Welcome to the world of the casual cruise line. Ocean Village promotes itself as the “cruise for people who don’t do cruises”, where there is no formality, no stuffiness and no set dining times. The bywords of an Ocean Village cruise are freedom and flexibility and this laidback ambience can be felt throughout its ships. The line has two vessels – Ocean Village and the newer Ocean Village Two, which was launched in April 2007. They are said to the biggest and best equipped cruise ships in their class with up to 50 per cent more space for passengers. The emphasis is on fun and relaxation and there are numerous facilities to ensure that Ocean Village cruise holidays live up to this promise.

With their low-key and casual atmospheres, Ocean Village holidays are perfect for families, first-timers and basically anyone averse to cruising formalities. Both ships have a lively buzz and are packed with restaurants, shops, cafes and bars. Evenings on Ocean Village cruises are full of diversions, from stand-up comic acts and tribute acts to street theatre and its ground-breaking laser Moon Show where acrobats perform a stunning range of moves 27ft above the deck. There’s also a circus school where passengers can liven up their Ocean Village cruises by trying their hand at juggling or taking a swing on the trapeze. On Ocean Village cruise holidays, diners can eat when and where they like and with whom they like as food is served 24/7 – and there are no formal dress codes either. Most of the restaurants are buffet, but if you want to spoil yourself, dine in celebrity chef James Martin’s on-board bistro.

Ocean Village cruises offer a large programme of action-packed activities that are perfect for budding adventurers and are a bit different to the more sedate options that some lines offer. Passengers can take their pick from Harley-Davidson trips, river rafting or zip-wiring and there are even separate excursions for teenagers who can go river tubing or swimming with dolphins. The ship’s spas are also havens for relaxation, which can turn any Ocean Village cruise into a pampering paradise. The company says the 14,000 sq ft Karma Spa and Fitness complex on Ocean Village Two is the largest of any ship in its class. When it comes to choosing an Ocean Village cruise, customers can take their pick from the Caribbean in winter or the Mediterranean in summer with both ships offering differing itineraries.