Cruises

Wednesday 17 November 2010

The Big Goodbye - Port Kelang

The last port of the cruise had finally been reached as Ocean Village arrived to see the big hitting highlights of Malaysia’s capital Kuala Lumpur where colonial architecture meets funky modern design. Kuala Lumpur’s must sees include the KL Tower the worlds fourth tallest communications building, Independance Square and the soaring Petronas Twin Towers which are joined at the 41st and 42nd floors and dominate Kuala Lumpurs skyline.





Despite a long day touring the city of KL everyone made the effort to head up to Top Deck for the farewell Great British sailaway. With union jacks in hand, loyal passengers sang, danced and waved their flags through party tunes and patriotic farewells. There were tears of sadness from passengers and events team as “Time to Say Goodbye” was the final song of the afternoon and the Ocean Village bunting was taken down and thrown away.


Then it was time for the final night show which was an extravaganza of gargantuan proportion - a variety show containing music, laughter and dance from all the remaining artists onboard from the Freedom 2 Move cast, Resident singers Richard, Simon and Katy plus performances from Jaki Graham, The Chapman Brothers and Tony Lewis as Robbie Williams – all hosted by comedian Kev McCarthy. Emotions ran high as the final notes of “Hey Jude” were played by resident band Jet Set and the confetti cannons soared into the air. There was not a dry eye in the house.

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As some of you may remember, we said goodbye to the Ocean Village Two almost exactly one year ago after completing a similar voyage. In saying goodbye to the Ocean Village however, we don’t just say farewell to a ship but a brand of cruising that has become a much loved holiday over and over for so many.

The cruise for people who don’t do cruises was all over and Ocean Village had performed its final duty...its final cruise....and its final farewell!!

Be more, see more, do more......no more.

Tracy - Entertainment and Retail Director

Friday 12 November 2010

The Big Goodbye - Langkawi

Sitting just off the coast of Malaysia, Langkawi is part of an archipelago of 99 islands and has more than its fair share of natural sights. Some passengers headed inland to explore the jungle covered hills and played spot the wildlife including a trip to Eagle Square to see the 12m high statue of a brown eagle poised for flight, others headed to the peak of Machincang Mountain by cable car to soak up the panoramic views whilst those seeking the sunshine stretched out on the pure white shores of this tropical island.



The sun was back out in force and as Ocean Village sailed away from the colourful island of Langkawi onto its final port of call, a beautiful rainbow appeared over the horizon as if saying goodbye and good luck to its future voyages.

The last OV radio show from the events team was aired from the Village Sq with passengers making their final dedications and requests and as the show came off air in recognition of the 11th November a short remembrance service for those who lost their lives during conflict was conducted by passenger Lord Steven Gardner at 7pm ships time which was 11am UK time.

The penultimate night of entertainment in the Marquee was welcoming a great friend of the Ocean Village brand back to the stage for one final time. Tony Lewis and his Tribute to the bad boy of pop Robbie Williams was on top form as he belted classic Robbie hits such as Let Me Entertain You, Rock DJ and Angels to a packed theatre of Robbie fans. Tony found the whole experience very emotional as he had also performed on the first ever Ocean Village cruise and has been a firm favourite during the last seven years.


One of Ocean Village’s unique entertainment features is the delivery of daring circus performances and tonight was the grand finale. Members of the Freedom 2 Move aerialists performed their most impressive collection of amazing circus vignettes including trapeze, tissue and bamboo routines and passengers watched in amazement as they flew through decks 5, 6 & 7 of the Village Square in an aerial spectacular display.


As the evening for passengers continued in Bayside for a 60’s music extravaganza the Marquee opened its doors once again but this time for something very special...a crew only farewell show.

Members of the ships company gathered together resplendent in their ‘Big Goodbye’ Final Farewell T.Shirts for an evening to remember including thank you speeches to the crew and the shore side support teams from Captain Charlie Carr, Hotel Director Michael Lobban, Product Director Jenny Fortune and Ocean Village’s Managing Director Nick Lighton.
The evening continued with sentimental and emotional good luck messages from members of the shoreside teams and members of the Ocean Village ships company past and present within a specially produced souvenir DVD.

Then the party got into full swing as crew members were treated to performances from the Chapman Brothers, Jaki Graham and Tony Lewis as Robbie Williams. The overriding feeling of the night was one of being proud to have been a part of the Ocean Village brand and extreme sadness that it was all coming to an end. One thing was for sure, the Ocean Village crew were determined to see the ship out with a bang and not a whimper.
Tracy - Entertainment and Retail Director

The Big Goodbye - Cochin

Ocean Village arrived in Cochin which is believed to be the oldest European settlement in India, to slightly overcast skies, but the weather didn’t dampen the spirits of the passengers who were all looking forward to a taste of India.


