The main P&O Ventura cabins to avoid are the ones directly above the Arena Theatre (forward, E Deck), close to Havana (aft, Deck 7), right under the Lido and Sports decks, and the outside cabins in the obstructed-view grades where lifeboats block the window. If you get seasick, also skip the very forward and very aft cabins on the higher decks. For a quiet, steady cabin, book midship on E, D, C or B Deck with cabins above and below you.
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Ventura is a family-friendly ship of about 116,000 tonnes and roughly 3,100 passengers, and a near-twin of Azura. She came out of a refit at Damen Shipyard in Rotterdam in late February 2026. Every cabin got new carpets, curtains, armchairs and lampshades, but the layout stayed the same. So the cabin advice below still holds for sailings in 2026 and 2027.
P&O Ventura deck plan at a glance
Ventura’s cabin decks are named, not numbered. That makes the deck plan easier to read once you know the code. There is no Deck 13, and the first letter of a cabin number tells you its deck: E215 is on E Deck, for example.
| Deck | Name | What is there |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | P Deck | Cabins, lower atrium |
| 6 | F Deck | Lower Arena Theatre (forward), 18 single cabins, restaurants, shops |
| 7 | Promenade | Upper Arena Theatre (forward), Tamarind Club, Glass House, Havana (aft), shops |
| 8 | E Deck | Cabins, including Superior Deluxe Balconies |
| 9 | D Deck | Cabins, Superior Deluxe Balconies, two forward Family Suites |
| 10–12 | C, B and A Decks | Balcony cabins and suites; aft Penthouses on A Deck |
| 14 | Riviera | Cabins and suites |
| 15 | Lido | Forward cabins, then Waterside buffet, Laguna and Beachcomber pools, bars |
| 16–19 | Sun, Sports, Sky, Ocean | Oasis Spa, The Reef kids’ club (aft), The Retreat, Metropolis bar, sports court |
Ventura cabin types and sizes
Published sizes vary a little depending on who measured them, so treat these as approximate. Inside, outside and standard balcony cabins all have broadly the same floor area. The balcony is what you are really paying extra for.
| Cabin type | Approx. cabin size | Balcony | Where |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single (inside or outside) | 130–140 sq ft | None | F Deck, forward |
| Inside | 160–165 sq ft | None | Most decks |
| Outside (window) | 165–173 sq ft | None | P, F, E and Lido Decks |
| Balcony | about 165 sq ft | about 45 sq ft (larger on C Deck) | E Deck up to Lido |
| Superior Deluxe Balcony | about 275 sq ft | about 45 sq ft, uncovered | E and D Decks |
| Suite | about 330 sq ft | about 165 sq ft | Several decks |
| Family Suite | about 335 sq ft | about 90 sq ft | D Deck, forward (D105, D106) |
| Penthouse Suite | about 410 sq ft | about 180 sq ft | A Deck, aft (A752, A753) |
Most standard cabins sleep up to four using sofa beds or pull-down bunks. If you are a family of four in an inside cabin, it will feel tight. Two adjoining cabins often cost less than a suite and give you two bathrooms.
P&O Ventura cabins to avoid (and why)
1. E Deck cabins above the Arena Theatre
The Arena Theatre spans Decks 6 and 7 at the front of the ship, so the forward cabins on E Deck sit right above it. Passengers have reported hearing drums and bass through the floor during evening shows. One Cruise Critic reviewer singled out cabin E215 for this. Shows usually finish by late evening, so this matters most if you go to bed early or have small children who nap before dinner.
2. Cabins near Havana, aft on Deck 7
Havana is Ventura’s show lounge. It also runs live bands, a family disco and a late-night DJ. The aft cabins directly above it on E Deck are the obvious ones to check. Use the deck plan to see what sits under your chosen cabin, not just next to it.
3. Cabins under the Lido, Sun and Sports decks
Riviera and Lido cabins with open deck space above them can pick up the scrape of sun loungers being set out early in the morning and stacked again at night. Footsteps and children running are also common complaints. The Reef kids’ club and its splash pools are aft on Deck 16, and the sports court is aft at the top of the ship. Cabins under the Waterside buffet can also hear early set-up and trolley noise.
4. Obstructed-view outside cabins
Ventura sells two grades of restricted outside cabin. MB, MC, ME and MF are part obstructed. NB, NC and NF are obstructed, mainly by lifeboats. These cabins are good value if you just want daylight, but don’t book one expecting a sea view. If the view matters, pay for an LB, LC, LE or LF outside cabin instead.
5. Overlooked or shaded balconies on the stepped decks
Ventura’s hull steps outwards in the middle of the ship. That gives some cabins bigger balconies, and some of those balconies come with drawbacks:
- Superior Deluxe Balconies on D Deck have uncovered balconies. People on the deck above can see down into them, and you get full sun and any rain.
