has the ventura cruise ship had a refit

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P&O Cruises showcases multi-million pound Ventura refurbishment

Successful concepts from Azura, such as The Glasshouse, The Retreat, menus designed by Michelin -star chef Atul Kochhar in speciality restaurant East and single cabins have all been introduced on board Ventura as part of P&O Cruises ongoing refit programme.

A multi-million pound refurbishment has been carried out to Ventura to incorporate features which have proved popular with passengers on sister ship Azura.

Highlights include: The Glasshouse

• The Glasshouse has been introduced, to replace Las Ramblas bar and restaurant on Deck 7
• Installation of enomatic wine system allows passengers to buy premium wines by the glass selected by TV wine expert Olly Smith
• Conversion to The Glasshouse menu with a selection of small and large plates available for lunch and dinner (additional charge). Small plates include:chorizo, pork belly and butter bean cassoulet and larger plates include a selection of steak, burger and fish dishes with triple cooked chips as well as vegetarian options including woodland mushroom and spring onion risotto with melting camembert
• East now features a new menu designed by Michelin-star celebrity chef Atul Kochhar
• Atul has devised a unique Thai/Indonesian menu, which also includes influences from Malaysian and Vietnamese cuisine. Sample dishes include:
• 24 Hour Slow Cooked Lamb Rendang – Indonesian style curry with coconut milk, shallots, garlic and ginger
• Spiced Sea Bream – wrapped in banana leaf and griddled with shallots and green chillies

Atul Kochhar said: “Exploring flavours from across the Far East, including Indonesia and Thailand, this new and exciting menu showcases modern Asian cuisine. Incorporating mystical spices with subtle ingredients this menu is inspired by my travels throughout Asia and my love of spice.”

Single cabins

• 18 new single cabins added: 12 outside and six inside
• Located in the same area as Azura, adjacent to the Exchange Bar on Deck 6, a central location

The Retreat

• Installation of The Retreat into the forward area on Deck 16
• The Retreat is a sumptuous open-air spa terrace with sun loungers, a separate pool and stunning sea views, exclusively for adults
• Passengers can buy a full day pass to The Retreat for a small cover charge

Other changes

• The atrium features a new dance floor which will host dance lessons day and night with a live band in the evening
• Ventura is now fully wi-fi enabled
• The cyberstudy has been converted into the ship’s new library (with some fixed PCs)
• A new perfumery has replaced the old library
• A new enomatic wine system has been introduced in Waterside, the ship’s buffet restaurant. This self-service system allows passengers to buy premium wines by the glass, similar to The Glasshouse, by purchasing a wine card on board

P&O Cruises managing director Carol Marlow said: “This is the latest of several refits to our fleet. Oriana and Oceana have already had multi-million pound investments and Arcadia will be at the end of the year. We are delighted with the changes on Ventura. All of the enhancements have been made following feedback from both existing passengers and potential cruisers. Research showed that speciality restaurants were very important as well as a variety of dining with premium grills, classic fine dining, Asian and Indian menus being the most popular.

“As a result we have added these innovations onto Ventura. We have a new Asian Fusion menu in East, designed by Atul Kochhar and we added The Glasshouse grill and wine bar, both of which have proved so popular on Azura.

“Following the success of the single cabins on Azura and Oriana, we also now have 18 new single cabins on Ventura. This offers an attractive and cost effective option to solo travellers.

“The Retreat has also been a huge hit with passengers on Azura and so we now have the same concept on Ventura. The Retreat offers a private area, exclusively for adults and is the perfect place to relax, unwind and be pampered.

“All in all, these changes are very well suited to passengers seeking a relaxed and contemporary cruising experience – perfect for families, friends and couples alike. We are very excited to have these latest innovations in time for Ventura’s new fly-cruise programme to the Mediterranean next summer. Our passengers can enjoy some of Europe’s most iconic destinations in greater style and even more comfort on our new-look Ventura.”

The changes are reflected in the new P&O Cruises 2014/15 brochure. The new programme, which has significant savings for early bookers, is on sale now.

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• P&O Cruises ( UK )

Ventura Dry Dock Feb 2023

By JG&Lcruisingnewbies , November 7, 2022 in P&O Cruises ( UK )

Recommended Posts

JG&Lcruisingnewbies

So husband and I have booked a 4 night Amsterdam cruise on the Ventura for April next year 😃  

we understand she’s in dry dock for 2 weeks next year, but will we know before the dry dock what they are planning to do?

I keep hearing how tired she’s looking but maybe they’ll do some refurbs like new carpets, while in dry dock, which will help 🤷‍♀️  

I know we’ll enjoy ourselves regardless, & I know a lot of dry dock is just routine maintenance 

but I was curious to know if we’ll find out the plans for dry dock before she’s in it

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P&O don't tend to give any info out before a refit and tell you precious little about what they have done afterwards. Maybe the occasional post on social media...

7 hours ago, Britboys said: P&O don't tend to give any info out before a refit and tell you precious little about what they have done afterwards. Maybe the occasional post on social media...

Ok thanks. I shouldn’t be surprised

Seeing as P&O don’t even tell you arrival & sail away times for any port, pre-cruise, either

information giving is not P&O strong point is it 😂  

Nor technology

I’ve only sailed once with P&O so far, but my word they are rubbish at it 🙄 😂

yorkshirephil

8 hours ago, Britboys said: P&O don't tend to give any info out before a refit and tell you precious little about what they have done afterwards. Maybe the occasional post on social media...

Probably because they have nothing to brag about

Son of Anarchy

Been on a couple of cruises immediately after a refit, or immediately prior to one.

The only thing noticeable on the post refit cruises was that carpets had been replaced.

There will probably be some contractors on board on the pre and post refit cruises as well.

1 hour ago, Son of Anarchy said: Been on a couple of cruises immediately after a refit, or immediately prior to one.   The only thing noticeable on the post refit cruises was that carpets had been replaced.   There will probably be some contractors on board on the pre and post refit cruises as well.

Thanks for the info

we were looking at booking the feb immediately pre refit cruise. Same itinerary. But changed it to after refit, April, just incase there were problems post or pre refit

good to get our suspicions confirmed. We’ll avoid in future too!

We are just back from the 1st cruise following the refit of Emerald Princess.  We were on this ship in July so can remember her well pre-refit.

We couldn't see any differences on the ship so I asked what had been done and was told that it was mainly a clean and touch up of the outside, removing barnacles etc off the hull, cleaning off rust, replacing marked and stained soft furnishings.

We had the same cabin on both cruises and I can say that the carpet in our cabin had been definitely been replaced because it was very worn by the clothes rail in July but it is clean and not worn now.

Just now, Josy1953 said: We are just back from the 1st cruise following the refit of Emerald Princess.  We were on this ship in July so can remember her well pre-refit. We couldn't see any differences on the ship so I asked what had been done and was told that it was mainly a clean and touch up of the outside, removing barnacles etc off the hull, cleaning off rust, replacing marked and stained soft furnishings. We had the same cabin on both cruises and I can say that the carpet in our cabin had been definitely been replaced because it was very worn by the clothes rail in July but it is clean and not worn now.

I forgot to say that the refit over ran by 2 days so the cruise so missed out Cadiz and Lisbon.

11 hours ago, Son of Anarchy said: Been on a couple of cruises immediately after a refit, or immediately prior to one.   The only thing noticeable on the post refit cruises was that carpets had been replaced.   There will probably be some contractors on board on the pre and post refit cruises as well.

Be grateful for small mercies. Major "upgrades" on P&O ships tend to include the loss of public space in favour of additional revenue raising. So Ventura lost the large lounge area next to the Exchange to create additional cabins, and the front of the top deck area to create a Retreat. And Oriana lost the small Crystal Room (?) lounge, formerly the venue for classical music recitals (remember them?) to create a pay extra restaurant. Such is progress, P&O style.

1 minute ago, Denarius said: Be grateful for small mercies. Major "upgrades" on P&O ships tend to include the loss of public space in favour of additional revenue raising. So Ventura lost the large lounge area next to the Exchange to create additional cabins, and the front of the top deck area to create a Retreat. And Oriana lost the small Crystal Room (?) lounge, formerly the venue for classical music recitals (remember them?) to create a pay extra restaurant. Such is progress, P&O style.

Curzon Room became Garry Rhodes.   Both excellent 

1 hour ago, Denarius said: Be grateful for small mercies. Major "upgrades" on P&O ships tend to include the loss of public space in favour of additional revenue raising. So Ventura lost the large lounge area next to the Exchange to create additional cabins, and the front of the top deck area to create a Retreat. And Oriana lost the small Crystal Room (?) lounge, formerly the venue for classical music recitals (remember them?) to create a pay extra restaurant. Such is progress, P&O style.

And Arcadia gained additional cabins - firstly at the aft end and then forward behind the Crows Nest...

• 3 months later...

For anyone interested. Ventura arrived in Hamburg last night for refit.

She's due to resume service with N305 late February.. Were on her for the next cruise N306 .

https://www.hamburg.de/livecam-michel/   Link is the webcam where she can be viewed 

12 minutes ago, Vendepac said: For anyone interested. Ventura arrived in Hamburg last night for refit. She's due to resume service with N305 late February.. Were on her for the next cruise N306 . https://www.hamburg.de/livecam-michel/   Link is the webcam where she can be viewed 

Interesting. We are on her in the Autumn. Do you know what they are doing? Given the very short time window, other than any mechanical bits and bobs, I doubt it’s anything more than upgrading some soft furnishings (carpets etc).