The ship sailed in past the giant fishing nets on bamboo poles in Cochin harbour which was around 7km from the city centre and passengers disembarked to explore the old colonial tree lined streets of Fort Cochin, or took a boat ride past the maze of sleepy backwater canals at Alleppey past lush vegetation and local life, some visited Mattancherry Palace which is now a museum displaying Indian mythological murals, portraits of the Rajas and royal costumes and some headed off to the local beaches.


Some of the Ocean Village Indian crew were able to meet up with friends and families at the port in the local Seaman’s mission - some of whom hadn’t seen their families for up to nine months so it was a wonderful opportunity to catch up.
A traditional Bollywood style sailaway was in store as Ocean Village let go the lines to make the 3 day journey to our next port of call in Langkawi, Malaysia.
Jaki Graham was in the Marquee for an unforgettable night of fabulous soul hits with classic songs such as Set Me Free, Step Right Up and Breaking Away to name just a few. Everyone was up on their feet dancing in the aisles leaving no doubt in peoples minds as to why she topped the UK charts so often in the 80’s and 90’s.It was Platform and Flares night in Connexions as the Events team went back in time with their 1970’s evening of music, quizzes and prizes plus more amazing antics and acrobatics from the Freedom 2 Move aerialists in the Village Square.


Thursday 11 November 2010

The Big Goodbye - Dubai

After a slight change to the itinerary Ocean Village arrived in Fujairah which would be the gateway port to Dubai and all the sights, sounds and colours that this vibrant city has to offer.

Coach loads of passengers were up bright and early for the journey through the rugged landscape to the delights of designer Dubai which is the home to the tallest building in the World, and some of the largest shopping malls and glittering gold souks for all the shopaholics who wanted some retail therapy.

Those that discovered Dubai were treated to some famous landmarks such as the iconic sail shaped Burj Al Arab hotel, the Palm Jumeirah the self proclaimed Eighth Wonder of the World, the Atlantis hotel and of course you can’t fail to notice the tallest structure in the world the Burg Dubai which towers 2,000 over the skyline.


Those that wanted a more action packed day delved into Dubai’s Deserts on a four wheel drive jeep safari or a four legged camel safari!
Following their Arabian adventures passengers returned back as the sun went down and formed a beautiful sunset over the Planet structure which was fitting tribute as during our overnight call, the singers, dancers and aerialists of Freedom 2 Move would perform the aerial spectacular Planet show for the very last time.Passengers watched in amazement as countdown commenced in preparation for the final blast off for the inter planetary journey through the solar system as the aerial performers produced death defying stunts on the cloud swing, trapeze, hoop, silks and rope with fire juggling & hand balance routines to Holsts Planet Suite 40 feet above the deck. The aerial spectacular show has been the signature of Ocean Village since its inception and tonight it made its finale performance.



The Big Goodbye - Muscat

Land Ahoy!! After 5 fantastic fun filled days with perfect weather and sea conditions Ocean Village arrived in the city of Muscat in Oman.

Those passengers who explored the city and took an Action Ashore tour visited the part medieval and part modern Capital of Oman taking in sights such as the Grand Mosque which covers over 1 million square feet, the Bait Al Zubair Museum and the Al Alam Palace.

Those brave enough to haggle roamed the narrow alleyways of the Muttrah Souk to check out the stalls selling everything from bronze coffee ports to exotic spices and those in search of adventure took in the sights of dolphin watching or a desert jeep adventure through the rugged terrain of the Hajar mountains.
The ship berthed overnight but those not planning an evening ashore were treated to a Halloween evening to remember! Manuel Martinez the comedy magician added a touch of mystery and mayhem to the Marquee with his madcap manic performance full of tricks and comedic fun. Cuba’s most entertaining export was a big hit, as ever, but eventually he performed his final trick for the final time.
The events team produced a ghoulish and gastly Halloween gameshow with prizes and competitions to be won in Connexions and the night continued until the witching hour at the Spooky Party in Bayside to the sounds of the Monster Mash & the Time Warp!

The Big Goodbye - Safaga

Another early start for over 1000 passengers choosing to walk like an Egyptian and follow in the footsteps of the Ancient Egyptians to see the breathtaking monuments of Karnak and Luxor.
Passengers made their way from the gateway port of Safaga to explore some of the largest ancient religious sites in the world including the Temple of Karnak, the Valley of the Kings and the Luxor Temple.


The weather conditions were idyllic with sunshine skies and although another long and tiring day passengers enjoyed the halls, tombs, statues, pillars and hieroglyphics. Others enjoyed an unforgettable desert experience at a traditional Bedouin camp as part of a Desert Jeep safari tour!
On their return, the Freedom 2 Move performers performed their raunchy , sexy show Fever for the final ever time – the Marquee lounge was treated to performances from our singers, dancers and aerialists and was the first in the collection of shows from Freedom 2 Move during the crossing.

