Saffron

Freedom Dining at Saffron Restaurant

Like to escape the usual routine on holiday? Then you’ll love the flexibility of Freedom Dining. Opt for an early dinner one night and a late supper the next; you can shape each day as you please.

With Freedom Dining you’ll still enjoy the special ambience and sociable atmosphere of a main dining room, with a five-course menu (six-course on Gala Nights). The difference from Club Dining is that this option allows you the flexibility to turn up at selected restaurants anytime you choose between 6pm and 9.30pm, with whoever you like, and every effort will be made to accommodate you. Freedom Dining is included in your fare. Book Select Price to specifically select your dining option.

Cinnamon

Freedom Dining at Cinnamon Restaurant

Like to escape the usual routine on holiday? Then you’ll love the flexibility of Freedom Dining. Opt for an early dinner one night and a late supper the next; you can shape each day as you please.

With Freedom Dining you’ll still enjoy the special ambience and sociable atmosphere of a main dining room, with a five-course menu (six-course on Gala Nights). The difference from Club Dining is that this option allows you the flexibility to turn up at selected restaurants anytime you choose between 6pm and 9.30pm, with whom you like, and every effort will be made to accommodate you. Freedom Dining is included in your fare. Book Select Price to specifically select your dining option.

Bay Tree

Club Dining in the Bay Tree Restaurant

Choose a particular Club Dining seating and you’ll dine at the same time and table each night and enjoy the same company. It’s the way many a friendship has been made on board.

With Club Dining you’ll enjoy the special ambience and sociable atmosphere of the main dining room, and a five-course menu (six-course on Gala Nights). This style of dining is a wonderful way to share your holiday experiences and meet new friends.

By choosing Club Dining you’re opting for the cruising tradition of set sitting times. The same table will be reserved for you and your table companions every night for first or second sitting, at 6.30pm or 8.30pm. You can request your preferred sitting when you book a Select Price and we’ll inform you of your table number and sitting with a card in your cabin when we welcome you on board.

Afternoon Tea

Classic English Afternoon tea served on board daily.

Treat yourself to a classic English afternoon tea, served daily in the main restaurants. You can enjoy a selection of finger sandwiches, delicious cakes and of course the all important scone topped with clotted cream and jam, all served alongside a pot of tea or coffee.

Waterside

Waterside
At P&O Cruises, we believe great holidays should be all about choice and freedom.

No matter what time of day it is, if you fancy a good meal you’ll always get one on board Ventura. Our main self-service restaurant offers high quality dining throughout the day in a relaxed, informal environment. So if you’ve just returned to the ship after a shore excursion and have worked up a late afternoon appetite you can still enjoy a great meal.

Dine around the clock – Late night snacks are available from buffet restaurants between 10pm and 6am. The menu for these late night buffet options changes each day however, examples may include: self-service sandwich bar, ready-made paninis, homemade cakes, biscuits and pastries.

This dining option is included in the price of your holiday.

Poolside Snacks

Peckish by the pool?

All that swimming and lounging can be hungry work, but there’s plenty of complimentary poolside snacks to choose from…

Poolside grill – Enjoy self-service burgers, hot dogs, chicken and chips (this dining option is included in the price of your holiday).
Poolside pizzeria – serving freshly-made pizzas (this dining option is included in the price of your holiday).
Poolside ice cream – Jude’s ice cream is available to purchase on board, whenever the urge strikes… from Very Vanilla, to Truly Choc, Strawberry Tease, Salted Caramel, Ginger Spice, Gin & Tonic, and more. They come in tempting tubs of pure joy, or scoops of sheer perfection.

Room Service

Enjoy room service in your comfy cabin. You can order breakfast, lunch, snacks and dinner straight to your cabin.

Afternoon Tea by Eric Lanlard

Journey through a world of flavours

Sit down to an indulgent treat for the senses. Inspired by Eric’s worldwide travels, we’ve taken the great British tradition of Afternoon Tea to decadent new places. Intricately rendered and carefully prepared, you’ll be presented with a cake stand laden with intriguing delights. Savour mouth-watering moments indulging in savoury porcini and pancetta éclairs or curried crab tartlets, plus sweeter bites including pistachio petit choux with red berries and orange blossom, bee pollen scones and saffron and mango verrine. And the all-essential tea? A thirst-quenching collection of 12 blends courtesy of teapigsTM.

Afternoon Tea by Eric Lanlard is available for a small cover charge.

The Epicurean

A sense of occasion is permanently on the menu at The Epicurean.

