Which Cruise Line for an informal but quality holiday

[holidaygoer]

We have only been on one cruise with the now defunct Ocean Village in it's final year in the Carribean and we loved it. We now wish to cruise the Mediteranean for two weeks and are confused by the huge choice of Cruise Companies. We expect to pay a reasonable amount for the holiday so are not looking for the cheapest option. But we did love that you could wear smart casual clothing even into the top class James Martin Restaurant of an evening. I have worn suits and ties fror work for over forty years and don't want to be forced back into a suit or worse still a DJ for very formal dinners. The whole atmosphere on Ocean Village was very informal, but still excellent quality, which is what we are seeking. Could you advise us where we might start looking?

Many thanks, Tony :)

[LHT28]

You may want to look at Oceania

[Warmer Climes]

We have only been on one cruise with the now defunct Ocean Village in it's final year in the Carribean and we loved it. We now wish to cruise the Mediteranean for two weeks and are confused by the huge choice of Cruise Companies. We expect to pay a reasonable amount for the holiday so are not looking for the cheapest option. But we did love that you could wear smart casual clothing even into the top class James Martin Restaurant of an evening. I have worn suits and ties fror work for over forty years and don't want to be forced back into a suit or worse still a DJ for very formal dinners. The whole atmosphere on Ocean Village was very informal, but still excellent quality, which is what we are seeking. Could you advise us where we might start looking?

Many thanks, Tony :)

 

How about a suite on NCL? Mostly casual dress, breakfast and lunch for suite guests in Cagneys or similar, many perks including butler and concierge.

[aohkay]

2nd vote for Oceania.

 

No formal nights, quality food, strict smoking policy and premium ambiance. Service is is first rate.

[jocap]

The main contenders for OV cruisers are: P&O's Ventura....it does have a dress code 2 nights a week, but is perfectly happy for casually dressed people to eat in the buffet or alternative restaurants, of which there are several.

Thomson: which will do a complete package with their own planes, from most regional airports. There's one dress-up night, the Captain's Gala night, but people who prefer not to dress formally eat in the buffet. It's a tips-included ship, and, like OV and P&O, the drinks prices are very reasonable.

NCL....this has no formal dress night whatsoever, and the only rules are no jeans in one restaurant at dinner time-oh, and clean and tidy (we've seen people try to come in sweaty from playing basketball).

This is a very different set-up to the previous 2, as you'll find a cheap original price, then a lot of add-ons, such as gratuities, paying for shuttle buses, expensive drinks and on top of that, you have to pay 15% tip on anything at the bar, which can be a shock.

 

These cruises all depend on where you want to start from....I've been with all 3 lines and enjoyed them; Thomson is special because of flying from local airports, and not having to leave the ship until your return flight has landed....Ventura only sails from Southampton in summer, which we enjoy for the sea days before the Med (a good indoor pool helps), and NCL will offer to fly you out, but check with Easy jet etc first, as they can make you fly to a hub such as Amsterdam first.;)

Much as we enjoyed NCL, we would go with either of the other two first....not on other P&Os, by the way, with strict dress codes, but Ventura was set up in the hopes of catching OVers- once P&O finished this mini company.....Keep hoping that they'll start OV up again, and every few months new rumours begin!:rolleyes:

Enjoy searching!

Jo.

[cb at sea]

On all of the "mass-market" lines, even if there is a "formal" night or two, you don't have to participate...there are other dining venues. It's only in the Main Dining room where the "dress code" is in place. The buffets are casual all of the time. Most "specialty" (for fee) restaurants are "smart casual"...but generally, no jacket required.

[bbwex]

Another suggestion for using Oceania. No formal nights -- EVER. Country club casual every night in every dining facility, and the specialty dining areas are free. Superb service, superb food, great itineraries generally.

[vivavegas]

3rd vote for Oceania! I really like their style!

[GORDONCHICK]

If your budget allows, Oceania s a great option. If that's out of the range you want to pay, look at a suite on NCL. I've heard some people compare Ocean Village to NCL in many ways.

[jocap]

On all of the "mass-market" lines, even if there is a "formal" night or two, you don't have to participate...there are other dining venues. It's only in the Main Dining room where the "dress code" is in place. The buffets are casual all of the time. Most "specialty" (for fee) restaurants are "smart casual"...but generally, no jacket required.

Ah...not quite.....as former OVers, their biggest cruise line will be P&O, and most of their ships have strict dress codes which are kept to throughout the ship, and you'll not be allowed in the theatre or some bars if you flaunt the rules.

That's why I suggested Ventura; each P&O ship has different rules, such as: child free, or 3 dress codes, but Ventura has a relaxed approach to dress, seemingly deliberately so, being sold as a family cruise ship.

Oceania would be terrific, but is a vast difference in price to the 3 lines I've mentioned......and please, Holidaygoer, don't mix up Oceania and Oceana.....BIG difference!:rolleyes:

Jo.

[bob brown]

The OP said they want high quality, yet 'smart casual' type informality.

Any of the top tier luxury lines like Seabourne, Silversea, etc. would fulfill that requirement nicely, if you can afford it.....:)

[alcpa1]

I would also recommend Azamara which is garnering kudos from its British passengers. Azamara is part of the Royal Caribbean International family.