Oceania Insignia

[Cruise a holic]

Not so odd if one is talking about short Caribbean cruises (or similar runs meant to compete with mass market lines). On longer or more "exotic" cruises, the lowest and highest cabins are the first to sell out.

I just "booked onboard" an Asian 33 day (extended journey) cruise just announced for May 2020. The only "decent (IMO)" cabins left are A category. Almost every other category is already sold out.

BTW, another benefit of Connoisseurs Club is that those TAs see the new itineraries before they are published and can do prebooking holds (as can the O Club Ambassadors onboard).

That's why the more desirable itineraries are often so hard to get.

Good luck on the "upsell" strategy. But, for the great cruises (e.g., TransPacific), don't hold your breath.

 

How do I find a Connoisseurs club TA?

[LHT28]

How do I find a Connoisseurs club TA?

google

[Flatbush Flyer]

How do I find a Connoisseurs club TA?

 

 

Somewhere on the Oceania website, there is a search by zip code function that lists O Connoisseurs Club travel agencies in your region. Of course, there's still other factors/differences important to choosing a TA. Some will provide just gratuities while others will share commissions. We've used Connoisseurs Club TAs in Florida, Seattle and SoCal.

Some TAs also belong to travel agent consortia (you often see something like "A Xxxxxxxxx Travel Agency" after the agency name). With at least one of them, there are almost always extra perks added beyond what the TA or O provides.

You can/should also ask prospective TAs if they belong to the Oceania group and/or one of the TA Consortia.

[LB_NJ]

My DH and I are also considering the Insignia August 2019 cruise to Bermuda- we were just bumped off the Summit as we were told that ship has been chartered. We typically like a Sky Suite on the summit and wonder how we would do in either CC or Penthouse 3 on the Insignia. A few questions, is Alcohol, Wiifi and gratuities included in the regular fare? We live in NY and do not need airfare- We are in our early 60's and would we enjoy the insignia? Any advantage in booking with a TA?

 

We booked an August 2019 cruise on Insignia to Bermuda. Wanted a smaller ship and love the itinerary. Figured we would take the chance on hurricanes.

[Charles4515]

Thank you all. As a result of the discussion here I called up my travel agent and she was able to have Oceania convert the $400 OBC on the booking to a $400 credit off of the booked price.

[LHT28]

Thank you all. As a result of the discussion here I called up my travel agent and she was able to have Oceania convert the $400 OBC on the booking to a $400 credit off of the booked price.

good news for you

Next time if you do not need the air or Perks of O Life ask for the "Cruise Only " fare

[MisterBill99]

good news for you

Next time if you do not need the air or Perks of O Life ask for the "Cruise Only " fare

Sounds like that's exactly what he got.

 

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[ORV]

Sounds like that's exactly what he got.

 

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Yes but I’m not sure he understands why.

[Charles4515]

Yes but I’m not sure he understands why.

 

 

 

I do understand why. I booked before doing much research on Oceania because I was pricing Celebrity for the same week in August to Bermuda and the price was pretty similar. Maybe less on Oceania. Also Oceania’s Bermuda itinerary is my favorite for Bermuda. St. George’s and Hamilton. It was a no brainer to book Insignia over Summit. I was so I excited about it I didn’t want to lose the deal. On Celebrity I usually get $200 or $300 OBC of various kinds. Combo of refundable and non refundable but it’s easy to spend that because we go to two specialty restaurants, have wine every night and the grats come out and if there is anything left I buy Apple products that are sold onboard. It was only after I booked that I found out no charge for specialty restaurants and probably nothing we would want from the onboard shops.

[Cruise a holic]

I do understand why. I booked before doing much research on Oceania because I was pricing Celebrity for the same week in August to Bermuda and the price was pretty similar. Maybe less on Oceania. Also Oceania’s Bermuda itinerary is my favorite for Bermuda. St. George’s and Hamilton. It was a no brainer to book Insignia over Summit. I was so I excited about it I didn’t want to lose the deal. On Celebrity I usually get $200 or $300 OBC of various kinds. Combo of refundable and non refundable but it’s easy to spend that because we go to two specialty restaurants, have wine every night and the grats come out and if there is anything left I buy Apple products that are sold onboard. It was only after I booked that I found out no charge for specialty restaurants and probably nothing we would want from the onboard shops.

 

My husband and I are considering the Insignia Bermuda August 2019- However I have been reading some reviews and they aren't great- If you get a penthouse- even #3- seems expensive compared to a sky suite on Celebrity. I will wait until I reserve.