Methuselah55

Ventura is currently in Hamburg (13th Feb); she followed Iona in last night (son is onboard Iona so I was tracking them both on Cruise Mapper).

Looks like she's docked away from the cruise terminal so I'm guessing she's there for refitting.

carlanthony24

https://www.empire-riverside.de/en/around-the-hotel/#live-view-at-the-port-of-hamburg  You can see her on the webcam

molecrochip

Its largely the MOT style jobs to meet the 5 year requirements.

terrierjohn

1 hour ago, molecrochip said: Its largely the MOT style jobs to meet the 5 year requirements.

Moley, are P&O ever going to.undertake a full refurbishment of their older ships. RCI and Celebrity seem to lead the way in this field, and even Princess have sharpened up some of their older ships, but I cannot remember any such work being done on a P&O ship.

2 hours ago, terrierjohn said: Moley, are P&O ever going to.undertake a full refurbishment of their older ships. RCI and Celebrity seem to lead the way in this field, and even Princess have sharpened up some of their older ships, but I cannot remember any such work being done on a P&O ship.

I'm glad someone else was having similar thoughts to me. I was wondering if I was being unfair...

Went on Ventura after refit (think it was 2018) and noticed some internal improvements like new carpets and furniture. Plus improved lighting ad general spruce up. Cabin had new carpet (at last!) but still the same old TV. 

• 2 weeks later...

Ventura still occupying dry dock in Hamburg.  She wont be back in Southampton for tomorrows 3 day cruise, which I guess has been cancelled. Hopefully all will be well for our 2nd March 35 nighter to Bahamas, Miami etc.   Link to webcam attached

https://www.empire-riverside.de/en/around-the-hotel/#live-view-at-the-port-of-hamburg

2 hours ago, Vendepac said: Ventura still occupying dry dock in Hamburg.  She wont be back in Southampton for tomorrows 3 day cruise, which I guess has been cancelled. Hopefully all will be well for our 2nd March 35 nighter to Bahamas, Miami etc.   Link to webcam attached https://www.empire-riverside.de/en/around-the-hotel/#live-view-at-the-port-of-hamburg  

According to Southampton VTS she's now expected at 1830 on 1st March.

As I write this (Tuesday 27th  0830am)  Ventura is leaving dry dock in Hamburg

Should be Tuesday 28th   sorry

I was on Iona on 11th February and noticed Ventura sailing out early - around 3pm. Next saw her in Hamburg 2 days later! The captain of Iona made reference to her in his daily update  🙂

• 4 weeks later...

Cjolicoeur504

Just watched the Venture pass through my town (belle chasse) south of New Orleans she was on the Mississippi wonder where she's headed to 

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The Cruise Blogger | Cruise Blog

Unpacking the myths about cruise holidays. Tried and tested cruising advice from a thirty-something former officer's wife.

Cruise ship review: P&O Cruises Ventura post 2018 refit

P&O Cruises’ mighty Ventura is special to me for a number of reasons. She was the first cruise ship I ever worked on back in 2009, and I spent much of 2015 and 2016 cruising on her for long periods with my husband. It’s safe to say that she, alongside Oceana, is my favourite P&O Cruises ship (although this could change after I cruise on Britannia in the summer).

The last time I was on Ventura was back in 2016, so I was delighted to go on board for a few hours a couple of weeks ago to see what changes had taken place after her March 2018 refurbishment. Before going on board, I read many comments in the P&O Cruises forums stating that not much had changed since the refit. Actually a lot of work has been done that guests can’t actually see, which is probably why she doesn’t look very different. I’ve outlined the main changes below:

• Over £1 million spent behind the scenes in the theatre
• Engineering and technical work – including scrubber installation and propulsion system maintenance 
• Deck maintenance – including new AstroTurf, varnishing and painting of the hull and ship’s superstructure
• Soft furnishing and carpet updates in some public areas, cabins and suites
• New flooring and furniture in Waterside and The Beach House
• Refresh of the Photo Gallery, including a range of new products on sale
• Refitting of the on board shops which are no longer managed by Harding Brothers

As this is a cruise ship review I’ll discuss the main areas on board, so that new and experienced cruisers can learn more about the ‘Big V’ as has been affectionately nicknamed by crew.

Both Ventura and Azura have very similar 31-foot high central atriums, which span three decks. Soft cream and beige tones meet with lots of glass, dark marble and soft lighting which changes colour at different times of the day. Each cruise the Captain will host a Gala cocktail party to welcome guests on board. This space is also used to give talks, dance classes and live music performances. Bordering the atrium you will find Tazzine café, The Red Bar, Shore Excursions, Reception, the Loyalty and Future Cruise Sales desks, the Art Gallery and the shops. The Glass House sits just off of the atrium area.

Bars, Cafés and Lounges

Head up to Deck 18 and you will find my favourite bar on the ship – Metropolis. If you head to the far sides of the room you will have a fantastic view down the side of the ship, whilst the panoramic rear windows afford spectacular sea views. This is always my go-to bar for cocktails, pre-dinner drinks and, if you like gin, an extensive gin menu. It sometimes takes guests a couple of days to find this bar, so it is often a quiet spot on a sea day.

Tazzine is my first stop on a sea day. I love heading down to this café for a Costa Coffee caffeine fix and a pastry. Up until late morning pastries and muffins are free for anyone purchasing a drink. After this time cakes and other sweet treats take over. The carrot cake and Victoria sponge are delicious!

Tazzine is located on Deck 5, close to the atrium. It gets very busy on sea days, so it’s worth getting there early if you want a seat.

The Red Bar

Situated just off the atrium, this piano bar plays host to quizzes during the day. In the evening it gets busy with people enjoying a pre or post dinner drink. Since I was last on board, this bar has had new carpet, but not a lot else has changed.

The Exchange/Fortunes Casino

The Exchange serves as Ventura’s only on board pub, a popular place to watch live sport during the day. At night, karaoke and quizzes take over bringing the pub alive. The Exchange can be a bit of a thoroughfare due to its close proximity to the theatre. Attached is a casino with a number of gaming tables and slot machines. I didn’t notice any obvious changes.

Ventura’s bar come nightclub is one of the ship’s most lively venues in the evening. If you enjoy tribute acts, karaoke or cabaret then this is the perfect spot for you. I love the fact that the lighting changes colour altering the ambience immediately. I also really like this as a late-night venue. As Ventura often attracts a younger audience, Havana is often busy until the early hours of the morning. I’m not aware of any changes made to Havana but the bar was looking very good during my visit.

Tamarind Club

The plush exotic furnishings of Tamarind Club make it a great venue for cabaret acts, guest speakers and live music. During the day the area is pretty quiet and its location – set off the main thoroughfare on Deck 7 – means many people walk past it without going in. However it’s a good entertainment venue and popular spot for Peninsular Parties. There was some new tiling around the bar area but generally the décor is the same as before the refit.

Arena Theatre

Ventura’s two-tier theatre can accommodate around 800 people. During the day it often serves as a cinema and in the evening guests can see a variety of performances including comedians and West End style shows.

Over £1 million has been spent behind the scenes in the theatre, although visually the décor looks the same as before. New lighting, an LED screen to enhance stage shows (Azura and Britannia already have these) and production equipment updates will enhance guests’ experience of the theatre.

Restaurants

Ventura has three main dining restaurants – Saffron, Cinnamon and Bay Tree. Saffron and Cinnamon offer Freedom Dining, a flexible option allowing guests to eat anytime between 6.00pm and 9.30pm. Tables for two often go quickly, but the restaurants will provide you with a buzzer, which allows you to go and have a drink whilst waiting for a table. Bay Tree offers fixed Club Dining with two sittings at 6.30pm and 8.30pm.

The Epicurean

If you like fine dining then a visit to The Epicurean is a must. Last time I was on Ventura the cover charge was £30, but this fee included three sumptuous courses and amuse-bouche. The Epicurean has not changed during the ship’s refurbishment and its luxurious décor and relaxed atmosphere remain the same. In warmer weather diners can eat outside on deck on the restaurant’s private terrace. In the past my favourite courses have included smoked salmon (sliced at the table), duck three ways and a rum banana dessert. The wine selection is superb and the service is always impeccable.

Celebrity chef Eric Lanlard does a spectacular afternoon tea at The Epicurean for around £15 per head (this price may change on certain cruises). I really recommend trying it if you have a sweet tooth, as it’s far superior to standard afternoon tea on cruise ships. I cannot wait to try The Epicurean on Britannia soon!

The Glass House

My husband and I were fortunate enough have dinner with the lovely Olly Smith when we were on Azura a couple of years ago. He is a delight to be around and he is very attentive to guests. Olly has selected around 40 wines from across the world, which can only be purchased in The Glass House when on the ship.

Light bites and main courses are available for lunch and dinner, which can be accompanied by Olly’s wine flights. The Glass House Tasting Menu is my favourite meal on any P&O Cruises ship. For £30 guests get a three course menu (plus cheese) accompanied by wine. The event is only open to a small selection of guests and is unique because you are told about why each course is paired with the wine. Dining at The Glass House incurs a fee, which includes a small cover charge with any additional supplements on top. I used to visit The Glass House a lot during the day as they served the best coffee on board! Some of the soft furnishings and the carpet have been updated since my last visit.

Michelin star chef Atul Kochhar’s signature restaurant offers Indian cuisine with a modern twist. When I worked on Ventura in 2009/2010 this restaurant was an Asian fusion venue called East. It works well as Sindhu, although the décor has changed very little over the years. My top dishes include a trio of curry, beef tenderloin, soft shell crab and chicken biryani. I recommend the trio of ice creams for dessert.

