A History Of Ocean Village

Ocean Village is one of the world's youngest cruise lines and was established just six years ago in a bid to shake up the industry and attract new and younger holidaymakers.

The company was launched under the slogan "cruises for people who don't do cruises" and takes a more relaxed approach to sailing than many of its competitors.

Today the Ocean Village operates two vessels and offers cruises to the Caribbean during the winter months and the Mediterranean during the summer, with voyages lasting seven or 14 nights.

Blast from the past

Established in 2003, Ocean Village exploded on to the scene offering unconventional cruises to a new generation of passengers.

Ocean Village was and still is aimed at people who have never considered cruising before and is an ideal option for those taking their first holiday at sea.

Targeted towards passengers aged 30 to 50, Ocean Village does not impose dress codes and invites cruisers to dine when and where they want to.

The 1,578 Ocean Village One was the first ship to enter service for the cruise line and is still going strong today. Among other things, Ocean Village One is home to two swimming pools, a health spa, jogging track, hair and beauty salon, night nursery and internet cafe.

The ship was christened during a glittering ceremony, with TV presenter Ulrika Jonsson officially naming the vessel. Speaking at the launch, Nick Lighton, the cruise line's managing director, said Ocean Village had been launched to "give cruising a shot of adrenaline" and marked the biggest shake-up the industry has witnessed in decades.

Around half of all Ocean Village passengers are 'cruise virgins' and its generally seen as an ideal option for those new cruising, with lively and action-packed itineraries on offer.

In 2005 it was announced that a new ship would be added to the fleet and two years later the Ocean Village Two was launched by British models Jodie and Jemma Kidd, with the vessel completing a number of Mediterranean voyages throughout its inaugural season.

The 2,014-passenger Ocean Village Two has a crew of 677 and spans 11 decks. Onboard there are several dining venues and bars, including the Mediterranean restaurant La Luna and the Bistro, which offers a menu designed by TV chef James Martin.

Ocean Village Two is also home to two swimming pools, four entertainment venues, a Karma spa and a number of shops.

The cruise line continued to evolve and develop its 'fun' cruising style, becoming the first brand to offer Latin dance cruises and inviting Strictly Come Dancing star Camilla Dallerup to offer masterclasses.

Ocean Village continued to go from strength to strength and in 2006 won the Best Cruise Line category at the prestigious Guardian and Observer Travel Awards. In addition, Ocean Village scooped the Best Niche Cruise Line award at the Travel Globe Awards that same year.

Cruising into the future

Sadly last year it was announced by Carnival UK – the cruise line's owners – that the Ocean Village brand is to be phased out over the coming year. Despite the cruise line's unique position, it was decided that the ships are to be re-deployed to Australia to serve the growing cruise market Down Under.

Speaking at the time, David Dingle, chief executive of Carnival UK, said that although it was disappointing to phase out the Ocean Village brand, it had succeeded in changing the face of British cruising and encouraging thousands of first-timers to take to the seas.

However, the cruise line will continue to offer Mediterranean cruises and Caribbean sailings over the next year, providing people with ample opportunity to make a booking and enjoy this charming brand for a final time.

A number of good-value itineraries are still on offer, with Caribbean winter voyages taking in sun-soaked destinations such as Barbados, St Lucia and Guadeloupe.

Which Ocean Village cruise ship is right for you?

• Ocean Village
• Ocean Village Two

1. Where would you like to cruise? Anywhere Caribbean (All) Europe (All)     Mediterranean Middle East (All)     Dubai Transatlantic (All)
2. Which departure port? Any port Barbados, Caribbean Heraklion, Crete Palma, Majorca
3. When? Anytime 2010 (All)     March 2010     April 2010     May 2010     June 2010     July 2010     August 2010     September 2010     October 2010
4. For how long? Any Duration 7 - 9 Nights 10 - 13 Nights 14 - 16 Nights 17 - 40 Nights
5. Which ship do you prefer? I Don't Mind Ocean Village Cruises (All)      Ocean Village
6. Cruise type? Any Fly & Cruise
7.   Reset

Itineraries

Ocean Village Itineraries

• Caribbean

• Europe

• Med

• Middle East

• Dubai

• Transatlantic

Copyright © 2010 Virgin Holidays Cruises. All rights reserved.

Virgin Holidays | Virgin Atlantic | Virgin.com | Fast Track Ski Holidays