by Belinda Weber
Forget the cruise ship standards of dressing for dinner and playing shuffleboard. Ocean Village is updating the experience with a casual atmosphere onboard and quad-biking and kite-surfing ashore
First there was the scuba diving. Then the snorkeling. Then the quad-biking. While you can have a snoozy cruise to exotic locales with Ocean Village, banish the idea that the main activities are shuffleboard and making laps around the buffet tables. We had a full schedule and got a taster of beautiful destinations.
Rooms
Ocean Village itself is well-equipped, with comfortable cabins are comfortable stocked with teas and coffee, lotions and potions. Our suite with balcony had twin beds that could be converted into a queen-size and our walk-in wardrobe had drawer space to keep the most hardened fashionista content. Our balcony, although narrow, sported two reclining chairs so we could enjoy the sights and sounds of the water as we sailed along.
The ship sailed each evening, which meant we awoke each morning in a new place. We visited the Caribbean islands of Tortola, Antigua, Dominica, Trinidad and Grenada. With just one day at each destination, you don't gain much insight into the places, but it does serve as a teaser, giving you a chance to work out where you want to return. A daily onboard newspaper highlights the 'must see' places and recommends a few lunch spots.
Onshore sport activities
One of the highlights of the cruise was the Action Ashore activities at the ports. These range from jeep safaris and mountain biking to abseiling, kayaking and kite-surfing. If you're feeling particularly flash, you can even take a helicopter ride over a live volcano at Monserrat. At Tortola we escaped the rainy, overcast day by scuba diving on the wreck of the RMS Rhone, a mail ship that sank during a hurricane in 1876. We slipped underwater and swam amid moray eels, vibrant sponges and spiky anemones, not to mention the brightly coloured parrot fish and a huge resident grouper.
In Antigua we tried our hands at kayaking through the peaceful, mangrove-fringed waters, followed by a boat trip to a remote island for a spot of sunbathing and snorkeling on the reef. We rounded off our on-shore adventures with a quad-biking treat on Dominica where we hurtled along a rugged track cutting through the rainforest. You're charged a supplement to go on these well organized trips (generally £24-140), bookable once you're onboard. Be warned though, they are addictive and can considerably bump up the price of your holiday. (All the prices are listed on the Ocean Village website at www.oceanvillageholidays.co.uk.)
Enjoying cruise-ship standards
Of course some things don't change no matter cruise you go on: Tribute acts to stars like Neil Diamond and Robbie Williams provide crowd-pleasing music, stand-up comedians crack jokes and contemporary dance and circus acts perform. We particularly enjoyed the weekly Moon show - an extravaganza of music and dance with acrobats daringly suspended above the swimming pool on the top deck.
They say that the average cruise passenger gains four pounds of weight a week, and it's easy to see how. Two of the restaurants, including the 24-hour buffet, serve meals that are included in the cost of your cruise. There are seven bars to choose from, including The Blue Bar, ideal for a quiet drink, and the Oval, a typical English pub complete with TVs showing the footy. There's even a small casino with a couple of tables if you feel Lady Luck is on your side (experts are on hand during the day to offer tips).
If you fancy pushing the boat out a little, dine at The Bistro for a supplement of £12.95 per head. The ship's formal restaurant is run by TV chef, James Martin. I sampled the Thai crab risotto which was delicious, before tucking into a hearty cassoulet. I rounded my meal off with a wicked chocolate and macademia nut pudding.
The ship bustles by day - as well as sunbeds to lounge on, there's a well equipped gym, deck sports including a football/basketball court, a jogging track, even golf driving nets. If all this seems too energetic, retire to the Karma Spa for some pampering, with wraps, facials and massage. (I recommend the Poultice Therapy -- a full body massage with a muslin wrap containing aromatics.)
Childcare
Fellow cruisers - many of them returning travelers - were full of praise for Ocean Village, enjoying its informal atmosphere and range of activities and entertainments. Although the week we sailed, most passengers were older than the targeted 30-50 age group, the company says the Mediterranean cruises (available from May to October) appeal more to younger travellers and families. An onboard kids' club caters for kids from six months to 17 years and escorted trips ashore keep youngsters aged 9-17 happy while allowing parents some time on their own. Parents can even enjoy the nightlife as there's a night nursery offering supervised care for children aged six months to five years old, with the opportunity of leaving children up to age eight if space permits. The nursery is free between six and midnight and then costs £3 per hour for the first child, and £2 per hour for each sibling until 3am when it closes.
The details
Ocean Village sails in the Caribbean between November and April each year, and is revamping its itineraries for the 2005/2006 to ensure that even return visitors will get the chance to see some new destinations. From May to October, it offers cruises in the Mediterranean.
Prices range from £799 for an inside cabin with shower to £1,170 for a suite with balcony, bath and shower for a one-week winter Caribbean cruise. Mediterranean cruises start at £599 and £896, including the online booking discount. Visit www.oceanvillageholidays.co.uk for more information.