Tag Archives: Ventura

Ventura Enters Drydock in Rotterdam

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Ventura Enters Drydock in Rotterdam

P&O Cruises’ Ventura is currently undergoing a drydock at the Damen Shipyard in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

The vessel wrapped up its regular operations in Southampton on February 7, 2026, before arriving at the facility one day later.

Following the drydock, the Ventura will then welcome guests back on February 27, 2026, to kick off a 35-night cruise to the Caribbean and the United States.

Ports of call set to be visited include Port Canaveral and Miami, as well as New Orleans, where the Ventura is expected to stay two days docked.

In the Caribbean, the Ventura will make visits to Cozumel, Freeport, Belize and Roatán, as well as Freeport in the Bahamas.

The 3,100-guest ship is also scheduled to sail to the port of La Coruña in Spain, as well as Praia da Vitória in the Azores.

In September 2025, P&O cancelled a short cruise that was set to depart soon after the drydock. As Cruise Industry News reported, the vessel was scheduled to offer a four-night cruise on February 23, 2026.

At the time, the company said that the sailing was no longer possible due to an extension to a necessary refit for the Ventura. Cruising to the Netherlands, the itinerary included an overnight call to the port of Amsterdam.

Upon returning to Southampton in early April, the Ventura offers a series of cruises in Northern Europe and the Canaries.

The schedule is highlighted by visits to a wide range of destinations, including Santander, Vigo, Zeebrugge, Funchal and Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

Built at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy, the Ventura features a design based on Princess’ Grand-class series and entered service in 2008.

A Refit for Ventura

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Image result for ventura cruise ship
P&O Ventura in the Union Flag livery.

There’s always something happening on Ventura. The family-friendly ship entered service in 2008 and is one of the largest ships in the P&O Cruises fleet, with space for over 3,000 guests. And with 12 places to dine, 11 places to socialise (including four-deck bars) a lavish two-tier theatre and much more, guests are spoilt for choice when it comes to onboard fun.

In March 2018, Ventura will head to a shipyard in Brest, France for a refit. We’ll be making a number of improvements on board and bringing her in line with the other ships in the fleet. Keep an eye out for refurbished shops stocked with new brands, a new LED screen in the theatre, and new carpeting in the rooms and suites and in a number of the public areas.

Upon returning from her refit, Ventura will embark on a 12-night cruise to the Canary Islands and Portugal. For the rest of the year, she’ll remain based in Southampton and take guests on Short Breaks to Belgium and Guernsey, adventures in the Norwegian Fjords and sunny holidays to the likes of Spain, Portugal, Greece and France.

We can’t wait to welcome Ventura back to the fleet, and we hope you’ll join us soon for more fun-filled holidays.

 

Theatres

Whether you prefer the classic stylings of the two-tier Arena theatre, the opulent setting of the Tamarind Club or the Cuban vibe in Havana lounge, Ventura’s onboard entertainment venues offers something for everyone. To make your nights out that much more special, we’ll be upgrading the Arena theatre with a brand new LED wall installation, similar to the ones found on Britannia and Azura. We’ll also be making updates to the sound and lighting desk.

 

Retail

Shopping is a popular pastime on any holiday, and whether you’re treating yourself to a luxurious new watch, handbag or fragrance or stocking up on travel essentials, our onboard shops are the perfect place to do it. We’re pleased to announce that Dufry, the world’s leading travel retailer, will be our new retail partner on Ventura.The ship’s shops will undergo a complete upgrade, and new brands such as Brics, Longines, Olivia Burton and Liu Jo will sit alongside popular brands such as Radley, Cath Kidston and Kipling. A range of British gins will also be available. Further changes include a large glass display window added to the shops on deck 7.

 Image result for p&o ventura shops

Waterside and The Beach House

Ventura does laid-back dining right. As part of the refit, both Waterside (the ship’s 24-hour buffet) and The Beach House (the fun and informal Select Dining restaurant)will enjoy a spruce-up. Floors will be given new tiling in the main walkway area and a new carpet design and new furniture will be incorporated.

 

Carpets

The refit will see Ventura refreshed with new carpeting in a number of areas. In addition to all suites and cabins, the carpeting will also be replaced in a number of public areas: the Atrium; Oasis Spa & Salon; restaurants including Saffron, Waterside, The Glass House and The Beach House; and bars such as The Red Barand Havana lounge.

 

Dixons Travel Store

Dixons Travel, located on deck 7 by the photo gallery, sells the latest technology, from tablets to headphones to binoculars. As part of the refit, the Dixons Travel store will increase in size and a range of new products – including the Dyson supersonic hairdryer and the latest technology from brands such as Amazon, Apple, Bose, Canon, Fitbit, GoPro and more – will be available. Additionally, new carpeting will be introduced, and the Photo Now the digital screen will be moved to the ship’s aft.

Southampton cruise terminal opens following major refurbishment

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By Phil Davies


Southampton’s Mayflower Cruise Terminal has reopened following a multi-million pound refurbishment in time for the summer sailing season.The terminal now features a revamped open plan interior, with expanded security, check in and passenger reception areas.

More than 200 staff have been working on the renovation over the winter. Other improvements to the terminal include additional passenger and baggage x-ray machines and a redesign of the drop-off and pick-up area.

Port operator ABP Southampton said the project was critical to ensure Southampton retains its title as Europe’s leading cruise turnaround Port amidst a predicted rise in passengers.

An increased number of cruise ships visiting Southampton, coupled with the rising capacity of new ships, means P&O Cruises, Cunard and other brands of the Carnival Group, are expecting passenger volume to increase by 25% at Southampton over the next two years.

Carnival UK port service and government affairs director, Steven Young, said: “The Carnival cruise business at Southampton continues to go from strength to strength and with the introduction of new larger ships such as P&O Cruises’ Britannia, it is important that improvement to the cruise terminals and our passenger journey keeps pace.

“With the reopened Mayflower terminal we aim to keep this as free flowing and stressless as possible.

“The improved passenger lounge, together with increased check in and security areas will allow us to ensure just that and give our customers passing through Southampton the very best passenger experience with reduced congestion.”

ABP Southampton director, Nick Ridehalgh, added: “We are incredibly proud to hold the title of Europe’s leading cruise turnaround port but, as always, we will never rest on our laurels. We are committed to investing heavily in our facilities in order to help port-related businesses grow and provide world-class service to their customers.”

The Mayflower Cruise Terminal is one of four in Southampton and handles calls by ships such as Queen Mary 2, Ventura and newly launched Britannia.

Moe than 280 of Southampton’s 440 cruise ship calls to the port are by brands within the Carnival Group.