[LHT28]

My husband and I are considering the Insignia Bermuda August 2019- However I have been reading some reviews and they aren't great- If you get a penthouse- even #3- seems expensive compared to a sky suite on Celebrity. I will wait until I reserve.

Celebrity is a bigger ship so you dock at King's Wharf for the whole time

if you are concerned about the budget then I would choose Celebrity

Looks like a better deal with the perks they offer

 

 

JMO

[Charles4515]

My husband and I are considering the Insignia Bermuda August 2019- However I have been reading some reviews and they aren't great- If you get a penthouse- even #3- seems expensive compared to a sky suite on Celebrity. I will wait until I reserve.

 

 

For any Bermuda cruise the itinerary takes precedence over the ship for me. If I can avoid the Dockyard I will. I went on Veendam to avoid the Dockyard. I don’t need a fancy cabin to Bermuda. I think only two sea days on Insignia. The food on Celebrity has gone downhill so I look forward to a change.

Edited June 8, 2018 by Charles4515

[Flatbush Flyer]

Celebrity is a bigger ship so you dock at King's Wharf for the whole time

 

if you are concerned about the budget then I would choose Celebrity

 

Looks like a better deal with the perks they offer

 

 

 

 

 

JMO

 

 

IMO, a "deal" is not just about the initial cabin cost or even the "bottom line, net daily rate" for all necessary/selected optional expenses (e.g., air fare or air credit). A real "deal" considers "value" (e.g., food quality, service and crew/passenger ratio, lack of annoyances like photogs/art shows/"prom nights"/poorly restricted smoking/etc.).

In essence, assessment of the combo of qualitative and quantitative measures is why all cruise industry segments (mass market/premium/luxury/expedition) flourish.

Folks who have worked hard for their cash have a choice of "deals" and, clearly, it's not just about the price.

[ORV]

For any Bermuda cruise the itinerary takes precedence over the ship for me. If I can avoid the Dockyard I will. I went on Veendam to avoid the Dockyard. I don’t need a fancy cabin to Bermuda. I think only two sea days on Insignia. The food on Celebrity has gone downhill so I look forward to a change.

 

Just got off Celebrity Solstice and the food was quite good. The wines by the glass on premium package are better than Oceania. Conundrum, mersolie, which sell for 25 or more in retail stores both available. Along with a very good Pinot Cherry Tart. No complaints. Also had quite a few good single malts as well as Patron tequila.

 

I’ve been on multiple trips on both lines so am very familiar with both offerings. All things considered I would rather cruise Oceania.

[LHT28]

IMO, a "deal" is not just about the initial cabin cost or even the "bottom line, net daily rate" for all necessary/selected optional expenses (e.g., air fare or air credit). A real "deal" considers "value" (e.g., food quality, service and crew/passenger ratio, lack of annoyances like photogs/art shows/"prom nights"/poorly restricted smoking/etc.).

In essence, assessment of the combo of qualitative and quantitative measures is why all cruise industry segments (mass market/premium/luxury/expedition) flourish.

Folks who have worked hard for their cash have a choice of "deals" and, clearly, it's not just about the price.

you are preaching to the choir

 

I will take Oceania any day over a mass market line :evilsmile:

[Aruba]

I will take Oceania any day over a mass market line :evilsmile:

Hear, hear!

[Cruise a holic]

IMO, a "deal" is not just about the initial cabin cost or even the "bottom line, net daily rate" for all necessary/selected optional expenses (e.g., air fare or air credit). A real "deal" considers "value" (e.g., food quality, service and crew/passenger ratio, lack of annoyances like photogs/art shows/"prom nights"/poorly restricted smoking/etc.).

In essence, assessment of the combo of qualitative and quantitative measures is why all cruise industry segments (mass market/premium/luxury/expedition) flourish.

Folks who have worked hard for their cash have a choice of "deals" and, clearly, it's not just about the price.

 

Agree-somewhat-since I have sailed on the Summit 6 times to Bermuda and once on NCL- I wanted a change- Not about price entirely as the Haven on NCL was expensive and the Sky and Celebrity suites not cheap. My only concern is that the Insignia isn't rated well- I have read reviews on cruise critic.

 

We enjoy some shows- Celebrity is great about limited smoking- not allowed in Casino-they also limit announcement policy- Love Michaels club-but want another experience that will work for our schedule out of NY or NJ early August 2019. Booked the Adventure of the Seas this August- maybe we will book it again if it works out or leave from another port.