I tend to favour the booths in Sindhu as they are tucked away, but there is plenty of privacy as the tables are well spaced out. A cover charge applies for this restaurant and the cost can vary depending on the cruise. I didn’t notice any refurbishment changes in Sindhu.

Waterside and The Beach House

P&O Cruises offer a different theme buffet each evening, a popular dining option for many guests. From Italian and Indian cuisine to Asian and Mexican menus, guests can eat in the buffet in smart casual dress when they want to opt out of a formal night. The buffet opens from 6.30pm onwards for evening meals (snacks from 10am-6am) and children’s tea is offered from 5.00pm-6.30pm. At the aft end of the ship there is additional seating, which turns into The Beach House cover charge restaurant at night. The Beach House serves a tasty selection of kebabs, seafood, burgers and ‘steak on a stone’ amongst other dishes.

Both Waterside and The Beach House have been revamped during the refurbishment and the current design is very similar to Oceana’s renovated Plaza now. Modern seating, a blue and beige colour scheme and new flooring gives these areas a light, airy feel.

Swimming Pools

Ventura has four main swimming pools. The 11 metre Laguna Pool is situated on Lido Deck close to the pizzeria, burger grill and ice cream parlour. Breakers Bar overlooks the Laguna Pool and is a popular spot to view sailaways. There were a lot of workmen working by the Laguna Pool area during my visit.

Close by the Beachcomber Pool benefits from a retractable roof, allowing guests to swim when the weather is bad. This is located next to the entrance to Waterside and Beachcomber Bar. One of my favourite features of this pool is the lighthouses that appear to hold up the roof. You will find that all of the swimming pools have a bar nearby and waiters continuously walk the decks in search of any guests requiring a beverage.

To the rear of The Beach House, you will find the Terrace Pool (Rivera Deck) and children’s splash pool and plunge pool (Sun Deck). The Terrace Pool’s location at the very rear of the ship means it’s a great spot when leaving port.

My go-to outdoor spot on Ventura is the Oasis Pool on Sun Deck, an adult only area with two Jacuzzis (you’ll find a number of Jacuzzis on board). This area is fairly sheltered as it is overlooked by The Retreat (a cover charge relaxation area) and sunbathing space. The pool features a current you can swim against, although it is one of the smaller pools on board. If you want shade, peace and quiet and exclusivity then you can purchase day passes to The Retreat. This area has more upmarket sunbeds and towels, sofa areas, attendants and an inclusive lunch. There used to be a massage area in Ventura’s Retreat but this has now been removed. The area has been refreshed with new furniture and an improved canopy area.

The AstroTurf has been updated in many areas. It has also been added to Deck 19, making it much more of a sunbathing area.

I spent a lot of time in Ventura’s gym, which I deem to be one of the best I’ve come across at sea. The choice of cardio machines is endless, the studio space is plentiful and there is a good selection of weight machines. Spa facilities include a steam room, sauna and heated ceramic benches. There are a number of treatment rooms, a hair salon, nail studio and relaxation lounge. I didn’t notice any visible changes in the spa or gym during my visit.

Children’s Facilities

Azura and Ventura are known for their excellent children’s facilities and friends of ours with children have always been positive about the activities on offer. The Reef club is split into four age groups ranging from 2-17. There is a night nursery for children aged between 6 months and 4 years, open from 6pm-2am nightly. All of the pools (apart from the Oasis Pool) are family-friendly and children’s tea is offered in Waterside daily.

Retail Space

One of the biggest changes during Ventura’s refit was a complete overhaul of the retail area. Harding Brothers no longer operate the ship’s shops, instead a company called Dufry have taken over. Dufry have brought in an exciting array of new products and the shops look much more modern and inviting than before.

The Photo Gallery has also had an update, and I was impressed with the choice of electrical equipment now on offer for purchase (including Bose products). It looked like the Photo Gallery corridor had new carpet, which brightens up the area considerably.

P&O Cruises claim to have put new carpet in every cabin and suite throughout the ship. A number have also had soft furnishing updates as well. I had a look in a couple of standard balcony cabins and a suite, which all appeared to be well cared for and in good condition.

For anyone new to P&O Cruises, all of Ventura’s cabins include tea and coffee making facilities, interactive TVs, a make up and turn down service, room service (many items are chargeable but breakfast is free), a pamper pack, fridge, A/C and a safe. The room service menu was revamped last year and, although many dishes incur a charge, the selection of food on offer is much better than it was before the change. Guests can expect to find lasagne, chicken tikka masala, paninis, pizza and sharer boxes, amongst other comforting dishes.

Guests have the choice of booking the following cabins: inside, outside, balcony, suite. There are different levels of cabin within these categories. Cabin size varies, but a number of the standard balconies on C Deck are much larger than standard balconies on other decks. A superior deluxe cabin is an excellent choice is you want a bit of extra space without paying suite prices. Both Azura and Ventura have larger suites than Britannia.

In conclusion, Ventura is looking much fresher than she was the last time I was on board in 2016. Whilst there hasn’t been masses of cosmetic work done that I can see, it’s good to know the company are continuing to invest money in the bones of the ship (the Deck and Technical Departments). Like a vehicle having an MOT or service, without constant maintenance behind the scenes, none of us would be able to enjoy these wonderful vessels. As ever, she remains charming, friendly and very much a home from home for me.

Shortly after my visit to Ventura, I went on board her sister ship Azura. I’ll be sharing my thoughts and photos of Azura soon. You can read my other P&O Cruises ship reviews here . Don’t forget to subscribe for updates at the  top of this page.

I am pleased to share with you the news that this cruise blog has been selected as a  Top 50 Cruise Blog by the website Feedspot.

20 comments

Thank you for a really excellent review of the Ventura. I’m looking forward to reading your review of the Azura. We’ve cruised on the Oceana and Britannia and love them both, but probably prefer the Oceana if we had to make a choice.

Hi Anne. Many thanks for your kind comment. I am pleased to hear that you enjoyed the review.

Oceana is a very special ship and a lot of people favour her. She also has fantastic itineraries! I’m looking forward to trying out Britannia this summer.

hi thanks for the update on the ventura we were on her in December and again this coming September had a good look at your snaps will be waiting for your azura report as we are on her in march thanks again

Thanks for all info. I have done 14 cruises with p and o I was on Azura in Oct 18, been on it before and it is looking tired in areas, food was not as good as in ventura….on Ventura Dec 18 and they were still doing carpets. The waterside still wasn’t finished. I am on Ventura 23/6/19 which will be my 5th visit….as she is a favourite of mine.I

My family just done Azura and they too say many things need replacing….and good not that good

Going away on Ventura 27 May and enjoyed your blog!! Went on Britannia last year and although nice – don’t know why some people love it so much.

Loved reading your blogg on Ventura – the one P and O ship that we have not cruised on. An excellent review., thank you. We love all P and O ships but not too keen on Brittannia, too big for us

I wasn’t that keen on Britannia either…sq footage on balcony cabins is smaller, not much storage space , the ship is very modern and generally didn’t get that ” home feel” like the other ships offer.

Great review. Well done. We like Azura and Oceana also. We recently went and found the shows better maybe because of the theatre enhancements. We did Epicurian it was £28 each and a free bottle of house wine if you book in between 6 and 6:30 pm. Keep up the good reviews!

Thank you very much for this comprehensive review!

We cruised to the Med on Ventura in 2016 and to the Canary Islands on board her last year.

This year we are sampling Aurora for the first time, but your article has made me feel nostalgic towards Ventura!

I am travelling alone on Ventura Jan. 2019 to the Caribbean and was feeling a little apprehensive. However, on reading your review and the excellent photos I feel a lot more positive. I have cruised many times but never as a solo passenger and your detailed report has certainly put my mind at rest. Thank you sincerely for this review which I am sure took quite a lot of time to prepare but is so greatly appreciated.

Hello Jean,

Many thanks for leaving a comment. I am pleased to hear that you are feeling a bit more positive about your cruise. Ventura is a friendly ship and I am sure you will be well looked after. On many cruises (especially longer ones) the entertainment team organise coffee mornings for solo travellers, which gives you the chance to meet others travelling on their own. If you are fixed dining, you can often request to be put on a table with other solo travellers, and many passengers form new friendships this way. I had a look at your itinerary and the long Caribbean cruises, in my opinion, have some of the best entertainment around so there will be lots to keep you busy! I hope you have a lovely time.

We’re thinking of booking a cruise on Ventura in January 2020 which lasts for 35 nights. I’ve never been on such a long cruise with a lot of sea days before. Do you think there will be enough to do on the sea days to stop us getting bored, and enough space with everyone on the ship?

Hi Susan. We have done a couple of 35 night cruises on Oceana and there is generally a lot more entertainment on offer than you get on a normal two week cruise. This is due to the number of sea days. Ventura has a roof over one of her pools, so if it is raining you can still use it. She is a big ship so you will have plenty of space and you may even get to know some of your fellow passengers as you will be cruising for so long. It might be worth thinking about booking a balcony cabin so you can have some private space. C deck balconies tend to be the biggest. I really enjoyed the 35 night itinerary and Ventura is a great ship.

Going on Ventura in July will be my second time in her (did a canaries cruise inn2012) so looking forward to it.

My wife and I have booked for 2019, our Granddaughter is getting married onboard. This being my wife and my first Cruise. Found your review informative and helpful. We are normally land lubbers for the Island of Kos, for which I write the occasional review. Many Thanks

The photo gallery looks totally different. I worked as a photographer from Sep-Dec 2016 on Ventura. Had some good and bad memories while working on her and my mental and physical health wasn’t great after I left. Was the toughest thing I’d done in my life at that point. Still get goosebumps looking at photos/videos of Ventura.

