On 16 April, HM The Queen - that's Oscar winner Dame Helen Mirren - launched the most important passenger ship Britain has seen for 40 years - P&O Cruises £300 million Ventura marks the biggest leap forward in British cruising since the QE2.
Ventura is in the same league as the huge American floating resorts - but packed with new features and exciting attractions that are aimed squarely at British families.
St Andrews Travel staff were amongst the first to experience all the ship has to offer when they enjoyed a VIP overnight stay aboard the weekend before the ship was launched - and they even got to meet Noddy.
Stepping on board is like a dream come true for children - a playground of fun offering everything from action-packed children's clubs to innovative games arenas and adult-free chill out zones. The youngest passengers get to meet Noddy and Mr Bump, whilst the teens can indulge their dreams of superstardom at Rock School, from performing in bands to spinning the decks. Out on deck there's Cirque Ventura with bungee trampolines and where they can learn tightrope and trapeze - all this plus pools, a cinema showing the latest blockbusters and interactive game shows and Scalextric at sea - they will be spoilt for choice!
Ventura isn't just about families. Grown-ups with or without children in tow, have a massive choice of things to do - from lively bars with cabarets and comedians to a relaxing spa and fully equipped Gym and Health Club, six whirlpool spas, five pools, trendy restaurants (including Marco Pierre's the White Room) and even an art collection from the Tate Modern.
Ventura's rooms are chic and stylish - featuring contemporary art on canvas, Egyptian cotton linen and those all-important designer touches which add together to give a boutique hotel feel. You can also enjoy an in-cabin entertainment system complete with flat-screen tv's giving you access to Ventura's facilities at the touch of a button or choose a cabin with a balcony where you can sit and watch the world float by.
Ventura's home-port throughout the Summer is Southampton with many cruises from 2-14 nights around the Mediterranean and then she spends the Winter in the Caribbean. 7 night cruises from only £599pp around the Mediterranean and 14 Nights from £1249pp in the Caribbean.
For more information on cruises aboard Ventura please ring - they now have first-hand experience of the ship and all it has to offer.
