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Totally Spoilt |
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Reviewed By: Tremlett, Ferragudo-Lagoa. Algarve. on 18th Dec 2008
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| Cruise Line: Oceania Cruises |
Times cruised before: 10+ |
| Cruise Ship: Insignia |
Sailed:
November,
2008 |
| Destination: South America |
Age: 56-65 |
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Cruise Line. Oceania. Ship.Insignia. Departing Lisbon 24-12-2008. Ports of Call. Madeira. Mindelo (Cape Verde Isles) Recife. Salvador. Rio de Janeiro. Destination Rio with overnight stopover. 14 day cruise.Cabins 7075 & 7067. A1 Concierge.
Embarkation was very efficient in Lisbon, only twenty minutes from entering customs to obtaining our Oceania Passcards.
We were all very impressed by the quality of the fixtures, fittings and furnishings and the high standard of cleanliness of the ship. We had managed to obtain mid-ship located cabins with the added bonus of "concierge"deck 7. This gives a few added bonuses, such as champagne on arrival, free garment press, mini-bar, Cashmere lap blankets, complimentary shoulder bag, but more importantly a minimum of 2 reservations in each of the 2 speciality restaurants, Toscana (Italian) and the Polo Grill. The cabins at 216 sq ft. appear to be on the small side especially with individual beds, however we coped without any problem due to the clever use of space. The flat screen TV had ample channels and the choice of over 300 DVD'S were available from reception. The tranquility beds are superb, the safe, user friendly, decent clothes hangers and well stocked bar. The shower room is small but is kept well stocked with an array of hair and body products. Ample good quality cotton towels. Aswell as the 2 speciality restaurants there is the Grand Dining Room, The Terrace Cafe open for breakfast and lunch and in the evenings specialising in tapas. The Waves Grill open from 11.am-4.pm located on the pool deck serves excellent Angus beef burgers and American sandwiches. There are eight bars with "happy Hour" between 5.pm-6.pm in two of them, Martinis and Horizon (obsevation bar on deck 10). Alcohol prices tend to be on the high side especially with the 18% service charge, however, dispensed drinks, expresso and capuchino coffees are free. The Horizon bar, apart from the white glove service for afternoon tea, served between 4.pm-5.pm, is under utilized, a great pity as we all agreed that this was the best bar on the ship. The quality, choice and presentation of the cuisine varies from good to excellent. We ate 3 times in each of the speciality restaurants and were totally spoilt. No-one could not be well satisfied with the food in any of the eateries. The service supplied by the officers and staff is first class, with any request never being a problem in any of the departments. As we had sailed this route previously with another cruiseline, we did not take-up the option of the ship's excursions, however other passengers said they were satisfied with the standard and price of them. This was our first time with Oceania Cruiselines, but certainly will not be our last. Oceania, with it's 3 mid-size ships provides a very high staff to passenger ratio, (400 officers and staff to 680 passengers,) thus ensuring top quality service throughout the cruise.
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| Quality of Food |  |
| Polo Grill- Very good to excellent.
Toscana- very good.
Terrace Cafe- good to very good.
Terrace Tapas- good to very good.
Grand Dining Room- very good.
Waves Poolside Grill. Excellent. | | Entertainment |  |
| Excellent string quartet. Good entertainment but tended to repetitive. | | Shore Excursions | n/a |
| Not utilized. | | Staff |  |
| Probably the best staff I have encountered with ay of the 22 cruiselines used. | | Children's Facilities | n/a |
| This ship does not cater for children. | | Onboard Activities | |
| Excellent cooking demonstrations and wine lectures.Other activities were run of the mill. | | Cabins | |
| At 216 sq.ft amazingly good. Quality of fittings and furnishings were very good. | | Overall Rating | |
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