Thanks for the excellent review. We have only been on Britannia once and wasn’t sure about Ventura as it’s an older ship. After reading your review it’s made me confident we will have an excellent cruise. Keep up the good work.

Hi Richard,

Many thanks for your kind comment. I hope you have a lovely cruise.

Hi I have been on the Britannia and loved it ..I would like to try the azora as my friends love it ..but they did say it was looking a bit tired and needed glass screens in the shower instead off shower curtains and the carpets and tables all needed attention …would love to see photos of what it is like now !! X

I’m afraid I don’t have any current photos of Azura, but your best option would be to visit the Cruise Critic website or the Azura This Is the Life Facebook group to see whether anyone has shared recent photos of the ship.

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P&O completes Ventura refit

By Rebecca Gibson | 13 May 2013

Following the revitalisation, Ventura features The Retreat, an open-air spa terrace with seating and a pool, a new dance floor in the atrium, a library with fixed PCs and a perfumery.

The ship also has 18 single cabins and a full wifi service, while The Glasshouse has replaced Las Ramblas bar and restaurant and East restaurant features a new menu designed by Michelin-starred chef Atul Kochhar.

Rebecca Gibson

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Multi-million pound refurb for P&O Ventura

Contributing to the on-going trend of revamping cruise ships in grand style, P&O Cruises’ Ventura has recently emerged from a multi-million pound refurbishment to include a number features which have proved popular with passengers travelling on her sister ship, Azura.

One of the line’s largest ships, the family-friendly Ventura has been refurbished as part of P&O Cruises’ refit programme and new features will include restaurants The Glasshouse, which will offer premium wines by the glass specially selected by TV wine expert Olly Smith and East, which will boast a new menu by Michelin-star celebrity chef Atul Kochhar.

Something sure to prove popular with solo cruisers is the introduction of 18 centrally-located single cabins, 12 of which will be outside-facing, while exclusive, adult-only spa terrace The Retreat is another new addition, offering sun loungers, a separate pool and some great views to passengers willing to pay a small cover charge for a day pass.

Web-conscious cruisers will be happy to know that the Ventura is now fully Wi-Fi enabled, though there will still be some fixed PCs in the ship’s new library, which was formerly the cybercentre. Past passengers heading for the old library will be in for fragrant surprise too, as it’s now been replaced by a new perfumery.

For those who enjoy the odd tipple or two, a new enomatic wine system has been introduced in the new Glasshouse restaurant and in the existing Waterside buffet restaurant. For anyone not in the know, this self-service system allows passengers to buy premium wines by the glass by purchasing a special wine card.

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What’s on the Horizon for P&O Ventura’s 2023 Refit?

Table of Contents

What is the P&O Ventura?

P&O Ventura is a Grand-class cruise ship operated by P&O Cruises and caters to the British market. Launched in 2008, the Ventura is one of P&O’s largest ships and is known for its variety of entertainment options and dining venues.

What is a ship refit?

A refit involves renovating, overhauling, reequipping, and repairing a ship. It is typically conducted to rejuvenate the ship’s interiors, update the facilities, improve passenger comfort, and ensure the vessel meets the latest safety and environmental standards.

What is expected in P&O Ventura’s 2023 refit?

Though specific details are yet to be officially released, the P&O Ventura 2023 refit is expected to incorporate new and updated amenities, refreshed cabin designs, revamped dining venues, and introductions of new entertainment areas.

Why is P&O Ventura’s 2023 Refit Important?

The refurbishment is crucial to ensuring the ship remains attractive and competitive in an industry that continually evolves, offering the passengers the best possible cruising experience.

How Often Do Cruise Ships Typically Undergo Refits?

Cruise ships usually undergo major refits every five years, with minor updates happening as necessary in between. The Ventura last had a significant refit in 2018.

Does a refit mean changes to the ship’s capacity?

While refits often involve changing cabin configurations, it does not necessarily mean a change to the ship’s guest capacity.

Will the Ventura’s 2023 refit affect pre-booked cruises?

Typically, cruise lines plan refits during periods of lower demand or off seasons to minimize disruptions. Any impact on pre-booked cruises would likely be communicated to passengers well in advance.

How long does a refit like the Ventura’s 2023 project typically take?

The duration varies, but major cruise ship refits can take several weeks to a few months to complete.

Are there any new onboard facilities expected after the refit?

While specific details are not yet confirmed, after a major refit, guests can typically expect updates to existing amenities and new additions designed to enhance the overall cruise experience.

What happens to the old furniture and fittings during a refit?

Cruise lines often recycle, sell or donate the old furniture and fittings to sustainable third parties.

Where will the P&O Ventura 2023 refit take place?

Most ship refits occur in large shipyards equipped to deal with extensive ship overhauls, but the exact location for the Ventura’s refit is yet to be announced.

What will happen to the staff during the refit?

Crew members are often given the opportunity to take leave, receive further training, or may be transferred to other ships in the fleet during a refit.

Will the Ventura look different after the refit?

The exterior of the ship is unlikely to change significantly, but passengers can expect a fresh and modern interior look following the refit.

How will the refit enhance passenger safety?

Modernizations during a refit also consider safety upgrades, including improvements in navigation and fire safety systems.

What environmental considerations are taken into account during a refit?

Many cruise lines are becoming increasingly eco-conscious during refits, opting for more energy-efficient systems and sustainable materials.

What impact will the refit have on P&O’s Ventura’s value?

Refurbishments are an investment and often translate to increased market value for the ship, attracting more passengers due to improved amenities and updated look.

Will the refit affect the fares on the Ventura?

Although major upgrades can sometimes justify a slight increase in fares, any changes would take into consideration maintaining competitive pricing in the cruise market.

Are the cruise itineraries likely to change after the refit?

Itineraries post-refit are usually not affected, unless the refit includes updates geared towards serving different climates or geographic areas.

Does the refit indicate the future direction of P&O Cruises?

Refurbishments often reflect a cruise line’s vision for the future, incorporating new technology, guest feedback, and industry trends.

Conclusion: Why should passengers look forward to P&O Ventura’s 2023 refit?

The impending refit signifies P&O Cruises’ commitment to providing its passengers with the best onboard experience filled with modern comforts, entertainment.

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Ventura current position

Ventura current location is at West Mediterranean (coordinates 36.00101 N / -5.40097 W) cruising at speed of 14.3 kn (26 km/h | 16 mph) en route to Lisbon. The AIS position was reported 4 minutes ago.

Current itinerary of Ventura

Ventura current cruise is 14 days, round-trip Spain And Portugal , themed as "Easter". The itinerary starts on 17 Mar, 2024 and ends on 31 Mar, 2024 .

Specifications of Ventura

•   Itineraries
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Ventura Itineraries

Ventura review, review of ventura.

The 2008-built MS Ventura cruise ship is one of the Grand-class P&O UK liners, with sistership MS Azura .

The vessel (IMO number 9333175) is currently Bermuda- flagged (MMSI 310562000) and registered in Hamilton .

History - construction and ownership

P&O Cruises is a subsidiary company and two brands owned by Carnival Corporation - P&O UK and P&O Australia. In 2000, P&O Cruises became subsidiary of P&O Princess Cruises, which merged with Carnival Corporation in 2003. P and O is the world's oldest cruise company, starting passenger shipping operations in 1822 on the routes connecting England with Iberia.

The 3100-passenger ship Ventura was christened in Port Southampton on April 16, 2008, by the famous British actress Dame Helen Mirren (assisted by a team of Royal Marine Commandos). The liner is particularly larger - by 30 % than any other vessel in the P&O Cruises fleet. This means there's more room for contemporary facilities, like expanded children-related amenities, recreational opportunities (bungee jumping) and different restaurants. What is more, it is difficult to find any sign of traditional P&O Cruises in the hardware - no card room, nowhere to have a sit in the library, no art auctions (all the pictures are on sale, but showed with the price) and no monotonous teak-and-cream coloring (there are cheery decor and modern artwork instead). The travelers are also distinct; still quite a lot of the retired cruisers that P&O Cruises is known for attracting, but also lots of families with kids.

Decks and Cabins

P&O Ventura staterooms (1556 total, in 35 grades) include 26x Suites, 853x Balconies, 223x Oceanviews, 434x Inside, 2x Family Suites, 18x Studios (single-occupancy cabins). Most cabins are sized 165 ft2 / 15 m2. Most cabin balconies are sized 45 ft2 / 4 m2. The largest passenger accommodations are the Aft Penthouse Suites (410 ft2 / 38 m2, with terrace sized 180 ft2 / 17 m2).

The boat has 18 decks of which 15 are passenger-accessible and 9 with cabins.

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

The quality of food aboard Ventura is of a high standard for such a big ship. The menus offered in the three main dining rooms change daily, and there is a Gala Menu on formal nights as well, put together by Marco Pierre White. Cinnamon and Saffron (two of the main dining rooms) offer 'Freedom Dining', meaning that guests can turn up anytime between 6:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. and dine where and with whom they like. Bay Tree is the third MDR and offers set-time dining called "Club Dining" by the line. There are 3 specialty restaurants, 2 formal ones - Epicurean, serving molecular gastronomy cuisine and Sindhu by Michelin-starred chef Atul Kochhar. The one informal restaurant, which proved popular on sister vessel Azura and replaced Las Ramblas, is The Glass House by wine expert Olly Smith (for-fee tapas-style restaurant).

Follows the complete list of Ventura restaurants and food bars.

