14-night Mediterranean

One of Ventura's three main dining rooms, the Saffron restaurant provides the opportunity to enjoy a leisurely breakfast

You will find exactly the same standards of service and menu as in the Bay Tree. And surroundings that complement the enticing menu. Furnished in orange and gold tones, the restaurant will embody a sense of warmth and hospitality.

Freedom Dining at Saffron Restaurant

Like to escape the usual routine on holiday? Then you’ll love the flexibility of Freedom Dining. Opt for an early dinner one night and a late supper the next; you can shape each day as you please.

With Freedom Dining you'll still enjoy the special ambience and sociable atmosphere of a main dining room, with a five-course menu (six-course on Gala Nights). The difference from Club Dining is that this option allows you the flexibility to turn up at selected restaurants anytime you choose between 6pm and 9.30pm, with whoever you like, and every effort will be made to accommodate you. Freedom Dining is included in your fare. Book Select Price to specifically select your dining option. 

The Bay Tree restaurant offers leisurely breakfasts or lunches and Club Dining in the evening.

The largest of Ventura's main dining rooms, situated at the aft of the ship on Deck 6, is a wonderful, sociable way to dine, and is often the way long-lasting friendships are made. A six course menu offers a variety of delicious options. Warm woods, richly coloured fabrics and carpets and etched glass screens create a feeling of intimacy. While a special ambience, soft lighting, crisp white table linen and attentive service combine to create a meal to remember.

Like to escape the usual routine on holiday? Then you’ll love the flexibility of Freedom Dining. Opt for an early dinner one night and a late supper the next; you can shape each day as you please.

With Freedom Dining you'll still enjoy the special ambience and sociable atmosphere of a main dining room, with a five-course menu (six-course on Gala Nights). The difference from Club Dining is that this option allows you the flexibility to turn up at selected restaurants anytime you choose between 6pm and 9.30pm, with whom you like, and every effort will be made to accommodate you. Freedom Dining is included in your fare. Book Select Price to specifically select your dining option.

A sense of occasion is permanently on the menu at The Epicurean.

Here you will find a selection of much loved classic dishes, along with a few soon-to-be-discovered secrets. Although special, the dishes are not overcomplicated or fussy - they allow the ingredients to be the star of the show. It's all about taking the finest British ingredients - fresh, seasonal and all thoughtfully sourced by our team of Executive Chefs - and presenting them with great skill to achieve maximum flavour. Expect the finest cuts of organically-reared meat, and the best seafood and fish British shores have to offer.

For the ultimate indulgence, The Epicurean’s sensational afternoon tea simply has to be experienced. And as you’d expect from the imagination of Master Pâtissier Eric Lanlard, there are some delicious surprises waiting to plucked from each tempting cake stand. Prepare yourself for the likes of edible Earl Grey perfumes, savoury gruyère cheese éclairs with brie, rocket and red onion marmalade, and exotic pop cones topped with orange blossom Persian candy floss. Eric’s unique twist on this classic British institution elevates the humble afternoon tea into something utterly decadent!

The Beach House transforms into a chilled out grill at night. Informal, fun and full of fantastic flavours.

The Beach House offers an experience that can’t be found anywhere else on board. The menu features ingredients from across the globe alongside regional speciality dishes such as Cuban Pulled Pork and American Baby Back Ribs. You can even cook your own Fillet of Beef on our speciality Lava Rocks. With only a small cover charge, dining here represents exceptional value for money (and your taste buds will definitely thank you!). An additional supplement applies to selected items.

If you enjoy a glass of wine with your meal you'll want to visit The Glass House.

On the venue's signature menu every course comes with the option of a different glass of wine, expertly matched by our expert, Olly Smith. With a handsomely stocked wine cellar and mouth-watering daytime and evening menus, The Glass House is a relaxed, informal haven of good food and fine wine. What's more, selected bottles is available by the glass, so there's no need to order the whole bottle to sample a particular vintage.

If you're seeking rich coffee and conversation, Tazzine, is just the thing. Serving speciality Costa coffees, cookies, pastries and savoury snacks, Tazzine will make a great option for a mid-morning coffee, a light lunch or an afternoon snack. Located just off of Ventura's atrium on Deck 5, in the ship's hub, you will be able to linger here over a magazine or people-watch to your heart's content.

Sindhu will showcase an elegant fusion of Indian and British cuisine featuring sublime flavours. The Soft Shell Crab and Squid Salad is sure to be a favourite. Guests will also be able to order from a lighter menu for a more informal bite to eat, or sample one of the exotic cocktails from the equally chic bar.

At P&O Cruises, we believe great holidays should be all about choice and freedom.

