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OV 2 Marinas & Medinas August 2007 |
| Reviewed By: Barber, Sunderland on 27th Jun 2008 |
| Cruise Line: Ocean Village Cruises |
Times cruised before: 1-2 |
| Cruise Ship: Ocean Village Two |
Sailed:
August,
2007 |
| Destination: Mediterranean |
Age: 36-45 |
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This was our second cruise with Ocean Village having been on Ocean Village 2006
We flew from Newcastle to Palma. Having a mid afternoon flight this made us one of the last passengers to board the ship.
The layout was almost identical to the Ocean Village so it was very easy to find our way round.
FOOD - Both the restaurants are buffet style. We tended to have breakfast in Plantation restaurant and then check the evening menus before deciding whether to have our evening meal here or in the Waterfront. The only disappointment was there was very little deck space at the back of the restaurant so did not get chance to breakfast in the early morning sun as we had the previous year. There was always plenty of choice and the theme varied nightly. The food trays were replenished very quickly when empty. We had lunch in La Luna one day wonderful pizzas.
ENTERTAINMENT -Shows in Marquee were excellent the cast onboard putting on a number of shows, the Robbie Williams tribute act was excellent and I believe he has since appeared on a BBC show.
Plenty of other entertainment in the evening the Connexions Bar was always busy. The quiz shows and comedians were always popular need to get there early to get a seat. The must see of the trip is the aerial laser show on the top desk of the ship (weather permitting).
SHORE EXCURSIONS - We did excursions at most ports.
These were organised like a military operation.
The local guides were all very knowledgeable and we had no problem understanding them.
In Tunisia we did not leave the ship as we had got off the previous year and walked to the beach. Not much else to do if you are not going on an excursion.
In Naples we did the ½ day trip to Pompeii very hot take plenty to drink to keep you going – very little shelter the guide carried an umbrella which we all laughed at but by the end realised he knew what he was doing.
From Livorno we did another ½ day excursion this time to Pisa – beware there is a bit of a walk from the bus drop of point. Had some free to take the obligatory photos of the children trying to push the tower back up.
The ingenious street sellers who when we arrived were selling leather goods but on leaving as it had started to rain these had been spirited away and they were now selling umbrellas.
From Villefranche we went to Marineland the kids loved the shows especially the whales. When you arrive go to the back of the park where you can book a session to go in the water with the dolphins we did not realise this till it was too late and missed the opportunity.
In Corsica we did our own thing – got off the ship and wandered around the town and had a coffee. The beach looked lovely and judging by the many blue towels laid out on the sand so did many other passengers.
STAFF - The staff were all very pleasant and friendly nothing was too much trouble. The cabin was kept spotless and how they bar staff remember where all the drinks orders go is quite amazing.
ONBOARD ACTIVITIES - The spa is awesome better than some facilities I have visited at home - we were lucky enough to win treatments so spent a very relaxing time having a facial and manicure.
CABINS - Very spacious even with 4 of us in the room it never felt crowded, plenty of storage space, a safe and tea and coffee facilities.
OVERALL - We picked Ocean Village as an introduction to cruising and it exceeded all our expectations. The relaxing informal style is a great introduction to this type of holiday.
For anyone unsure of cruising I would have no hesitation recommending Ocean Village.
We are now hooked and will be cruising again this year.
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| Quality of Food |  |
| Ate in Plantations most of the time | | Entertainment |  |
| Best Show the Planet show on the top desk | | Shore Excursions | |
| Although a bit pricey all well organised and informative the children loved Marine Land | | Staff | |
| | Children's Facilities |  |
| Although our children did not join the clubs, all looked well organized and the children seemed to be having fun | | Onboard Activities | |
| Plenty to do all day on and off the ship | | Cabins | |
| Cabin spacious even with 4 of us | | Overall Rating | |
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