Topic: Ventura vs RCI Independance of the seas

I think we have made our mind up to go on the Ventura, but a few things I am not sure about, the formal eating on the ventura and where will the kids sleep, they will be too young for the bunks - will be 2.5 and 3.5 when we go.

Who has been on the ventura and why would you recommend it?

Thank you

Hi, out of interest what persuaded you in favour of P&O?

A few people have mentioned kids under our youngest age cannot go to the kids club without a parent, which kind of defeats one of the reasons for going, having a family cruise but spending sometime as a couple. I know on the Ventura when we go off on excursions etc the kids have to come with us, so that puts us off, and the 4 formal nights of dining on the ventura puts us off too, however children are allowed in the restaurant.
We were supposed to go on RCI next year, going to Spain now to a villa for mum's 60th, but other family members are going and it seems indy is more suitable for older children. The night nursery seems better on the Ventura

I have a few questions and they will both be there at the cruise fayre on Sunday so am going to see them both.

Also I like the thought of everything being in pound sterling and not US dollars...although not a major factor

It’s quite a difficult call. P&O were not known for being particularly child friendly until in recent years. RCI have always aimed their product at families.

Do check out 'Grand Pricess's' fares. (A similar ship to Ventura)

Children are certainly allowed in the restaurant on P&O, or if you wish to dine on your own you can take them to children's tea earlier and they can go back to club/night nursery. Mine are slightly older than yours so we will see what they would prefer, although it might be nice to have an evening to ourselves once or twice! My 5 yr old though definitely wants to come to the formal nights. She likes nothing better than dressing up and to see everyone in nice frocks and posh shoes will be the highlight of her cruise!
If you do go with Ventura and have a 4 pullman berth, either you & DH will need to sleep in the top I guess or you will need a deluxe balcony which has a double and a sofa bed. These have room to bring a ready bed if you didn't want them to both sleep in the sofa bed (ie, my 5 yr old will end up kicking my 8 yr old 20 times a night). I have been told they have 'Mothercare' bars they can put round the top bunks, but I'm not sure I'd want a 2.5 yr old up there even so.

QUOTE:

I think we have made our mind up to go on the Ventura, but a few things I am not sure about, the formal eating on the ventura and where will the kids sleep, they will be too young for the bunks - will be 2.5 and 3.5 when we go.

Who has been on the ventura and why would you recommend it?

Thank you

Well i have been on the Ventura and on the Navigator, Ventura very british, 4 formal nights and if you dont look the part you can feel the eyes in your back, food in the main dining are proberbly best on the Ventura, as for RCI they just make you smile all day, fantastic parade's , mini golf, games area, climbing, ice skating, I think they just blow Ventura out of the water, as for the children do your research,

If i won a cruise it would have to be RCI and i'm in my 50s, the cruisers on RCI seem to be more friendly and not so stuffy,