An insignia cruise at a special rate.

[neviboy]

We are contemplating the Dec.9th to 19th. cruise from Rio to B.A. on Insignia.
we were lucky to get our money back a week before Renaissance closed.
When that happened we took RSSC Mariner and have had 2 Mariners and 3 Voyagers since then. Enjoyed every one. We leave on the 31st. for our first Silversea on Shadow.
With the above cruise we have to deposit before we leave here on the 31st.
We always research and plan our own private excursions. This is where some help is desired.
On Insignia the cabins are a little smaller than RSSC's. and there is no free drinks. No problem in either department there. We are not fussy about shows in the evening, or gourmet meals, so please let me have your opinions as to the differences to expect. I did glance over the negative remarks of a poster
about Oceania, but disregarded it.

[Doug Crandall]

Can't help you much, yet, about private excursions, but we're booked on the same cruise and plan to do our own excursions as well. As we each figure things out, maybe we can help each other.

[neviboy]

The "help" that I was looking for was the differences between Insignia and the RSSC and Silversea ships.

[Zimmy]

I have never sailed Radisson, but we have been on Oceania and Silversea. Let me start out by saying that we like them both and plan to sail both again. The ships seem to me to be about the same size, but with fewer passengers on Silversea there is never a wait for anything. But I have found that sometimes there are so few people that sitting in one of the bars where there is entertainment somehow gives one an empty feeling. However, I'll take that over the overcrowded feeling in the showroom on Oceania. We liked the entertainment better on Silversea - there are fewer production shows and more one person shows with some very talented people. But that is just a personal preference. We found the food to be excellent on both lines. We never had a problem getting a pool lounge on Oceania, even with more people. It's very nice not to have to sign for anything on Silversea, but you are paying for it. We also had no trouble getting reservations for the alternative restaurants on Oceania, and we liked them very much. Some evenings there was a short wait to get a table in the main dining room, but we didn't mind having a cocktail first in their very comfortable waiting area. If the prices were equal, we would choose Silversea, but we are very happy with Oceania.

[ClaudiaF]

The "help" that I was looking for was the differences between Insignia and the RSSC and Silversea ships.

Frankly there is not much difference in cabins ( comparing balcony cabins)between Rad and "O".. I like the walk in closet on "Rad" and the bathroom is larger.. but that is about it.
Just got back from the Buenos Aires to Rio cruise on Insignia and it was a fabulous cruise..

[Jancruz]

Its hard to compare as it is apples to oranges they are each wonderful in their own way..it would depend on the itinerary and price point you are willing to pay..I love Radisson, I adore Oceania and Silver Seas is the cream of the crop..BUT for the differences in money..I personally like Radisson and Oceania..if you have specific questions..I will be happy to answer as I have been on all three lines..

Jan
*************

[ARTGRL]

Silversea staff and policies are first rate........and one is made to feel special. I might say that Oceania staff was excellent, food quite good, ship beautiful,but the tour staff was poor and the tours themselves overpriced and uninformed. Silversea tours are fairly priced, btw. If you don't mind being nickeled and dimed, Oceania is still a good product. We will do our own tours and will travel with them again......mostly becasue of the itinerary. Oh yes, one more thing- there was more of a sense of community on Silversea.

[Jancruz]

Hi Art Girl..I have to say..I dont believe anyone is nickel and dimed on Oceania..it is not all inclusive and the difference in the price between Silversea, Radisson and Oceania is the amount or even less than you pay on the one other two ships..You are "nickel and dimed" on ANY ship that is not all inclusive and truthfully I think that phrase is over used..when you go into a restaurant in Europe and have to pay for water , bread and butter are you nickel and dimed??? No thats the way they charge and you should know it before you go into the restaurant..Some people (like me) dont drink soda, or bottled water and love a glass of wine at dinner..I pay a lot less for a cruise on Oceania than I do on the other two ships though I like all the ships..I happen to like the length of the Oceania trips 14 days and over..rather than the 7 to 10 on Radisson and the all inclusive for liquor and caviar I dont drink or eat on Silverseas..I can say..I wouldnt pass a trip on any of them if the itinerary was right..
Jan
*************:)

[drwong]

I would tend to agree with Jan. RSSC and Silversea's 7- or 10-day itineraries are far too short! Just as you're getting familiar with the layout of the ship and developing a sense of community with your fellow passengers (and members of the crew), it's time to disembark.

The quality and prices of the ship's shore excursions aren't really relevant to us, as we tend to book private tours using the guides recommended on Cruise Critic and other boards, and as far as the all-inclusive nature of the other luxury/premium lines, I'd never drink enough to make up the difference!

[merryecho]

I would tend to agree with Jan. RSSC and Silversea's 7- or 10-day itineraries are far too short! !

I am afraid that for me, an around-the-world cruise would be to short!

[rayandbelle]

hi there Doug,my wife and i and another couple will be doing that cruise and the transalantic before hand.If you have any ideas on tours where you need more numbers maybe we can help.We are are also looking at doing some private tours and are looking into different options at the moment,any way if you would like to chat our email ann_ray_kirwan@hotmail.com Ray
Can't help you much, yet, about private excursions, but we're booked on the same cruise and plan to do our own excursions as well. As we each figure things out, maybe we can help each other.

[watchung hills]

Can't help you much, yet, about private excursions, but we're booked on the same cruise and plan to do our own excursions as well. As we each figure things out, maybe we can help each other.

Hi Doug,
My husband and I are on that cruise and are interested in private excursions.
We haven't done much research yet. We're trying to figure out whether to do Iguacu Falls with Oceania or stay a little longer in BA and visit the falls from there. It would be great if we could share information.

[rmbaker10]

My wife and I and her cousin and husband are planning on this cruise and are interested in exploring private exursions, particularly the Falls.

[watchung hills]

My husband and I trying to decide whether to go to the falls during the cruise, or after. We are planning on staying in Argentina a little longer and thought we might visit the falls from there. When do you want to visit the falls?

[jc719]

My wife & I are also on Insignia Dec 9 Rio-BA and are wondering what to do for Iguassu Falls. It looks like Oceania has an overnight shorex for about $900 pp, but that seems rather high to me. I've been trying to find a way to do it independently. So far, I've not been successful at finding any air from the port (Itajai, I guess). We can't do it pre or post due to other commitments.Has anyone got any ideas?

[watchung hills]

Hi JC,
After reading all the comments, my husband and I decided to see the falls after the cruise so that we can spend two nights there. I've started researching and would be happy to share what I've learned with you.
Please feel free to e-mail me at molnar01@optonline.net

[Jane110]

Hi JC,
After reading all the comments, my husband and I decided to see the falls after the cruise so that we can spend two nights there. I've started researching and would be happy to share what I've learned with you.
Please feel free to e-mail me at molnar01@optonline.net

Watchung,

We were on the Insignia from Buenos Aires to Rio in Feb.

In BA, I can highly recommend the services of www.WowArgentina.com which is run by a lovely woman named Cintia. We opted not to go to the falls, however, she does arrange that. She made some other arrangements for us and everything was excellent.
I also recommend Carlos www.privatetours.com.ar He's a private guide in BA that we also used and I highly recommend - though I'm not sure if he arranges tours to the falls. He probably does though.

In Rio, I highly recommend Carlos' partner, Pedro (aka Peter) at www.privatetours.com.br

You can do the falls from Argentina or Brazil.

Jane