• Cinnamon Restaurant (528-seat, aft Dining Room; features Your Time dining from 6:00 to 9:30 p.m.)
• Saffron Restaurant (528-seat, forward Dining Room; with fixed seating dining at 6:30 and 8:30 p.m.)
• Bay Tree Restaurant (596-seat aft Dining Room; with fixed seating dining at 6:30 and 8:30 p.m.; also hosts bridge tournaments, card games, etc)
• East (138-seat Asian specialty restaurant by celebrity chef Atul Kochhar)
• The Glass House (steakhouse/seafood specialty restaurant and wine bar)
• The Beach House (324-seat buffet restaurant; serves as NYC deli for dinner 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.)
• Waterside (332-seat buffet restaurant; offers full English breakfast, lunch, Afternoon Tea, Noddy’s Tea/kids, dinner, night snacks; serves premium wines by the glass)
• Frankie’s Grill (fast food bar, complimentary pizza/ice cream bar, hotdogs, burgers)
• The White Room (182-seat Italian specialty restaurant).

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

P&O company doesn't go in for huge West End-style productions. Instead, expect revue-type shows with an emphasis on the singing talents of the performer; ventriloquists, magicians, and tribute acts; British comedy. In the Arena Theatre, there are two main shows nightly. Times vary in order to accommodate the set dining times. Elsewhere on the ship, the main venues for live entertainment are Havana, at the back of the ship, and The Tamarind Club - a walk-through venue on Deck 7. In both these venues, guests will find bands or singers on at various times throughout the whole evening. There is usually a guest band too, depending on where the vessel is based. Havana is also the nightclub onboard ms Ventura. Additional amenities include: Complimentary 24-hour Room-Service, Internet/WiFi access, supervised kids program, laundry/self-serve laundromats.

Follows the complete list of Ventura lounges, clubs and other entertainment venues for kids, teens, and adults.

• Ventura Atrium (3-decks central open floor area and social hub);
• Atrium Shops - Regalia (clothes, souvenirs, gifts), The Wardrobe (brand fashion, watches, bags, hats), Chic (fashion boutique), Emporium (candy store), Eternity (jewelry), Essence (perfumes). Following the ship's drydock refurbishment in 2018, the onboard shopping was upgraded by adding new retail brands selling premium watches, handbags, cosmetics and perfumes, travel essentials. New is the Dufry store (travel retailer). Among the added new brands are BRICS (luggage, bags, Selfridges), Longines (Swiss hand-made watches), Olivia Burton (watches, V), Liu Jo (women's clothes, bags, shoes), Radley (designer leather handbags, purses, accessories), Cath Kidston (fashion, bags, gifts), Kipling (designer bags, backpacks, luggage, wallets, travel accessories). A new collection of British gins is also available.
• Tazzine Bar (by Costa Coffee; at night transforms into a cocktail bar)
• Chapter One (book shop and library); Cyb@study (24-hour Internet computers room, Internet packages)
• The Exchange Pub (sports bar); Brodie’s Pub; Breakers Bar; The Tamarind Lounge and Club (live music, comedy shows, cooking demonstrations, films, themed party nights)
• Metropolis Lounge; Peninsular Room (multi-purpose lounge); The Red Bar
• Arena Theatre (785-seat, 2-decks, featuring grand scale productions, live performances, game shows)
• Havana Lounge and Nightclub (live entertainment venue and disco)
• “Fortunes” Casino; Ivory Suite (vow renewal and wedding services)
• Photo Gallery and Shop; Whitehall Art Gallery; The Library (with Internet computers)
• Terrace Pool (adults only area, served by Terrace Bar); Beachcomber Pool and Bar; Laguna Pool and Bar; Aqua Park with waterside; 6 jacuzzis
• The Retreat (adults only area); Oasis Spa and Health Club (Treatment Rooms, Thermal Suite, Beauty Salon); Oasis /endless pool & bar
• Gymnasium (complimentary equipment, Fitness classes; Yoga and Pilates at surcharge)
• Kids Venues (Toybox, Jumping Jacks, Tumblers Nursery, The Den); Decibels (teen disco)
• Shuffleboard; Quoits; Sports Court (basketball, volleyball, tennis); Table Tennis; Golf Nets.

Itineraries

P&O Ventura itinerary program is based mainly on roundtrips from homeport Southampton England . The ship also used to operated Caribbean fly-cruises from Bridgetown Barbados , with Transatlantic repositioning crossings UK-Caribbean. Ex-Southampton voyages in Europe visit ports in Iberia (Portugal and Spain), Mediterranean, Canary Islands, as well as mini-cruises to Holland, Belgium, Germany. Transatlantic crossings (UK roundtrip voyages) also visit the USA and Canada and the Caribbean, with longer itineraries (30-40-days in length).

Due to the Coronavirus crisis, the ship Ventura was paused through October 2021.

Ventura - user reviews and comments

Photos of ventura.

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Ventura wiki.

The Fincantieri Monfalcone -built MS Ventura is one of PO's biggest vessels and also one of the biggest UK-based passenger ships, with sistership Azura (both of the Grand-Class). The ship was christened by Helen Mirren (1945-born British actress) who also sailed on the Inaugural Cruise/maiden voyage on April 11, 2008.

P&O Ventura (Monfalcone shipyard/hull number 6132) is powered by Wartsila marine diesel engines (models 8ZAV40S and 8L46C) generating total power output 67,22 MW.

Besides being a huge vessel as size and passenger capacity , Ventura is also one of the most family-friendly UK ships. Family fun activities at dedicated facilities on board are: "The Reef" (with kids club programming), Noddy (character greetings), open-air kids playing areas, "Beachcomber" and "Laguna" (family pools), "The Beach House" (casual family restaurant for dinner) and Havana Lounge (evening family shows).

During the whole summer of 2014, for the first time, P&O operated Ventura with exclusively fly-cruises to the Mediterranean from the UK. During winter, the liner offers Caribbean cruises from homeport Bridgetown Barbados , also operated with fly-cruise deals from UK ( Southampton England ). P&O UK's "flight and cruise" deals to the Caribbean are additionally inclusive of discounted airfare to and from Barbados.

The ship's current Captain (Master) is Paul Brown.

MS Ventura refurbishments review

The ship's drydock in 2018 (March 13-27, done by Damen Shiprepairs in Brest France ) resulted in the following changes:

The onboard retail shopping was upgraded by refurbishing all retail shops and adding new brands. The 2-tier Arena Theatre received a large, wall-mounted LED screen (similar to that on Azura), as well as a new sound and light equipment. Two bar lounges (Tamarind Club and Havana) were renovated and redesigned.

All passenger cabins and most public areas (the Atrium, Spa and Salon complex, all restaurants, lounges, and bars) were renovated with new carpeting. The main walkway area received new tiling, new carpet, new furniture.

New retail brands were added to the onboard shopping options selling premium watches, handbags, cosmetics and perfumes, travel essentials. New is the Dufry store (travel retailer). All the shops were completely renovated. Among the newly added brands are BRICS (luggage, bags, Selfridges), Longines (Swiss hand-made watches), Olivia Burton (watches, V), Liu Jo (women's clothes, bags, shoes), Radley (designer leather handbags, purses, accessories), Cath Kidston (fashion, bags, gifts), Kipling (designer bags, backpacks, luggage, wallets, travel accessories). A new collection of British gins was also added. To the shops on Deck 7 was added a large glass display window.

During the drydock refit were also refurbished the Waterside (24-hour buffet restaurant) and The Beach House (Select Dining restaurant).

Dixons Travel shop (deck 7) sells the latest technology gadgets and electronic equipment. During the refurbishment, the store's size was increased and new products were added, including by the brands Amazon, Apple, Bose, Canon, Fitbit, GoPro). The Photo Now (digital screen) was moved to the aft.

During drydock 2018, on the boat were installed 2 scrubbers (reducing fuel emissions and energy consumption). The hull was water blasted and painted with a new type of silicone paint (improving fuel efficiency). Also repainted was the liner's superstructure. Maintenance works included the vessel's propulsion, stabilizers, some repairs.

The list of deck plan changes after the ship's 2013 drydock (at Blohm+Voss shipyard in Hamburg Germany ) includes:

• (Deck 5) - new Atrium entertainment programme – now with a dance floor (also for lessons) and live band music at night. Internet Cafe was transformed into the Library, while the old library was refitted into a perfume shop.
• (Deck 6) - 18 new single cruise cabins, of which 12 oceanview and 6 Interior), at no single supplement rates.
• (Deck 7) - The Glass House (wine bar) replacing the Ramblas (Latin specialty restaurant)
• (Deck 7) - East (Asian specialty restaurant by Atul Kochhar, with new Southeast Asia menu.
• (Deck 17) - The Retreat (outdoor adults-only spa terrace).
• Better (shipwide) Wi-Fi coverage.

I Cruised on P&O’s Iona and Ventura – Here’s How They Compare

When cruise lines advertise their cruises it’s most likely that you’ll see the newest and most exciting cruise ships. The majority of cruise ships owned by the major cruise lines are over 10 years old, with many being over 20 years old. 

I recently took a cruise on a brand new mega cruise ship, her name is Iona and she is massive, she’s over 4x the size of the Titanic and can hold well over 5000 guests. 

What I wanted to know after disembarking my cruise on Iona was did I enjoy this cruise because of the cruise line or because of the exciting new ship, if I cruised on an older smaller ship from the same cruise line, would I enjoy it as much or would I feel ripped off that the older ship didn’t have everything that the larger ship did. 

There were actually differences between the two that I had never considered, such as differences in the way the formal night dress codes were enforced, but more about that later. 

