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.