written by on 15/04/2010
Delayed due to a volcano eruption, which cannot be helped.
Due to fly out at 7.45 am so arrived at the airport for 5.15 as requested
However whilst all other airlines sent people home, imediatly, Thomascook held us at manchester airport for 9 1/2 hours and then Ocean Village held us for a further 1 3/4 hours, with only one £5 five pound food voucher each.It was clearly evedent at 7.45 that we would not be flying, but they effectivly held 100's of peole captive for hours with little information.
As I said the event cannot be helped but customer service goes a long way
I guess with Ocean Village cruises coming to an close at the end of this season they dont care anymore.
We are now left in limbo for a few days, unable to return to work or get on with life, until they, as the rest of the airlines decided, cancel the flights. The no compensation, as this is due to an act of god!
written by on 17/01/2009
i have just returned from 2 week cruise in caribbean i was very disappointedin cruise overall. we wanted a less formal cruise for a change but did not realise that all the facilities we took for granted were missing. this review is factual only really good thing was the really good weather, i would never travel on this line again even if it was free.
written by taliacdf on 24/09/2008
On two occasions my sheets were marked, cabin steward very apologetic and changed sheets immediately. Complaints to reception elicited no response. Why is there only one electric socket in cabin!!! Staff in bars were rather sullen.
Substantially overcharged on two sales in duty free shop, on checking receipt before leaving shop we brought discrepancy to attention of staff who made us feel like criminals committing some kind of deceit.
Butlins on the sea, would not recommend to anyone. A waste of money.
written by on 31/08/2008
This is the first cruise I have came home from and complained to my friends I was really looking forward to it but was terribly disappointing. Food was nothing to write home about and the actual desk staff were not the friendliest I have met. The below deck staff that I saw were very friendly but the rest need to be retrained in customer care. The shows were mediocre and the tours well it was hardly worth getting of the ship as you were hardly in port.
written by GaryESmith on 19/08/2008
Traditional cruising experience lost on Ocean Village Ship in my view.
Informality taken too far for me.
Cabin Staff, Waiter seemed inexperienced.
Overall we paid for a cheap cruise and got poor service in my opinion, and too many chavs for my liking.
I would not recommend this cruise to my friends.
written by waldo1919 on 18/07/2008
In my view the Ocean Village ship is looking tired and could do with a refurb. Also I think they should maybe stop promoting of selling karma spa; auctions; gifts, and let the passenger decide. Another thing they could do would be to have a entertainment programme at the ready if the ship can:t dock. - All just thoughts..
We travelled on the 25/12/07 and incurred very bad weather conditions. We did not dock at Progresso. Many passengers were poorly due to the weather conditions. But they didn't put any entertainment on 2 take peoples minds of things, which left us sat in our cabins watching t.v.
written by nolighterlife on 30/11/2007
Being in the catering industry myself, I was shocked at the poor standards of food delivery, hygeine and temp. control in the 'informal resturants' . after spending many nights guiding my family around what I thought was the 'safe' options, i made a complaint. We had a curry night, our prawn curry was half warm half cold!! this was before we had had to stand with trays for 5 mins waiting for a vacant table, then had to wait another 5 mins for a member of staff to clear the tables, then had to ask for the table to be wiped of the previous occupant rubbish. They promote it as informal dinning! on the whole this was a regular problem, and something that was muttered about constantly around the pool, infact if you are going on board book the restarunts straight away, beacase, by towards the end of the cruise, everyone was so fed up with casual dinning, it was impossible to get a table in the restarunts. The service throughout the ship was poor,(with the exception of the cabin service, that was very good) and not what I expected, everything seemed too much trouble, even serving a coffee was hard work. would i cruise again - yes, but I'd definatley choose another cruise line.
written by susanne612 on 09/06/2007
The worst cruise I have ever been on, will not be traveling with Ocean Village again, I even got covered in black gunge from the shower in the cabin. Public toilet areas were disgusting. I thought Ocean one was disappointing in March but decided to travel with them again in May/June as the new ship was given such hype - it sounded wonderful, it ended up being the holiday from hell, even the flight home was delayed by over 2 hours with no explanation.
written by mike walker on 28/10/2006
The staff on-board the Ocean Village cruise were friendly and the ship was clean. Unfortunately, there was a lack of variety in the menu, only basics for salads, poorly cooked meat dishes - overcooked and tough, and the tours were overpriced. There was also a very hard sell on drinks by waiters.
written by mwe152 on 17/09/2006
I went on this ship in its previous incarnation (P&O Arcadia), going back was like seeing a vehicle which you had fond memories of being used for banger racing!