[LHT28]

Agree-somewhat-since I have sailed on the Summit 6 times to Bermuda and once on NCL- I wanted a change- Not about price entirely as the Haven on NCL was expensive and the Sky and Celebrity suites not cheap. My only concern is that the Insignia isn't rated well- I have read reviews on cruise critic.

Can you say what concerns you about the Insignia ??

[edgee]

Agree-somewhat-since I have sailed on the Summit 6 times to Bermuda and once on NCL- I wanted a change- Not about price entirely as the Haven on NCL was expensive and the Sky and Celebrity suites not cheap. My only concern is that the Insignia isn't rated well- I have read reviews on cruise critic.

 

We enjoy some shows- Celebrity is great about limited smoking- not allowed in Casino-they also limit announcement policy- Love Michaels club-but want another experience that will work for our schedule out of NY or NJ early August 2019. Booked the Adventure of the Seas this August- maybe we will book it again if it works out or leave from another port.

 

Oceania certainly matches Celebrity in the no smoking category....there is none except for one inside small lounge and a small portion of pool deck area. They are slightly more chatty than very quiet Celebrity in the announcement department, but not by much. Entertainment is limited to one show per evening...often the cast and guest performers are pretty good, but not usually outstanding. The food in the Terrace Cafe compared to Celebrity Lido deck/buffet area is like the difference quality wise between eating at Morton's Steakhouse compared to Denny's IMHO. Waves (the outdoor hamburger/hotdog service area) is similarly far far far superior on Oceania. Options such as lobster and Kobe beef sandwiches in addition to hot dogs and burgers area available every day on Oceania. Main dining room is much better than Celebrity and Specialty Restaurants are much better than Celebrity except for Celebrity's Murano which is more equivalent to an Oceania specialty restaurant. Also, all non alcohol drinks and specialty restaurants are included...no additional charge. If you are used to and enjoy lots of casino action, shopping, and a larger pool area,...you will not find that on Oceania, especially the R class ships like Insignia....definitely smaller with no crowds and less "action." If you really want to try Oceania and are more used to larger ships, you may want to start with the two O Class ships...Riviera or Marina..they are nearly twice the size of the R class such as Insignia. Unfortunately the O class ships have very few itineraries out of New York or eastern Canada. Also, if you go below a suite class cabin on the smaller R class ships, the bathrooms are very very tiny.

Edited June 9, 2018 by edgee
additional info

[Flatbush Flyer]

Agree-somewhat-since I have sailed on the Summit 6 times to Bermuda and once on NCL- I wanted a change- Not about price entirely as the Haven on NCL was expensive and the Sky and Celebrity suites not cheap. My only concern is that the Insignia isn't rated well- I have read reviews on cruise critic.

 

We enjoy some shows- Celebrity is great about limited smoking- not allowed in Casino-they also limit announcement policy- Love Michaels club-but want another experience that will work for our schedule out of NY or NJ early August 2019. Booked the Adventure of the Seas this August- maybe we will book it again if it works out or leave from another port.

 

We're currently on day 32 of Insignia's Sydney to L.A. double segment of the current World Cruise.

Firstly, Insignia is an "R" Ship that, while "small (at 670 passengers and 400 crew)" is probably the excellent poster child for this class (even more than Sirena, which demonstrates what a $40 million renovation can do to a mass market ship- the former Ocean Princess).

Beyond the excellent condition/maintenance of a ship (our only problem has been a disagreeable TV, which was replaced with a new one within an hour of reporting it), the quality/experience/attitude of the crew is what makes Insignia shine. For example:

 

[emoji117]An executive chef (currently Farid) who often cooks "a la minute" at the fantail of the Terrace Café.

[emoji117]The "dean" of Cruise Directors, Ray Carr.

[emoji117]Cabin stewards who need zero reminders about special requests (e.g., a fridge full of Pellegrino water).

[emoji117]Bartenders/waiters who remember you by name (from previous cruises) and whose smiles are genuine.

 

What "negatives" that may exist are functions of any "R" ship. For example:

 

[emoji117]A small lounge theater, which certainly limits the capacity for large productions.

[emoji117]Only two specialty restaurants (as compared to the four on Oceania's Marina and Riviera) and no Culinary School. However, the GDR nightly features dishes from Red Ginger and Jacques.

