Considering Insignia - Questions

[Queenvee]

I am an experienced solo female traveler (50+ voyages), age 66.  Although I've sailed on many lines, for the last 12 years or so I've only sailed on Cunard and HAL since their passenger demographic is a good fit for me (friendly, generally well traveled, enjoy art/music/culture, and not looking for parties).  I have been intrigued by Oceania but the high solo prices were out of my budget.  However, I just ran across a reasonable fare for an interior cabin on the August 17, 2024 London/NYC crossing which I am seriously considering.  I've read the reviews which I take with a large grain of salt.  Since CC folks are always helpful, I wanted to get your thoughts.  These are the things I enjoy on a ship:  reading on the promenade deck watching the waves; enrichment lectures daily (on sea days) with knowledgeable speakers; finding quiet, comfy spots to read inside on cool/wet days; playing team trivia (it's a great way to meet people); and ability to eat with other people at dinner in the main dining room (I do open seating with the "share a table" option on Cunard).  

 

The ports on this crossing are interesting, I like a smaller ship (used to sail Azamara before they priced out) and I'm not looking for partying, gambling or loud/rowdy groups.  So....it seems like this crossing could be a good way to test the waters (so to speak 😉).  I've read about tiny showers but I can't believe they're any smaller than Cunard's QV or QE showers and I guess I could always shower in the fitness/spa!  I always do my own excursions so not fussed about the shore team.  I'm not asking for guarantees that I'd have a great time on Insignia, just your thoughts if this crossing experience is likely to be the same or better than on Cunard or HAL.  I appreciate your comments, suggestions, etc.  Thank you!

[FeliciaLee]

Our favorite Oceania cruise was on Insignia. But having said that, I would never consider this. The inside cabins are extremely small and while that may not be a problem for you, seasickness might be a big deal on such a small ship and in an interior.

 

If you have an opportunity to do any of the small ships (R-ships), jump right on it. But not necessarily for a crossing unless you absolutely know you are not susceptible to seasickness.

 

The vibe on the small ships is incredible (very warm, cozy, friendly) and will likely be a good fit for you. If you like HAL, you will love Oceania!

[FetaCheese]

Not sure that chairs/loungers available on Promenade deck.  Recent cruisers, please confirm.

[FeliciaLee]

12 minutes ago, FetaCheese said:

Not sure that chairs/loungers available on Promenade deck.  Recent cruisers, please confirm.

Yes, they are there and they are wonderful. Very underutilized. It's like having a covered balcony with chaise lounges and good in most weather.

[Kay S]

The showers are not THAT small.  A normal-sized human being will fit and have room to turn around.  To hear some folks, the only person who can fit in an R shio shower is a toddler.  Now, if someone is very tall or very wide there might be a problem.  I fit.  My husband fits.  We shower and then get on with enjoying all the great things about cruising.  I have never chosen a cruise based on the size of the shower.

[orchestrapal]

We have been on Cunard only when Oceana did not do the itinerary we wanted.

The only area Cunard excels in is the speakers on board. Oceania is weak in that area but tops Cunard in everything else you are looking for and you can leave your “ dreaded” JMO

Formal clothes at home. 
I have never seen the interior cabins on O but if you don’ t mind the mini size you’ll love Oceania.

[Queenvee]

Thanks for your insights. I don't get seasick and always book interior cabins so am not worried about that.  LOL re: shower - I'm sure I'll be fine with them.  Glad to hear the confirmation about deck chairs on the promenade deck since I can while away hours watching the water, clouds, dozing and reading.  

[pinotlover]

2 hours ago, Queenvee said:

Thanks for your insights. I don't get seasick and always book interior cabins so am not worried about that.  LOL re: shower - I'm sure I'll be fine with them.  Glad to hear the confirmation about deck chairs on the promenade deck since I can while away hours watching the water, clouds, dozing and reading.  

Be advised that the promenade deck is more narrow than you may be accustomed to, and will thus be closed much quicker than on other ships in comparable seas. It can be great on pleasant sea days, but quickly shut down on any signs of inclement weather.

