About Us: Your Friendly Family-Run Cruise Specialists Since 1995 — And More

Welcome to Ocean World Travel — a family-run business dedicated to helping you explore the world by sea and beyond. Since 1995, we’ve been making dreams come true for cruise lovers all over the UK, and while we’re proudly cruise specialists, we don’t stop there. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach holiday, an exciting city break, a cultural tour, or any other kind of getaway, our friendly and expert team is here to help you find the perfect holiday — every time.

We like to think of ourselves as more than just a travel agency. We’re your travel companions, your go-to experts, and your biggest fans — here to help you plan every step of your unforgettable journey, whether that’s on the ocean waves or exploring new places on land.

Our Story — A Family Business With Heart and Passion

Our journey began over 30 years ago when Michele Dance, a passionate travel professional, decided to focus solely on cruising. Michele’s dream was to build a business that puts people first, with honest advice and expert guidance as its foundation.

Starting as a small call centre in 1995, Ocean World Travel quickly gained a reputation for personal service and specialist knowledge. Michele’s family values shaped everything we do — treating every customer like one of our own.

In 2017, we proudly opened our first high street shop in Chandler’s Ford, Hampshire, just a stone’s throw from Southampton — often called the cruise capital of the UK. This gave our customers a welcoming place to drop in, have a chat, and meet our friendly team face-to-face.

Today, we’re still proudly family-run and independent. Our ethos remains unchanged: to offer the kind of service that you don’t often find in today’s world of online bookings and impersonal call centres.

Why We’re Called Cruise Specialists Oceans Apart

We love our strapline because it says exactly what we believe in. We’re cruise specialists who go the extra mile — oceans apart from the usual experience you might find elsewhere.

Booking a cruise can feel overwhelming with so many choices, destinations, and options available. But that’s where our specialist team comes in. We’re passionate about cruising, and we want to share that passion with you. We’re here to guide you through the choices, so you feel confident and excited about your trip.

But it doesn’t stop at cruising. We know that sometimes the perfect holiday might be a sunny beach resort, a vibrant city adventure, a family-friendly all-inclusive, or a tailor-made tour. Whatever your holiday dreams, we’ve got you covered — offering expert advice and great deals on all kinds of holidays worldwide.

Meet Our Expert Team — Your Cruise and Holiday Specialists

Behind every great booking at Ocean World Travel is our dedicated team of specialists. We’re a close-knit group of travel enthusiasts who’ve sailed on dozens of ships, explored countless destinations, and helped thousands of customers create holiday memories.

When you contact us, you’ll get a friendly voice who really understands travel — not someone reading from a script.

Our team helps with every step of your booking journey:

• Choosing the right cruise line and ship for your tastes and budget

• Selecting the perfect cabin, including upgrades and suites

• Advising on the best itineraries, shore excursions, and onboard activities

• Helping you find the perfect non-cruise holiday — from beach resorts and city breaks to family holidays and multi-centre tours

• Explaining loyalty programmes, onboard credits, and special promotions

• Assisting with flights, transfers, travel insurance, and any special requests

We know the travel industry inside and out — and we’re excited to help you discover your perfect holiday, whatever kind it is.

What Kind of Cruises and Holidays Do We Specialise In?

We’re proud to offer a huge range of cruise holidays and non-cruise holidays to suit every taste and budget. Here are some of the options we help you explore:

Ocean Cruises: From short UK breaks to month-long world cruises, we cover all major cruise lines including P&O Cruises, Cunard, Fred. Olsen, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, MSC, Princess Cruises, Silversea, and more.

River Cruises: For a slower-paced, scenic experience, we offer river cruises across Europe and beyond with AmaWaterways, Viking, Riviera Travel, APT, and others.

Luxury & Expedition Cruises: If you’re after exclusive destinations, personalised service, and the latest in comfort and style, we can arrange luxury and expedition cruises tailored just for you.

UK Departure Ports: We specialise in cruises that depart from Southampton, Dover, Portsmouth, Liverpool, Newcastle, and London – so you can often travel from your local port without the hassle of long flights.

Cruise and Stay Packages: Want to add flights, hotels, or tours to your cruise? We’ll help you put together a complete holiday package that suits your schedule and interests.

But it doesn’t stop at cruising:

• Beach Holidays: Whether you want to soak up the sun in the Mediterranean, Caribbean, or beyond, we offer unbeatable deals on beach resorts for families, couples, and solo travellers.

• City Breaks: Explore the world’s most vibrant cities with our great-value city break packages including flights, hotels, and local tours.

• Family Holidays: From all-inclusive resorts to theme parks and adventure trips, we know how to create stress-free holidays that everyone in the family will love.

• Tailor-Made Holidays: Want to combine destinations or do something completely bespoke? Our team can design personalised itineraries that match your dreams perfectly.

• Tours & Safaris: Experience cultural highlights and wildlife with expertly arranged guided tours and safaris worldwide.

Here’s what sets us apart:

We Listen to You
Everyone’s idea of the perfect holiday is different. Whether you want to relax by the pool, explore cultural cities, or try adventurous excursions, we take the time to understand your wishes.

We Know the Industry Inside Out
Travel offers can change, flights can be delayed, and health regulations can evolve. Our up-to-the-minute knowledge ensures you get the best deal and the most accurate information.

We’re Here When You Need Us
Last-minute changes? Special requests? Questions about travel documents or health and safety? Our team is just a phone call or email away — not hours in a queue or lost in an online chat.

We Care About Every Booking
Whether you’re booking a short weekend trip, a family holiday, or a complex cruise, you get the same attention to detail and commitment to excellence.

Planning Your Holiday — How We Help

We believe planning your holiday should be exciting and stress-free. Here’s how we guide you through it all:

• Step 1: Explore Your Options
  We’ll help you narrow down destinations, types of holidays, and dates based on your preferences and budget.

• Step 2: Pick the Perfect Package
  Whether it’s a cruise cabin or a beach resort room, we’ll explain the pros and cons, availability, and pricing so you get the best fit.

• Step 3: Book with Confidence
  We’ll handle the booking process, making sure your flights, transfers, accommodation, and insurance are all taken care of.

• Step 4: Prepare for Your Trip
  From packing tips to advice on visas and travel documents, we’ll share everything you need to know before you set off.

• Step 5: Ongoing Support
  If anything changes or you have questions, we’re here to help — right up until you return home.

Our Promise to You

We promise to treat you with honesty, respect, and care throughout your entire holiday booking experience.

• We won’t ever pressure you into a decision.

• We’ll always give you clear, upfront pricing.

• We’ll work hard to find the best deal and any available extras.

• We’ll be here for you before, during, and after your holiday.

Our goal is to make travel accessible, enjoyable, and memorable — and to be the team you trust to get it right.