To find out how the ships compare I booked a cruise P&O’s Ventura, she was built back in 2007 and is just over half the size of Iona in terms of gross tonnage. 

I had visions of the ship falling apart, things leaking and being broken. I had been on other cruises on ships of a similar age where there would be buckets in the corridors to catch leaks and you’d often find things frayed or cracking.

I’ve found that it’s a lot more about how well a cruise ship has been looked after rather than her actual age, but I didn’t know how well Ventura had been looked after. 

I had heard that the cabins onboard Ventura were, to put it nicely, ‘dated’ and I didn’t know if I would enjoy the cruise as much with less choice of restaurants and entertainment. 

P&O’s Iona and Ventura Have Very Different Atriums

When I boarded P&O’s newest ship Iona there was an immediate wow factor. The central atrium area was one of the first places we visited and it is split over multiple levels with glass walls on both sides.

It very much felt like a fancy hotel and you could tell that everything onboard was new. 

I was worried that walking on Ventura wouldn’t have this same wow factor.

In some ways, the wow factor was definitely there, but comparing the atriums of Iona and Ventura you can see the differences. 

P&O’s Ventura has a very classic atrium design, you’ll find this style of atrium with the glass elevators on a lot of the older Princess ships as well as those owned by P&O. 

Personally, I really liked this design and I loved how they would have live music here every day.

I prefer the design style of Iona’s atrium but I know that many people have described it as being like an airport or like a shopping centre. 

The wood and colours in Ventura’s atrium is something that dates to the ship to the late 2000s.

There were certain lounges onboard where you’d find chairs that I felt dated the ship but we very rarely found anything that was actually broken or damaged.

P&O’s Ventura had a big refit in 2018 and this is probably why. The actual fittings and furnishings on Ventura probably aren’t that much older than Ionas.

Iona and Ventura’s Decor Differs

When it comes to larger pieces like this tree in the glasshouse though, they have been there for years. I quite like it, it’s something a little different, but I do think it gives away the ship’s age. 

I Loved My Cabin Onboard Iona

One of my favourite things about cruising on Iona was the amazing inside cabin we had, it was small but perhaps one of my favourite cruise ship cabins.

To learn more about the cabin, check out this post: P&O Iona Inside Cabin Photo Review – Space, Bathroom, Cleanliness and More .

I loved the decor, it was incredibly well designed, bright and airy and the bathroom although small was great.

The showerful was powerful and I know lots of people will be pleased to hear that there was a shower door instead of a shower curtain.

I knew that my cabin on Ventura wouldn’t have the same design or look as new as the cabins on Iona. Cruise ship cabins are one of the areas of cruise ships that seem to date quite fast, I’m not sure if it’s because of the number of cabins but it isn’t easy for a cruise line to just update 1500 cabins. 

The main priorities for me when it comes to cruise ship cabins are, is it clean, is there enough storage and will I have a good nights sleep here?

I’m happy to report that I had some really good sleeps on this cruise. 

Ventura’s Cabin Was Clean and Comfortable

The design of Ventura’s cabins definitely is dated and the bathroom is showing signs of age. I’m not too sure why but the shower was really quite low down, I’m only 5’6 so it wasn’t a problem for me, but anybody 6ft or taller would have to kneel down to use the shower.

I know that people were shorter in the olden days, but I don’t think 2007 counts!

On Large Ships Most of The Extra Space is Cabins

When it comes to cabins, one of the biggest differences between smaller and bigger cruise ships is the number of cabins.

It isn’t uncommon to see a larger cruise ship that has basically the same facilities as the smaller one, but with an extra few decks of cabins in the middle. 

Ventura has 6 and a half decks of cabins and Iona has closer to 9 and a half.

That does mean a lot more stairs to walk up but I don’t mind that. 

Beyond the physical differences on the ship, I was unsure if I could enjoy the actual cruise as much on Ventura. There were so many restaurant and entertainment options on my Iona cruise that I worried that it would be boring. 

Was The Entertainment Different?

Both cruise ships have big theatres and lots of live music and I didn’t notice a big difference in terms of which activities were offered, there were, of course, more choices on the bigger ship.

Iona has things like a cinema and splash park that Ventura doesn’t have. 

In addition to the theatre, Iona has another performance space in the central dome, this meant that sometimes we would go to the theatre shows and sometimes to the shows in the dome.

It felt as though the shows were repeated more often on Iona, but I suppose that makes sense for the number of passengers on board.

Despite both ships being at reduced capacity Iona definitely did feel busier than Ventura. We would often have to stand to watch the dome shows and some venues we never managed to get into during our cruise.

The App Had to be Used on Both Cruise Lines

When I was on both cruises we had to use the cruise lines app to book theatre shows.

You might find that on some cruise lines certain apps or pieces of tech and only available on newer ships as they’re rolling it out, but all of P&O’s ships now use the same App.

During the cruise shutdown of 2020 Princess cruises took the opportunity to fit all of their ships with their medallion technology and many other cruise lines used it as a time to catch up all of their cruise ships to the same standard as the newer ones. 

The Smaller Size Was Great in Some Ways

One big benefit of cruising on the smaller ship compared to the larger one was how much easier it was to walk around the ship and to just pop back to your cabin if you forgot something. 

On Iona we were right at the end of the ship and I didn’t time it but I’m sure if I was at the other end and wanted to pop back to my cabin I’d be gone for 10-15 minutes, on Ventura we never had that problem which was nice. 

It wasn’t quite the same as being on a river cruise ship where you’re only ever a few metres from your cabin, but it was nice to be able to wander around the ship without too much trouble.

If you are somebody with mobility issues, or who doesn’t want to walk up 10 flights of stairs smaller ships can be a really good choice.

Personally, the longer walks work well for me to burn off some of the cookies I’ve eaten in the buffet. 

The Formal Nights and Dress Codes Varied

P&O are an interesting cruise line in the way that they do formal nights and dress codes.

Most cruise lines will have the same rules across the entire fleet but things were different on both of our cruises.

I’m not a big fan of enforced formal nights on most cruises so I liked the way that Iona had one ‘formal’ night per week and as far as I can remember it was only enforced in the main dining rooms.

On Ventura we had 3 formal nights on our 12-night cruise and the dress code also applied to a couple of other lounges and areas onboard.

This isn’t a problem lots of people love the formal nights and dress codes, but it just goes to show that just because you’ve enjoyed a cruise on one cruise ship, you can’t necessarily assume that you’ll like a cruise on all cruise ships in the fleet. 

One thing that I can’t compare between the two though is the way that the ships handle bad weather. Some people say that smaller ships handle it better, some say that larger does, to be honest, I don’t really know. 

On our Iona cruise, we had no problems with the weather at all, but our Ventura cruise was the roughest cruise that I’ve ever been on. To find out how we dealt with it, and why I wouldn’t take this cruise again, check out this video next:

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A peek round P&O Cruises newly refurbished Ventura

Britannia is the current flagship of the P&O Cruises fleet (the arrival of a new ship in couple of year’s time will change that) and after sailing on her I wasn’t sure if the other ships in the family would live up to my extremely high expectations that I had come to expect from a cruise ship. Last week I finally got to put that misconception to bed as I was invited down to Southampton to spend a day on their newly refurbished cruise-ship, Ventura.

I started my wander around the ship at the impression central atrium which is right bang in the middle of the ship. It’s here that people tend to grand a coffee during the day in the Costa, gather for a pre-dinner drink in the evenings or just spend some time relaxing. It’s also where you will find a brand-new selection of duty free shopping stores. I must say that I was impressed of the selection of goods on offer across the various stores on Ventura which offered the usual selection of fragrance, cosmetics and alcohol but also an extensive selection of luxury watches, diamond jewellery by Kallati, clothing and an essentials shop stocking snacks, books and all those little must haves. You really are spoiled for choice onboard.

P&O Cruises are renowned for their expansive range of food and drink options on their ships and Ventura is no exception to that rule a range of select dining options to choose from as well as the main restaurants and self-service buffet. As I was just on Ventura for the day I never have the chance to try them all, but I headed down to the Glass House for a spot of lunch and was not disappointed. If you are a passionate foodie and a wine lover, then this is the place to be as the menu has been expertly curated with the help of the wine expert Olly Smith.

Sadly, the time was nearing for Ventura to set sail for the Med and I hadn’t managed to see everything but that is testament to the sheer size of the ship and the endless number of things to see and do on board. I did toy with the idea of hiding myself away somewhere on deck and joining but unfortunately, I had to disembark and catch my flight back up to Glasgow.

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We are sailing on Ventura 1st July to the 8th just wondered if Steven Mulhern will still be on the ship

How is this a peek around the refurbished ship? There’s no photographs of the interior, just meaningless photographs of lifeboats, decking and a flat! Disappointing article. Was hoping to see some of the refurb like the title of the article promises.

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Royal Caribbean Cancels Brilliance Cruises Following Technical Issue

• March 25, 2024

Royal Caribbean International is canceling cruises onboard the Brilliance of the Seas. According to the company, a technical issue is impacting the vessel, which is completing a winter program in Australia & the South Pacific .

Affected sailings include an 11-night voyage to the South Pacific Islands that departed on March 19, and a five-night cruise to Tasmania that was scheduled to sail on March 30.

In a statement sent to guests, Royal Caribbean said that the first sailing was cut short on March 22, while the second sailing is no longer taking place.

“As you may know, the Brilliance of the Seas experienced a technical issue on its last sailing, and we’re returning early to begin required maintenance,” the company explained.

“Our crew has started working on restoring the system and we’re deploying the best experts. Despite our efforts, we are unable to complete the needed repairs to be ready in time on March 30, 2024.”