Don't be lured by the low price. A lot of things included in the price of most cruises are extra or non-existent on Ocean Village, e.g.:-
1) Most cruises have a Sally Army or military-type band to see you off. OV has a boombox under the gangplank blasting out 1980's disco music.
2) OV was my 14th cruise & the first not to have a news-sheet of world news, weather & sport. Maybe because they had UK tabloids for £3.75 each on sale in reception.
3) OV often docks among the container ships (cheap moorings) & then charges passengers up to £5 per person per day for shuttle buses. In Palma the comparable (informal) Island Cruises moored much closer to the city centre, as did Costa cruises.
4) OV is the only cruise ship I've been on not to have a library;- so if you want something to read, bring/buy your own books & newspapers. It would appear some of the passengers can't read anyway;- there were huge signs around all the swimming pools saying jumping & diving were absolutely prohibited:- Yet there were passengers constantly jumping & diving in;- not just some drunken midnight lark, or odd incidents, but persistent misbehaviour;- often right under the noses of pool & "Kids team" staff & appalling parents who preferred filming & photographing their offsprings' misdemeanours to disciplining them.
5) OV's restaurants are self-service. If you want waiter service (included in the price of most cruises) it costs £12.50 per person per meal extra.
Many cruise ships have lots of single/solo travellers;- despite its young, free, single, carefree image OV has very few single & solo travellers, so avoid OV if you're alone:-It's not a good place to meet people! The typical 70 & 80-something cruiser can be found on OV, except they've brought their grown-up children & grandchildren along:- The extended family is the typical OV passenger profile;- all ages can be found. About 90% of passengers are British, the rest are Swedish & Norwegian:- Despite the international mix, all information & announcements are in English;- broken English in the case of the Captain & English sprinkled with spelling mistakes, US spellings & 'Grocers apostrophes' in the newsletter detailing daily events onboard.
Those of you who DO "do cruises" will notice many other shortcomings, e.g.:-
1) No 'Gentlemen Hosts' (conversational & dancing partners for single women);- mind you, there are hardly any single women on OV, no dancing & no dance lessons!
2) Most ships have some sort of educational events (e.g. computer lessons) & lectures;- not Ocean Village.
3) No Filipino staff show at the end of the cruise.
4) No daily log (listing places visited, miles covered, weather conditions, etc.) to present to passengers as a souvenir.
Ocean Village "don't do shows" as such. What you have are "tribute acts";- apart from the (good) Bee Gees tribute, the others sounded like cruise ship singers covering the songs of George Michael, ABBA, etc..
The ships singers were hopeless. I went into what sounded like a Karaoke event on deck & it was one of the ship's singers foisting himself on sunbathers at a 'sailaway'.
The brochure reckons there are loads of restaurants & round the clock dining. Unless you pay extra, there are two;- one of which is generally closed at lunchtime. Both close at 2:30pm until 4pm!
Brochure's destination claims are like those of some 'low-cost' airlines;- e.g. it lists Monte Carlo as a detination. Infact you go to Villefranche & have to pay for an excursion to Monaco. "Tunis" is infact La Goulette;- where plenty of taxi drivers will tell you there's "nothing" & they'll pester you to go elsewhere with them.
Written on: 03/10/2006
In reply to this review and in defence of Ocean Village, I totally disagree with almost all that this person has to say. My wife and I have cruised many times on all grades of ship, so we have a fair knowledge of cruising.
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<br>Firstly, as regards value for money, OV is hard to beat! The cabins are very spacious, the ensuite facilities are also a good size, and much better than some on American ships, and they are kept very clean, tidy and well maintained, as is the entire ship. As regards yobs, we have experienced this on all grades of cruising, and it is incorrect to comment that this only occurs on lower class ships. We have experienced this quite a few times on 5* ships. As regards entertainment, we have had much worse, again on better grade ships. Last year on the New P&O Arcadia it was dreadful! We only had two main acts the whole time; an awful comedian who should have retired many years ago and an aged former pop group lead singer who was simply appalling. I now move on to food - it could be better, but it certainly does not warrant the low rating given. And again, I have experienced much the same on other ships of a higher grade, but you will never go hungry.
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<br>It is essential to research what this ship has to offer before you go. If you want to dress up in your finery every evening and be waited upon at your table, then this is not for you. Accordingly, if you want gala evenings when you can have a drink and a chat to the captain and take home photos of this to show off to friends or keep as a memento, then again, probably not for you. Complaints about expensive excursions, this is not exclusive to OV, as they are all overpriced on all ships. Also, that OV only uses inferior berths; totally untrue! We have often, on other ships been berthed alongside container ships in ports. It is up to the local mayors office etc to make decisions on where they want cruise ships to berth, and many are in the process of building facilities for this, as they do not want these huge ships blotting the landscape of their lovely resorts. It is also their decision as to whether or not they put on shuttle buses and if they are to be provided free of charge.
