Ocean Village Cruises Review

Ocean Village Cruises has always prided itself on being "the cruise for people who don't do cruises." Their flexible, unstructured schedules appeal to many travelers, as do their absence of dining dress codes, which suits guests who like to travel light. While their primary audience is the young crowd, don't think that this Carnival Group subsidiary isn't full of big amenities and family-friendly activities! Most of these ships have come over from other fleets and have been updated and refurbished, so all the spaciousness and entertainment centers are there. Package deals including airfare can also be booked along with your Caribbean and Mediterranean cruise deals as well, but you'd better hurry up! In the summer 2010, the fleet will be transferred over to P&O Cruises to be used in Australian waters only.

One way that Ocean Village Cruises sets itself apart from other ships is with the food they serve. Some Mediterranean and Caribbean cruises close up shop at night, allowing only minimal snacking options. However, Ocean Village boasts a delicious 24/7 buffet of Mexican, Italian, Thai and American foods. "We don't believe in set meal times or fixed seating plans," the website declares. "We don't believe in formal dress codes either, so you can leave the tuxedo and tiara at home." You can also feast on fish and steaks under the stars at the pool side restaurant La Luna, where you'll be personally waited on. Or perhaps you'd like to snag a meal from celebrity chef James Martin. European themed food will be served daily at Plantation, while Waterfront treats you to the Mediterranean cruise thoroughfare. Charlie's has a cozy cafe atmosphere where coffee and panini sandwiches are served up daily. The Blue Bar features cocktails and pints of imported beer and is a comfortable gathering place.

Activities are plentiful aboard Ocean Village Cruises. Open air circuses and laser light shows are popular on deck at night, while the two pools and ocean-view gym are popular hangouts during the day. You can play Blackjack or Roulette in the casino, watch a Robbie Williams or Rod Stewart tribute musical performance, learn how to juggle at the circus workshop, catch stand-up comedy at Connexions Bar or buy shiny trinkets at the art auction. Of course, the Mediterranean cruise ship is just the start of your adventures. A number of exciting port stops are centered on beach activities, thriving nightlife and adventurous pursuits for the young or the young-at-heart!

There are three primary ways to book Ocean Village Cruises. The most popular way to book is online with a credit card at www.oceanvillageholidays.co.uk, where you'll receive an additional 5% discount. Not everyone is comfortable with the internet, in which case new guests may prefer to book with an agent by phone at 0845-075-0032 using a phone card, Monday to Friday from 8:30 to 6:00 (UK time) or Saturday from 8:30 to 5:00. Lastly, you can book with an ABTA travel agent listed at www.oceanvillageholidays.co.uk/travel_agents.aspx. Since the Eastern and Western Mediterranean cruise offerings, as well as the Caribbean cruises, won't be featured after summer 2010, time is of the essence to reserve one of the last spots on these fun, casual cruise lines. On Ocean Village I and II, you can expect premium quality for less than $100/day, if you act now.

More about ocean village cruises

Mediterranean Cruises

It is easy with the economy at an all time low to forget about taking time to get away from it all. Vacations tend to be the last thing on people's minds when they are worried about finances.