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 - 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

Ship of the First Quarter 2010 and Gold for Ocean Village

Triumph again for Ocean Village as she swept a Gold award off the table in the rewards for ship of the first quarter of 2010.

The competition was hard as the choice was made between all of the ships within the P&O fleet and the competition is set to hot up and get even harder as Cunard enter the frame as of the second quarter 2010.

We were awarded the Gold award and received £500 to spend on the ship’s company. One of our criteria, amongst a host of others, was that we had continued to deliver an outstanding performance based on the results as seen from the Customer Service Questionnaires and achieved the highest and most consistent scores for the period.

A heartfelt thank-you goes out to any past, present and repeat passengers who contributed to this result! Keep giving us a “Great”!

In order that all crew could benefit, it was again decided to hold another lunchtime crew barbecue on our day at sea on Friday the 4th of June as we sailed up to the start of our passage through the Dardanelles on our way to Istanbul. It’s always a difficult decision what to do with gifted funds but I think all enjoyed the few beers, wine or soft drinks and the respite from busy work schedules in the company of fellow colleagues.

Once again the celebrity chefs from “Chefs ‘r’ Us” were out in force to ensure quality standards were kept up ……..

Michael Lobban, Hotel Director

The London Marathon, Deon Du Preez and the British Sailors’ Society!

When Deon Du Preez left Ocean Village on the 18th of March for a well deserved vacation after a full contract as Finance Officer he should have been resting but this wasn’t to be! It was full on training up to readiness for the London Marathon on the 25th of April.

His fitness training regime started back on board Ocean Village in November of 2009 and, by the time March came around he’d completed over 300 miles albeit on the ship’s treadmills. Just before Deon was due to leave in March he developed an injury known as “runners’ knee” caused by over training and this injury left him little time to do any of his planned road training. He tried running again three weeks before the race and only managed five kilometers before his knee went again, therefore he subsequently went into the race not knowing if he would even be able to finish!

Sunday the 25th of April came and it was a very apprehensive Deon who made his way out of his hotel in London, where he had to leave his girlfriend Kerry behind on her birthday, and on to his assigned starting point, red, section 9, right at the back. There are three starting points around London, red is the main body of runners, blue is for the elite and green is categorised for wheelchairs and ‘fast for the age’. Between the three categories the total number of runners for the London Marathon 2010 was approximately 56,000!

The starting gun sounded at 09.30 and the runners were off. Fortunately however, although the starting gun sounds, the individual runners’ times does not start to be recorded until the individual crosses the actual starting line. This is just as well because with 56,000 runners all starting on a line, the line and indeed the streets of London would have to be about sixty kilometers wide!

So, the gun had been sounded and the first contestants started over the starting line. It was no reflection on Deon’s prowess as a runner but he eventually crossed the starting line at 10.15 (45 minutes after the start of the race!) and this is testimony to the bottleneck effect of moving such an enormous amount of people at one time.

The race was on and Deon was off and running, trying to do his best for his chosen charity, The British Sailors’ Society, for whom he successfully raised £1,400 through his efforts.
Winding his way through runners dressed as Camels, Beer Bottles, Storm Troopers and Firemen, Deon crossed the finishing line just in front of a Fullers Beer Bottle!

How did he do? Congratulations Deon, an extremely respectable time of four hours, fifteen minutes and fourteen seconds! Out of the 56,000 runners he finished as the 14,822nd and his half way time was a very good time of one hour, fifty-nine minutes and forty-four seconds! Well done from all of us at Ocean Village and, by the way, “welcome back on board”. Yes, Deon is back on board as Financial Controller.

So how was it Deon? “I was very apprehensive to start due to my knee but I had tears in my eyes as I ran up the last stretch to the finish line, very emotional, I couldn’t believe I had finished and in a reasonable time!”

Michael Lobban, Hotel Director

Jumping for Joy at the Pyramids

Port Said (gateway to Cairo) - Saturday the 22nd of May saw the same tired group of blue-shirted travelers clutching their pillows and heading off in their mini bus for Cairo. The travelers were our beloved photography team and the early morning start turned out to be well worth it. Passengers were well informed as to who to look out for at the pyramids and were delighted that the photographers were able to capture their cultural experience. The Ocean Village Photography Team were literally jumping for joy and the day was acclaimed as being a great success for all!

Michael Lobban, Hotel Director

Bikes 'r' Us!

