Someone had to fill the gap Ocean Village is leaving when it is closed down in November this year by launching Brit-friendly cruises from Palma, and I have to admit I always thought it was going to be P&O Cruises.
The cruise line is ultra-British and Ventura has proved itself a good family-friendly ship that appeals either to first-time cruisers or those who like a more relaxed holiday at sea, with not too much of the formal stuff and freedom to dine when they choose.
Of course Ocean Village is being shut down because parent company Carnival UK said they could not make the flycruise model pay so I don't know if ex-Palma cruises were actually ever considered.
But it's irrelevant now anyway because Royal Caribbean International has just announced it is stepping in to fill the OV gap. I'm intrigued to find out what they are doing differently so they think they can make it pay.
Starting May 2011, Grandeur of the Seas will be based in Palma, sailing seven-night Western Mediterranean cruises to France, Italy and the Balearic Islands that will be on sale only in the UK and Ireland that can be put back to back into a 14-night voyage.
It's a clever move. Spending two or three days sailing over the Bay of Biscay to get to the Med is not everyone's idea of fun, especially if the weather is bad, which is always a very strong possibility over that stretch of water.
And aside from the chance of choppy seas, many people - and especially families and young people - can't be bothered with all those sea days (and don't forget you have to do the same journey coming home). They just want to get to the sun as fast as possible. And then get home just as fast.
For those who do like the Bay challenge, there's always Royal's Independence of the Seas, which is now sailing year-round from Southampton.
Grandeur, which holds a maximum 2,446 passengers, has Royal's trademark rock-climbing wall and Adventure Ocean kids' club as well as all the usual cruise trappings including a spa and gym, bars, lounges and plenty of places to eat.
Prices will be released next month, when the cruises go on sale. As Royal will be going head to head with Thomson Cruises, I predict they will be very competitive.
Watch this space.
Jane Archer
