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Insignia round Italy |
| Reviewed By: Taylor, Aylesford on 2nd Dec 2008 |
| Cruise Line: Oceania Cruises |
Times cruised before: 10+ |
| Cruise Ship: Insignia |
Sailed:
October,
2008 |
| Destination: Mediterranean |
Age: 56-65 |
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The cruise started at Civitavecchia where the boarding was handled efficiently and quickly. We were welcomed at the terminal with a refreshing drink and because we were in a Penthouse Suite we were able to go directly to our stateroom and drop off our hand luggage before going to the self-service restaurant for lunch. Our luggage was in our cabin on our return.
Food in all restaurants was excellent as was the service. Although reservations were required to eat in the Polo Grill and Toscana and these were normally fully booked early in the day, priority reservations are available to all passengers (at least one for each restaurant) so we took advantage of these early in the voyage. Luckily, suites have butler service where in addition to the room service menu, meals can be served in the cabin from any restaurant menu - so we were able to eat at the speciality restaurants even when they were full. Open dining in the main restaurant allowed us to eat at any time we wished and there were plenty of small tables available if you wished to dine as a couple as well as larger tables for 4, 6 or 8. The Versace china in the main dining room added an extra touch of class to the experience.
The beds were extremely comfortable and there was plentiful wardrobe and drawer space. The verandah was a reasonable size with two chairs and footstools and a table.
The atmosphere on board is quite informal and it made a change not needing to pack a dinner suite and evening wear especially with the 23 kilo limit on European flights. Oceania's aim for a "Country Club" atmosphere has certainly been achieved.
Although tendering was required at many destinations, this was handled extremely efficiently and once the tours were cleared boarding was possible within a few minutes with minimal queuing. On shore there was always a crew member handing out cold drinks at the landing stage while passengers were waiting for return tenders. A very slick operation.
There was plenty of entertainment available at various venues, however because of the small size of the ship - under 700 passengers - there were none of the big production shows that you have on the superliners. However there was always something going on somewhere on board from classical quartet to musical quizzes and quiet piano.
The staff could not be faulted. They were always polite, helpful and friendly. This is the first ship I have been on where a visit to the Purser's desk was a pleasant experience. It makes a change to be greeted with a smile and friendly conversation. We would certainly travel with Oceania again.
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| Quality of Food |  |
| The Polo Grill - The Surf and Turf (lobster tails and filet mignon) is a must as is the crab cake starter | | Entertainment |  |
| | Shore Excursions |  |
| Only one to Pompeii. Well organised. | | Staff | |
| Excellent.
Our butler was always efficient, polite and helpful. We were also extremely impressed by the staff at the Purser's desk. | | Children's Facilities | n/a |
| | Onboard Activities |  |
| Limited because there were no sea days on this cruise. | | Cabins | |
| | Overall Rating | |
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Happy HOLIDAY's
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