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 Cruise Reviews

Venice to Barcelona on Insignia
Reviewed By: Woolfe, Radlett on 9th Aug 2008
Cruise Line: Oceania Cruises Times cruised before: 10+
Cruise Ship: Insignia Sailed: July, 2008
Destination: Mediterranean Age: 56-65
We were attracted to this cruise by its interesting itinerary and the idea of trying a smaller ship. We certainly were not disappointed, as this was our most enjoyable cruise ever. The trip lasted 14 days and involved Venice (2 days), Dubrovnik, Corfu, sea day, Sorrento, Amalfi, Civitavecchia, Elba, Livorno, Portofino, Monte Carlo, Marseilles, Palma, Barcelona. Being a smaller ship, it seemed that the docking points were more accessible to the actual ports.

It was a bit of a shock when we first embarked as the common areas and stairwells are so much smaller than on our previous cruises. However, we quickly got used to the more intimate atmosphere and enjoyed the very friendly and relaxed ambience. Our balcony cabin was very similar in size to every other ship we have been on and despite being only 30,000 tons, the deck areas actually seemed to be more spacious.

Service throughout was spectacular, as was the food. We particularly enjoyed dining as often as possible in the Tapas Restaurant in the open air at the back of the ship. As there were only about 680 passengers, it seemed that we never had to wait for anything. There was little emphasis on selling - we weren`t constantly bugged by photographers!

It was very easy to make friends on board, and we certainly will try to book again with this line. The only downside was that the entertainment was not very exciting and limited . However, as there is open seating , we tended to eat later, and so this wasn`t much of an issue.The excursions were expensive, but we find this to be the case with most other operators anyway. It was quite easy for us to make our own arrangements on shore. At each port there was a local representative availble in reception to answer questions, without actually selling anything, and we found this a very helpful service.
Quality of Food5
All the restaurants were excellent, particularly the two speciality restaurants for which there is no extra charge.
Entertainment2
No big production shows, as was expected. The three headline acts were ok.
Shore Excursionsn/a
Can't comment because we made our own arrangements.
Staff5
Everybody was excellent, particularly the cruise director J R Lustig who was very friendly without being pushy.
Children's Facilitiesn/a
Onboard Activities2
The art lectures were actually interesting.
Cabins5
Yes, the bed was very comfortable.
Overall Rating5
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Question by Cooper, Barnsley (23 Aug 08 13:56) about this REVIEW
do oceania cruise line allow you to take alcohol on board to drink in your cabin
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Answer by Harvey, Henley-in-Arden (09 Sep 08 18:30) to a QUESTION by Cooper (23 Aug 08 13:56)
Yes, they're completed relaxed about this (unlike Fred Olsen, where if you take alcohol on board you're made to feel like a criminal, and it's confiscated for the duration of the cruise; VERY mature!). Also on Oceania you can pay corkage and they'll serve you your own wine, which has the advantage that you can drink Assyrtiko as you leave Santorini, Chianti out of Livorno...
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Comment by Cooper, Barnsley (13 Sep 08 16:44) about an ANSWER by Harvey (09 Sep 08 18:30)
many thanks for your answer to my question. We shall be on the insignia on October this year and we shall enjoy a bottle or two.
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Answer by Woolfe, Radlett (24 Aug 08 19:31) to a QUESTION by Cooper (23 Aug 08 13:56)
sorry-no idea-I wouldn`t have thought it would be allowed
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Question by LAWS, CARY, N.C. (20 Aug 08 21:47) about this REVIEW
WE ARE DOING THE SAME ITINERARY FROM BARCELONA TO VENICE ON REGATTA. HAVE SAILED OCEANIA BEFORE...CAN YOU TELL ME WHO YOU USED AT THE PORTS FOR TOURING??? THANK YOU...PALMA DE MAJORCA, MARSEILLE, AMALFI, CORFU, PORTOFINO???
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Opinion: Agree Comment by Brann, Bangor (11 Aug 08 08:19) about this REVIEW
We endorse the review. We mostly ate in the restaurant and greatly enjoyed the speciality restaurants, especially Polo whose menu covered all tastes. The library too was a joy. It was a pleasure not to have photographers around and J.R. was most pleasant and low key. The representative at each port was most helpful and a nice touch as people are looking for different things in each port of call so individual queries got answered. The 18% charged for drinks etc. is too steep. Entertainment disappointing. Would be nice to have films screened more often by way of choice.
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Opinion: Agree Comment by wade, cullompton (10 Aug 08 17:21) about this REVIEW
having just returned from the black sea with nautica.i feel your review would be spot on for our cruise as well.we to will be booking again with oceania. great food great service great people great ship
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