Things are hotting up in the saddle and, as the warmer temperatures in the Med slowly emerge so are the budding off-roaders who enjoy a trip out with our Biker Boys on Ocean Village. Here on Ocean Village we have 42 bikes and they are run under the capable management of Andy Burford the Bike Manager and Trevor Adeline our Bike Guide.
The bike rides are graded according to difficulty so that passengers can feel as energetic as they wish. Whether you’re riding through picturesque olive and orange groves or passing tall Cypress trees and fragrant eucalyptus woods you can soak in the countryside and savour nature at its best. If medieval city walls and famous Roman sites are your cup of tea, then an Ocean Village biking trip will tick the box – one of the rides even visit a local winery!

Most of our biking tours offer the prospect of a cooling swim during the ride and as you can see from the below photo taken in Katakolon on the 19th May, the sea and sandy beaches look very welcoming indeed.

Michael Lobban,
Hotel Director, Ocean Village

Saturday Kitchen on a Tuesday and Wednesday!

Two busy days in the Bistro with celebrity chef James Martin!

It’s always a highlight when James comes to visit us on Ocean Village and the 18th and 19th of May were no exception. Immediately after boarding James headed straight to the galley to meet up with Jnr. Sous Chef Yuri Gracias. Yuri has worked with James for many years now and has been guest at his home near Winchester, with the added privilege of being allowed to play around in the Ferrari and other cars from James’ pristine collection.

However, when the two are on board together it’s heads down to get on with work. Of course when Celebrity Chef James is on board, the passengers all want to dine in The Bistro, forcing the numbers to record highs! Both of them were highly focused in their work and the plates that exited the galley looked sumptuous and each one a culinary masterpiece.
It wasn’t all cooking though and for over an hour, just before heading off to the galley on the 19th, James sat in the Village Square and signed, and signed, and signed. Ever smiling at the cameras and his fans he signed books, wooden boxed wines bearing his name and plates with the Bistro logo.

Michael Lobban,

Hotel Director, Ocean Village

Two Martins and a Rachael!

For five days, Ocean Village became the glamorous set for director Martin and cameraman Martin from the film and video production company Tigervision, as well as Ocean Village’s shoreside Brand Manager Rachael Hallett. They joined us on board to produce a farewell DVD, which is to be given to all of our crew as a great reminder of what makes Ocean Village such a unique brand. For once, it was not so much about our passengers as it was about us – “smile for the camera” requests were not needed as this attribute is what we do best on Ocean Village.
What a great team to have on board! It was fun to have the film crew with us and we now look forward to viewing the results of their efforts and their endless patience when putting up with us budding movie celebrities!

Thank you!

Michael Lobban,
Hotel Director, Ocean Village.

Olympia? Wine Tasting? Or a stroll ashore for lunch!

Here we are alongside in Katakolon with the prospects of a lovely sunny day in this small, idyllic Greek port. The day has started well - there’s not a breath of wind in the air and the thought of a nice Greek salad lunch is on the cards!

For our passengers this should be a highlight as the port is a hop, skip and jump to Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games believed to have originated back in 776BC. Here you can don your trainers and sprint along the original track in the stadium where the marble starting blocks are still in place - so hopefully the passengers will be able to take some more fond memories – and holiday snaps - back home when they return to the UK.

The less energetic (or those who’ve seen Olympia before) have the option of a casual stroll through the vines and pine woods overlooking the sparkling Ionian Sea at the nearby Mercouri vineyard. What a way to spend a leisurely morning with the added bonus of being able to sample their wines accompanied with some local cheeses and hams.

For me however, with most passengers ashore, I’m taking the opportunity to enjoy a short stroll and a light Greek salad, tzatziki, large fresh grilled prawns, golden fried calamari, chicken souvlakia and a saganaki before returning on board to continue with my duties.

This was the view from our table in the restaurant (photo courtesy of Jeff Talbot Chief Engineer with technical assistance given by Gordon Morgan SETO).

Michael Lobban
Hotel Director – Ocean Village

A busy day on the water as we sailed into the architectural jewellery box that is Venice!

Sailing in - or out - of Venice is always a highlight of any cruise and Sunday the 16th of May was no exception for our eagerly awaiting passengers on board Ocean Village.

It was a busy day as we shared neighbouring berths with some of Carnival’s bigger cruise ships, which made it like a big family reunion. Carnival’s other ships were: The Ruby Princess (Princess Cruises), the Westerdam (Holland America) and the Costa Serena (Costa Crociere. Also alongside were the MSC Musica and the Windstar.

