P&O Cruises Ventura has arrived at Damen Shipyard in Rotterdam, Netherlands, for drydock construction. The vessel’s renovations were planned, as the Ventura has recently concluded her regular operations in Southampton on February 7, 2026. The ship arrived at the shipyard one day after the drydock. While at Drend Circle, the ship will receive standard maintenance. Once Drend Circle has finished their maintenance, the Ventura will set sail on her first post-drydock maintenance cruise on February 27, 2026.
The Ventura can carry 3,100 guests. The guests can expect multi-stop voyages through the Caribbean and the United States. The ship makes one of her docks at Port Canaveral and Miami, as well as a special two-day dock in New Orleans, a vessel whose operation is rich in history. The ship also makes a covers to Cozumel, Free, and the Caribbean , as well as to the isle of Roatán and the Bahamas, and a dock at the Freeport.
Cruise Tourism Growth and the Role of P&O Cruises in Shaping the Industry
The growth of cruise tourism in recent years has been remarkable, with more travelers opting for cruises as a preferred mode of vacation. As the global tourism landscape continues to recover post-pandemic, cruise lines like P&O Cruises are at the forefront of expanding offerings to meet growing demand. The Ventura’s upcoming Caribbean and US cruise, along with its Northern European and Canary Islands cruises, reflects this broader industry growth.
As more destinations in the Caribbean, US, and Europe open their ports to large cruise vessels, the industry has seen a surge in both the number of cruise passengers and sailing itineraries. In particular, the demand for longer, more immersive voyages, like the 35-night cruise on the Ventura, underscores a shift towards travelers seeking extended cruise experiences that combine relaxation with the exploration of diverse destinations.
The cruise tourism sector has been pivotal in revitalizing coastal economies, creating jobs, and driving local tourism revenues. Ports of call such as Port Canaveral and Miami, for instance, experience significant economic benefits from each ship arrival, with spending directed to local shops, restaurants, and tourist attractions. With global cruise demand on the rise, P&O Cruises is strategically positioned to leverage its extensive itinerary offerings to cater to a broader tourist base and ensure continued growth for both itself and its destinations.
Cruise Cancellations and Changes to Ventura’s Schedule
While the ship’s upcoming cruise is exciting for guests, there was a recent change to the Ventura’s schedule due to the necessary drydock extension. In September 2025, P&O Cruises had to cancel a short cruise that was initially scheduled shortly after the drydock, which was to depart on February 23, 2026. The short cruise was set to be a four-night itinerary, with an overnight stop at the port of Amsterdam, but the drydock extension made this sailing no longer feasible. As a result, travelers who had booked this cruise had to adjust their plans.
Despite the cancellation, P&O Cruises emphasized that the drydock extension was essential to ensuring that the Ventura met high standards and was in optimal condition for future voyages. Following this drydock, Ventura will return to Southampton in early April 2026 and will offer a series of exciting Northern Europe and Canary Islands cruises.
Upcoming Cruises: Northern Europe and the Canary Islands
After its Caribbean and US journey, the Ventura will begin offering Northern European cruises and sail to the Canary Islands, marking an exciting chapter for the ship in Spring 2026. Guests will enjoy a selection of cruises to various captivating destinations, including Santander, Vigo, Zeebrugge, Funchal (Madeira), and Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
The Northern Europe and Canary Islands itineraries are expected to attract a wide range of passengers, offering the opportunity to explore some of Europe’s most iconic ports and experience the beauty and charm of the Canary Islands. These cruises will be a perfect option for travelers looking to explore Europe and the Mediterranean while enjoying the luxurious amenities and service that P&O Cruises is known for.
A Fresh Start for Ventura After Drydock
The 35-night Caribbean and US cruise marks a fresh start for P&O Cruises’ Ventura, after undergoing necessary upgrades and maintenance. The drydock provides the opportunity for the ship to return to service in optimal condition, enhancing the guest experience with improvements to both facilities and onboard services.
The decision to extend the drydock period demonstrates P&O Cruises’ commitment to providing guests with an exceptional cruising experience, ensuring that the ship is in peak condition for its extensive upcoming itineraries. Whether exploring the Caribbean, US ports, or Northern Europe, the Ventura promises to deliver a memorable and luxurious journey for its passengers.
Future Impact: Growing Cruise Tourism Demand and Expanded Itineraries
Looking ahead, the cruise tourism sector is set to continue its upward trajectory, with increasing demand for longer voyages and immersive travel experiences. The Ventura’s upcoming extended cruises demonstrate how P&O Cruises is adapting to these evolving consumer preferences, offering guests the chance to explore multiple destinations on a single trip.
This growing interest in extended cruise experiences contributes not only to P&O Cruises but to the broader cruise tourism industry. Ports of call will benefit from more extended stays, fostering stronger relationships with local economies and creating lasting partnerships in the global cruise ecosystem. As the demand for sustainable tourism and eco-conscious travel options continues to rise, P&O Cruises’ focus on maintaining high environmental standards and sustainable practices will help position them as leaders in the evolving cruise tourism market.
Ventura’s Exciting 2026 Itinerary and the Future of Cruise Tourism
After its stint in dry dock, P&O Cruises’ Ventura is soon to embark on its highly awaited 35-night Caribbean and United States cruise on February 27, 2026. This will be followed by a series of cruises to Northern Europe and the Canary Islands, further cementing Ventura’s position as one of the best ships in P&O Cruises’ lineup. With its fresh upgrades, exciting itinerary, and visits to some of the most popular destinations in the world, the return of Ventura is sure to be the highlight of the 2026 cruise calendar.
As the popularity of cruise tourism continues to rise, P&O Cruises and other major players in the industry are poised to take advantage of the increasing demand for sustainable and immersive travel experiences. The Ventura’s extensive itineraries and focus on luxury cruising guarantee that the cruise industry will continue to flourish as a staple of the global tourism industry.
The post P&O Cruises Ventura Completes Drydock at Damen Shipyard in Rotterdam, Ready for Caribbean and US Itinerary Starting February 27, 2026, After New Upgrades appeared first on Travel And Tour World.