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<br>Please give Ocean Village a go. We were a bit apprehensive before our first trip, but our fears were unfounded. Yes some things could be better, but again that is true of most cruises, and remember if the weather is bad do not blame the ship!
Written on: 07/10/2008
Judging by the reviewers comments she is fairly elderley? This ship is aimed at young cruisers and as such the lack of formality, modern shows with edgy music and dancing (in other words not feathers and kicks) and laid back attitude is not something meant for her age group. Trouble is many of the wrong age group are attracted by the price and itinerys.
Written on: 07/10/2006
ken 5110
<br/>In your response to my commenting on your review, I perceive you are somewhat angry, which puzzles me. This Review Centre allows the right of reply. I did so, as you seem to be judging Ocean Village on the one cruise. We have a wider knowledge, both as a couple and from several veteran cruising friends, so I just wanted to strike a balance, as many people may have been put off what could be a super cruise due to your comments. I feel that you took this too personally. Yes, your comments prompted me to reply, but when I did I was talking generally. My comment on the weather was actually one made by a good friend of my wife's who is an executive purser. Her office always gets a lot more complaints when the weather is bad. My comment on the bathrooms was that they were extremely roomy compared to other ships, which I know through friends with children is a great help with bath time; not what you thought I meant. Almost without exception, and my wife has phoned around about this, we have all seen the captain on OV almost on a daily basis. In the public rooms as well as on deck, chatting with passengers, and apparently his English is very good.
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<br>I am pleased that you enjoyed the entertainment on the old Arcadia. She was a fine ship! We had a fantastic cruise on her, but I am entitled to comment that on the New Arcadia, on the particular cruise we went on the acts were not good, and that was not just our opinion. We stuck with it, but many walked out and then didn't turn up for the second shows. The best thing you said in the whole reply was the Elton John thing. My wife howled with laughter. Hate the man and his music. As for serious incidents, the worst trouble we encountered was on Oriana last year, as there were too many teens and not enough staff, but thankfully they got it sorted out by getting more crew flown out.
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<br>I do not know to where or on what ship our next cruise will be. We are looking at the moment, but if it turns out to be Ocean Village then I am sure it will be as good as all the previous ones.
Written on: 06/10/2006
Ken5110,
<br/>Your attack on my review of Ocean Village needs an urgent reply:-
<br/>1) I did not complain about the weather on Ocean Village! You must be mixing my review up with another one, or watching a documentary on Elton John. The weather was perfect on my OV cruise.
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<br/>2) I don't try & get my picture taken with ships captains so I can show it off to people. All I ask for is a captain who is professional & speaks good English;- OV's captain met neither of these basic criteria.
<br/>OV is the only ship of the 14 cruises I've done where I never saw the captain (except in a photograph).
<br/>On other ships you sometimes see the captain walking about & chatting informally to passengers;- For some reason OV's captain didn't do this. I suspect his English wasn't good enough to hold conversations, or he was frightened of disgruntled passengers 'having a go' at him.
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<br/>3) OV was my 14th cruise, but the only ship where the cabins aren't made twice daily. Other ships prepare your cabin in the evening for bedtime. YOU PAY LESS ON OV, BUT YOU GET A LOT LESS ON OV! ...Your comment on en-suite facilities intrigues me as I'm not aware of any cruise ships with shared bathrooms. En-suites are the norm & are not unique to Ocean Village.
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<br/>4) I was on the 'OLD' ARCADIA before Carnival vandalised it to become Ocean Village. I'm surprised at the deterioration in entertainment you found on new Arcadia. 'Old' Arcadia had the best entertainment I've ever experienced on a cruise ship. The comedian regularly reduced me to belly laughs;- something that hadn't happened since I saw certain Python, Milligan, Everett & Goodies sketches for the first time. He was so popular he put on extra shows in response to passenger demand in the afternoons on sea-days, which were standing-room only!
<br/>Berni Flint was the main singer on 'old' Arcadia. This 'one-hit wonder' from 1977 was absolutely superb, he put on a great show & sang a huge variety of songs across all genres very well in 2003.
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<br/>5) I don't demand being waited on, and I realised this would not be included on OV. However, as the staff don't have to wait on passengers, perhaps they could ensure they don't 'run out' of cups & bowls umpteen times a day, every day.