No matter what time of day it is, if you fancy a good meal you'll always get one on board Ventura. Our main self-service restaurant offers high quality dining throughout the day in a relaxed, informal environment. So if you've just returned to the ship after a shore excursion and have worked up a late afternoon appetite you can still enjoy a great meal.

Ventura's two-tier theatre is located forward on Deck 7.

West End-style shows and cabaret light up her technologically advanced stage, but you can also enjoy talks and watch films on the big screen in this venue.

The rich fabrics and colours of the Indian subcontinent provide the inspiration for Ventura's Tamarind Club on Deck 7.

Imperial and exotic touches will combine to create an element of escapism and opulence. A wonderful setting for comedy and live music, this venue will provide a memorable night. Listening to the comedians centre stage, you can soak up the jovial atmosphere and revel in great company and entertainment.

During the day in this venue you can enjoy enrichment lectures and port lectures.

Visit Havana, Ventura's Cuban themed nightclub, for all the passion and exuberance of Latin America.

This venue will be found on Deck 7 aft. This will be the place to party into the night. With a stage and dance floor you might dance to a live band or DJ, take part in some karaoke, or enjoy some late night cabaret. This vibrant venue will get livelier as the night progresses. Order a mojito, let your hair down and get your feet moving to those salsa rhythms.

Love the sense of excitement as the roulette wheel spins? If so, pay Fortunes Casino a visit.

The flashing lights of the slot machines and the suspense of blackjack beckons, as does a great night out.

The Exchange bar has been integrated into the area to create a lively entertainment venue that's perfect whether you simply want to soak up the atmosphere over a drink or enjoy the casino.

An innovative 20 metre floor-to-ceiling video wall displays dramatic cityscapes, so guests might gaze 'out' upon Paris, New York or Sydney as they sip their favourite apéritif. Grouped seating and soft lighting create the feel of a sophisticated jazz bar and guests can listen to the mellow sounds of a jazz combo or pianist playing in the background. What could be better? A wonderful option for any evening on Ventura, Metropolis is also ideally located for a drink before or after dinner at The White Room, while by day, this venue makes a comfortable and stylish observation lounge.

As vibrant as its name suggests, the Red Bar offers cocktails in a sophisticated setting that is perfect for a pre-dinner drink or after dinner socialising. Guests can also indulge themselves in a glass of champagne and caviar whilst the sound of tinkling ivories provides a special ambience amidst the warm, inviting and vivid décor.

Situated forward on Deck 16, Breakers Bar is the place to go for a refreshing smoothie. Packed full of fruit, they make for a delicious and healthy treat. From here, guests can admire the view from on high as Ventura glides you toward your next port of call. And if in the mood for something not quite so virtuous, there is also a full deck bar menu.

The Terrace bar, located on deck 15, caters for guests using the Terrace Pool below on the Riviera deck and is a great place to socialise and soak up the sun.

Protected by the skydome the Beachcomber bar has steward service so no need to leave your sun lounger. Located on deck 15 it is ideally situated for guests using the Beachcomber Pool.

A little taste of home away from home, The Exchange is Ventura's urban warehouse bar. Found on Deck 6, just a few steps from the casino, it makes the ideal place to celebrate. Exposed iron girders and antique brick give this sociable venue real character while two model trains, which run around the top of the bar, adds a fun and quirky touch. Furnished in dark wood and bottle green, the bar is distinctly British in style. Beer on draught, entertainment such as quizzes and live bands, plus occasional televised sporting events complete the picture.

Writer/TV presenter extraordinaire and specialist wine expert, Olly Smith adds a flamboyant twist to our culinary tale.

On board Ventura, his inimitable and irreverent style coupled with his skills are exhibited in the unique wine bar and restaurant, The Glass House. Here, Olly has developed the wine list and wine-tasting experiences, matching specially selected wines to each course.

Ventura's atrium makes an impressive entrance.

Spanning three decks and over 30 feet, it is a key focal point and your first impression of her spacious interior. Four towering black archways frame various access points to Ventura's shops, bars and cafés. And as you move from deck to deck, you will notice subtle changes in the décor and furnishings, inspired by nature. Warm golden tones reflect the rise of the sun on Deck 5. Deck 6 represents the cooler tones of day and Deck 7 provides the drama of the setting sun, with a crescendo in rich scarlet and copper tones.

Step inside the on board shops and discover an exciting world of tax and duty free shopping*. They’re proud to offer a great selection of products from some of the world’s best-known brands.

Whether it’s an exclusive or unique gift for a loved one, a souvenir or simply a treat for you, the on board shops cater for all tastes.

Throughout your cruise, the retail team host special shopping events on products such as perfume, watches, jewellery, bags, gifts and souvenirs, and all with fantastic savings. These events will be advertised in your Horizon on board newspaper and are not to be missed!

