P&O Ventura New Year Cruise -- Amsterdam , Zeebrugge . Embarkation , and first night aboard .

This was our first ever cruise to celebrate New year , also our first cruise aboard P&O Ventura. Our boarding time was 15 30 , but a day before the cruise we had an email explaining that because of sickness on the previous cruise our boarding would be put back 2 hours so the crew could carry out a deep clean of the ship. We actually boarded at 16.00 so it wasn't too bad.
Our cabin was on Canada deck , cabin number C509. Although dated it was fine for 5 nights and had everything that we needed apart from a few more plug sockets.
That evening consisted of a meal in the main dining room , which was fine although a bit slow but to be expected on the first night. Then on to a few different venues to listen and dance to the on board bands. Then back to the cabin , not forgetting to put the clocks forward 1 hour.
MUSIC COURTESY OF TUNETANK.COM
00.00 HEATWAVES BY CLOUDYSYSTEM
17.18 I WANNA BE WITH YOU BY ALEXEY ANISIMOV
19.03 ALONE AT NIGHT BY MELANCHOLICBIRD

[@leeware2117]

We always look forward to your travel vlog's, a breath of fresh air. We will be setting sail on our first cruise at the end of May on Sky Princess to the Norwegian Fjords, I hope our voyage is half as good as yours was.

[@pearlandbrianstripsandadve8619]

Hi Lee , first of all thank you for your really nice comments hopefully they have helped a little. You have certainly picked a great ship and company for your first ever cruise . You will love the Fjords the scenery is spectacular even in the rain . We Hope you have a wonderful experience and create lots of happy memories. Thanks again for watching and taking the time to comment 👋

[@thelawgreens]

Welcome back! Oh boy we have missed you….what a great embarkation day ❤❤. So many laugh out loud moments. Looking forward to the next one already.

[@pearlandbrianstripsandadve8619]

Hi Guys, thank you very much glad you enjoyed. I tried losing Pearl in Amsterdam in a certain coloured district but no luck 😃

[@nigelherring2939]

Just got back from our first over Christmas cruise on Iona,to the Canaries,Spain & Portugal after watching you guys,Bay of Biscay like a millpond🙏 and the service was fantastic,absolutely loved it,Thank you both👍👍

[@pearlandbrianstripsandadve8619]

Hi Nigel, that’s great , really pleased you had a great time and enjoyed yourselves.Thats a bonus with the Bay of Biscay. We had rough seas on the new years trip . Really appreciate you commenting and thank you for watching.

[@reneyoung2395]

It is so good to see and hear you both. I have missed you. So glad you had a good Christmas, mine was good as well. Wishing you both a very happy, and healthy New Year! I have a granddaughter, and her family on the Carnival Horizon. They are on their way back, and get in Sun. Jan. 14. Their first cruise. Another one is leaving for Iceland next week. I do a lot of praying. I think winter has hit here. Teens and single digits. If we'd get a little snow, it would make it better. Looking forward to seeing more. Take care!

[@pearlandbrianstripsandadve8619]

Hi Rene , really great to hear from you , a happy and healthy new year to you as well. So glad you had a nice Christmas.Seems like your family are all on the move , cruising and travelling. I think we are the same as you with the weather, we had a little snow but didn’t really settle, more is expected next week. Always lovely to read your messages, keep warm stay safe , hopefully speak soon X

[@allaboardthecruiselife]

Another brilliant video!👍😎

[@pearlandbrianstripsandadve8619]

Cheers mate , appreciate you watching 👍

[@sandrabruce9754]

Brilliant start to the new year watching you both ❤ your both such fun i hope the year is kind to you both x and look forward to more of your adventures . Love from Glasgow ❤

[@pearlandbrianstripsandadve8619]

Hi Sandra aaahhh that is so kind , hope you had a great new year . Really appreciate the support and thanks as always for watching.❤️X

[@pbrunottephoto1646]

Hope you were well after getting home..Congradulations on 1.04K subscribers..😃

[@pearlandbrianstripsandadve8619]

Hi Guys , we were fine thank you, shame we missed a port because of the weather. 1000 we were very surprised but very grateful. Hope you had a good New Year .🥂

[@kirisweeks8673]

Brill video loved it 😂❤

[@pearlandbrianstripsandadve8619]

Hi , thank you very much. So pleased you enjoyed it ,and many thanks for watching and leaving a comment.👋❤️

