Ocean Village Cruise.
Discussion
Went on it some years back; round Western med starting in Palma.
Would say it was okay (we've since done other cruises, so didn't put us off!)
Ironically because it touts itself as 'less formal and stuffy' some still dressed up a bit for dinner and others went to the other extreme!
Liked the more active (and I vaguely remember - reasonably priced) shore trips; cycling options were interesting - although we didn't manage to cycle Monaco GP circuit as it wasn't safe to go ashore there: ended up cycling Villefranche - Nice instead.
Also had DIY trips to some places if you wanted to wander; did Florance and Pisa that way.
The Bistro was good (is it still James Martin? - small extra charge but worth it)
The one thing that did turn us off was, probably due to the time of year we went, (Sept/Oct I think) so out of season; therefore a fair few seemed to be on because it was relatively cheap; so a surprising number of wheelchairs, zimmers etc given the way it is/was pitched as being for active etc.
Would say it was okay (we've since done other cruises, so didn't put us off!)
Ironically because it touts itself as 'less formal and stuffy' some still dressed up a bit for dinner and others went to the other extreme!
Liked the more active (and I vaguely remember - reasonably priced) shore trips; cycling options were interesting - although we didn't manage to cycle Monaco GP circuit as it wasn't safe to go ashore there: ended up cycling Villefranche - Nice instead.
Also had DIY trips to some places if you wanted to wander; did Florance and Pisa that way.
The Bistro was good (is it still James Martin? - small extra charge but worth it)
The one thing that did turn us off was, probably due to the time of year we went, (Sept/Oct I think) so out of season; therefore a fair few seemed to be on because it was relatively cheap; so a surprising number of wheelchairs, zimmers etc given the way it is/was pitched as being for active etc.
Sleekitman said:
Thinking about this for next year. Anyone been on one to the Med? Are they any good?
Which one? My other half took my MiL on OV2 which is crusing round the eastern Med. Turkey Greece etc. Genrally very good but if you have teenagers over 13 it isn't as good as OV1. Food is free, good and available all day (and night). Shows spectacular given the size of venue, They usually have a deck show once a week. Drinks you get on a card and prices are low end city bar.We like it enough that when I could get away we went on OV1. It's an older ship but has better Late teen facilities and a cinema. Shows and food pretty much the same as OV2. Many never venture beyond the top deck restaurant/buffet "the Waterfront" but the "Plantation" Restaurant is very good. You can pay and visit the James Martin section or "La Luna" on the sun deck. I just lazed the day away unless we went ashore. Trips can be expensive and you can visit various places on your own. If you ask they'll tell you how to visit Monte Carlo from Villefranche for example. All the staff are helpful and I enjoyed it.
I'd hurry prices will go up as the ships are due to leaves for Australia and the remaining sailings are booking up fast. OV2 is due to head off to Australia this Autumn and OV1 Autumn 2010. A lot of people do prefer the "informal" cruising they provide and they both make money but seemingly not enough for them to stay in European waters. The "Brand" will be kept by P&O but they are hoping cruisers gravitate to the other ships they operate. It's a bit of a false hope as the OV cruiser doesn't want to spend part of their Holiday getting to the Med and back again. Also The Oriana and Arcadia are hte ones they want the OV "crowd" to move to and they are still formal in many areas which doesn't suit them.
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