MS Insignia

When the MS Insignia was built in 1998, it was the first of the R-class vessels to be launched for the Renaissance Cruise line and it was therefore called the MS R One.

The vessel was acquired by Oceania Cruises in 2006 and, along with its sister ships the Regatta and the Nautica, provides some of the most luxurious cruise experiences available.

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From the moment guests step onto the Insignia, they will feel like they are on a floating country club. The breathtakingly beautiful grand staircase and the newly redesigned neoclassical lobby are the first things that most passengers will see. This gives just a taste of the classical interiors throughout the rest of the ship - many of which are inspired by the ocean liners of the 1920s and 1930s.

While the ship's decor may hark back to golden days gone by, the vessel is by no means old fashioned - it offers plenty of modern amenities as well.

Those wishing to sail on the Insignia will have a number of destinations to choose from. It regularly departs on Mediterranean voyages, with ports of call including Venice, Dubrovnik, Florence, Monaco and Rome.

Other routes include transatlantic journeys, as well as cruises around South America.

Ship stats and features

Passenger capacity: 824
Year entered service: 1998
Beam (ship width): 83.5 feet
Draught (ship depth): 19.5 feet
Length: 593.7 feet
Tonnage: 30,277
Crew: 386
Maximum speed: 18 knots
Number of passenger decks: 9
Number of lifts: 4
Number of swimming pools: 1
Number of cabins: 342

Food, cuisine and dining

The main restaurant on the Insignia is the Grand Dining Room. It offers three meals a day and a traditional cruise dining experience.

If you prefer a buffet on your cruise, then the Terrace Grill is a fabulous choice. It's open throughout the day for breakfast and lunch. In the evenings, it becomes Tapas on the Terrace - a place for a relaxed meal in the fresh air when the weather allows.

For a delicious afternoon tea, then Horizons is the place to be. This venue serves a traditional high tea every day with everything you'd expect from a high-end London tea room. Choose from a variety of scrumptious finger sandwiches, pastries, cakes, scones and other delights, while the finest tea is served in beautiful china.

Of course, if you'd rather enjoy meals, snacks or hot drinks in the comfort and privacy of your own cabin, then 24-hour room services is available to all guests, regardless of their level of accommodation. Menu options include sandwiches, salads and other light bites, as well as desserts and continental breakfast items.

The Insignia is also known for its alternative restaurants, which feature mouth-watering cuisine - namely the Polo Grill and Toscana. Passengers can enjoy eating in these venues without paying extra fees, but be sure to make a reservation, as tables book up quickly.

On-board entertainment and activities

Oceania has worked hard to create an entertainment and enrichment programme that appeals to all who travel on its cruise ships. This is certainly noticeable on the Insignia, where options include concerts, comedy acts, educational lectures and cabaret, as well as films.

Live classical music is played under the stars in the evenings. This provides a fabulous opportunity to relax while enjoying some fresh air and music from one of the finest orchestras at sea. Alternatively, many of the bars and lounges offer other instrumental entertainment.

Just some of the other options include shopping in the boutiques, martini or wine tasting and various demonstrations. You can also visit the library for some new reading material or try the casino if you're feeling lucky!

Spas and fitness facilities

Canyon Ranch, an award-winning spa company provides, the fitness and wellbeing facilities on the Insignia. This gorgeous venue offers everything you need to feel completely rejuvenated by the time you disembark for the last time.

For those who like to get their stress out with exercise, there's a large workout room with cardio and resistance machines. Aerobics, Pilates and yoga classes are also held on a regular basis.

Alternatively, why not opt for a bit of time in the thermal suite, or get a specialist treatment like a massage or acupuncture? A beauty salon is also available where you can get a facial, manicure or new hairstyle.

Cabins

Those planning a voyage on the Insignia will have nearly 350 rooms to choose from. These range from simple, interior rooms perfect for anyone seeking a low-cost cruise deal, to gorgeous suites with many of the features that you'd expect from the finest hotels.

All rooms, regardless of price, include maid service, complimentary room service and towels, robes and slippers. Cabins are also equipped with flat screen televisions with DVD players, wireless internet and a security safe.

Of course, suites come with a number of extra luxuries. For example, there's a complimentary butler service, which includes en-suite dining with menu options available from any of the restaurants. You can also get assistance with shore excursion reservations, while shoe-shine and garment pressing are also provided.

In addition, suites include a private hot tub, designer furnishings, a refrigerated mini-bar and a free bottle of Champagne on arrival.