This was my first time with Ocean Village, The cruise was booked as a package including flights and transfers.The flights were provided by a first choice plane and meals were included.

We arrived in Palma to have the longest wait I think I have ever had for luggage, sure they were playing a game with us, they would put a couple of cases only at a time.
Staff were waiting to direct us to our coaches on exit from baggage collection. It was was only a short trip to the port.
Check in was arranged by decks seems there were a lot of people on our deck. Gave me time to pick up some ciggies in the duty free shop whilst Chris and Dan stood in the queue.
Check in was quick once we reached the desk, we were going to pay our onboard bill with cash so had gotten a deposit ready, but was surprised when was told that they did not want a deposit and that they trusted me to pay the bill at the end.
The heavens then opened and it took a while for us to make the decision to run for the gangplank.
The usual security on entry to the ship including the x-ray machine for the hand luggage. We were advised that the cabins would not be ready until 3pm so made our way to one of the restaurants.
They had both main restaurants Plantation and Waterfront open at that lunch time. I also located the smoking area which was on one side of deck 7.

It could be identified by the copious empty cups and ashtrays. Had nice deck seating including different size wooden tables.

Review of cabin can be found http://www.cruisingtalk.com/cabin-re...0-outside.html

Dining. Waterfront and Plantation are the two self service restaurants. Plantation opened for all mealtimes whilst Waterfront at times didn't open at lunchtime.
There was a wide range of both hot and cold foods, at times the menu's were the same in both restaurants at others different.They had special themed meals in Plantation Asian/Chinese etc.
As with all buffet meals on occasions the food could have been hotter.Never had a problem finding something to eat. As it's a British orientated ship always had a hot pudding with custard YUM.
Beverages, coffee from the machine was very strong, I'm a caffeine addict but I needed to water it down. Decaffinated sachets were available. Teabags were typhoo and assorted special teas. Cold water available at the station too.
Did try the Lido one night my son booked it for us as he's not keen on having to help himself to food.
There was an initial cost per person £4.75 then when you looked at the menu quite a few items had an extra tariff again. I had the beef sizzler (recommended by the Captain) which had no extra cost.
Was the hottest meal I had all week.Hubby had a small steak with extra charge. Would have been nice if the chips arrived at the same time as the meal, we had nearly finished by the time they arrived.Note that if you ask for just water they bring it in a bottle and it's chargeable.Total bill was £20. The meal as I say was lovely and hot though the service was a little under par.

Entertainment. We tend not to indulge much though did attend when the comedians when on ( enjoyed ). The lounge where they had the
comedians never seemed to be big enough always loads of people standing.Strange on one day they had a comedian and a magician/comedian in the theatre on the same night.
Dan found enough machinery for himself in the gym and he spent a lot of time in the jacuzzi. Both Dan and Chris made use of the sauna.
We had visited many of the ports previously.

Tunis. We did leave the ship, walked passed the camel rides on the pier.Upto the port shops, this was the only time that we noticed anyone taking our temps with one of those heat cameras.Had a look around the shops then returned to the ship.
Naples was our only new port. We took the ships tour to Pompeii well worth the money £40. Sure glad we chose the morning tour as was really hot had to keep looking for shade, the afternoon group must have been wilting. I was the person seen keep jumpingacross the stones of the road crossings.
Livorno we stayed aboard.
Villefranche and Ajaccio we had a wander around the towns. Beware the cactus's in Villefranche got me twice.OUCH

No problems encountered on leaving the ship, though we had booked flights as a package. When we arrived at Palma airport they were
not checking in, by the time that they started it was showing plane boarding , Palma is a big place there we were rushing through,
hubby was not impressed as we were hoping to purchase things at the airport.


Overall. this is a perspective of someone who does do cruising.
I would cruise on OV again but price would have to be right as, I'm used to having my bed turned down at night.
I much prefer waiter service, even water poured into my glass whilst eating at the buffet at dinner as Thomson do.
NB don't think my 22 year son would sail on OV again as likes waiter service.

Will have a look for some piccies to go with the review.