As a result, the sailing scheduled for that day had to be cancelled, the company added.

“We know how much time and effort go into planning your cruise and we’re truly sorry for this disappointing news,” Royal Caribbean concluded.

Passengers who were set to board the Brilliance on March 30 will receive a full refund, the company said, in addition to a 50 percent Future Cruise Credit (FCC) that can be used toward any future sailing departing within one year.

Guests will also be reimbursed for non-refundable, pre-purchased travel fees incurred, such as flight, hotel, train tickets or car rentals, Royal Caribbean added, noting that it will cover up to $250 per guest for domestic changes, and up to $400 per guest for international changes.

Passengers who left Sydney on March 19 and had their cruise cut short are also set to receive a 50 percent FCC, the company said.

Wrapping up its winter program in Australia, the Brilliance of the Seas is scheduled to depart on a trans-Pacific voyage to Hawaii on April 12, 2024.

The ship will then depart on a repositioning cruise to Canada before starting a summer program in Alaska.

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Baltimore's Key Bridge collapses after ship strike; construction crew missing: Live updates

B ALTIMORE − A massive search effort stretched into Tuesday afternoon for six construction workers who were on the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore when it was struck by a cargo ship and collapsed into the frigid Patapsco River, shutting down a critical artery for East Coast shipping .

Around 1:30 a.m. a Singapore-flagged vessel named Dali struck the Key Bridge as it was leaving the Port of Baltimore, causing the span to collapse in seconds. Officials said the crew warned of a power issue and sent out a "mayday" before the collision. Footage of the incident shows the cargo ship smash into one of the columns before the bridge snapped, hit the water and partially fell on the ship, where a burst of flames and smoke could be seen rising into the night sky.

Several vehicles were on the bridge at the time of impact and plunged into the river, which was measured Tuesday at 48 degrees, cold enough to cause hypothermia. There were multiple contractors on the bridge who were repairing potholes, Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul Wiedefeld said. So far two people have been rescued. One was unharmed and the other remains in "very serious condition," he said.

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Jennifer Homendy, chair of the National Transportation Safety Board, said at an afternoon news conference the agency will lead the investigation, but that she would not provide information on fatalities or injuries from the incident, leaving that to local authorities.

Asked the priority beyond the search-and-rescue operation being conducted by the Coast Guard, she said, “Right now it’s about people. It’s about families and addressing the needs of those that were impacted, that’s the focus.''

The ship's crew remained on the Dali, which needed to be assessed for damage before rescuers could board it, said James Wallace, chief of the Baltimore City Fire Department. The vessel was carrying cargo for the major shipping company Maersk and was headed for Sri Lanka.

A senior U.S. official who was not authorized to speak publicly told USA TODAY the ship apparently lost power a few minutes before striking the bridge. A federal report has confirmed that version of events , saying the crew lost its ability to control the vessel.

Developments:

∎  Brawner Builders, the employer of the six missing workers, told media outlets including the Baltimore Sun that they're presumed dead.

∎ The University of Maryland Medical Center's trauma center treated one patient from the collapse who has been discharged, Michael Schwartzberg, the medical center's spokesperson, said in an email. Schwartzberg declined to say more about the person's injuries, citing patient privacy concerns.

∎ Dr. David Efron, the center’s chief of trauma, said falling from the bridge − with clearance of more 185 feet − into 48-degree water would present life-threatening risks. Being submerged for more than an hour in water at that temperature is “almost invariably going to not be survivable.”

∎  The National Transportation Safety Board is scheduled to hold a news conference about its investigation into the incident Tuesday afternoon.

∎ Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott issued a state of emergency to better mobilize resources and work quickly to "address this crisis," he said in a post on X . The governor of Maryland issued a state of emergency earlier Tuesday.

Crew lost control as propulsion deserted ship, report says

The Dali lost propulsion leaving port and its crew lost control of the ship, prompting the crew to alert Maryland officials of a possible collision, an unclassified Department of Homeland Security report revealed Tuesday.

An official who spoke on condition of anonymity confirmed to USA TODAY that the DHS cybersecurity agency is working with federal, state and local officials "to understand the potential impacts of this morning’s collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge."

This was not the Dali's first harsh encounter with a pier, and that time its leadership was determined to be at fault. It's too early to know what caused Tuesday's accident.

The cargo ship that  struck the Francis Scott Key Bridge  collided with a shipping dock in Belgium in 2016. That incident occurred as the Dali was leaving port in Antwerp and hit a loading pier made of stone, causing damage to the ship’s stern, according to the VesselFinder.com website, which tracks ships across the world. An investigation determined a mistake made by the ship’s master and pilot was to blame.

No one was injured in that crash, although the ship required repair and a full inspection before being returned to service. The pier – or berth – was also seriously damaged and had to be closed.

− Josh Meyer, Emily Le Coz and Claire Thornton

Two Guatemalan workers among six missing

Two Guatemalan nationals are among the six workers who were on the bridge when it was struck early Tuesday, the Guatemalan Foreign Ministry said. Their ages are 26 and 35, respectively, and their families have been notified, the ministry said in a statement, which also noted the other missing workers are from Mexico, Honduras and El Salvador. 

"We will continue requesting information from the authorities and information about search and rescue efforts to find the missing Guatemalans," the statement said.

− Eduardo Cuevas

What did the most recent inspection report say about the bridge?

Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge was listed in overall fair condition in 2021, the most recent inspection report in the Federal Highway Administration’s  National Bridge Inventory  at the time of its  collapse early Tuesday morning . 

However, the database noted that, “Bank protection is in need of minor repairs. River control devices and embankment protection have a little minor damage. Banks and/or channel have minor amounts of drift.” 

Other structural elements showed  “some minor deterioration”  but were otherwise listed in satisfactory condition.

− Cecilia Garzella and Yoonserk Pyun

'We're with you': Biden says federal government will rebuild bridge

President Joe Biden said he intends for the federal government to cover the entire cost to rebuild the Key Bridge, and he committed not to leave “until this job gets done.”

“We're with you. We're going to stay with you as long as it takes,” Biden said Tuesday afternoon from the White House Roosevelt Room.

Biden said he spoke with Maryland Gov. Wes Moore and other local and state officials about the bridge’s collapse, and said he would visit the site in the future. “I told them we're going to send all the federal resources they need as we respond to this emergency − I mean all the federal resources. And we're going to rebuild that port together.”

Biden said eight people remain unaccounted for, but the figure might change. Two people were rescued. "Everything so far indicates that his was a terrible accident,” Biden said, adding there’s no reason to believe it was intentional.

“Our prayers are with everyone involved in this terrible accident and all the families, especially those waiting for news of their loved ones right now,” Biden said. “I know every minute in that circumstance feels like a lifetime.”

Biden said the ongoing rescue operation remains the top priority but relayed that he told Moore he has directed his team to “move heaven and earth to reopen the port and rebuild the bridge as soon as humanly possible."

− Joey Garrison

Crewman reports all on board Dali are safe

This past weekend, Andrew Middleton took the ship's captain and a crewman shopping at a nearby Walmart. Since 9/11, international crews have to be escorted by a vetted person through most port areas, and Middleton said it's fairly common for crews like the Dali's to request assistance from the Apostleship of the Sea Baltimore Stella Maris International Seafarers' Center, where he is the director. The group is part of the Catholic Church's Archdiocese of Baltimore.

"They were by all appearances in good spirits," Middleton said, and they chatted in his van about the ship's planned 28-day voyage around the Horn of Africa to Sri Lanka. Middleton said crews usually buy personal toiletries and snacks before long trips.

Middleton woke up Tuesday morning to the shocking news the ship hit the bridge, and he immediately messaged one of the crewmen via WhatsApp. "My question to him was, 'Is everyone OK?' And the answer was, 'Yes sir, everyone is safe,'" Middleton told USA TODAY.

The crew is still aboard the ship while authorities assess the situation. Middleton said he's prepared to send them any supplies they need if they're stuck aboard for an extended period. And he said he's making plans to help them once they're freed and returned to shore. He said he expects the Dali will be towed back into the harbor and docked for a damage assessment. Middleton added that he worries both about the missing workers from the bridge and also the port workers who may be temporarily unemployed if the harbor gets shut down.

"Obviously, this incident has a large impact on the port community,'' he said. "If this extends a long period of time, we're going to have longshoreman and stevedores who are not working, tugboat crews who are not working. It has the potential, if it becomes a drawn-out event, to affect many lives."

− Trevor Hughes

Commuter finds sight of damaged bridge 'devastating to watch'

Charlotte Robinson's commute from her home in Delaware to her accounting job in Washington, D.C., took a detour Tuesday morning, when driving over the Francis Scott Key Bridge wasn't an option. In the past she figured that route was safe, but the bridge's collapse sparked difficult discussions with her colleagues who commute.

"It was devastating to watch,'' Robinson said of the crumpled bridge after it was hit by a 985-foot-long cargo ship. "And you have to ask yourself, if that was me, what would my plan be? How would I try to survive this, if I was trapped, if my car went into the water?”

Robinson said she often sees ships passing under the bridge during her morning commute; in the evenings, when she’s on her way home, there are usually fewer boats. Tuesday, she said, “You could see all these boats, just lined up because they had no place to go.”

Another common sight during her commute was construction workers both on the bridge and below it, sometimes hanging over the water in harnesses. Her thoughts turned to those workers as she watched the news Tuesday in her office. "I almost couldn't breathe watching the news," she said.