<br/>6) Before Ocean Village I only encountered serious misbehaviour of passengers on one ship;- Italian youngsters on a Costa cruise. The difference is the Italian children behaved when they were with their parents. Some of the parents on OV were as loutish and obnoxious as their offspring.
written by robinson2006 on 08/02/2006
Having just returned from our Ocean Village Caribbean cruise I should warn you that if like us you've paid over £2000 each you will be sorely disappointed.
The food was like a 2/3 star hotel in Spain, slop food - no seafood, steak, chicken just fish in breadcrumbs, beef stroganoff etc, speciality nights offered approx 3 dishes of the theme, eg 3 Chinese dishes incl the rice!.. The Plantation restaurant was like a canteen, complete with brown plastic trays and flies and people walking around at night in their beach wear incl stale sweat, vest top and shorts. I thought it would be casual but didn't count on it being downright scruffy! All the other restaurants closed at 10pm when food was whisked away. Only restaurant open was the Plantation where you could only get takeaway food, hot dogs, burgers, fries, salad etc, no drinks allowed and not the fabulous 24/7 dining experience they promise in their brochure!
Passenger Nightclub: about a dozen English Staff extremely drunk in the nightclub acting completely inappropriately; taking over the dance floor with huge inflatable palm tree being swung around, male staff member laid flat on the floor. What would have happened if there had been an emergency evacuation? Pity the poor passengers that got these drunken staff. Tell me is it a staff nightclub or a passenger nightclub?
Children allowed in nightclub all night; playing musical chairs, kick the chair, hit the friend and generally making a nuisance, having access to alcohol and being able to have free reign of the ship at any time of night incl hanging onto stairwells screaming abuse and swearing at each other and passengers. Extremely dangerous with even staff expressing their concern about the safety of children running riot on the top deck. (new OV policy change we were told) I would not take children on this cruise unless you supervise them at all times. There were children as young as seven running around the top deck having had access to alcohol in the nightclub with no supervision or staff controlling them past midnight. What is a seven year old doing being allowed to have free reign on a cruise ship anyway and what sort of parent allows this? This is an accident waiting to happen.
They should name this cruise- Butlins Cruise because that is exactly what it is and if you have paid a lot of money like we did you will not be impressed at all.
If like us you are used to going to the Caribbean and staying in 5 star hotels, do not go on this cruise!!!!!!
We are not snobs, or anti children - just hard working, working class people who saved all year to go on this cruise and who work too damm hard to waste money on rubbish like this cruise.
This cruise is great if you paid the minimum price, good value, we would have been happy too if we'd paid £1000 each but we paid double that and some...
Our first and last cruise! you know if I'd wanted a two star hotel in Benidorm experience I would have paid two star prices and gotten what I'd paid for. I most certainly did not get what I'd paid for on OV. I'm sorry but anyone who thinks this cruise was great has simply not visited top quality hotels in the Caribbean, where the food and drink is awesome, our North Sea Ferry from Hull to Rotterdam does better food than the food in the Plantations and Waterfront Restaurants. The only decent eatery was the Bistro and after drinks it cost an average of an extra £50 a night. Not good if you've already spent over £4500!
Written on: 09/02/2006
".... male staff member laid flat on the floor".
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<br>Really??....How exotic!!
Written on: 24/05/2006
I have to say that having taken the OV Caribbean 2 week cruise, I cannot relate to any of these comments. The cabins were spacious, with air conditioning that worked very well. The food was excellent and the restaurants did stay open all night. I have no idea why you are slating this so much. We too are working class people who saved up for this cruise and we would definitely take this again. We had no problem whatsoever with children, although if you choose to go during the school holidays, you only have yourself to blame if there are children around. We would definitely recommend this cruise and would have no hesitation in rebooking.
Written on: 05/05/2006
I think this review is rather harsh having been on the ocean village twice. I was on there with my 2 teenage daughters and one daughter's boyfriend from 7 feb 06 for 2 weeks so it was probably my kids drunk in the nightclub! They had a fantastic time and we met some lovely people. The whole thing with ocean village is you don't have to get dressed up and I'm sure this gentleman must have known that when booking. I can't believe he paid that much as I paid £1100 each for 2 outside cabins. We could have gone even cheaper if all four of us had shared a cabin. Ocean village doesn't pretend to be Cunard or the QE2 you get exactly what is says in the brochure. It's informal, relaxing and for the young or young at heart and I love it!! I agree that the restaurants could be more exciting but again, perfect for teenagers who want burgers at midnight. May I suggest this gentleman looks at page 227/8 on teletext before booking his next cruise? He needs to do some research before going again.
written by Major Lee pissed Off on 28/11/2005
Ocean Village has no suitable swimming pool for average swimmers with young children. Both pools are six feet deep all over. Location of accommodation very poor. We were right underneath the "Marquee" for the duration of our holiday. If you want to be woken up every night with "Let Me Entertain You" by Robbie Williams tribute, book yourself into rooms E111 & E117. If you want to be woken up every morning at 6AM by the noise of the anchor dropping, book yourself into rooms E111 & E117. . If you don't mind your toilet erupting into the corridor book rooms E111 & E117. If you don't mind that staff keeping you up til 2AM.....you've guessed it !