Here you will find a selection of much loved classic dishes. It’s all about taking the finest British ingredients – fresh, seasonal and all thoughtfully sourced by our team of Executive Chefs – and presenting them with great skill to achieve maximum flavour. Expect the finest cuts of organically-reared meat, and the best seafood and fish British shores have to offer.

Sindhu

Visit Sindhu and you’ll be treated to authentic Indian cuisine with a British twist.

Showcasing a menu which is a triumph of perfectly balanced spices, delicate flavours and wonderful aromas, this restaurant has become a firm favourite with many. So why not take a seat amidst its sumptuous fabrics and opulent décor to experience a treat for your senses?

The Glass House

Taste the world… one glass at a time

In The Glass House on board Aurora, Azura, Britannia and Ventura, we bring the world of wine to you… varieties from all four corners of the globe, by the glass, by the bottle and, if you fancy, right by a plate of fabulous food. There are also helpful suggestions in the menu on how best to match your chosen wine with the food you order. Headed up by the irrepressible, award-winning wine expert and passionate foodie, Olly Smith, The Glass House is the perfect location for a light bite, lunchtime tipple, afternoon apéritif or a tastefully informal evening out. You’ll be treated to a choice of around 40 wines handpicked by Olly, accompanied by a menu of delicious food options. What’s not to like?

The Beach House

The Beach House transforms into a chilled out grill at night. Informal, fun and full of fantastic flavours.

The Beach House offers an experience that can’t be found anywhere else on board. The menu features ingredients from across the globe alongside regional speciality dishes such as Cuban Pulled Pork and American Baby Back Ribs. You can even cook your own Fillet of Beef on our speciality Lava Rocks. With only a small cover charge, dining here represents exceptional value for money (and your taste buds will definitely thank you!). An additional supplement applies to selected items.

From coffee to cocktails

Places to have a drink and socialise

You will find a kettle, cups, saucers and teaspoons as well as teabags, various coffee sachets, sugar and milk in your cabin. This will be stocked up when necessary by your cabin steward. Tea and coffee is also available free from the buffet area. Alternatively the teapigs range is available to buy in select coffee shops, bars and pubs and Costa coffee can be purchased from Tazzine.

Tazzine

If you’re seeking rich coffee and conversation, Tazzine, is just the thing. Serving speciality Costa coffees, cookies, pastries and savoury snacks, Tazzine will make a great option for a mid-morning coffee, a light lunch or an afternoon snack. Located just off of Ventura’s atrium on Deck 5, in the ship’s hub, you will be able to linger here over a magazine or people-watch to your heart’s content.

The Exchange

There are some things only a visit to the pub can satisfy. Catching up with friends for some quick wit and repartee. Watching unmissable sporting events on the big screen and celebrating – or commiserating – the outcome together. Assembling a team and putting your communal grey matter to the test in a good, old-fashioned pub quiz. So, welcome to the Exchange.

The Glasshouse

Writer/TV presenter extraordinaire and specialist wine expert, Olly Smith adds a flamboyant twist to our culinary tale. On board Ventura, his inimitable and irreverent style coupled with his skills are exhibited in the unique wine bar and restaurant, The Glass House. Here, Olly has developed the wine list and wine-tasting experiences, matching specially selected wines to each course.

Metropolis Bar

This unique venue brings you all the excitement of the world’s coolest destinations. An innovative 20 metre floor-to-ceiling video wall displays dramatic cityscapes, so you might gaze ‘out’ upon Paris, New York or Sydney as you sip your favourite apéritif. Grouped seating and soft lighting create the feel of a sophisticated jazz bar. And as you take in your surroundings, you can listen to the mellow sounds of a jazz combo or pianist.

The Red Bar

As vibrant as its name suggests, the Red Bar will offer cocktails and champagne in a sophisticated setting. Located on Deck 7, close to the 31 foot high atrium, this bar will provide a wonderful setting for a pre-dinner drink or after dinner socialising. The sound of tinkling ivories provides a special ambience, while the décor is warm, inviting and vivid.

The Arena Theatre

Ventura’s two-tier theatre is located forward on Deck 7. West End-style shows and cabaret light up her technologically advanced stage, but you can also enjoy talks and watch films on the big screen in this venue.

Tamarind Club

The rich fabrics and colours of the Indian subcontinent provide the inspiration for Ventura’s Tamarind Club on Deck 7. Imperial and exotic touches will combine to create an element of escapism and opulence. A wonderful setting for comedy and live music, this venue will provide a memorable night. Listening to the comedians centre stage, you can soak up the jovial atmosphere and revel in great company and entertainment. During the day in this venue you can enjoy enrichment lectures and port lectures.

