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All aboard in BARBADOS |
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Reviewed By: Harrison, Gloucester on 7th Feb 2010
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| Cruise Line: Ocean Village Cruises |
Times cruised before: 1-2 |
| Cruise Ship: Ocean Village Two |
Sailed:
March,
2009 |
| Destination: Transatlantic |
Age: 65+ |
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It was our first time on this ship and our expectations were fulfilled. We chose the Caribbean as a new adventure and a March Golden Wedding celebration.
The staff was first class and very efficient. Our cabin girl was great, the cabin being spacious with little touches of welcome from her and kept spotless for the 2 week duration. In fact we were impressed by the cleanliness throughout the ship especially with so many passengers.
The restaurants were welcoming and food was varied and plentiful with good presentation and something for everyone’s taste, from snacks to Gourmet, even Fish and Chips were served to you in newspaper at your sunbed by the pool!
Ports of call included BARBADOS where we began our holiday with a taxi ride from the airport exploring most of the island before boarding the ship, where our luggage was already waiting outside our cabin. In DOMINICA the ship docked in walking distance to local amenities and sightseeing. In St.KITTS we were docked too far away to explore unless you went on a trip or waited ages for one of the mini-busses which were jam packed. We didn’t want to risk a long wait on our return incase we missed the ship so decided to go back on board for a sun-deck day which was a shame to miss the island’s atmosphere. In ANTIGUA the ship berthed in the high street!! - which was beautiful and a great steel band ‘Rule Britannia’ welcome! Our TRANSATLANTIC trip to the Med was relaxing with on board BBQs and even a Village Fete which was great fun as the staff went all out to make it entertaining ensuring everyone joined in. The weather became cooler as we neared Europe. We were due to be at sea for 5 days with MADEIRA being our next port, however, a variety of reasons and excuses were given for not being able to dock there meant 2 more days before we would be on dry land. This was disappointing as we were especially looking forward to seeing this island. Compensation of £100 per cabin was given to spend onboard, so the money went straight back to OV anyway. Dry land, at last, with a visit to MALAGA with 3 ships docked there and us being the furthest from the port. Coaches were laid on to take us to the port entrance where more coaches were waiting to take us to the city. However, there was so much confusion and one small signpost giving directions, most of us gave up again and made our way back to the ship. Later we discovered that, being Sunday, the shops in town were closed anyway although a religious ceremony was taking place which we were told was worth the visit! The last port was HERAKLION in Crete where we would catch the plane home.
To summarise: The on board entertainment started off with great applause, however after two weeks of lots of the same, we were looking for more. The food was first class and plentiful. The ship was great. The Caribbean was fab but the Europe itinerary was disappointing as we did not stop at Madeira and didn’t get to visit some of the other ports due to distance from the ship and confusion. The 7 days at sea did get a bit tedious, we were looking forward to a change of scenery. The average onboard age was about 70! We would not do another transatlantic cruise but would like to return to the Caribbean one day. We are disappointed that OV will no longer be here for the British market.
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| Quality of Food |  |
| Buffets | | Entertainment |  |
| A bit 'samey' after 2 weeks | | Shore Excursions | n/a |
| Tried to get about on our own but lots of confusion at the ports so gave up a few times! | | Staff | |
| Cabin girl although all were fantastic, welcoming, friendly, helpful. | | Children's Facilities | n/a |
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| Staff laid on BBQs, Village Fete and team games etc. We were expecting more days in port so the days we gave up and stayed on board had little or no entertainment. | | Cabins | |
| Great. Clean. Good to have a fridge and tea making facilities. | | Overall Rating |  |
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