Cruise Lines

Well the easy answer is yes - and not just because it's so much bigger than the rest of the fleet. Inside, they have made a big effort to make Ventura look young and fun - and it has almost worked.

So out goes the interminable and inoffensive beige and wood so beloved of P&O people (well almost), and in come red furnishings, stone-effect walls, posters about Cuba in the Havana Lounge, a very clever video wall, even an olive tree growing into the ceiling in the "garden" of Ramblas (no it's not real, and not it's a garden either, but it looks the part).

I loved Ramblas, a combination of tapas room, bar and that garden, but the Tamarind Bar and Red Bar were also good, with a modern, lively feel. Marco Pierre White's restaurant - The White Room - is elegant but heavy; definitely not white, apart from the napkins. East is lovely - an Asian restaurant with a gorgeous blend of red carpet, white upholstered chairs and dark wood tables.

But there are some bits that don't work for me. The Exchange is a dowdy soul-less room that I suspect is supposed to resemble a train depot but doesn't quite make it. As it is the only room on the ship where smokers can light up it will be no doubt be popular - but I don't think they'll be there for the decor.

I was also disappointed with the theatre, which lacks any sparkle or glamour. I do like the fact there is no bar, though. At least when you're watching a show, you don't have to put up with waiters bustling around in front of you, taking orders and serving tray-loads of booze.

The key thing, of course, is whether passengers will like the ship. A lot won't, I'm sure, but plenty more will, especially younger couples and families who are not entrenched in the "how it used to be on Canberra" mentality and are just out to have a great holiday.