Ocean Village Two

"Ocean Village Two" (formerly "AIDA Blu", "Arosa Blu", "Crown Princess") is a cruise ship operated by Ocean Village. She is the second ship in the fleet along with "Ocean Village" and is the sister ship of the "Pacific Dawn" which operates for P&O Cruises Australia.

History

"Ocean Village Two" was built by Fincantieri in Trieste, Italy in 1990 as "Crown Princess". Her distinctive curved profile—often referred to as 'dolphin-like'—was designed by Renzo Piano. Her sister ship is "Regal Princess", now "Pacific Dawn". Both the Regal and Crown Princess were on order for Sitmar International and were in the early construction phases when Princess purchased their former competitor. In 2002, the ship was transferred to a new P&O Cruises brand aimed at the German market, A'ROSA.

Operating under the name "Arosa Blu", the ship was one of two planned transfers to the A'ROSA fleet. Financial problems prevented the second transfer, and in September 2003, "Arosa Blu" was transferred to AIDA Cruises.

Refitted and renamed "AIDAblu", the vessel re-entered service in 2004, and became the fourth vessel in AIDA's fleet. Like all AIDA ships, the focus is on luxury cruising for those who prefer an active and health-conscious lifestyle.

Ocean Village Two

In April 2007, the vessel was transferred to Ocean Village, and after a small refit in Bremerhaven, was christened as "Ocean Village Two" by sisters Jodie Kidd and Jemma Kidd. Ocean Village Two currently sails in the Western Mediterranean from Palma de Mallorca, Spain. From November 2008, the ship will be operating in the Caribbean from Bridgetown, Barbados and from April 2009, the ship will be sailing in the Eastern Mediterranean from Heraklion, Crete.

The vessel is now an informal cruise ship. The ship has four restaurants (one of which is operated by celebrity TV chef James Martin), 8 bars, a theatre, a casino, 2 Pools, a children's club, and an internet café. The ship also has the largest Spa and Fitness Complex afloat (relative to the ship's size). The Karma Spa and Fitness Complex spans 2 decks and is 14,000 square feet.

References

External links

* [http://www.oceanvillageholidays.co.uk/cruise_ships/facilities.aspx Ocean Village Two Facilities and Tour]
* [http://www.oceanvillageholidays.co.uk/deckplans/ocean_village_two.aspx Deck plans Ocean Village Two]