P&O Cruises Ship, Ventura, at sea. Ventura is a Family Friendly Cruise Ship
Ships Latest news Ventura

Captain’s picks

As first in command on Ventura, Captain Neil Turnbull has a bird’s-eye view of his ship. Here, he tells us what he loves about Ventura, the importance of teamwork in a refit and where you'll find him when he's not on the bridge.

5 min 30 Mar 2026

Editorial Team

Author

Q. What do you love most about Ventura?

 

NT: I’ve transferred to Ventura relatively recently and have quickly settled in, having been made to feel very welcome. The ship has a happy, homely ambience with an amazing crew – and she’s loved by our guests, as attested by her loyal following.
Ventura refit shoot, 2026 P&O

Q. What is your favourite venue on Ventura?

 

NT: As a lover of musical theatre and live entertainment, I can regularly be found standing at the back of the Arena Theatre, joining our guests in being wowed by our amazing productions.The theatre is a big part of the cruising experience, and it’s had a major technical investment and upgrade in the recent refit, which I look forward to experiencing. The various dining options across the ship are a close second – they never fail to please!
London Architectural Photography

Q. What is it about Ventura that guests love?

 

NT: Ventura has a loyal following and is loved by regulars, newcomers, families and the on-board team alike. The amazing crew are appreciated by our guests. I regularly have guests commenting that embarking Ventura is like coming home.
Ventura refit shoot, 2026 P&O
  • slider img
  • slider img
  • slider img
  • slider img
of

Q. Can you tell me about the teamwork involved in making a refit happen?

 

NT: The collaboration, planning and logistics of every refit amazes me as much today as master as it did when I was a cadet all those years ago. More than 2,000 people from numerous trades, fields of expertise and specialities come together as a focused, driven team to deliver what seems impossible in a short period of time. The ship’s crew, shoreside projects teams, sub-contractors, equipment manufacturers/installers and shipyard workers work as a well-rehearsed and well-oiled machine to make it happen. It is both humbling and a privilege to be part to such an amazing collaboration.
  • slider img
  • slider img
  • slider img
of