙏
I was on Ventura in October, I found it very looking tired & in need of a lot of TLC
It’s definitely very very overdue it’s refurb
It will be refurbished next year my friend works on they
Really well balanced, entertaining vlog. We're on iona in the school hols in April....hoping queuing won't be too much of an issue!
I’m confident you’re going to have a great time ❤️
@@TravelBlogJamie 🤞
🙏🙏🙏
Love your chanel Jamie. Shame it was a mixed bag for your mum and sisters first cruise.
Thank you so much 😊 Yeh, mixed fortunes and disappointing that management knew they wouldn’t manage numbers 😫
My family and I spent a week on the Ventura it was brilliant we didn’t queue for anything so I think Jamie was on the wrong ship or the wrong frame of mind I’m not sure witch & food was top class and the service was brilliant I
Would do it every year well done P &O
Hmmm nope - as someone who’s sailed on Ventura many times before, I wasn’t on the wrong ship or the wrong state of mind. Did you not see the queues we experienced in this vid? And did I not say the food was great? 🤔
@@TravelBlogJamie yes Jamie I did see the one queues but when we went on the Ventura we were able to book are times witch we did ,had no queues sorry for my sense of humour earlier but you got to look on the bright side, bit picky about the cold toast,
@@johnbenham6658 it is possible to have completely different experiences isn’t it; we weren’t on the same cruise after all - it was one of the worst we’ve had in over 50 cruises unfortunately. I don’t doubt yours was wonderful, and I’m pleased for you but ours wasn’t. You have focused on my negatives and not the positives i mentioned. I know people on Ventura right now and they are horrified by the queues to eat and this really needs attention. We really wouldn’t cruise on Ventura again in a long while after this experience but I hope those who do have a great time. There’s a ship for everyone.
Now post Ventura cruise in October 23. We had a wonderful time, no problems at all.Plenty of stafff in restaurant's, no waiting at all.
Well thank goodness for that
I like a sit down breakfast in the dining room on a cruise!
Same here!
@@TravelBlogJamie I am still watching your fun cruise videos and getting quite peckish!
I'm sorry for commenting a third time, but I can't figure out why there were "hotel:" signs above the windows 😂 Could you please explain?
Oh & I didn't know one could get beef wellington well done? 🤔 that's why I never tried it because I'm terrified of raw meat lol
I think it’s supposed to be ironic
@@TravelBlogJamie oh okay lol I'm a little silly sometimes.....so hubby says 🤣
We enjoyed watching it, apreciate you and your lovely family. Just a question, are there any special times which the restaurants be free of queues?
On this particular cruise, only the speciality restaurants had no queues - the main dining room was always busy, even when it opened
My brother has had for cruises cancelled with p and o this last year de to not having the staff
I think that was Arcadia?
Hi, I was on the Ventura in March I went to the Canary Islands. It was my very first cruise and we will have to wear masks everywhere. The ship is a beautiful ship. I think it needs a update.
Yes back then it was still mask wearing days
How was the service and wait times on Iona?
No problems for us
I mean, the Brits luv their pork-n-beans.😂 In the US, we'll have it with a hotdog or burger for lunch.
All true lol 😂
Crikey, have never ever experienced waiting times like that 😢
The absolute pain 😫😫😫
Another honest and quality vlog.
Sadly on a cruise in September with ventura my parents in law didn't have a good experience on a similar level.
Hopefully your mum and sister won't be permanently put off from cruising.
I’m not sure cruising is for them, David 😫
Gave it a go though!
Put it down as a life experience
@@akajasonbourne absolutely agree
I was draw to this video because of the title. The wife and I cruised on ventura last October and definitely felt there wasn't enough staff. Low and behold 2 minutes into the video we see ourselves. We're now committed to the rest of the video 😂
Oh you’re kidding?! That’s so funny!! 👋
Have to agree it's was definitely a mixed experience on that cruise.
We dubbed it P&O Queues's. After 3 days we kicked up such a fuss that we were given a dedicated table in the MDR that we could just turn up to, we nicknamed it the naughty table. We also had breakfast in the epicurean. As a result we've changed all our future cruises to set dining.
As for the actual cruise, ports and excursions we thoroughly enjoyed it.
@@colinpotter2795 oh respect to you!!
Im following your vlog🎉
Cheers
Too much waiting time for meals stay with princess cruises you will love them.
Kind regards Robert
From down under
Unfortunately our last 2 princess cruises were as disappointing
do any restraunts or bars do mocktails?
Yes, all of them
Hello jamie I am NEW to CRUISING, and am in a wheelchair , please can you give us info how to board ? X many thanks we sail from the 6th to the 16th of MAY 2023 MARILYN & STEVE BLAKEMAN
@@marilynblakeman5380 you’ll be given assistance on arrival at the terminal. Boarding is fully accessible. If you want peace of mind you can always contact P&O im advance with any Qs or requests
I’m going on Ventura in May, it’s our first time, but I’ve just watched another video and the comments are awful, now I’m dreading it.
I’m sorry to hear you’re not looking forward to it
I cant wait to board ventura then 17th june msc virtuosa this wil be a year to remember
Fab news
Did have do covid test go on board looking booking it but can’t see anything about testing
You are encouraged to do your own, but it wasn’t obligatory and you don’t have to show evidence. For particularly long cruises / some countries, you might be asked to do so.
@@TravelBlogJamie that’s great thanks for replying
@@upandawayadventures9751 no problem 😌
Looks wonderful
❤️
@@TravelBlogJamie the curry looked nice on your last night i wil deffo have that
@@TravelBlogJamie im going on ventura 29th of this month so excited
@@jenniferpratt3854 curry delicious on board
@@jenniferpratt3854 have a great time!
How do you know what the rules are?
Never cruised so need to know. Dress code etc
Thank you
You just need to go on the website and they have a section on dress codes
Thanks
@@annasutton8078 no problem
One time, we were in a very nice famous steak house. We ordered our food. Then, a waiter arrived and very carefully picked up all of our cutlery one by one and placed them on a fancy silver platter. He then left. Several minutes later, all our food was delivered by someone else. Well, we thought that was extremely funny! We were left with gorgeous food with no cutlery to eat it in the end!
😂 😂 😂
@@TravelBlogJamie We were told the waiter was new and wanted to look busy!
It was useful thank you so much
🙏🙏🙏
Totally agree Jamie.😀
👍
Two Plates Jamie? Nay! Thou shalt forever be known as Jamie Two Towels 🙂
😂😂😂
Just wondering how many languages can you speak
English, French, Spanish and some Italian
Well I was on they loved the ship all good for me 🥰😃
It was one of our poorest cruises unfortunately