[CurlerRob]

12 hours ago, Queenvee said:

I am an experienced solo female traveler (50+ voyages), age 66.  Although I've sailed on many lines, for the last 12 years or so I've only sailed on Cunard and HAL since their passenger demographic is a good fit for me (friendly, generally well traveled, enjoy art/music/culture, and not looking for parties).  I have been intrigued by Oceania but the high solo prices were out of my budget.  However, I just ran across a reasonable fare for an interior cabin on the August 17, 2024 London/NYC crossing which I am seriously considering.  I've read the reviews which I take with a large grain of salt.  Since CC folks are always helpful, I wanted to get your thoughts.  These are the things I enjoy on a ship:  reading on the promenade deck watching the waves; enrichment lectures daily (on sea days) with knowledgeable speakers; finding quiet, comfy spots to read inside on cool/wet days; playing team trivia (it's a great way to meet people); and ability to eat with other people at dinner in the main dining room (I do open seating with the "share a table" option on Cunard).  

 

The ports on this crossing are interesting, I like a smaller ship (used to sail Azamara before they priced out) and I'm not looking for partying, gambling or loud/rowdy groups.  So....it seems like this crossing could be a good way to test the waters (so to speak 😉).  I've read about tiny showers but I can't believe they're any smaller than Cunard's QV or QE showers and I guess I could always shower in the fitness/spa!  I always do my own excursions so not fussed about the shore team.  I'm not asking for guarantees that I'd have a great time on Insignia, just your thoughts if this crossing experience is likely to be the same or better than on Cunard or HAL.  I appreciate your comments, suggestions, etc.  Thank you!

 

We sailed Insignia in November 22, having significant experience with HAL. Although it's a bit dated due to the implementation of Simply More, you may find this of interest. I would add only that while the bathroom is substandard compared to the rest of the experience, it's only real issue is that the shower can be downright dangerous in a strong beam sea. 🍺🥌

 

https://boards.cruisecritic.co.uk/topic/2894306-first-time-on-oceania-some-impressions/?do=findComment&comment=64317550 

[Queenvee]

I appreciate the info about the promenade deck - I also like to walk daily laps on the prom deck and my research showed that the prom deck does not go all the way around but I've cut through the inside to reach the other side on similar ships so not a deal breaker but the width and closure possibility will require more thought on my part.

 

CurlerRob - thank you for posting the link to your review (it's often hard to track down relevant posts using the CC search function).  Objective and detailed so very helpful.

[deck chair]

Hello!

I just spent 40 days on the INSIGNIA.  LA to Sydney.  On the many sea days, I spent a lot of time on the deck 5 promenade deck.  Great quiet and uncrowded place to read, nap, people watch, gaze at the passing ocean, and chat with fellow passengers who stroll by the very comfy deck chair you are lazing on.  Will not go on a ship with this feature which is why I will stick with the Oceania R class vessels.  Most unfortunately, the larger Oceania ships do not.  Too bad.  

 

As Pinotlover pointed out, this deck is closed when very heavy winds occur.  (Infrequent at least on this past sailing.)  The showers are small but certainly doable unless you are really big or very tall. Tons of storage space in the cabin.  I was in an OCEANVIEW on deck 4.  Service throughout the ship was excellent.  It is nice being on a small ship where a sense of community evolves on a longer sailing. This rarely happens when you sail on much bigger ships with 1500 passengers and more.

 

Although OCEANIA beats Cunard on many points especially when i t comes to food and menu choices, it far excels OCEANIA when it comes to entertainment and the number of musicians playing about the ship.  For example, on the INSIGNIA and SIRENA there was no live piano music in the MARTINIS lounge from 7-10 approximately.   It is a dead zone.  This would never happen on Cunard ships especially on the Queen Mary 2.  Readers who have experienced the Chart Room on the Queen Mary know what I am talking about. 

Solo passengers will find there are many such passengers including myself.    You can make plenty of friends and have a very good time if you have the right attitude.  

I hope this helps.

Deck Chair.

 

 

 

 

[bradpole]

On 5/23/2024 at 2:51 PM, Kay S said:

The showers are not THAT small.  A normal-sized human being will fit and have room to turn around.  To hear some folks, the only person who can fit in an R shio shower is a toddler.  Now, if someone is very tall or very wide there might be a problem.  I fit.  My husband fits.  We shower and then get on with enjoying all the great things about cruising.  I have never chosen a cruise based on the size of the shower.

That is prob. one of the best come backs I've read in a while about the showers on the R class.

 

Are the bathrooms small?  Yes.  Are they functional?  YES!  We've had bigger bathrooms on other ships that have had less storage and were less functional than the redesigned R class bathrooms.  Like you said, if someone is a bit bigger than yes, they could have issues in the shower.

[MEFIowa]

I'm 6'2" and about 180 lbs. I used the shower on Sirena just fine on our 10 nights 11/2022. Learned to open the shower doors a particular way and it worked just fine. My much smaller wife had absolutely no trouble with it at all.

