Oceania Insignia

[NOLA Cruisers]

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).

 

I am on the Insigna LA to Sydney segment of the RTW cruise next year and would love to get some insight on your experiencs both on the ship and in the ports. My email is cvf1969 at yahoo dot com. Thank you. Vivian.

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LOLAcruisers-

do a search of this site--there are several ATW reports on the ship and the ports and general info on extended cruises - 2016 and 2017 as well as segment reports of both and 2018.