Sonic the Hedgehog takes to the seas

SEGA is launching the world’s first entertainment village onboard new ship Ocean Village Two.

After a five year absence, SEGA Amusements Europe is re-launching its arcade concept on board the cruise ship.

The SEGA Village includes 19 amusement arcade games and a further six games will be available in the teen’s area, called ‘The Attic’.

Games will include old favourites like Sonic the Hedgehog, the newly launched After Burner Climax and Let’s Go Jungle, a safari adventure set in a jeep simulator.

Peter Shanks, managing director Ocean Village, said: “The introduction of SEGA Village onboard our second ship is really wicked news and we are delighted to be working with one of the biggest names in amusement entertainment history.

“Ocean Village with its informality and sense of fun is a perfect fit for SEGA and by bringing SEGA Village onboard Ocean Village Two we’re breaking new ground for both the cruise industry and the world of amusements.”

Meanwhile, Ocean Village is unveiling a 20-page preview brochure detailing Mediterranean itineraries for 2008 and a new fare structure for its two ships featuring lead-in prices lower than for this year.

The more aggressive launch pricing sees both Western and Eastern Mediterranean itineraries lead-in at £599 per person against £629 and £649. Cruise and stay options in Crete and Majorca start at £749 and £759 per person respectively whilst two week cruises start at £899 per person.

The company is also introducing a new style ticket pack. The cheque book format concentrates all relevant information into one document with a clearer layout, more colourful presentation, integral luggage labels, plus cruise itinerary details, flight information and advice on what to expect from an Ocean Village cruise.

Following claimed strong demand for Ocean Village Two’s inaugural Western Med season this year, the ship will build on this success for summer 2008.

The ‘Tapas and Togas’ itinerary visits Tunis, Rome, Genoa, Monte Carlo (from Villefranche) and Barcelona before returning to Palma, whilst the ‘Villas and Vinos’ cruise sails from Palma to Tunis, Naples, Florence and Pisa (from Livorno), St Raphael and Corsica

The original Ocean Village ship will return to Heraklion in Crete as its base for a second summer season of Eastern Med itineraries in 2008. The ‘Temples and Tavernas’ cruise sails from Heraklion to Dubrovnik, Corfu, Cephalonia, Katakolon and Athens whilst ‘Olives and Ouzo’ calls at Cyprus, Rhodes, Ephesus (from Kusadasi), Mykonos and Santorini before returning to Crete.

Five new shows will be offered on board each ship as part of the line’s entertainment programme for next summer.

On sale from Monday (April 2), the 2008 Preview offers savings of up to 45% on full brochure prices and discounted upgrades on outside and balcony cabins. Passengers arranging their own flights and transfers can save £200 per adult on seven and 14 night holidays from Palma (£100 savings for under 14s).

Shanks said: “With compelling new pricing as well as itineraries with proven appeal, our new Med 2008 programme builds on our strengths on the Rivieras of the Western Med as well as the Greek islands to the east. 

“An entertainment programme that will premiere no fewer than five new shows means that the Ocean Village wow factor will remain a high-point for people travelling on both Ocean Village and Ocean Village Two this season.  It’s our special mix of adrenaline and relaxation, informality and excitement, fun and flexibility that has kept Ocean Village at the forefront of demand for a newer, fresher take on the old cruise model.”

By Bev Fearis and Phil Davies