How does Ventura compare with Azura?

[caroline135]

Looks like Ventura is the best fit for holiday dates this year, we did Azura last summer, which we loved, so although I know they are similar I'm curious to know the differences please.

 

We liked the outside space and sun traps especially around the higher levels round the sea screen area of Azura, & I like to stand at the sides for hours and just watch the ports come & go. I wondered if the retractable pool roof caused more shaded areas / less sun beds / space to stand & stare. Great idea though, just the pics I've seen make it look a bit penned in. It will be outside of school holidays though so that will obviously help.

I'm just happy to be able to go on any cruise so it's not a deal breaker, just interested in any info & tips.

 

Any other info for a Ventura virgin gratefully received [emoji3]

 

 

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[davecttr]

IMO the pool roof on Ventura is useful when the weather is cold or rainy plus it provides a useful overflow area from the buffet. There is also a wrap around promenade deck (with stairs) on Ventura. apart from this everything else is pretty similar with different decor and names.:)

[caroline135]

Thanks Dave, yes it will be handy for the days nearer home. And I like a proper prom deck too!

 

 

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[tartanexile81]

We like both but we prefer Azura. The layouts are pretty much the same except for the outdoor screen and as you said the covered pool. We don't find the pool to be a problem and we don't bother about MUTS anyway. We prefer the decor on Azura but that's a personal thing and of course Ventura is slightly older. However we definitely don't like the Glass House on Ventura because it was converted from the tapas bar and doesn't have the class of the one on Azura. If we had to choose between both we'd go for Azura but we would also be happy to go on Ventura - and we're on her for:) 28 days this time next year. :)

[davecttr]

We like both but we prefer Azura. The layouts are pretty much the same except for the outdoor screen and as you said the covered pool. We don't find the pool to be a problem and we don't bother about MUTS anyway. We prefer the decor on Azura but that's a personal thing and of course Ventura is slightly older. However we definitely don't like the Glass House on Ventura because it was converted from the tapas bar and doesn't have the class of the one on Azura. If we had to choose between both we'd go for Azura but we would also be happy to go on Ventura - and we're on her for:) 28 days this time next year. :)

 

The Glass House is my favourite bar! I would prefer it to be converted back to a Tapas bar ;)

[brillo]

Except for the covered pool on Ventura and the sea screen on Azura there is very little difference.

We have been on both and for much of the time I would have had difficulty saying which I was on.

[john watson]

IMO the pool roof on Ventura is useful when the weather is cold or rainy plus it provides a useful overflow area from the buffet. There is also a wrap around promenade deck (with stairs) on Ventura. apart from this everything else is pretty similar with different decor and names.:)

 

There is also a wrap around promenade deck on Azura but it is very complicated and hard to work out how to access the front portion.

 

Another deck people fail to find in many instances is the Forward Observation Deck, we had cabin L102 on Ventura (by far the smallest cabin on the ship - you can touch the bathroom door without getting out of bed) which overlooks said deck. To access the deck walk forward on Lido deck past all the cabins and a white door port and starboard leads to another door go through the two doors and you are out on deck. Shown on deck plans as a white unidentified space. Technically you are walking about on the roof of the bridge and there are time and age restrictions posted on a subtle sign.

Edited January 24, 2016 by john watson

[Scriv]

Hey John, that sounds great. Thanks for that tip. We are on Azura later this year and have a Lido cabin :)

[john watson]

To access the front (higher) section of what is supposed to be the promenade deck on Azura you need to get onto E deck also known as deck 8, go as far forward as you can past all the cabins and go round the corner past the last cabin, either E101 or E102 depending if you are port or starboard. Step through the plain white door door in front of you then through the next door and you are out on deck on a deserted section nobody seems to be able to find.

 

On Ventura this section of promenade deck you simply get to the end of promenade deck and go up the stairs and there it is!

 

Regards John

[caroline135]

Thanks for all the info, I like the sound of the deck over the bridge. I did find the hidden prom on Azura but only because I'd read it on these forums first! Was eerily quiet out there and never saw a soul.

 

My first cruise was Oceana and I liked wandering round the complete prom deck on her, so Ventura sounds a bit more like a proper one too.

 

I'm definitely all for the outdoor space on a cruise, watching the waves & the world go by, with a bit of people-watching thrown in - I just love it!

 

 

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[Scriv]

Oh Caroline, we so agree!

 

As we sailed out of Hamburg on Jan 1st at about 01 20, we stood out on the Aft deck, just us and our friends with our coats over our posh Formal Dinner wear and a glass of bubbly still in hand and it was wonderful.

 

We tried to get a smile or a wave out of the German tug or pilot boat that was escorting us out of the port, but failed miserably.

 

Never mind. And people watching... we love it!

[john watson]

If you like nosing about the ship to try and see where passengers are not normally allowed, move yourself to the Riviera Deck with your Life Jacket just before the programmed alarm goes off. Stand in the far aft corner near cabin R749 or R748. When the alarm goes off you will be directed down the staff stairs or Emergency Exit stairs to promenade deck. These are shown on deck plans as a non-descript white area in the extreme corners of the ship aft. On Princess Cruises we have also been directed down the forward Emergency Exit Stairs near cabin L102 when we have had a very far forward Lido Cabin, the route is marked on the cabin door Evacuation Instructions. Princess also re-directed us back to our cabin using the same Emergency Stairs. I am of course referring to sisters of Azura and Ventura. You get to nose round quite a bit like this!

 

Regards John

Edited January 24, 2016 by john watson