Havana

Visit Havana, Ventura’s Cuban themed nightclub, for all the passion and exuberance of Latin America. This venue will be found on Deck 7 aft. This will be the place to party into the night. With a stage and dance floor you might dance to a live band or DJ, take part in some karaoke, or enjoy some late night cabaret. This vibrant venue will get livelier as the night progresses. Order a mojito, let your hair down and get your feet moving to those salsa rhythms.

Fortunes Casino

Love the sense of excitement as the roulette wheel spins? If so, pay Fortunes Casino a visit. The flashing lights of the slot machines and the suspense of blackjack beckons, as does a great night out. The Exchange bar has been integrated into the area to create a lively entertainment venue that’s perfect whether you simply want to soak up the atmosphere over a drink or enjoy the casino.

Metropolis

Immerse yourself in the sultry and dim-lit Metropolis Jazz bar where guests will feel they are in glamorous surroundings, similar to the venues of New York, Paris and Berlin. Listen to live relaxing music whilst sipping delicious cocktails brought to you by our talented bartenders. A wonderful options for date night or just a relaxing drink onboard Ventura.

Red Bar

Sophisticated, glamorous and worldly, the Red Bar like its namesake, offers guests a wonderful reason to break away from mundane life and indulge in delicious drinks and tasty aperitifs onboard.

Pool Bars

Located on Deck 16, the Pool Bars offer refreshing smoothies and other cold (or hot) beverages perfect after a swim or just soaking up the sun! Admire the view from the ship whilst at sea or docked at a port, become one with the surroundings! Located on deck 15, is Ventura’s Terrace Bar, is nearby for guests who are only too glad to socialise and soak up the sun. The Beachcomber Pool has an appointed steward who will be only too glad to bring snacks and beverages to guests who wish to recline on the recliners- heaven!

The Exchange

Welcome to Ventura’s Warehouse bar located on Deck 6, not too far from the Casino. Pop in for a pint as guests would in their local pubs. Furnished with a British flair, the Exchange has multiple entertainments offered ranging from pub quizzes, live music and sporting events. Perfect touch of relaxation onboard your cruise holiday!

The Glass House

Endorsed and created by celebrity wine expert Olly Smith, the flamboyant Glass House venue offers guests a delicious and fresh selection of wines to taste. Wine tasting and canapes are an excellent combination Mr Smith thinks- and so do we!

Atrium

The magnificent Atrium towers over 30 feet high, a focal point inside Ventura’s luxurious ship. Here guests can socialise and move from deck to deck, surrounded by beauty, opulence and splendour. Notice the changes from one place to the other and soak up the brilliance of the interior, an expanse of the ship guests will never forget.

Spa, beauty and fitness at sea

Relax and unwind in the on-board spa, let us pamper you in the salon and rejuvenate yourself with our on-board gym and fitness classes. On board you will find luxurious spa facilities including saunas, steam rooms and even hair and beauty salons. There’s everything you need to be truly pampered.

Oasis Spa

Step into the Oasis Spa and choose from the most exclusive spa therapies, simple nail fixes, rejuvenating facials and massages and exquisite hair styling. Some of Ventura’s spa features: Hair and nail salon – Let one of our styling experts recommend something new or enjoy an indulgent manicure and pedicure. The salon is a great social space whether you come alone or with a friend and enjoy a glass of bubbly whilst being pampered ready for the night ahead. Spa treatment rooms – Book yourself into one of the Oasis Spa treatment rooms on Sun deck for some well earned relaxation. Choose from a fantastic range of treatments such as facials, massage, body and wellness therapies such as acupuncture. Relaxation lounge – before your treatments, enjoy the peaceful surroundings of the Oasis Spa relaxation lounge, put your feet up and let relaxation begin. The Thermal Suite – Influenced by an ancient healing practice, the Thermal Suite offers therapeutic mild sauna and steam grottos to gently cleanse and purify the body. Experience the Tropical Shower then end your journey relaxing on heated ceramic benches

The Retreat

Spa treatments with a sea breeze. The Retreat is an alfresco spa terrace. By day, sit back and relax on one of the inviting shaded cabanas or indulge in a treatment. By night, enjoy its soft, twinkling lights and a glass of bubbly beneath the stars. Here you’ll find luxury sun loungers, airy cabanas for alfresco spa treatments, personal waiter service and of course, gorgeous panoramic views. What’s more, because it’s a paid-for, child-free service, you’re guaranteed an exclusive experience. A pass for the retreat includes: Access to The Retreat, a spa terrace exclusively for adults Designated lounger Luxury towels Luxury bathrobe and slippers VIP service from our Retreat stewards

Sports

Head to cirque deck for some sporting action. From football or tennis in the sports court to golf in the nets, enjoy a variety of sporting activities on board Ventura.

