The cruise for people who don’t do cruises
When it started in 2003 Ocean Village launched a new style of cruising – casual, informal, and with self-service dining. Aimed at 30-50 somethings, Ocean Village has become popular with people of all ages who want to choose when, where and with whom they eat, and who have no intention of wearing a suit on holiday. This formula has now led to a second ship, Ocean Village 2. Both ships cater for around 1600-1700 passengers, and the crew are regularly praised for service and helpfulness.
A cruise on Ocean Village offers a good introduction to cruising, its flexible dining and style options making it a firm favourite with all ages.
See our Ocean Village 2008 Late Deals and our Ocean Village 2009 Early Booking Offers.
Destinations
Ocean Village cruises cover the Western and Eastern Mediterrean in the summer – with cruises based on Palma, Majorca and Heraklion, Crete. In the winter the ships cover the Caribbean from Barbados and Central America from Jamaica.
Dining and cuisine
The ships have two main dining rooms, with a choice of dishes, all self-served as needed. One is open 24 hours, so food of all descriptions can be eaten as required. There are a few speciality dining places, including the James Martin bistro endorsed by the popular chef, who sometimes stays on board.
Entertainment
The mainly British passengers have a choice of bars – one of which features stand-up comedians and popular-style singers. The entertainment in the main theatre consists largely of tribute bands with some speciality musical acts. The ships carry a troupe of trapeze artists and jugglers who perform on deck under the stars in occasional deck laser shows, and sometimes appear in the main three-deck atrium, Village Square, normally the reception and shopping area. A disco is open later in the evening.
Cabins
Cabins on Ocean Village are mostly outside, with more balcony cabins on Ocean Village 2. These cabins are spacious and well equipped, with good sized en-suite toilet and shower, seating area, and with a safe. There are some three and four berth cabins on lower decks designed for family use, and some inside cabins. Children are well catered for on Ocean Village, with a supervised childrens’ centre, and a separate area for teenagers.
Excursions
Ocean Village offers an extensive range of ‘Action Ashore’ options. Mountain bikes are carried onboard, with a large number of active choices at each port of call. Other options are based on coaches to destinations with walking tours, and sometimes solely by coach for the less mobile.
Spa facilities
In keeping with its intended customer profile, Ocean Village has a well-equipped gym plus saunas, steam rooms and massages in the Karma Spa.
Gratuities (Tips) / Currency
A well-liked feature is that tips for the crew are included in the holiday price.
Onboard currency is the British pound
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