It was a tight fit passing bridge on bridge with the Ruby Princess as we reversed out of the berth! In the background, although not really clear in the photograph were the snow capped peaks of the Alps – no wonder some passengers were wrapped in fleeces!

This picture shows Costa’s Serena as she made her passage out to sea and dwarfed the buildings to her port and starboard sides.

The below picture shows Piazzetta San Marco, which as always was a hub of activity with the Basilica of San Marco and the Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale), a splendid example of Venetian Gothic architecture. The Doge's Palace was the seat of government of the former Venetian Republic and the principal facades of the palace overlook the Piazetta. The Bridge of Sighs (just out of shot) is adjacent to the Doge’s Palace, where legend says that from this bridge one could hear the sighs of the condemned as they were being led to prison.

The atmosphere as we sailed out past these magnificent sights was enhanced by some fantastic music ranging from classical through Andrea Bocelli and on to Sarah Brightman as passengers sipped away at glasses of Moёt et Chandon Champagne on board that were on offer during our special sail-away promotion!

Michael Lobban
Hotel Director – Ocean Village

Planet takes off again as we blast into orbit for another space adventure!

Departing Corfu on 4th of May, ‘Cyber Space Shuttle’ Ocean Village was buzzing in anticipation of our first Planet show since the Caribbean!


The ship’s navigator had set the course and it looked set for a perfect lift-off for our spectacular deck show. Countdown started under perfect conditions and aerialists, dancers, singers, acrobats and a group of space travellers from the talented ‘Freedom 2 Move’ dance troupe, took off at precisely 21.30, leaving Earth behind to explore the mysteries of Mars, Venus, Mercury, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune!

Delighted passengers witnessed an electrifying mix of international circus acts, stilt-walkers and acrobats from decks 12 and 14 in a musical, aerial and visual extravaganza.

This hi-octane performance was the first of the Med 2010 season – and the crowd went wild!


Michael Lobban
Hotel Director – Ocean Village

“Hip, hip, hooray” – Ocean Village celebrates its 7th birthday

On 28th of April 2003, Ocean Village was named by Ulrika Jonsson in Southampton and 7 years on in Piraeus, the gateway to Athens, we gave 3 cheers for Ocean Village’s 7th birthday.
Our passengers toasted the UK’s best-loved informal cruise brand throughout the day and continued partying into the evening as our “Big Night Out” party was combined with true Ocean Village-style birthday celebrations.

While the guests were celebrating on deck, behind the scenes we were busy organising a birthday barbecue for our crew. We chose the day at sea on the 30th April, after departing Heraklion, for the celebrations.

The birthday barbecue was a real success with a great turnout. Guest chefs for the occasion, keeping the grills topped up, were Food and Beverage Director Michael Shambley and yours truly!

A great event and enjoyed by all.

Michael Lobban
Hotel Director – Ocean Village

The historical highlight and must-snap Acropolis of Athens

As we set sail from Piraeus to Crete on the evening of Wednesday 28th April , a beautiful Nikon D60 camera equipped with a pretty high powered 18-250 Nikon lens was sitting on ‘The Bridge’ , where a shot too good to miss was there be taken!

The camera belonged to Gary Lugg our 1st Officer (Navigator) and the budding David Bailey was our Deputy Captain Darius Balana.

For those passengers that didn’t make it ashore to visit the Parthenon in Athens, this holiday-album shot really does put the size of the Parthenon into perspective – up close it looks like a giant guarding the ancient capital below however, as seen from the photograph, the surrounding landscape makes it miniscule.

Don’t forget to check back later in the week where I’ll be blogging about Ocean Village’s recent birthday celebrations.

Michael Lobban,
Hotel Director – Ocean Village

Ocean Village Photogs go 'snap-happy' at Giza!

Here at Ocean Village we like to combine business with pleasure where we can and a day at the world-famous Pyramids was the perfect opportunity for our on-board photography team.

At 07.00 the photographers made for a strange sight as they boarded their bus in Port Said armed with cushions and pillows – essential items for a day of snapping passengers, landmarks and ships of the desert!

The team split up at the Pyramids to ensure they got the best shots of our passengers but they did get a short break (pictured below) to appear on the other side of a lens!

Michael Lobban
Hotel Director - Ocean Village

Arriving into Port Said, gateway to the ancient ruins and priceless treasures of Cairo

In the early hours of Saturday 24th April we made our way alongside in Port Said (pictured). At around 08.30 our eager Action Ashore passengers left in an impressive convoy of coaches for Cairo. Some stepped back in time as they peered at Tutankhamun’s treasures and relics from ancient Egypt in the National Archaeological Museum while others opted to take in famous landmarks on a cruise along the River Nile.No visit to Cairo would be complete without a stop in Giza, home of the pointy Pyramids - the only surviving ‘Wonder of the Ancient World’ - and the diminutive Sphinx, and our passengers took the opportunity to get those all-important holiday snaps.