If you like being packed like sardines whilst relaxing on deck, this holiday will suit you. The boat even lost power for over an hour one evening, nothing could be more relaxing. If I were you, I wouldn't book any trips unless you have spoken to your credit card company and upped the limit! They are extortionate and not worth the money.
Now I really need a Holiday !!.
written by nevare on 10/08/2005
We have never regretted taking a cruise before this one we took with Ocean Village. Even though we booked with Cruise Control in September 04 for a cruise leaving on 5th July 2005 we were down graded from a cabin with a picture window to one with a porthole, even though we had reserved specific cabins and had the reservation verified by post! We were offered no apology.
We saw cockroaches in the Plantation bar of Ocean Village.
We were continuously bombarded by persistent bar staff, who had make up the 'cocktail of the day' and parade around with it, in hot temperatures approaching and offering it to passengers, who are confused as to whether the drink is free examine it quite closely as they ask if it is free to be told it's for sale most passengers then decline the offer and the drink continues to be passed around till someone accepts it. Very unhygenic and nobody wants a 'hard sell' when they are on holiday - it reminded us of holidays in the Carribbean, Egypt and India when we had been hounded by 'hawkers'.
There are no doubles mattresses on Ocean village, two singles are pushed together to make a double. Our 2 mattresses differed in height by 2" we reported it on the second night and on three subsequent occasions (which is a time consuming process). We were repeatedly told it would be attended to but it was never rectified.
We got tar and soot on our clothes becasue we unsuspectingly sat on the sun loungers, which were filthy - reported it but of course no apology was made, but we would be thanked for bringing it to their attention. There were also cigarette butts on the sun decks.
There were not enough sun loungers, and there are not that many choice areas, therefore you are constantly feeling you have to rush to breakfast, lunch so that you can get to a sun lounger before someone else does, and once there you dare not move or you will lose it! There is a ship policy that you cannot reserve one by placing personal belongings upon it.
There are also not enough chairs in any of the bars, theatre or cafes, this means you have to get there an hour before the performance if you want a good seat and half an hour before if you want a seat at all!
The entertainment is dreadful with the exception of Freedom to Move
Don't drink the cocktails unless you are prepared to stand over the barman, (and as soon as you leave your table - someone will take it and you will have to stand!)Ocean Village's idea of any cocktail is very sweet and weak (they use lots of sugar and grenadine). When we complained to the waitress she told us that everyone was complaining and it was becasue the ships inventory was low and they were trying to conserve supplies!! When we complained we were ignored. Many other passengers complained but it made no difference.
The Action Ashore trips are very expensive and you are hoarded on and off and on and off like sheep. Instead of getting on a stuffy coach to go to Florence which takes 45 mins. Take the train which is 5 mins away, takes 30mins to get there and arrives right in the centre and it will cost you 10% of the amount Ocean Village charges. Don't hire an Ocean Village bike for £30 a day hire one in any of the ports, in Barcelona, for example, it will cost you 15euros.
There were more minor issues that made the holiday unpleasant, but the over-ridingly unpleasant issue is the attitude of the senior management who don't care and think of thier passengers as imbeciles.
We were told shows were being performed on days they were not, as a consequence, we would dine, dress and rush to the Marquis to find out the performance had been yesterday
We asked ocean village for a timetable of the trains, one was duly printed off for us from the ship computer. The times were incorrect and we were lucky we asked for a timetable at the station otherwise we would have missed the ship
Written on: 19/09/2005
What a shame you didn't enjoy your cruise. I have to disagree with what you said about the cleanliness of the ship we found it very clean, certainly didn't see any cockroaches not so much as a spider. Never had hassle about drinks, cocktails not our tipple so no comment there. All the double beds were 2 singles put together ours was still comfortable.
Written on: 15/05/2006
My wife & I cruised the Med in June 2004 and the Caribean in March 2005 on OV and we could not recognise your description at all.
