P&O Cruises, Ventura, Iberia

This was our first experience of cruising and thoroughly enjoyed the expereince. Having read some of the reviews we were wondering if people were on the same ship as ourselves. What a lot of pretentious moaners. Our main complaint was the time it took to park our car rather than the cruise itself!! Our cabin was roomy, very clean and tidy and was regularly maintained to a high standard. Some teething problems with the toilet plumbing, but these were resolved. The food at all restuarants (silver service and buffet) was of a very high standard and beautifully presented, and seemingly never ending (the suggestion in a previous review that there was only ever a few sandwiches every day is blatantly untrue - was the reviewer alluding to the superb high teas that were an experience in their own right). The waiting staff were all polite, friendly, helpful, prompt and we always felt nothing was too much trouble for them. All the bars had their own individual ambience to suit differing tastes. Our particular favourite was the Metropolis, where you could watch the sun set over the sea whilst sipping a cocktail - if this doesn't convey quality then what does. The entertainment on board was varied and catered for all ages - from the Arena theatre to the Havana bar which catered for younger guests. We took the opportunity to go ashore whenever we could and enjoyed the experience. The fact that Vigo was closed on Sunday and Brest was closed for a public holiday is hardly the fault of P and O. and, as was quoted by a previous reviewer, the fact that Bilbao is a 25 minute bus ride from the coast, is simply a matter of geography. Overall, a thoroughly enjoyable week, on what was clearly a brand new ship in pristine condition, food that would be difficult to rival in quality restuarants (and we have eaten in quality resturants!!)and friendly and helpful staff that could not do enough for us.