Gym and Fitness

It’s easy to keep active on Ventura. Work out in the gym, take a fitness class, get active in the sports court or take a nice walk on deck. We offer a range of fitness classes such as indoor cycling, pilates, yoga, body sculpt boot camp and push ‘n’ lift which are assisted by a fitness instructor. The gym The gym is typically open from 8am – 8pm every day and use of the on-board gym equipment is complimentary: Equipment on board includes: Bikes Treadmills Cross-trainers Steppers Rowing machines Free weights

Relax by the pool

Relax by the pool Enjoy a leisurely dip in the pool or simply relax on deck and soak up the sun on one of our sun loungers. Oasis pool – endless pool exclusively for adults that has a current which you can swim against. There is no need to book as the pool can be accessed from the Sun deck – 1 metre to 1.8 metres depth. 9.5 metres long x 6 metres wide. Located on Sun Deck. Has eight steps into the water. Laguna pool – outdoor pool, 1.6 metres to 2.2 metres depth. 11 metres long x 4.6 metres wide. Located on Lido Deck. Has one ladder with seven steps. Beechcomber pool – Indoor/outdoor pool with retractable roof. 1.6 metres to 2.2 metres depth. 10.5 metres long x 4.6 metres wide. Located on Lido Deck. Has one ladder with seven steps. Terrace pool – outdoor pool, 1.7 metres deep. Located on Riviera Deck. Has seven steps into the water. Plunge pool – children’s pool, 1.1 metres deep. Located on Sun Deck. Has one ladder with four steps. Splash pool – children’s pool, 0.25 metres deep. Located on Sun Deck. Has one ladder with one step. Whirlpool spas – enjoy six whirlpool spas in total, two located by each of Oasis pool, Beachcombe pool and Laguna pool.

Kids’ Clubs

Age groups are: Splashers 2-4 year olds – Qualified youth staff provide a full programme of age-specific activities. Surfers 5-8 year olds – Qualified Reef Rangers provide activities, adventure, games and sport coaching sessions. Scubas 9-12 year olds – Children of this age can either join in the organised games with the specialist Reef Rangers or simply hang out with friends in the chill out areas. H20 13-17 year olds – Children have their own room to chill out, watch movies, play games or participate in coaching sessions, talent shows and parties.

Family Pools

Get ready for some family fun on deck Ventura family-friendly pools are: Laguna pool – outdoor pool, 1.6 metres to 2.2 metres depth. 11 metres long x 4.6 metres wide. Located on Lido Deck. Has 1 ladder with 7 steps. Beechcomber pool – Indoor/outdoor pool with retractable roof. 1.6 metres to 2.2 metres depth. 10.5 metres long x 4.6 metres wide. Located on Lido Deck. Has one ladder with seven steps. Terrace pool – outdoor pool, 1.7 metres deep. Located on Riviera Deck. Has seven steps into the water. Plunge pool – children’s pool, 1.1 metres deep. Located on Sun Deck. Has one ladder with four steps. Splash pool – children’s pool, 0.25 metres deep. Located on Sun Deck. Has one ladder with one step. Sun loungers – there are a number of sun loungers on deck if you want to sit back and relax while the kids enjoy the pool.

The Library

Enjoy Ventura’s complimentary library with a good selection of books, jigsaws, magazines, CDs and DVDs available to borrow. Just check your daily Horizon newspaper for the library opening times. Also in the library you will find the stations where you can use the internet; these are open 24 hours a day. Assistance is available at various times throughout the day and evening.

Art Gallery

Ventura houses an impressive art collection. Whitewall Galleries on board Ventura offers unparalleled inspiration in the Atrium at the heart of the ship. Whether you are buying your first limited edition, expanding an existing collection of original paintings or simply browsing our latest selection of exclusive artwork the gallery offers the perfect environment in which to make your choice. Representing a phenomenal portfolio of fine artists, Whitewall showcases international names and award winners such as Jack Vettriano, Sherree Valentine Daines, Doug Hyde and Philip Gray, to the most exceptional new talents from the international contemporary scene. The gallery is continually sourcing new artists and artwork from around the world to ensure that the gallery walls on board remain fresh, cutting edge and exciting, and enhance your on-board experience. Our new Interactive Gallery will take you on an artistic journey and let you browse through our eclectic portfolio, view our new releases, and register to receive artist news, catalogues and exclusive exhibition invitations held across the UK. You can even request that a member of the team contacts you while you are on board so that you can meet up to discuss how contemporary art can impact your life and your home. Enjoy our Interactive Gallery as you discover the virtual wonders of Whitewall Galleries, 24 hours a day.

