It's time to get the hankies out. The very last Ocean Village cruise is going on on sale at 8am on Monday March 8.
OV is the cruise-for-people-who-don't-do-cruises brand and has built up quite a fan club among Brits who wanted a casual holiday at sea since it was created in 2003 but Carnival UK is closing it down at the end of this year.
One ship, Ocean Village Two, was sent Down Under to join P&O Cruises Australia last November as Pacific Jewel. The original Ocean Village follows in November this year and then OV will be no more.
The Fond Farewell cruise is a 23-night voyage from Crete to Singapore from October 21 to November 13, calling at Egypt, Dubai, Cochin in India, Langkawi and Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia on the way. You'll also transit the Suez Canal and cruise through Pirate Alley (the picture shows OV2 going through last year, escorted by the Royal Navy's HMS Cornwall).
Prices start from £1,889 per person including return flights and £150 per person on-board credit.
There's also a Big Goodbye cruise - 30 nights from October 14 to November 13 by adding a week sailing from Crete to Venice, Croatia and Greece before the final voyage to Singapore. Prices start from £2,199 per person including flights and £150 on-board credit.
Instead of the £150 on-board credit, you could opt for a free night in Singapore and £75 spending money, or two free nights and no on-board credit. If you want a third night in the city it'll set you back just £75 per person.
These final sailings are all focused on adults so there will be no children's facilities available on the ship from October 21.
Demand for the final cruise is expected to be high so get your dialing finger at the ready at 8am on March 8 or save yourself the angst and ask your travel agent to make a booking for you. Call 0845 358 5000 or click here for details.
Jane Archer