It was more present day than ancient world for me though. Along with a handful of passengers who seemed to enjoy having the ship more or less to themselves, I stayed on board and caught up with the paperwork.

Until next time,

Michael Lobban
Hotel Director - Ocean Village

Gold Radio took to the High Seas as Ocean Village became “The Boat That Rocked!”

The 15th of April was turnaround day for Ocean Village in Heraklion, Crete which was filled with uncertainty of the impact that the volcano erupting in Iceland would have in store for us. Scheduled to join us for the cruise was popular Gold radio DJ Dean Martin and a group of his faithful listeners. It was great to have Dean, his wife Michelle and their son Luke with us on board once again.

Our very first two flights from Gatwick, which included 112 dedicated Gold Radio fans, arrived to the ship safely. However, it soon became apparent that the volcanic ash would mean that our flights from Glasgow, Birmingham and Manchester would not be permitted to take off from the UK. We waited to see if the situation improved and eventually left Heraklion 24 hours later.

Undeterred that Ocean Village was short of capacity by around 700 passengers and faced with a situation where our guest entertainers couldn’t be flown in or out to the ship, every evening between 7.00-8.30pm the Bayside became the party venue, where DJ Dean Martin could be seen – and heard – spinning some of his favourite tracks. A packed-out Bayside saw Gold fans dance the evening away while competing to be the ‘last man – or woman – standing’ for a piece of Gold radio memorabilia.
Dean contributed to the overall success of a fantastic cruise and even hosted an amazing 60s and 70s disco night onboard. He also took to the mic on our own radio station ‘Ocean Village Radio’, where he proved his weight in ‘Gold’.

An amazingly charismatic character Dean can be heard on Gold Radio in 4 different ways. For more information check out the website or go to the Listen Live facility on http://www.mygoldmusic.com/.

And if you’re interested in travelling with a DJ, Tony Blackburn is on board Ocean Village on June 3rd for pop quizzes and party nights on our ‘Myths and Mosaics’ itinerary.

Michael Lobban,
Hotel Director - Ocean Village

Ocean Village Fete

Hi,

Michael Lobban here with the final blog from our recent sailing from Barbados-Crete.

Our traditional Village Fete, despite the very blustery conditions and chilly weather on the Atlantic crossing, attracted stalls from every ship’s department with obscure stall names such as “Bat the Rat”, “Hmmmm….. Ahhhh”, “Snake in a Bottle”, “Got Ya!!!”, “Hoop-La”, “Sponge the Officer”, “Medieval Fruit Machine”, “Hook a Duck”, “Horse Racing”, “Thailand Special”, “Wax On, Strip Off”, “Tin Can Alley” and “Techies Challenge”. By visiting each stall in turn, passengers could have their score card marked and collect points for top-notch prizes at the end of the event.

Michael Lobban,

Hotel Director - Ocean Village

Ocean Village's Got Talent

The Ocean Village crew was in the spotlight during our crossing from Barbados to Heraklion - performing in a talent show worthy of Simon Cowell.
Twenty-two members of the ship’s company gave up their time to rehearse, rehearse and rehearse - and we discovered some really professional acts. There was everything from dance routines to classical guitar performances, from vocalists and tribute acts, with each of the acts going all out to impress the audience. Su-Bo watch out!

Check back soon for details of our Village Fete.

Michael Lobban,
Hotel Director - Ocean Village

Making a show of it!

Hi,

The Ocean Village crew pulled out all the stops on the crossing from Barbados to Heraklion.

There was a broad spectrum of entertainment on offer with great involvement from our crew, ranging from Asian Masterclass cooking classes in the Marquee to a seafood lunch sampler buffet in the Village Square, an intriguing demonstration of fruit and vegetable carving (can you see what it is yet?!) and a homage to the noble art of towel folding in the Village Square.

There was also ice carving, a navigational talk from the bridge officers, a Chocoholics’ Buffet with chocolate fountain in the Village Square, and the crowning glory, our very own Ocean Village crew talent show!

Make sure you check back soon for the blog on the Ocean Village Fete and the Ocean Village Crew Talent Show!

Michael Lobban,

Hotel Director - Ocean Village