− Phaedra Trethan

'It's devastating to the city'

Greg Trenchard, 43, awoke Tuesday to a flurry of text messages and missed calls from his out of state relatives checking in on him after hearing about the Key Bridge collapse.

“I’ve driven over it 100 times and now to see that it’s gone is pretty crazy,” he said Tuesday.

Trenchard, an auditor, said he then tried to make his way to Fort Armistead Park, where he’d come many times before to take photos of the bridge at sunrise and sunset. But the normally quick drive took nearly 40 minutes due to the traffic detours, and a police roadblock next to Royal Farms, a convenience store, about a mile and half from the park stopped him from getting any closer to the scene.

“It’s a blow,” he said of the collapse. “It’s devastating to the city, it’s devastating to port traffic and everything they’re trying to do to revitalize the shipping industry in Maryland and keep that going.”

– N'dea Yancey-Bragg

Air, land and water search underway

Multiple local, state and federal agencies are coordinating the massive search, which spans a vast section of the river – both above and below the surface of the water – and the ship itself, Wallace said. Divers, helicopters and sonar technology were being used and had located several vehicles submerged in the river, which is about 50-feet-deep where the bridge collapsed.

"This water is current influenced, so right now we think the tide is coming back in," he said.

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore declared a state of emergency and said he is working with an interagency team to "quickly deploy federal resources from the Biden Administration."

"This is an unthinkable tragedy," Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott said at a news conference.

Expert says river current makes search more difficult

Jim Bellingham, the executive director for the Johns Hopkins Institute for Assured Autonomy and expert in marine robotics lives in nearby Fells Point, and talked to USA TODAY about some of the challenges faced by rescuers.

“Nothing is staying put in the ocean,” he said. “Everything is moving” in the Patapsco River, a tidal estuary, which presents just one difficulty for rescue efforts. Rescuers would have to determine the speed and direction of the current to figure out where to search – toward Baltimore Harbor, or out toward the Chesapeake Bay.

Bellingham said it’s likely any workers who may have been on the bridge would have been wearing reflective vests and even flotation devices that would improve visibility in the dark river. They might also have flares, and are more easily spotted by rescue helicopters.

Rescuers are using sonar, lights, cameras and robotic machinery as well as human divers, but Bellingham said divers would face their own risks, as the wreckage might not be stable.

The longer the search goes on, the less likely rescuers are to find survivors, given the temperature of the water, and the likelihood of people being trapped with little to no air. But Baltimore, with many Navy and Coast Guard facilities and military contractors nearby, might be as well prepared to deal with the disaster as any place.

“Their job is to rescue people,” Bellingham said. “They want to believe they can do that, and there’s a tendency not to want to give up.”

– Phaedra Trethan

Cargo ship was headed for Sri Lanka

The container vessel was chartered by the major shipping company Maersk and was carrying its cargo, according to a statement from the company. When it crashed into the bridge, no Maersk crew and personnel were onboard the vessel, which is operated by charter vessel company Synergy Group and owned by Singapore-based Grace Ocean Pte.

The Dali was slated to arrive April 22 in Sri Lanka, according to MarineTraffic, a global ship tracking service.

"We are horrified by what has happened in Baltimore, and our thoughts are with all of those affected," Maersk said in a statement. "We are closely following the investigations conducted by authorities and Synergy, and we will do our utmost to keep our customers informed."

Synergy Marine Corp said the Dali collided with one of the pillars of the bridge and that all its crew members, including two pilots, have been accounted for and there were no reports of any injuries.

U.S. Coast Guard Lt. Cmdr. Erin Palmer said at a news conference Tuesday that the agencies remain focused on search-and-rescue. She did not comment on the crew of the ship or provide additional details about the collision.

All vessel traffic in and out of the Port of Baltimore was suspended until further notice, but the port is still open for truck transports, Wiedefeld said. Traffic, meanwhile, is being diverted from the area around the Key Bridge.

Baltimore port closed to ships 'until further notice'

Shortly after the bridge collapse, the Port of Baltimore suspended vessel traffic “until further notice,” according to its website.

“This does not mean the Port of Baltimore is shut down. We are still processing trucks inside of our terminals,” the statement said.

But Bloomberg reported that the port “looks to be out of commission indefinitely.”

At least 40 ships are now more or less trapped inside the port, according to Reuters. At least 30 other ships planned to arrive there.

“They will likely have to reroute shipping to other ports on the East Coast,” said Kevin Linderman, a professor and supply chain expert at Pennsylvania State University. “However, this will put additional demand on these ports, and shippers may not be able to access US markets” as efficiently, he said.

“One critical question is, can the other ports handle the products that were destined to Baltimore?”

– Daniel de Visé

Will the Baltimore bridge collapse impact cruises?

Baltimore is a destination for several major cruise lines. According to the Cruise Lines International Association, the industry’s leading trade group, published itineraries in the 2024 calendar year include a dozen ships making 115 stops in Baltimore.

Royal Caribbean and Carnival have April sailings that could be impacted by the bridge collapse, according to their websites. 

Carnival told USA TODAY it was premature to comment on impacts to future sailings.

American Cruise Lines has roundtrip sailings from Baltimore scheduled in May, according to its website. The cruise line told USA TODAY their schedules remain unaffected but will make adjustments if needed to future cruises.

Norwegian Cruise Line doesn’t appear to have any Baltimore sailings until September.

– Eve Chen and Nathan Diller

Will the port shutdown affect consumer goods, prices?

Several big firms have distribution warehouses near the port, including Amazon and FedEx, one analyst noted in a tweet on X.  

Even so, some analysts predict only a minimal impact on the movement of goods up and down the East Coast from the bridge collapse.

Baltimore’s port holds just 4% of all East Coast trade volume, according to S&P Global. New York’s port, by contrast, does 38% of that business.

Yet, the port offers the deepest harbor in Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay, is closer to the Midwest than any other East Coast port, and is within an overnight drive of one-third of the US population, according to the port website .

The port boasts five public and 12 private terminals. In 2023, it ranked first in the nation in handling automobiles and light trucks. 

“For the American consumer, the biggest impact will be felt in terms of imported motor vehicles,” said Jason Miller, a business professor at Michigan State University. If sales remain strong, he said, “we could see inventories drop on the lots of dealers that sell imported vehicles until alternative arrangements can be made. This could increase motor vehicle prices for some makes and models.”

Alternate routes around collapsed Baltimore bridge

The Maryland Transportation Authority was suggesting drivers take Interstate 95 or Interstate 895 as alternatives to the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge along Interstate 695.

“I-695 Outer Loop closed at MD 10 (exit 2) and Inner Loop closed at MD 157/Peninsula Exp (exit 43),” MDTA said in a post on X.

Drivers could take several other, longer routes around Baltimore, but I-95 (Fort McHenry Tunnel) and I-895 (Baltimore Harbor Tunnel) are the most direct alternatives across the water.

There are few exceptions.

MDTA notes, vehicles carrying hazardous materials, including more than 10 pounds of propane, are not allowed in the tunnels. Additionally, vehicles more than 13-feet and 6-inches high or 8-feet wide may not use the 1-895 Baltimore Harbor Tunnel. Vehicles more than 14-feet and 6-inches high or 11-feet wide may not use the I-95 Fort McHenry Tunnel.

Those vehicles should use the western portion of I-695 instead.

How cold is the Patapsco River?

The Patapsco River is about 50 feet deep where the ship hit the bridge, officials said during a press conference Tuesday morning. Part of the 39-mile river helps form the Baltimore Harbor, just northwest of the bridge collapse, and it flows out to the Chesapeake Bay.

A buoy in the Patapsco River indicated the water temperature Tuesday morning was currently about 47 degrees, while the air is around 41 degrees, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration . Whereas hypothermia is thought to occur at very cold temperatures, it can occur in waters below 70 degrees, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .

Key Bridge collapse draws comparisons to Florida's Sunshine Skyway Bridge collapse

In 1980, a Florida bridge also collapsed after a ship collided with it, leading to the deaths of 35 motorists and bus passengers.

A 1,200-foot chunk of the Sunshine Skyway bridge – which connects St. Petersburg and Bradenton – collapsed after the massive Summit Venture freighter slammed into one of its central support piers.

When the section of the bridge fell into Tampa Bay, it took a truck, seven cars and a Greyhound bus with it.

The Herald-Tribune, part of the USA TODAY Network, reported the crash happened during an intense thunderstorm , with winds reaching 80 mph and heavy rain. At the time, visibility was near-zero, according to local historians who made a documentary film about the collapse.

After the collapse, the freighter remained stuck beneath the bridge, with part of the roadway on top of its bow. Photos from the time also show how one motorist was able to skip his car to a stop just inches away from where the bridge fell into the water.

-Claire Thornton

How vital is the Francis Scott Key Bridge?

The Francis Scott Key Bridge, named for the author of the "Star Spangled Banner," is a 1.6-mile, 4-lane bridge that crosses over the Patapsco River, according to the MDTA. It opened in 1977.

The port’s private and public terminals handled 847,158 autos and light trucks in 2023, the most of any U.S. port. The port also handles farm and construction machinery, sugar, gypsum and coal, according to a Maryland government website.

The span is the outermost of three major Patapsco River crossings at Baltimore Harbor, according to the American Civil Engineering Society. The steel-arched bridge, with a total length of 8,636 feet, was the second-longest continuous-truss bridge span in the world when it was built and remains the second longest in the United States and third in the world, according to the society .

Contributing: Reuters; Tom Vanden Brook, Eduardo Cuevas , USA TODAY

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Baltimore's Key Bridge collapses after ship strike; construction crew missing: Live updates