Oceana Latest Cruise Ship Review
Oceana is a midsize cruise ship of P&O Cruises with the intimate feel of a small ship yet has a wide selection of big and spacious public rooms. It has an exceptionally dramatic four deck atrium lobby with a lot of glass on the upper deck that provides space and light to the interior of the ship. The bars, shops, restaurant and lounges of Oceana were designed to flow effortlessly through the ship lending Oceana an informal and convivial ambience, a trademark of P&O Cruises. Oceana’s open decks have terraced lidos, shady boardwalks, and quiet alcoves for private sunbathing. For guests in search of luxury and glamour, Oceana is the perfect ship for them.
Oceana Cruise Ship
Photo by John Ambler
The passengers of Oceana are largely British and when it is not the summer holidays, mostly older. When all the ship’s cabins are in full double occupancy the ratio of crew to passenger is 1 crew for every 2.2 passengers. When it is a full capacity, the ratio slightly goes up to 1 crew for every 2.5 passengers.
Oceana takes British cruising to a higher level. It has a certain charm that when combined with modern-day ship styling makes Oceana a popular choice particularly for those who are new to cruising. This midsize ship has all the facilities of the big super cruise ships but has maintained the warmth and intimacy of a smaller ship. Oceana has four sparkling pools and six whirlpools for guests to enjoy and a sports court creatively tucked in her funnel. The gym is furnished with state-of-the art equipment and the spa is deluxe and comfy. These facilities are very accessible, the same as the golf simulator.
The two main dining rooms of Oceana, Sardinian & Tuscan offers guests a choice of the traditional cruise dining with fixed dining times and the open dining, where guests can choose when to eat and where. Both main dining rooms are quite intimate, although they are multi-tiered, and the food is exquisite, the service attentive and good. There are also other restaurants that guests can try; the Riviera Grill for al fresco dining on deck on steak and seafood; a bistro by Marco Pierre White; Horizon Buffet which is open 24 hours plus a pizzeria.
Artemis Cruise Ship Review 2011
Artemis of P & O Cruises is a classic cruise ship with an elegance that is enduring. It is a ship that combines a small and intimate vibe with a great sense of adventure. Artemis is an exclusively adults-only ship that offers a distinctive cruising experience. Its size enables it to visit unique and out of the way ports of call and, after her massive refurbishing, it has become more appealing. It gave most of Artemis’ public rooms a classy and tasteful new look and all its guests’ accommodations furnished and endowed with amenities for the greater comfort of guests. All of Artemis’ cabins are stylish and cozy with all the comforts of home and a great place to idly watch the world go by since all its cabins are provided with ocean view.
Artemis Cruise Ship
Photo by John Ambler
On board Artemis, guests can enjoy the advantages of state-of-the-art facilities and all the best British cruising tradition of afternoon tea, formal evenings and shuffleboard. It gives the cruising experience an exceptional sense of occasion. Guests can enjoy playing cards with new friends at Trumps; try their luck at the Monte Carlo Casino; chill out by the Crystal Pool and spa; or shop to their heart’s content at Mayfair. Evening entertainment includes superb shows in the Festival Theater, solo performances at the International Lounge and bar; romantic dancing at Starlights Lounge.
The two restaurants of Artemis, The Coral Dining Room and the Conservatory both offer a fabulous panoramic ocean view while the guests dine. The Coral Dining Room offers the traditional cruise dining in a gracious setting and is open for breakfast, lunch, coffee and afternoon tea. Dinner is a dress up affair of a six-course gourmet feat served by affable and attentive waiters. On the other hand, the informal Conservatory is a casual and self-service restaurant in the daytime and a grill place at night.
MV AURORA CRUISE SHIP REVIEW
MV AURORA CRUISE SHIP REVIEW
Aurora is more suitable and attracts elderly British audience, who prefer a traditional experience in cruising. It also is a favorite place for families during school holidays. Being eight year old, aurora looks dated for its age, simply because there are other modern ships that offer far more superior amenities.
The decor of the ship would be more appealing to the older Britons. The dress code is enforced in the dining room as well as the main bar in the evenings. The two restaurants, Alexandria and Medina, offer meals between 6 30 and 8 30 pm. For a more liberal minded group, there is a timed dinner in the Orangery self service buffet venue.
The recently upgraded café, Bordeaux, is now managed by the renowned chef Marco Pierre White, who serves Mediterranean cuisine. Both the restaurants Pennant and cafe Bordeaux, need reservations and the menus keep changing regularly. Orangery serves continental breakfast and the best burgers at sea are offered, if ordered.
Aurora is ideal for long voyages with a lot of outside deck space. Over 900 cabins including, mini suites, suites and two storey penthouses are accommodated in the cabins. Each one has tea and coffee making equipment, air conditioning, TV and fridges.
The Curzon theatre on Carmen's lounge offers entertainment, mainly targeting the elderly audience. Other activities include French and Spanish lessons, dancing and bridge classes and art auctions. A sauna and steam room has full menu of spa activities.
The toy box playroom takes care of children and a free nursery baby sitting service is available till 2 a.m. Though dress code is casual during day, it is very strict during evening and the trip comprises two formal nights, two semi formal nights and three smart casual evenings.
MV Aurora Pictures Gallery
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MV Aurora
VENTURA CRUISE SHIP REVIEW
P&O VENTURA CRUISE SHIP REVIEW
Ventura is a new addition to the fleet of P&O Cruises. With many stylish features and innovative facilities for the passengers, Ventura has 19 decks and is quite known for its good quality, attention to the minutest details by the staff, excellent service and good dining.
Ventura is ideal for people of all age ranges, from retired people to families with small kids, as also teens. The reason for the versatility of Ventura is that there is some activity on board for everyone, so that they can have fun together, dine together and relax together.
The Marco Pierre White restaurant has delicious food items. There are over seven thousand pieces of art and 12 places that have facilities for drinking. There are five pools including one with a sky dome. The theaters have shows that are spectacular in addition to other entertainments like pianists, comedians and live bands to enthrall you.
MS Ventura
The three dining rooms cinnamon, saffron and Bay tree have exotic break fast and lunch items. Cinnamon serves mainly in the evenings for flexible dining. There is a self service buffet in two sections, the Waterside and the Beach house.
The three deck atrium is the central focus of Ventura. There is a library where books are sold and a full wrap-around promenade deck for relaxing and enjoying the view. There are 1546 cabins in Ventura of which 880 have a balcony. Some of them have wheel chair accessibility.
The entertainment features of Ventura have been constantly improvised. The casino, called "fortunes" and has the usual game tables and slot machines. The oasis spa is very large and comprises hair & beauty salon and a range of treatments, including a thermal spa. There are free saunas too.
A large gym which is the biggest of any P&O ship is present in Ventura. On board dentists, who perform teeth whitening & cleaning , interests the passengers. Ventura is known for the ideal place for family cruising.