- C Deck balconies are roughly twice the size of standard ones, about 9 ft by 9 ft. A ceiling overhang covers the first five feet, so part of the space is shaded and partly overlooked.
- Suites L106 and L107 on the Lido Deck have metal-fronted balconies that look over the forward observation area.
Whether that’s a dealbreaker depends on you. Sun-seekers often love the bigger open balconies. Anyone who wants privacy usually doesn’t.
Forward balconies, wind and seasickness
High forward cabins on Riviera and Lido, and the forward Family Suites on D Deck, feel the most pitching in a swell. Forward balconies can also be very windy at sea. That matters on Bay of Biscay crossings at the start and end of many Southampton round trips. Aft cabins move a bit less than forward ones, but you may feel engine vibration and hear wake noise. For the steadiest ride, choose a cabin midship on a lower cabin deck, such as E or D.
Other things to check before you book
- Bed layout: Almost all Ventura cabins have twin beds that convert to a king. If you need a double, ask P&O or your agent to confirm the cabin can be set up as one, especially in single, accessible and some third- or fourth-berth cabins.
- Smoking areas: Smoking isn’t allowed inside the ship or on cabin balconies. Designated outdoor areas have historically been on the starboard side of the open decks. If you are sensitive to smoke, check the current locations onboard and consider a port-side cabin away from them.
- Launderettes and service areas: Every main cabin deck has a launderette, and cabins beside them get more corridor traffic. The same applies to cabins next to lift lobbies and crew doors.
- Accessible cabins: Ventura has adapted cabins in most grades, including inside, outside, balcony and a suite. They are limited, so book them early.
The best cabins on P&O Ventura
Not every cabin type suits every traveller. These picks follow the same rule as above: quiet neighbours, little movement and good value.
- Best inside: A midship inside cabin on E, D, C or B Deck, away from lifts. The OB grade is slightly larger if you can find one.
- Best outside: An LB, LC, LE or LF cabin with a clear window on E Deck. You avoid the lifeboat-blocked grades, and E Deck is low enough for a steady ride.
- Best balcony: A covered balcony midship on B or A Deck for privacy. If you want space and sun, a C Deck balcony gives you twice the outdoor area.
- Best for families: Superior Deluxe Balconies on D or E Deck sleep four in noticeably more space. For a bigger group, look at the two Family Suites or adjoining cabins.
- Best splurge: The two aft Penthouse Suites on A Deck, A752 and A753, have about 180 sq ft of balcony and wake views. All suites include butler service and a daily breakfast in a premium restaurant.
If you’re also considering Ventura’s sister ship, the layouts are very similar. Our guide to Azura cabins to avoid covers her quirks.
Is Ventura the right P&O ship for you?
Ventura is a family ship. She has kids’ clubs, a busy pool deck, and lots of school-holiday sailings from Southampton to the Mediterranean, the Canaries, Northern Europe and, on longer voyages, the Caribbean. If you want an adults-only ship, look at P&O’s adults-only ships, such as Arcadia, instead. Arcadia leaves the fleet in August 2029 for Holland America Line, and Cunard’s Queen Anne is due to join P&O in May 2029 under a new name. If you’re still choosing a ship, our guide to the best and worst P&O Cruises ships compares the whole fleet. For a newer, LNG-powered option, see our P&O Iona cabins to avoid.
If you are choosing between P&O ships, our guide to P&O Britannia cabins to avoid covers the same issues on Britannia.
FAQs
Which cabins should I avoid on P&O Ventura?
Avoid forward E Deck cabins above the Arena Theatre, cabins near Havana (aft, Deck 7), cabins under the pool and sports decks, and obstructed-view outside grades NB, NC and NF. High forward cabins are also best avoided if you get seasick.
Is P&O Ventura a good ship?
Ventura is a well-liked family ship with plenty of dining and entertainment. Her refit in February 2026 refreshed all cabins, the Arena Theatre and the main bars. Couples who want a quieter, adults-only atmosphere may prefer a different P&O ship.
What are the best balcony cabins on Ventura?
Covered midship balconies on B and A Decks are best for privacy. C Deck balconies are the biggest standard ones. Superior Deluxe Balconies on D and E Decks give you a much larger cabin, but the balconies are open from above.
Is it safe to sleep with the balcony door open on a cruise ship?
It isn’t recommended. An open door lets in wind and noise, makes the cabin door slam and stops the air conditioning working. Many ships, including P&O’s, ask you to keep balcony doors closed when you’re not outside.
What cabins should I avoid on P&O Azura?
Azura is Ventura’s near-sister, so the same rules apply: avoid cabins near the theatre and late-night venues, obstructed-view grades and high forward cabins. See our Azura guide for the details.