Ocean Village to be phased out

Carnival UK has announced that it will be phasing out the Ocean Village brand starting in autumn 2009 as part of a reorganisation of its company portfolio. Both Ocean Village ships are set to be transferred to the P&O Cruises Australia brand, the first in time for Christmas 2009 and the final ship a year later.

Commenting on the move, David Dingle, CEO of Carnival UK and Chair of the Carnival Australia Management Committee, said:

“In reviewing the most effective deployment of our ships, we have recognised the major growth potential in the Australian market and the profit opportunity which awaits. Clearly it is disappointing to wind down our Ocean Village operation which has been superbly created and delivered by an excellent management team, but we must recognise the need to maximise profit performance from our assets. Ocean Village has done much to change the face of British cruising, and all our UK brands have benefited from this. The arrival of new ships for P&O Cruises and Cunard in 2010 and the continuing development of Princess Cruises in Britain will ensure that Carnival UK continues its growth despite the redeployment of the Ocean Village vessels.”

Following the changes Ocean Village will operate a single ship in the Caribbean in winter 2009-10 and the previously published programme will be updated and pre-made bookings amended.

Carnival UK cruise brands include P&O Cruises, Cunard Line, Princess Cruises, Ocean Village and The Yachts of Seabourn.