Ports of Call on Ventura

The itinerary on the Ventura sailed from Genoa to Venice.  I have been to most of the ports previously but this didn't bother me at all.  The first port of call after leaving Genoa was Livorno.  When I was in Livorno last time I did a shore excursion to Florence so this time we decided to go to Pisa.
I had looked at the shore excursions with P&O before we went and didn't really want to pay the amount for their transfer to Pisa so decided to make our own way there.  We used the P&O shuttle into Livorno and then had a bus journey, train ride and walk to the Leaning Tower.  I really enjoyed Pisa and we had booked to go up the tower which was worth the money.

After Livorno we had a day at sea before arriving into Naples.  Again I have been to Naples but my husband hadn't.  We decided to do the city sightseeing bus here which was an hour for the route we chose.  It would have been a nice ride except not long after setting off it decided to rain.  Not great when you are sat at the top of the open top bus.  After doing the route we decided as the weather wasn't great to get back on the ship.  There isn't really much to do in Naples unless you take a trip to Capri etc.  It suited us as the ship was nice and quiet with many people on tours.

We then had another day at sea before arriving into Dubrovnik.  I love Dubrovnik and we had been there a few years ago.  We used the P&O shuttle bus to take us to the Old Town and spent a few hours walking around and we also stopped for lunch.  We had walked the walls the last time we went so didn't do this.  The weather is lovely in Dubrovnik and the British Sail away on the Ventura finished off the day nicely.
The last port of call was Venice.  I was really looking forward to the sailing into Venice as the last time I went I didn't get up early enough.  As the ship wasn't docking until 1.30pm it was nice to be up on deck watching sailing in and going past St Marks Square.  Once docked in Venice we had to get the P&O water shuttle that dropped us just down from St Marks Square.  It cost £15pp but I think it was worth it as it was quite a way.  We didn't get too much time in Venice although the ship was in port overnight.  As we were disembarking the next day we wanted to have our last evening meal on board the ship so only managed a
few hours in Venice.






I am glad we never did any shore excursions while on the cruise as it suited us to just wonder around.  I think depending on where you travel to a shore excursion can be the best way to see the destination you are visiting.

I really enjoyed the Ventura cruise and I wouldn't hesitate in booking to go on her again.