Woke to a bank of sea fog & cloud cover as we steamed south towards the Virgin Islands. The ship is impeccably run, everywhere is pristine, cabins of course but also every public area. The food is excellent and available around the clock - which becomes more significant when at sea all day. Drinks are similar to prices at home & sometimes cheaper than on the islands.
Many of my expectations on this first ever cruise have been wrong. The quality, standards & service are easily hotel 4 star hotel standard & the food consistently exceeds all expectations. Hygiene standards are first class as passengers have to use hand cleaner when returning to the ship & before entering any restaurant.
The passengers were an amazingly eclectic group from 25 stone, bald, tatooed hulks to genteel old ladies and families with young children, there were quite a few babies. The freedom to dine wherever you want was also a great surprise & vitally important because 'cruise bores' were a constant problem but there were plently of tables for two - the Ventura really does have every angle covered.
Many of my expectations on this first ever cruise have been wrong. The quality, standards & service are easily hotel 4 star hotel standard & the food consistently exceeds all expectations. Hygiene standards are first class as passengers have to use hand cleaner when returning to the ship & before entering any restaurant.
The passengers were an amazingly eclectic group from 25 stone, bald, tatooed hulks to genteel old ladies and families with young children, there were quite a few babies. The freedom to dine wherever you want was also a great surprise & vitally important because 'cruise bores' were a constant problem but there were plently of tables for two - the Ventura really does have every angle covered.