Island Cruises have the same relaxed feeling and 24 hour dining as the OV.

You will probably find that the new Island Star is more like Ocean Village.

We have sailed on Island Escape and Ocean Village, and I personally prefer the Island Escape, simply beacause of the friendliness of the staff and the captains

Hope this helps.

Marn..

Although I have no experience of it, I believe NCL also has open informal dining. They brand it "Freestyle Cruising". Check the Norwegian Jewel threads and reviews for more info.

Definatly a Thomson cruise for all informalities!

I have to agree with sunseeker on this one! Defo a Thomson cruise!! xx

thanks for the replies ,any particular ship with thomsons or are they all roughly what i'm looking for. thanks.

ooh...I know that on the Destiny you can be very laid back or very smart and formal, some nights if you don't feel like getting all dressed up and fancy dining you can go into the Lido which is quite laid back! Not sure about any of the other Thomson ships but I am sure they are all pretty similar xxx

Celebration seems similar which have been on. Smart/casual for the evenings- eat at any time-captains night is smart, but if you do not wish to go, you eat in the self service restaurant.
Very casual and very relaxing

I would definitely suggest NCL and Freestyle - eat where you want, when you want - in a choice of up to 12 restaurants [on the NCL Jewel]. Optional formal nights if you want to get dressed up. Great range of itineraries, spotless ships, friendly staff, and I would say that they are more 'up market' than the OV and Thompson ships that have been suggested on this post.