My partner and I have just returned (yesterday) from OV cruise Tapas and Togas, and I feel it will be very suitable for you and your Mum. Although it is advertised as a cruise for the "younger generation" there were many many "more mature" guests on board. Maybe the entertainment on board would not be to her liking (lots of tribute band like Blonde and Rod Stewart) but there are choices on what to do on an evening. Just let me know if you have any further questions and I will be pleased to answer them.

Thanks for replying. She is still debating over cruise or Jersey!!! Shall let you know what she decides on - may have a few more quries!!!! Cheers.

been on this ship twice would recomend the cycle rides, tunis is a good family ride with only slight inclines, take plenty to drink, you get to go to the shops before the coach trips and no hassle. france was also good but quite hilly, very strange roads as trafic gives cyclists right of way.

Can't agree about Tunis being a hellhole, it's no better or worse than any other North African city, depending on your interests the Bardo Museum has marvellous Roman section with entire walls and floors paved with Mosaics from the 2nd century BC to the 7th century AD. I have never been on a cruise so I don't know how much time is spent in each city, but if you can get someone to share with you get a taxi (though they are not normally very expensive) and go to Sidi Bou Said, about 12 miles out of the city. Although somewhat touristy its very attractive with sparkling white buildings with bright blue doors and windows, often described as Tunisia's prettiest village, walk to the top end of the village and drink mint tea on the patio of the cafe and enjoy the views of the sea.

Are any of the excursions okay to take kids on (ages 5 & 2) ?

I have merged all the Ocean Village topics into this one. Please post all questions regarding this ship in this topic.

Thanks.

luci

Can someone give me an idea what tempertures to expect during my Ocean Village cruise Frescos and Frascati in mid October. We have never been Cruising before and have no idea what to pack.

Hi so02see and welcome to HT!

I would expect it to be a lot cooler than high season, but still warmer than at home. October is a difficult month to judge as it can go from one extreme to the other in the Med. I suggest you take layers so that you will be prepared for all eventualities.

luci
PS I shall merge this post into the main Ocean Village one in a couple of days.

hello ,this is my first post and going to be our first cruise
ive been scanning thru old posts about the tapas and togas (ocean village )and am getting information overload .we want to make the best of the cruise ..can some one in leyman terms which places to do diy and which to do by tour
there will be 2 adults and 2 small adults ,12 & 15
ive taken note of paying for water in the fridge ..is there any other bad habits i need to avoid...much thanks ..tony

Hi Tony and welcome to HT!

If you list the ports you will be visiting, perhaps some of our members will be able to help you.

There is a sticky topic at the top of the forum with DIY info on some ports here:

http://www.holidaytruths.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=209

luci

we are told we will be visiting............tunis..short stop
rome
cannes
barcelona
ibiza
palma

thanks tony

Hi Tony

You will find info on doing Rome and Barcelona DIY in the sticky topic I mentioned above. There is an open top bus tour in Barcelona which costs approx €18 and is excellent for the first time visitor.

From recent reports from the MSC Melody, Ibiza is easy to do on your own. You may find further information by clicking on Cruise Reviews at the top of the page and going to the Melody reviews.

luci

thanks for the replies , ive looked at those forums and "is it me"..they are the ones that put me in information overload ..im really after information that will treat me as a complete idiot ....

Can someone tell me, as I have never cruised before, will it feel considerably colder out at sea in October than on land.
I need to think whether to buy summer wear now while it is still in the shops or wait till Autumn ranges come out.
Also do people dress up on Ocean Village or is it realy as casual as it is portrayed?

totally selfish so02see but I am going to book for 24 October 2006 - Silver Wedding trip.

If you find out will you let me know about temps etc and clothing needed ( even if it is from personal experience after this years hol)

Thanks
Gill

TONY

Me and my girlfriend came back from Tapas and Toga's end of may.

Tunisia - they only port there to fill up with fuel. Dont get off the boat SERIOUSLY - we ignored this advice to our peril - upon leaving the port gates approx 12-15 taxi driver's ran over, very intimidating (big blokes in denim jackets - not quaint kaftans) who agree a price for a tour, then they say it's more to visit the places you had previously agreed - they also stear you into their mate's shops. STAY ON BOARD

Rome- Superb place. We did 'Rome on your own' - they tell you about Rome en route and give you a map. Rome is very easy to navigate and the Cistine chapel / Vatican beats the fountain/steps hands-down. Other people found the Rome with lunch a 'rip-off' and wished they did what we did - that way you can chose where and when you eat. Make sure you have an ice cream too.

Cannes: We did movie tour as monte carlo closed for grand prix. Cannes is better to just explore on your own. If you go monte then you must wear smart clothes.

barca - Nou camp and aquarium - then a stroll up the Ramblas !

Ibiza - go on the shuttle bus into town (£5.00 each) and taxi it to the beach (bora bora beach is best). Forget tours here as they aint anything.

Overall - and i'm being honest - i found the image and literature of OV to be of far more calibre than the boat itself. The food in the Plantation and waterfront was a bit 'school dinners' - the luna do great burgers and pizza in the day time.

The Bistro did fab food and we ate every night nearly as it was great.

Overall we found it a bit 'butlins at sea'; The staff took and eternity to serve drinks each night.

If brand-new white trainers, tattoo's and 40 benson is your thing, then you'll love it.

We certainly wont go on it again. They screw you for every dime to boot.

roll on 6th december .2 weeks on ocean village in caribbean.

I'm considering booking onto the Ocean Village next year for our 25th wedding anniversary which is on 5th September next year. Looking at the web site there seems to be a cruise on 29th August for 2 weeks which would be suitable. Our last cruise (Airtours: Sundream 18 months ago) was marred by loads of children running out of control at all hours of the day and night.

Has anyone just got back from an Ocean Village cruise? Was it packed to the rafters with children in very late August/ Early September? And if it was are they kept well occupied onboard?

Any comments would be appreciated.
thanks, Netty

Just got back from a week on the Ocean Village. we went on 6th Sept, not too many kids mainly pre school and primary age, they were not a problem. A friend went two weeks earlier and said loads of kids but this was during the school hols. One of the pools is adult only so the families with the kids tended to sit around the other one and use the plantation restaurant for the burgers and pizzas! There is also a seperate part of the ship called base camp for the kids. Hope this helps.

Lynne