[Queenvee]

deckchair - your 40 day voyage sounds wonderful, especially spending so much time on the promenade deck.  Thank you for sharing your experience and info about music on board; that is one of the things I very much enjoy but varied and quality menus are also important.  I'm pondering the differences between Cunard & Oceania to decide how important each is to me. 

 

😃 I figured the shower couldn't possibly be that bad and appreciate all your comments.  I'm used to small showers with clingy fabric curtains on Cunard & HAL, so I'm sure Insignia's would be fine.

[MrEu6117]

My wife and I have cruised six times with Oceania, with two more booked.  We are 72 and 69 years old, and we feel like we fit in fine with the Oceania demographic, and I suspect you will as well.  We have not sailed the Insigia, but we have been on Sirena, a nearly identical sister ship.  We were in cabin 6010 on Sirena, an inside cabin that was quite comfortable.  I am 6'2", 250 lbs and had no problem with the bathroom/shower.

 

To address some of your specific likes/dislikes:

• Partying and rowdy behavior:  I've never witnessed any.
• Gambling:  Casinos on Oceania ships are quiet and often deserted.
• Speakers:  I disagree with the previous negative post concerning speakers and lectures.  I enjoy them immensely, have found them well-informed, and attend as many as I can.
• A quiet place to read:  One of my favorite things.  When I read your initial post I immediately thought of The Patio on deck 9 of the R class ships.  It's quiet, outside yet covered, and has comfortable chairs and loungers.  For cooler rainy days Insignia's library would be perfect.
• Team trivia:  We haven't participated, but it seems to be popular.
• Sharing a dining table:  For the specialty dining rooms you can indicate ahead of time that you would like to share a table.  The main dining room has open seating; just speak to the host at the podium when you enter the restaurant.

 

We like the R Class ships and will be aboard Nautica this coming July and Sirena next January.  My advice - try it, you'll like it.

 

[willidc]

On 5/23/2024 at 4:11 PM, Queenvee said:

Thanks for your insights. I don't get seasick and always book interior cabins so am not worried about that.  LOL re: shower - I'm sure I'll be fine with them.  Glad to hear the confirmation about deck chairs on the promenade deck since I can while away hours watching the water, clouds, dozing and reading.  

Regarding the inside room on Insignia---While we did not do a TA on Insignia, we did do a sailing from Sydney to Papeete (20 days?) as part of the ATW in 2016 in an inside (7002) at the extreme front of the ship.  It was a last minute (3 week notice) booking that came up at an incredible price from our TA with the caveat that we could not pick our cabin.  We had high winds that we were outrunning for the first half of the trip and there was more motion than being in an inside midship, but we never got seasick. 

 

My favorite reading location is usually underneath Lifeboat#1.  Few people use the loungers there, very close to Baristas if you desire a nice coffee break from reading, and you can't get much closer to the water.

 

I think the inside room on the smaller R ships is one of the biggest bargains on Oceania.  The square footage is only about 20 sq ft smaller than balcony (if memory is correct) but with no doors to a balcony, the bed is against the back wall making the room seem larger with better traffic flow for us. 

 

Insides on Marina/Riviera have no sofa so my husband will not sail in those insides and we usually get a concierge cabin on the larger ships.

 

You sound like someone who would likely enjoy Oceania.  We had sailed Cunard long ago and also HAL long ago on the Kungsholm.  We now have our 24th Oceania sailing booked since 2012 and we have enjoyed every one.   

 

Give us a try!

 

 

[Queenvee]

I'm sold!  Thanks for all the thoughtful responses.  I'm booking the August TA right now and looking forward to experiencing this ship.

[CurlerRob]

3 hours ago, Queenvee said:

I'm sold!  Thanks for all the thoughtful responses.  I'm booking the August TA right now and looking forward to experiencing this ship.

 

Please report back with your opinions after your cruise. Thanks. 🍺🥌

[Queenvee]

I'll report back once I return.  😃

[SbbquilterUT]

We will be sailing with you in an interior and I can't wait.  

[deadzone1003]

My wife & I usually have an inside cabin in the R-class ships.  They are just a tad smaller than the regular oceanview, but almost unnoticeable.  Recommend getting an inside up on deck 7 as you can walk anywhere from the cabin, also, the laundry room is on deck 7.  The Promenade deck doesn't go around, so we generally use the fitness deck on Deck 10 for our walks.  A lot of the time, it will depend on how windy it is will determine where we will be walking for exercise.