Reggae and Rainforests

Cruise Line:Ocean Village Cruises
Cruise Ship:Ocean Village
Destination:Ocho Rios

No. of Cruises:6 +
Date Sailed:September 2007
Age of Cruiser:36-45

Review by:

kaylesleigh

Overall
Quality of Food
Entertainment
Shore Excursions
Staff
Childrens Facilities
Onboard Activities

A great cruise if you're not picky! Ocean Village does show her age in places (like the soundproofing, try not to get a stateroom under the restaurants or bars unless you like boom box bass in your ears all night and cleaning crews from dawn!) but the prices charged are often cheaper than it would be to stay at home! The food is not great - it's sort of like a works canteen in a posh factory: a step below Marks and Spencers but better than your average school meals, but if you like fresh salads and fruit then OV has lots so you do pretty well out of the deal - we do, and so we had no complaints. Some of the excursions were a bit ... standard issue. I didn't really like being hassled through the mini bus windows by peddlars in Jamaica and afterwards we found out that if you pay to enter a private beach they are not allowed in (you can only turn down having your hair braided so many times when you're trying to get some rays, before it becomes a total pain!) so the few dollars it costs for that private sign are really worth it. Costa Rica was great though, very friendly people and both the Mexico ports were nice too. OV is a great ship if you have kids (we don't) so perhaps we didn't appreciate all the facilities but I gather there are great clubs that allow you to leave your children and go off and enjoy yourself.