Shopping

What will catch your eye? A designer scent, a new handbag or dress, or perhaps some new jewellery for formal night? Shops you can enjoy on board Ventura Eternity – a jewellery store offering designer high end jewellery including our range of Pandora Jewellery and watches. Essence – perfumes, fine fragrances and designer scents. Emporium – home to duty free liquor and tobacco. Holiday Essential Store – has everything you may need whilst on holiday from sweets and snacks to souvenirs and toiletries and other holiday essentials such as batteries and sun lotion. The Wardrobe – offers a wide selection of every day clothing and well known fashion brands for both men and women. Regalia – offering souvenirs, clothing, beach wear, toys and games.

Relax by the Pool

Relax and let the world go by!

Sea day activities

With a range of activities taking place throughout the day, you’ll struggle to fit everything in. Take a look below for some examples of activities you could enjoy on board. Dance classes – Take place on all cruises with 7 or more days at sea which are hosted by coupled dance instructors. A variety of complimentary dance lessons are available with the main type of dance offered being ballroom and Latin. It may be possible to arrange 1 to 1 tuition; any charges generated from this would be at the instructor’s discretion. Everyone is welcome regardless of experience. Guest speakers – will be on board cruises of 7 nights or more (if over 20 night duration – 2 speakers share the cruise) Deck quoits – however this is weather dependent. Shuffleboard – however this is weather dependent. Watercolour art – classes take place on all cruises with 6 or more days at sea. Art materials can be purchased on board or you may bring your own art materials to participate in the classes.

Ventura – family-friendly, larger ship

There’s always something happening on Ventura, enjoy delicious fine dining, a tranquil spa, many quiet spaces to unwind, great sports facilities and four pools. Evenings are particularly memorable, with the lavish two-deck theatre where you’ll witness elaborate shows and stand-up comedy.

– Twelve places to dine including three main restaurants
– Lavish two-deck theatre
– Eleven places to socialise including four deck bars
– Plenty of places to relax and unwind including spa and retreat

Perfect for families

Ventura offers freedom for families with age-specific kids’ clubs, night nursery for under 4s and dedicated family restaurants and early eating times, creating the perfect balance for families. So you can enjoy quality time together as well as time separately.

– Free age-specific children’s clubs ranging from 2-17 years and night nursery for under 4s
– Family-friendly swimming pools
– Dedicated family restaurants & early eating times for children
– Shore excursions designed for families

Great for adults

With delicious fine dining, wine bars, pubs, and plenty of places to relax and unwind you’re in for a treat on Ventura. There’s also a tranquil spa, sports facilities, a well-equipped gym and four pools. In the evening there’s plenty of places to be entertained including a show lounge, three-deck atrium with dance floor and show lounge.

– Evening entertainment such as theatre shows, bands, comedy and cabaret performances
– Four pools & six whirlpool spas
– A chance to dress up with black tie evenings on board
– Three speciality dining restaurants

Special Diets

All ships can cater for the following diets;

Vegetarian
Pescetarian fish
Low /no fat
Low salt /no salt
Lactose intolerant /dairy free
Gluten /wheat free /coeliac
Low cholesterol
Diabetic
Kosher
Vegan

Disabled Facilities

Guests requiring specific assistance, use of faculties or equipment on board or wishing to bring their own such equipment are advised to notify us in advance or as soon as the need is known.This allows us to identify any extra services that may be offered to you such as important information in an alternative format.

All our ships offer various forms of communication in braille and large print.

At the point of embarkation, should you require an orientation tour of the ship our staff will be happy to assist, please ask at Reception. Please note that our on board and excursion staff are unable to provide assistance with day to day tasks such as movement around the ship or shore, however will be happy to assist with directions if required.

If you have not yet completed a questionnaire please speak to our Customer Contact Centre or your travel agent, who will be able to send one to you.

Dress Code

We have two evening Dress Codes on-board all our ships; Evening Casual and Black Tie. Details of these, by cruise, can be viewed via the links below. We also host Theme Nights, details of which can be found in the question – Do you have theme nights on board?. On theme nights, guests are invited to dress up in line with the theme.

We don’t want to dampen anyone’s fun but as of 1 January 2018 we no longer allow fancy dress, novelty items or inappropriate personalised clothing to be worn on board. Any clothing that features inappropriate or offensive language, including novelty clothing with printed images or slogans and accessories, will not be allowed. We reserve the right to deny embarkation to guests who are inappropriately dressed.

* This policy does not apply to children 16 and under.