P&O's Ventura can entertain the whole family

Entertainment is without doubt a highlight of any cruise.

And so it is for guests on P&O's Ventura ship, which boasts the kind of variety that the British cruise line's guests have come to expect.

Whether it's the nightly stage extravaganzas, games by the pool, or the special appeal that only live music brings, there's something for most tastes.

Here we take a closer look at what guests will find on board.

Venues in the spotlight

The Arena Theatre

Ventura’s Arena Theatre is arguably the 'centre stage' of the cruise ship's entertainment offering.

Seating around 800 guests at a time, and a show schedule that has two performances a night, the Arena makes it easy for Ventura's guests to enjoy the best that the ship's entertainment team has to offer.

The Arena is home to P&O's 'Headliners Theatre Company', whose themed performances range from West End-style medleys to rock classics, as well as impressive illusion shows and orchestral performances.

Whilst the theatre is well-sized, it's probably worth arriving some 15–20 minutes before the show starts to get your pick of seats, especially for larger groups.

Nevertheless, almost all spots do offer a good view of the stage.

The Tamarind Club

With Moroccan-inspired décor adorned in deep rich colours, gold accents, and patterned lighting, the Tamarind Club has plenty of charm, whilst also being a comfortable lounge to enjoy some of the ship's less formal entertainment.

Through the evening and at nighttime, the lounge is a popular venue for quizzes, interactive game shows, and live music, whilst throughout the day, it is home to lectures and presentations on all manner of interesting topics.

It’s an ideal spot for guests who enjoy a lively atmosphere without the intensity of a nightclub.

Havana Lounge

Havana, a lot like Tamarind, hosts a variety of entertainment - and then, later at night, it transforms into the ship's lively late bar and nightclub.

It is also where guests will find staples of the entertainment schedule, like Karaoke and cash-prize bingo.

Havana also gives guests a chance to see alternative performances from some of the week's Arena acts, in this more intimate venue.

Then, after 11 pm, Havana transforms into Ventura’s nightclub with DJs and themed parties running later into the night.

For guests heading to Havana to see a particular music performance or comedy act, it's worth arriving in good time to secure your table.

The Exchange Pub

The Exchange is intended to be a 'proper' British pub at sea - a feat that, to be fair, it does achieve pretty well.

Complete with wood-panelled décor, tabled seating, jukebox and big screens for the sport, The Exchange is a popular spot.

Here, in terms of entertainment, it is the place for quizzes, karaoke nights, and a lively crowd enjoying laughs together.

Space is limited, so if you’re planning to take part in a quiz, get there early; otherwise, you may find standing room only.

Next door (and connected to) The Exchange is the ship's casino, which gives an alternative form of entertainment.

Red Bar and Metropolis

Guests who enjoy music but prefer their evenings with a different ambience should check out the Red Bar in Ventura's atrium. This is the go-to for piano and lounge music.

Meanwhile, upstairs, Ventura's adult's only Metropolis bar offers a unique “virtual skyline” backdrop that changes scenes nightly, and is frequently paired with live jazz or lounge music.

Deck parties and Atrium events

Ventura’s deck and atrium parties are a big part of the onboard experience.

Sailaway celebrations are intended to channel a festive spirit, with music, dancing and sing-alongs.

Indoors, Ventura's Atrium area offers popular and varied entertainment choices, including salsa and ballroom dance lessons, and silent discos.

Events like these create a fun atmosphere, whether you're participating or people-watching.

Acts showcase

Headliners Theatre Company

Ventura’s resident theatre troupe impresses guests night in and night out with their energy and versatility.

The show schedule includes musical medleys, original musicals, and even a special illusion show created by Stephen Mulhern.

Each night, shows are presented to a high level - it is polished, cruise-ship entertainment.

“Roxx”

In summer 2025, Ventura presented Roxx, a group of impressive female vocalist who mixed big ballads alongside rock classics from the likes of AC/DC and Queen.

The three female vocalists commanded the stage with powerhouse vocals, the kind of performance where you could feel the audience lean in and really respond.

Stephen Mulhern–Produced Illusion Show

A more unconventional theatre night, and a centrepiece in P&O's entertainment offering, is 'Unbelievable'.

It is an illusion performance produced by TV magician Stephen Mulhern and celebrity cruise-entertainment alum Jonathan Wilkes, delivered by P&O's on-board theatre cast.

The show is slickly executed, family-friendly, and fully integrated with music and dance routines.

Pulse

Pulse, arguably the consistent baseline through the P&O cruise entertainment offering, the ship's band has something to offer guests with practically any music tastes.

With a broad and eclectic repertoire, Pulse charms audiences of all ages and musical interests, from one themed set to another (whether it's eighties pop, country, ballads, or the poolside party anthems).

Guests enjoy the live, authentic performances of a full band rather than simply singing over backing tracks.

Entertainment on Ventura ...

P&O Ventura's entertainment offering is well-designed and honed to its audience; clearly, the cruise line knows and understands what its customers enjoy.

Perhaps there's not quite the same Broadway glitz or some of the more elaborate shows that guests may find on some of the larger American ships. Nevertheless, guests on P&O's Ventura are not short of excellent entertainment to look forward to.

It’s a ship that balances energy and relaxation, offering the kind of entertainment where everyone, from teens to grandparents, can find their perfect fit.