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Total relaxation on Carribean/Transatlantic Cruise
Reviewed By: Mellor, Stoke on Trent on 10th Aug 2008
Cruise Line: Ocean Village Cruises	Times cruised before: 10+
Cruise Ship: Ocean Village Two	Sailed: April, 2008
Destination: Transatlantic	Age: 56-65

Our previous experience of cruising has been on Cruise and Stay holidays in the mediterranean with Thomson and Island Cruises. We had therefore only ever experienced one week on board ship, preferring to relax the second week at a hotel. We saw the 19 night Totally Tropical cruise on board Ocean Village 2 advertised which included two weeks cruising around the main caribbean islands and then the third week crossing the atlantic back to Palma, and felt we had to give it a go. We have never flown for longer than 4 and half hours and this part of the holiday we were not much looking forward to. However, the flight with Thomsonfly was great. We left on time, there was plenty of leg room, and entertainment on the back of the seat in front - they even treated us to a blanket, neck pillow and headphones each. The flight was long but bearable. Once we arrived at Barbados, the transfer from the airport was excellent. A coach came right up to the plane and we didn't even have to go through passport control. On arrival at the port, we encountered a considerable delay due to the computers being down and no one could be boarded until this problem had been sorted. Standing around in a giant shed with no aircon and tropical heat was most unpleasant, to say the least, but after about 30-45 mins all was sorted and we started to board. We were shown to our cabin, which I must say was the best we have ever stayed in. It was large, clean, nice large window, a good size shower and loads of hanging and drawer space. We had tea and coffee making facilities as well as a fridge. Excellent. We decided to get our bearings and took a tour of the ship. By the time we got back to our cabin, our luggage had arrived safely, if a little dented!!! A problem which the ship personnel put right. We experienced 3 very enjoyable weeks on board. The ports of call were all new to us and we got out and about at most of the destinations. We took excursions with Ocean Village on the St Kitts railway and Tortola which were both excellent, although quite expensive. We shared taxi excusions at the other ports of call, which proved to be about half the cost and still extremely enjoyable. I loved all the caribbean islands and the friendly peoples of this part of the world. We enjoyed the entertainment on board. Some passengers criticised the shows but upon talking further with them admitted that they did not usually attend the shows. Not quite sure how you can criticise if you have not seen. There were several tribute artists who were all, with the exception of one, very good indeed. The live band added to the overall enjoyment. The only thing we would criticise is we did not think there was anywhere near enough seating in the bars. One of the bars regularly had artists performing and it was impossible to see the show. You could not even say standing room only, because it was impossible to even do that. More seating is required in the bar areas for passenger comfort. We found it difficult to find somewhere to relax in the evening, having to move from bar to bar to find a couple of seats. I might add here, we did not find the seats of great comfort either. The food on board was very varied and of the highest quality. There was always something that you really fancied. From salads to roasts, pasta to curry. And the sweets were to die for!!!! Could not fault the food, although the restaurants could get quite busy which took away from the overall enjoyment of the meal. Once the 2 weeks in the carribean were up, we started across the atlantic. We were not sure what to expect here. Stormy weather, bad seas??? The gods must have been shining down on us since except for clouds on the first day out, we had lovely sunshine all the way. The sea did not even have a ripple on it. It was quite breezy on the top sun deck but we managed to sit out there each day until we reached Madeira - 5 days later. The most relaxing break I've ever had. I always find that with cruising you try to cram so much in that its difficult to relax. With 5 days at sea, it gives you time to unwind and recharge those batteries. It was marvellous. Quite eerie at times, being in the middle of this massive ocean with nothing but sky and sea, travelling at 20 knots day and night and only seeing one other ship in 5 days!! Felt like we were the only ones left on this planet. The sight of the Gibraltar straits was worth staying up to see after all that ocean. To sum up, this was a marvellous holiday which we will remember for some time to come.
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Comment by Ross, Kemnay (11 Aug 08 21:51) about this REVIEW.

What a wonderful review - we have always been with Thomsons and this has made us think that maybe this is for us - thank you

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Question by mclean, hastings (11 Aug 08 21:17) about this REVIEW.

we are off in november on ov translantic crossing sailing from palma,we have been upgraded to a bb cabin so thats a nice start this is for my 50th any advice grearly recieved! we have cruised once before last year with thomson round the western med and really enjoyed it,glad you had a rest. oh do they have reading material that you can swap on board or is it take your own and be done with as i feel i will need some good reading for the atlantic crossing.many thanks ...kaz

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Answer by Mellor, Stoke on Trent (12 Aug 08 15:22) to a QUESTION by mclean (11 Aug 08 21:17)

This was one shortfall with the cruise, they do not have a library on board. They have a facility whereby passengers can place books in a quiet room next to the casino, but although I visited the room several times, I never managed to obtain any books myself. I think your best bet is to take your own and perhaps hope to exchange with newly made friends. We found the Waterfront Restaurant to be a more pleasurable eating experience, but the Plantation Restaurant tended to provide more in the way of variety, ie curries, chinese etc. Dress is very much "dressy casual" - no formal nights. In fact, pack as if you are going to a classy hotel. There are 2 swimming pools on board - the adult one being of a good enough size to have a reasonable swim. As for the excursions, it is well worth going the the talk on board and finding out what is available. You'll find that at each port there will be local taxi's which take 8-10 people. By negotiating with the drivers you can usually obtain a similar excursion to the one provided on board for approximately half the price. Hope you have as great a time as we did...Rose

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