The ship was always spotless, there were plenty of sun beds, we never saw anyone touting cocktails, except for one day when they were running a demo. And the cocktails from Connexions were brilliant and very alcoholic. Yes the bars can get busy in the evening, and the trips can be done cheaper and the entertainment could be better, but overall we have had 2 very enjoyable cruises and are going back to the Med this June (3 weeks to go and we'll be there - Hooray).
Written on: 26/12/2005
We've Sailed on Ocean Village twice and had some fantastic times. We found the ship to be very clean and certainly wouldn't hesitate to recommend it. Book with confidence!
Written on: 08/11/2005
You must have been on a different ship. I don't agree with any of your comments. We found the ship excellent value, clean and well looked after. Do you work for a rival company?
written by gundamrx78 on 26/05/2004
Ocean Village Cruises, Ocean Village - This ship mainly targets young people and family, and is mainly casual, but I don't think this is an excuse to have poor quality. During my 14 night stay, the food was awful and hard to eat. The waiter never gave a smile when greeting guests and of course never tried to help you. The entertainment was also bad, they repeated their main show 'Diva' in the second week when I stayed, and of their resident singers, only one or two know how to sing.
Written on: 04/02/2005
The staff are so friendly and always on hand to help, Some people are never sastisfied, why not book the QE2 next time and maybe you might enjoy the food more saying that even if you did you'd probably have something else to moan about ....have some fun!!!!
Written on: 15/05/2006
We went on the 1st 2 weeks of June and had a really great time. This was our 1st ever cruise and we picked OV because it was casual. Staff were great, everything was great. Maybe your week was the start of the Med season and the ship was not up to speed? If that was the case they certainly had it sorted by the time we went. It was so good, we did the caribean in 2005 and are about to do the Med again June 2006. Roll on 2007 when the 2nd ship is added.
written by Dangeroos Dave on 08/11/2003
The Ocean Village cruise line is P&O's attempt to introduce the younger traveller or family to cruising.
How wrong they got it for the 2003 season!
Having been on numerous American cruises it was obvious a carbon-copy had been taken of Carnival, you know I'd go so far as to say the ship is the same type as Carnival Insipration / Facination and the dancers HAD stolen a routine from Carnival Summer 2001 without doubt. Take that and mix with staff and sorry, but all you get is abrupt "no fun" people running Butlin's-on-Sea with the same quality passengers.
OK now I'm not a snob but at £1200 a ticket for a C class cabin, upgraded to an A class creaky old suite below the outer (noisy) pool deck due reasons to follow, even on a casual relaxed ship you don't expect track suits on the dancefloor. The Battersby's would have been well at home but how did they afford a ticket, because 90% and I mean that many were Benidorm regulars...? Simple, P&O srewed up and dumped their excess tickets to Thomson for £495.00 on a best cabin available basis ... hence our upgrade, but sorry again if you want to travel Airtours and mix with the less heeled then do that.
The ship itinerary is beautiful but wasted upon the clientele, the complained that the ports visited were posh and too expensive, Monte Carlo, Rome, Barcelona, Portofino. I mean one night we snacked at the buffet after a large selection of Tapas and watched a passenger pick all the big prawns from the rice and ask the chef server to bring up the next plate, this was nothing compared to most other scenes we were witness to... Saying that the Bistro Grill (£9.95 per head extra) was nice but empty, you see the louts on board wouldn't pay extra to eat when there was free scram on offer and the Bistro didn't have Egg & Chips ... just that posh muck.
Toilets spewing into corridors because the scum flushed items they shouldn't, staff that knocked your door "knock knock knock knock knock knock" without break until you answer, lousy waiters and I mean awful...
On the way back a distinct divide was apparent, some thought it was luxury and the nicer people (those not wearing new white trainers) will never travel P&O again, on any ship and we spoke to several couples.
Now the age, as Ocean Village is aimed at the younger group and families ... well I was born in 1971 and was the youngest adult on board bar a handful, by a LONG way.
My advice, don't ... go to the USA and travel with a true fun ship.
Written on: 12/02/2004
Oh dear what a bad review - it has certainly made me reconsider booking this cruise - infact I won't be doing so! I had a wonderful cruise on the Royal Caribbean's 'Explorer' (a freeby with my daughter who was writing a review on it for her company)- leaving my husband at home so keen to show him how fab cruises are. Maybe this isn't the one? We don't want 'scummy' people and unfortunately on a cruise you are stuck with them and can't run & hide - or maybe just jump overboard ;-)
Written on: 22/05/2006
Hmmm, a cruise where you have to fly from the UK and it's full of brits. Shocking. How does wearing 'New white trainers' make you 'rough' or 'scum'. New white trainers are bloody expensive!! How dare people wear 3/4 length shorts when on holiday. In summer? What's wrong with these people? Surely they must know that they should be in 3 piece suits and ties.