Tracy - Entertainment and Retail Director

The Big Goodbye - Port Said

The morning started bright and early at 7am as the first passengers wiped the sleep out of their eyes to meet for their exciting day on tour in Cairo – the sphinx, pyramids and museum were just some of the fascinating highlights in store during their long and dusty day.

Two convoys – a total of 16 coaches left under police escort to make their way on the 3 hour journey to see the wonders of the world. The weather conditions were perfect with bright blue skies and plenty of sunshine which made for perfect conditions in order to see the tourist attractions that Cairo has to offer.

Fortunately husbands managed to keep hold of their wives however, that didn’t stop the locals bartering them for camels.

After a long day the hotel team were ready to welcome them back to the port and there was just time for some last minute souvenir shopping from the local vendors before getting back onboard.



All the passengers commented that it had been a very long and tiring day but that it had been worth every minute and every penny.


Tracy - Entertainment and Retail Director

Monday 8 November 2010

The Big Goodbye - At Sea

The sun was out the sky was blue and Ocean Village had started her final voyage.

Great weather was the perfect start to the first of our fun packed and fun filled sea days – the decks were busy with passengers relaxing in the sunshine and the ship was a hive of activity as people found their way around again, organised their Action Ashore tours in the fabulous ports of call and ensured that they got their all important table booked in James Martin’s Bistro restaurant for the final time, especially as James is due to visit during this farewell cruise.

The programme was packed full of activities including seminars and sporting activities, art classes and acupuncture demos, cooking demonstrations and quizzes, dance lessons and darts.

Passengers were thrilled at the opportunity to play darts with former professional darts champion – Keith Dellar. The Oval pub was packed with keen players and onlookers as they tried to get the highest score with 3 darts and beat the champ.
After a day of sunshine, relaxation and activity there was another fantastic evening of entertainment ahead with the first of our tribute shows. The Marquee lounge became a rock concert style venue as we welcomed Steve Larkins performing his Tribute to Freddie Mercury of Queen – Mercury Rising.


The finale of the show was complete with passengers waving their Union Jack flags to the sounds of the classic song “We are the Champions”.


As the passengers left the lounge with flags in hand one lady turned to me and asked “Is it going to be like this every night...? it was so emotional! The first two nights have made my cry – its just so sad that Ocean Village is going...it’s my fourth time onboard and this is my friends first time and she’s loving it already”

Over in Connexions it was comedy night and Dave Buck who had everyone in fits of laughter with his clever use of comedic talents with two hilarious shows.

We all had the luxury of an extra hour’s sleep as the clocks went back an hour in preparation for Port Said – the gateway port for Cairo and another momentous day in Ocean Village’s journey.


Tracy - Entertainment and Retail Director

The Big Goodbye - Heraklion

What a rollercoaster of emotions for Ocean Village, the Final Farewell cruise had arrived at last and with it came feelings of excitement, disappointment, sadness and pride as the ship arrived in Heraklion for its final turnaround. “See more, do more, be more” was soon to be ‘no more’.

Excitement on the faces of the loyal OV devoted passengers who were about to embark on their trip of lifetime but disappointment from passengers and crew that it would be the final ever cruise. There was sadness onboard at having to say goodbye to the youth and biking team and the Heraklion ground crew but it was filled with pride at what we have achieved over the last few years of Ocean Village.

At 7pm the entertainment commenced on Top Deck for what promised to be a Farewell Extravaganza with performances from the local Greek musicians and dancers, the resident singers, the Freedom 2 Move aerialists with their fire juggling and the International classical singing sensations the All Angels who had been flown especially for this one off performance!
They certainly didn’t disappoint and truly had voices of angels dedicating their performance of “I’ll Fly Away” to the passengers and crew of Ocean Village on this Farewell Voyage.



There wasn't a dry eye on the deck!

After several enthusiastic bursts on the ships whistle Captain Charlie Carr threw the lines and Ocean Village departed on the start of her final voyage to Singapore!

Tracy - Entertainment and Retail Director

Friday 9 July 2010

Ocean Village Crowned No.1 Cruise Line by Top Cruise Website!

I'm really chuffed by some great news that's just reached me - Ocean Village has hit the number one spot as Best Cruise Line line in rankings just announced by the independent website www.cruise.co.uk.

While it's great to have won the top spot overall, what's even nicer is that Ocean Village came top for having the best staff on board of all the cruise lines - that makes all of us feel really proud, and we'll be wanting to keep things that way through to our farewell sailing in the Autumn.

See the article by clicking here

Michael Lobban

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