[@glendahill]

welcome back! This vid made me chuckle a lot, starting off with the crap xmas tree and ending with the bloke that was a complete tw*t. I shall eagerly await the next installment

[@pearlandbrianstripsandadve8619]

Hi Glenda Happy new year hope you are well , glad you enjoyed it . We give you a mention in one of the episodes so look out for that . Thanks for watching.xx

[@sharnieyorke]

You two crack me up 😅

[@pearlandbrianstripsandadve8619]

Hi Sharnie , thank you very much that is really good to hear . Glad you enjoyed it .Thank you very much for watching we do appreciate it . X

[@saradillon2252]

Yay! Lovely to have you back. Loved the vlog, can't wait for the rest xx

[@pearlandbrianstripsandadve8619]

Hi Sara hope you had a good start to 2024 . It’s good to be back especially when you get positive comments like yours . Thanks again Xx

[@alexandrawordy]

Welcome back, we’ve missed you! As funny and entertaining as always! Pearl “he was a tw*t!” 😂 You’re both looking well. Roll on the next one 🥰

[@pearlandbrianstripsandadve8619]

Hi Alexandra, great to hear from you . Not the best terminology to describe someone but he did deserve it . Thanks for those comments that’s very sweet. Take care and thanks as always for watching.❤️

[@sueisaacs5954]

Glad to see your new adventures. 🎉

[@pearlandbrianstripsandadve8619]

Hi Sue , thank you , happy new year and thanks a lot for watching 👋

[@martintravelnjt2721]

Well done on the 1000 subscribers- very well deserved- always a great watch😂

[@pearlandbrianstripsandadve8619]

Hi Martin , thank you mate we are genuinely surprised that people would even watch . But we are very grateful.🙏👋

[@Didderly]

You was actually Starboard side, or the smokers side in the old days...Penisular & Orient lines back in the day. Port out....Starboard home....put together POSH ...nice vid again.

[@pearlandbrianstripsandadve8619]

Hi Didderly, well I had no idea about the Port and Starboard meaning. We really enjoyed this cruise. Thanks again for those kind comments.👋🚢

[@MsSmartmonkeee]

Love you guys! Aloha and Happy New Year from Hawai'i!

[@pearlandbrianstripsandadve8619]

Hi , from a cold UK , always amazed your watching on the other side of the world. Thank you very much for the lovely comment . Happy new year to you take care ❤️

[@BethandDavidCruise]

I knew you'd been on the Ventura so was waiting for these vlogs! We embark in a month on Ventura and haven't done much research in it so good to see. Stateroom looks decent but that TV truly is tiny!! We like smaller ships so this'll be interesting for us.. in the meantime keep up the funny vlogs!

[@pearlandbrianstripsandadve8619]

Hi Beth & David, where do we start, stateroom was fine a bit dated , bathroom was tiny but shower was nice and hot and quite powerful.Balcony we had was massive, TV was pathetic but we don’t normally watch a lot when we are on a cruise. Atrium is nice but on a sea day you find it hard to get a seat . Food was ok , best meal was in Sindhu . It is an older ship and you do notice the difference in the rooms but we still had a good time . Thank you very much for watching. 👋

[@amandahimsworth7469]

Wow 66 nearly 67 Brian can't beileve it looking really good both of you ....we wont ask Pearl's age as she is a lady but you two are an inspiration to us all 😊 so full of life and fun my sort of people love it ❤. Love watching your whole journey from home to ship 🚢......can i just ask being nosey where did you get the white fence or wall from in the back garden love that ❤....lol . And also Pearl your not the only one who loves soup ..i love it too sorry Brian lol 😅. You must get fed up with people keep telling you .your dress 👗 on this vlog was beautiful again on you so elegant 😍 thanks for putting a big smile on our faces take care James and Amanda ❤xx

[@pearlandbrianstripsandadve8619]

Morning Amanda , yes I’ve reached that 67 now 😩🥲. Pearl is only a few months behind me.When we were young 67 was absolutely ancient 😂 just shows you , as long as your healthy then it’s just a number . We are trying to make as many memories as possible while we can and live life to the full .We love to have fun , especially Madam 😂🥂. As for those panels they were from a company online , buggered if I can remember the companies name 😩. If I can find out I will let you know. I love soup as well, but not for every meal 😂. Pearl is honestly flattered and surprised about the complimentary comments that she receives. Like most women I’m guessing she looks in the mirror and only points out the bits she doesn’t like , so hopefully the lovely comments will give her more confidence. Really great to hear that you enjoy our vlogs Amanda and James . Thank you for all the positive comments that you give us . Have a great week ❤️❤️XX.