[emoji117]"Compact" veranda (A and B) cabins with small but well laid out bathrooms and plenty of storage (we're yacht sailors - so these cabins provide plenty of space IMO).

 

Finally, the passenger base makes a difference: In general, Oceania passengers are well traveled, well educated cosmopolitan folks who have worked hard for their money and know a true "value" when they see it. In addition, interestingly, the age demographic appears to have broadened in recent years with a growing number of younger professionals (sometimes with family in tow on shorter Med or Alaska cruises).

[Charles4515]

Firstly, Insignia is an "R" Ship that, while "small (at 670 passengers and 400 crew)

 

[emoji117]An executive chef (currently Farid) who often cooks "a la minute" at the fantail of the Terrace Café.

 

 

On the R ship on Azamara they did the same thing in the cafe. Glad they do the same on Insignia.

 

Sailing on another R ship was a plus in my decision to book Insignia. I liked the small ship.

[Issyalex]

Most of our cruises have been on Celebrity which we love. We’ve sailed on all three classes.

 

We cruised on Oceania Sirena two years ago and loved the small intimate ship, food was excellent and portion controlled in both GDR and buffet (a good thing IMHO). Seafood/fish eg lobster, sea bass, prawns, lemon sole, Dover sole was plentiful and tasted wonderful. You need to order the surf and turf at the pool bar, fillet steak cooked to order and lobster.....yummy. Comfortable lounges with plenty of seating. happy cocktail hour twice a day.....champagne cocktail was my fave, Long Island tea was hubbys. Great service. Cabin was very comfortable and the bed was the best I’ve ever slept on. We chose the OBC over the free dining drinks package and tours, meaning once onboard everything we ordered was essentially free. The sun beds were readily available and had thick comfy mattresses. Free free speciality restaurants. All non alcoholic drinks are free including latte coffee, smoothies, milk shakes, coke, juices, etc. No queues in port or on ship. The only downside is the entertainment or lack of it.

 

We loved it so much we are booked on Insignia this Sept but asked for the ‘free airfare’ to be removed from their pricing. With the money saved we’ve booked flights, 2 days pre cruise and 4 post cruise in NYC for not much more. go on give it at go, you won’t regret it.

Edited June 10, 2018 by Issyalex

[Cruise a holic]

Most of our cruises have been on Celebrity which we love. We’ve sailed on all three classes.

 

We cruised on Oceania Sirena two years ago and loved the small intimate ship, food was excellent and portion controlled in both GDR and buffet (a good thing IMHO). Seafood/fish eg lobster, sea bass, prawns, lemon sole, Dover sole was plentiful and tasted wonderful. You need to order the surf and turf at the pool bar, fillet steak cooked to order and lobster.....yummy. Comfortable lounges with plenty of seating. happy cocktail hour twice a day.....champagne cocktail was my fave, Long Island tea was hubbys. Great service. Cabin was very comfortable and the bed was the best I’ve ever slept on. We chose the OBC over the free dining drinks package and tours, meaning once onboard everything we ordered was essentially free. The sun beds were readily available and had thick comfy mattresses. Free free speciality restaurants. All non alcoholic drinks are free including latte coffee, smoothies, milk shakes, coke, juices, etc. No queues in port or on ship. The only downside is the entertainment or lack of it.

 

We loved it so much we are booked on Insignia this Sept but asked for the ‘free airfare’ to be removed from their pricing. With the money saved we’ve booked flights, 2 days pre cruise and 4 post cruise in NYC for not much more. go on give it at go, you won’t regret it.

Did you sail in a penthouse on the Sirena? What cabin will you be sailing in on the Insignia? Txs

[Issyalex]

Did you sail in a penthouse on the Sirena? What cabin will you be sailing in on the Insignia? Txs

 

 

 

Nah nothing as posh as a penthouse mind you we’ve attended a sail away in Celebrity eclipse’s penthouse. [emoji3]

 

We had an ocean view on Sirena and have an inside on Insignia in sept. So I guess as I’m a pauper I’m use to answer any questions about penthouse suites. Sorry Lol [emoji23][emoji23]

 

 

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[Mura]

Choosing to spend your money the way you wish doesn't make you a pauper! We sailed with a couple on Oceania a few years ago who usually are on Deck 4 on the "R" ships but stay in 5 star hotels on land. We, OTOH, tend to economize on our hotels but spring for suites on a ship.

 

 

It's your money!

 

 

Mura