Whether you enjoy the friendly competition of an organised tournament or prefer to play casually with your own party, short tennis, football, volleyball, basketball and cricket are just some of the options available in the Sports Court. And just aft of the Sports Court you will find the golf nets, where you can perfect your swing, using your own clubs or those provided.

The Retreat is a luxurious open-air spa terrace, offering the ultimate in sophisticated pampering. Here guests will find luxury sun loungers, airy cabanas for al fresco spa treatments, personal waiter service and of course, gorgeous panoramic views. What's more, because it's a paid-for, child-free service, guests are guaranteed an exclusive experience.

With superb ocean views and relaxing cream décor, the tranquil Oasis Spa is the perfect place to relax and be pampered. In the treatment rooms you can enjoy private ocean views as you succumb to a relaxing massage.

Also linked to the Oasis Spa is the hydrotherapy pool, which offers a hydromassage; a type of treatment that increases circulation, eases tension and aids restful sleep. Flooded with light via a pyramid skylight, the hydropool lies in the centre of several tiled columns. Alternatively passengers can head for Arcadia's thermal suite on the starboard side where they'll find three steam rooms, a sauna and a heated swimming pool.

The fully equipped salon is the perfect place for those who want to look their best. Located in the spa, passengers can try a new colour or style in the hands of fully trained stylists.

There's nothing more relaxing than splashing around in a pool or reclining in the sunshine. From a paddling pool for tots to a pool sited beneath a sky dome, finding your favourite spot will be easy. You might be entertained by a live band as you enjoy the view. Waiters will be on hand to fetch you a refreshing drink, while there are plenty of options for a tempting poolside snack. Days by the pool will be wonderfully leisurely. While later, these expansive deck areas provide just the meeting place for deck parties and shows.

The endless pool, with its current offering resistance as you swim forward, the endless pool is a great way to enjoy an uninterrupted swim. After a long swim, why not relax in the whirlpool spa next door or the saunas and steam rooms that can be found nearby?

Terrace pool- on Deck 14 aft will be just the place for splashing around in the sunshine. A fun area, ideally located for the children's clubs and The Beach House, this area will appeal particularly to families. With views over the aft of the ship, it's just the place for Mum and Dad to relax and let their worries unfurl along with the ship's wake.

It’s easy to keep active on Ventura. Work out in the gym, take a fitness class, get active in the sports court or take a nice walk on deck.

We offer a range of fitness classes such as indoor cycling, pilates, yoga, body sculpt boot camp and push 'n' lift which are assisted by a fitness instructor.

The gym is typically open from 8am - 8pm every day and use of the on-board gym equipment is complimentary: Equipment on board includes:

• Bikes
  
• Treadmills
  
• Cross-trainers
  
• Steppers
  
• Rowing machines
  
• Free weights
  

The Reef children’s club caters for all ages, combining fun with education and a whole host of activities organized daily by qualified Reef Rangers. Split into four age groups, children of all ages are entertained safely throughout the day and evening and to ensure that they have the chance to make friends of their own age:

Splashers’ for 2 – 4 year olds
‘Surfers’ for 5 – 8 year olds
‘Scubas’ for 9 – 12 year olds
‘h2o’ for 13 – 17 year olds.

A whole range of tours have been designed especially for families, meaning your time ashore will be as stress free as the rest of your holiday. With arranged transport, entrance fees and English speaking guides, all you need do is turn up and enjoy your time together. Typical family tours include: Beach transfers, Water park trips, Dolphin/ Whale watching, Adventure trips, Family city tours.

The Night Nursery, available on all family friendly ships for children aged between 6 months and 4 years of age, is open from 6pm to 2am nightly. Allocation is on a first come first served basis due to limited spaces available.

The latest time children may be checked in to the Night Nursery is 11pm. This service is complimentary.

A quiet area is created to enable an infant to sleep and parents are contacted via a pager, should their infant wake. Room temperatures and frequent checks are made and recorded.

Ventura has 6 Bed & 8 Cots.

There are coupled dance instructors onboard who offer a variety of dance lessons. The main types of dance offered are ballroom and Latin. As well a group lessons, it is also possible to arrange 1 to 1 tuition. On some occasions, there are celebrity dance instructors on board too. Everyone is welcome regardless of experience.

The ship's well-stocked library is perfect for finding a great book to enjoy by the pool. Choose from an extensive range of fiction and non-fiction books, or browse through the tempting selection of books which are available for purchase, in an area operated by Waterstones book shop.

Take in beautiful paintings, prints and sculptures by artists around the world.
Oceana’s art gallery features works by both famous and up and coming artists, and many of the works are for sale if something catches your eye.