[@amandahimsworth7469]

@pearlandbrianstripsandadve8619 your very welcome . Wow Pearl looks amazing for nearly 67 . I'm 55, and James is a few months off 65. I sometimes feel old lol 😆 I know we are not, and you both have proved age is but a number, and you're still young as well . Thank you for your kindness in your reply . Makes people day doesn't take much, does it . Have a lovely day 😘 take care ❤️xx

[@BrookeOnBoard]

Nice video😂 can't believe my stupid annoucment made it into the video "aright guys remember to keep your drinks off the dance floor" @23:18 I hope you enjoyed my DJ sets in Havana looks like you did anyways, Hope you enjoyed your cruise with us on Ventura and hope to see you again soon! :)

[@pearlandbrianstripsandadve8619]

Hi , thank you for watching, we had a great time in the Havana lounge, we tried to play more of your tracks on the Video but KZbin blocked them .It was great to see everyone up enjoying themselves. We are back on in July with all the Grandkids.👋

[@BrookeOnBoard]

Awh thats amazing and yeh I get the same problem when I film stuff because copy right, but I documented my experience on Ventura aswel starting my serise up as of Thursday this week, youtube would copyright a few videos after minor tweeks iv got most them unblocked with a few just have to accept defeat with. But once again thank you for coming

[@danielsmithson9676]

love the first vlog .. this is Daniel and Kate .. I meet you on Saturday morning.hope you had a good time on there and looking forward to the next one.. happy new year xx

[@pearlandbrianstripsandadve8619]

Hi Daniel and Kate , great to hear from you and was lovely to meet you both . Shame we missed Zeebrugge but we still had a great time . Next one we give you a shout out . Happy new year to you both as well. Xx

[@danielsmithson9676]

thank you for the reply.. and looking forward to it .. xx

[@michaelpurbrick3115]

Hi Pearl & Brian, Hope you both had a great Christmas and hoping 2024 brings happiness and joy. Not sure if this cruise was financially cheaper than your normal trips, but not impressed with your first day offerings. The room is ok but bathroom not great. The table you were sat at and food didnt look impressive. Hope you enjoyed the trip but the entertainment didn't look that great either. Not sure if i will ever try cruising but so far on this trip I dont think it looks that great, more like Butlins at sea or at best down town Benidorm. Nothing wrong with either of those venues if thats your thing but I expect the cruise is considerably more expensive.

[@pearlandbrianstripsandadve8619]

Hi Michael always good to hear from you , and a happy new year to you . As for the cruise it is an older ship and yes the we have had better food and entertainment . We booked it really because it was over the new year period. Also we had never visited Amsterdam before. New Year’s Eve celebrations were fun apart from the lousy weather. Great to hear other opinions, take care and thanks for watching.

[@glendahill]

Oh how exciting, fame at last🤣🤣

[@Lorna.R]

Donald where’s your troosers 🤣😂🤣

[@pearlandbrianstripsandadve8619]

Hi Lorna , I must give Pearl some credit she was quick off the mark there . As for the trousers, I never found them they must still be up in Edinburgh. 😫 Thanks as always for watching.👋

[@allan8388]

Happy New year to you both. Not so good for us as Sharon is in critical care and likely to be in hospital for several months.

[@pearlandbrianstripsandadve8619]

Oh Bloody hell , that is awful we are really sorry to hear that . We do hope she is going to be ok and are thinking of both of you .

[@allan8388]

@@pearlandbrianstripsandadve8619 💓

[@pearlandbrianstripsandadve8619]

Hi Alan , don't mean to intrude but was just wondering how Sharon and yourself are doing . Pearl & Brian

[@allan8388]

@pearlandbrianstripsandadve8619 Hello It's ok your not intruding. Sharon is still in critical and will be for a few more weeks. She is improving but recovery will be slow. It's been a struggle but we will get through. Thanks for asking. Enjoy the rest of your weekend. Allan

[@allan8388]

Hello to you both. I'm pleased to say Sharon is now out of critical care and recovering in another ward. Hope both ok. Allan

[@larrykins2007]

Brian, you need to be realistic about 5 inches 🤣🤣

[@pearlandbrianstripsandadve8619]

Hi Lorraine, your gonna have to remind me about the 5 inches , 😂