I have new white trainers. I wear 3/4 length shorts. I wear new white trainers with 3/4 length shorts. If some pompous person called me 'les battersby' or 'scum' or 'rough' just because of it I would deck them (Oh no mustn't use violence, that's so lower class !!!)
I know what i'll do i'll book on a cruise that advertises itself as 'informal' and then complain that I looked like a prat in my tux. And where the hell was the captain when I wanted to eat my dinner?
I am going on an Ocean Village cruise in August. I'll be delighted if there are no snobby, stuck up, "nothing is as good here as it is in the good old U S of A" foreigners on board.
Written on: 06/12/2004
My family and I returned from an Ocean Village holiday in June 2004. We had done a stay and cruise holiday. We had a fantastic time and with a baby of 18 months there was so much for us to do. I am glad people like yourselves have decided not to go on an ocean village cruise again, as I have booked again for next year to do a 14 night cruise and i will not have to be subjected to such snobbery while we try to enjoy our well deserved holiday .
Written on: 20/09/2004
My family and I returned from an Ocean Village cruise at the end of August. We had the most wonderful time and I find it hard to believe all the comments and so called 'experiences' had by some of these reviewers. I would like to say that it is to our and Ocean Village advantage that most of you will not take a cruise with Ocean Village again. I have never heard such bigotry and snobbery. I for one am very pleased that you will be staying away, we can enjoy our holiday next year without fear of being belittled by such people.
Written on: 17/09/2004
I think the idea about the American cruises is a good one, one of the best bits of our holiday was a morning spent going around Barbados with an American family from another ship. We were all focused on one thing, seeing Barbados and just sharing the experience.
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<br>Just prior to our holiday on Ocean village, I met a woman who works in the same company as myself, who said she had been on lots of cruises, and that cruising was a good way to holiday. When I said we were going with Ocean Village, she replied "Oh, well Ocean village is different!" On return she told me that as I had already booked she didn't want to alarm me, but that she and her husband would also not be travelling on that ship again. So, we are not the only ones!
Written on: 15/09/2004
Hooray! I agree with everything you say - we avoid MOST Brits abroad. I think it starts at the airport when you see the velour tracksuits, three quarter shorts and FCUK t-shirts with bawdy slogans and the women are just as bad! No we're not snobs, maybe just a little bit cosmopolitan in our outlook, and a lot of the time feel embarrassed to be associated with the chavs & lager louts swearing and making derogatory comments about the locals. Having said that we have some great holidays over the last few years BUT we have stayed away from resorts where Brits largely hang out!
<br>PS If you want a really fab cruise try Royal Caribbean especially the Explorer - save up and treat yourselves!
Written on: 14/09/2004
Well, so ok and let's be fair about this as after all what we're looking for is a well rounded appraisal of this ship...
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<br>We agree that there is an "element" upon this vessel which some of you didn't experience, possibly you were lucky or those of us whom did experience the "element" were rather unlucky but the fact remains, they were there. Caribbean Queen hit the nail on the head and Julie Goldsmith got it so wrong where in fact dear your Les Battersby comment means the exact opposite of your confused point and like I said in my review that Butlins floats ... well you don't get dressed up there to eat either but you can eat with your mouth closed and your fork in your left paw, again back to Caribbean Queen's point...
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<br>snobbery (n) : the trait of condescending to those of lower social status.
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<br>Part two of the point, perhaps you don't see anything wrong with such attitudes and behaviour and perhaps that's why the English are the most hated group of tourists in the World. (Fact: DofT 1998 Survey) Which is in no small way due to their attitudes, "egg & chips and not eating foreign muck" which relates in Spain to hens with English bums glued on 'em and potatoes flown in from Engerland. <br>
<br>Social Status, there's a contentious one and to clarify the Oxford Graduates I am a snob and damn well proud of it and let me tell you why. As an ex council house dweller of working class origins, the moment I worked hard and reaped the rewards you "non snobs" turned your backs and spoke behind my back (I use the word my for all like us). "Why should he get more money than us, flash car, big house, nice family and holidays four times a year..?" Then you "non snobs" don't speak and draw dirty looks, because you do feel inferior due your own laziness and insecurity... well tough cheese! You are what you feel.
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<br>reverse snobbery (n) : the trait of condescending to those of higher social status.
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<br>It is highly unfortunate that in Victorian days even the poor would be mannerly, regardless of financial status you could mingle and most of the gentry were skint. The problem is the aspiration to be middle class and frankly in your insular little island called England you don't have a clue, the Indian's kicked you out and then invaded you ... "no" you say ... look around you. When it comes to financial wealth you have now invented a whole new class, working middle (eh?) and you won't call yourselves working class any more. Now all you can do to ensure good behaviour is pay for it, which drives a wedge deeper into the divide and creates this illusion of snobbery you assume when all anyone wants is common consideration...
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<br>P&O, sorry Carnival ... errrmmm Ocean Village of the Damned have not changed, they simply re-targeted their marketing to the correct group which is why and only why complaints are on the decrease.
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<br>We (the complainants) booked a cruise that wasn't too cheap whilst onboard a P&O vessel, by the time we were due to depart the whole pricing structure changed and that opened a flood gate of Airtours clients and the like. Why, why should we have to pay so much more for our holidays just to be able to relax and not have to listen to that "element" complaining about the expensive trips and supplement for dining, watch people hassle others to get that big prawn on the fried rice, flush items down the disposal system and make the ship stink because, well just because...?
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<br>I cruise exclusively in the USA now and mix with welders, brickys, cleaners, lawyers, unemployed competition winners ... and you know what I'm not a snob after all ... nope ... I just hate you ill mannered Brits...
Written on: 13/09/2004
No I'm not a snob, I love mixing with all kinds of people, loved the fact that I didn't have to dress up for dinner. We were actually worried before we went by the number of children who might be aboard, infact there were a lot of children, all very well behaved and just getting on with enjoying themselves, which after all is what holidays are all about. However I would still choose not to be knocked about by a bully, as I said these people were in the minority, but unfortunately for us our holiday was spoilt. We were unsure of the security arrangements aboard Ocean village, and there did not seem to be many staff around to police the yobbos. The people in the cabin next to us seemed to have a row every night, and you know how thin the cabin walls aare! Perhaps we were just unlucky, but we would not chance it again. I'm glad that the rest of you have had a different experience.
Written on: 10/09/2004
Having just returned from a two week med cruise with Ocean Village, I have to say that I am shocked that some people can be so snobby about it. Maybe Ocean Village has changed a lot since this review was written, but to say that people are "rough" and "rude" is completely wrong. It is just a shame that people will read this review (as I did before we departed) and think the worst of the ship. However, there are many more reviews of Ocean Village on this site that prove that this one writer has got it all wrong about the cruise. It was excellent!
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<br>p.s. how can people who are on their honeymoon be classed as "les battesby?" its quite offensive!
Written on: 06/09/2004
Having just returned from a cruise on the Ocean Village, we would like to say how rude and very 'Les Battersby' the comments were. Only someone who is such a complete and utter snob would let other clientele affect their holiday. Ocean Village is designed for people who want to relax whilst enjoying their holiday and maybe make some friends instead of looking down their noses at people who don't dress up in cocktail dresses and tuxedos just to eat dinner
Written on: 21/08/2004
I Could not disagree more I had a great time. Ocean village is Brillaint and all staff and passengers were very friendly.
Written on: 18/06/2004
I have personally travelled on this ship and had a brilliant time, which is true of every other person I met. Variety is the spice of life, and having all the same type of people on a cruise ship would make for a very dull holiday. If you didn't book ocean village on account of this review, I'm afraid you have missed out on an incredible holiday.
Written on: 17/06/2004
I think the initial review sounds like an honest, rounded appraisal. 'Snobbery' doesn't enter into it - courtesy and being respectful of other people is just good manners isn't it?
Written on: 17/04/2004
Having literally just returned from cruising on Ocean village in the Carribean, we won't be using this ship again. Our main complaint is the percentage (albeit small) of really rough passengers, on two occasions we had our door pounded at night, there was no one there when we answered. The night before we were due to leave I was nearly knocked off my feet by an angry and aggressive passenger who considered I had pushed in at the meal queue,(being vegetarian we had not stood in the queue for meat, but headed straight for the vegetarian section in Waterfront restaurant) he was also verbally abusive. Although my husband was standing next to me it was me, a female, this bully chose to push and abuse. Technically assault I suppose, but what do you do? Certainly I have no intention of putting up with this behaviour, so will not be booking with Ocean village again.
<br>We had been aware of this rough element throughout our cruise, however never dreamt that this would happen. Who on earth are you targeting as passengers Ocean Village? People like this do not mix with respectable families, working class people who have worked hard to deserve a holiday, or professional people, you will end up with a cruise ship full of ruffians, as respectable people will no doubt book elsewhere.
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Delteach's Response to GaryESmith's Review
Written on: 24/09/2008
What did you expect, all the advertising says informal and the price reflects the no waiter service, they never said you were going to get any did they.