Ruby Wedding Celebration

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Ruby Wedding Celebration
Reviewed By: Lord, Ladbroke on 2nd Jul 2009
Cruise Line: Oceania Cruises	Times cruised before: 0
Cruise Ship: Insignia	Sailed: May, 2009
Destination: Mediterranean	Age: 56-65

Having been sceptical about cruises for many years we finally decided to take the plunge to celebrate our 40th wedding annivarsary. We picked Oceania Cruises after much deliberation and research. Particular features that we liked were relatively small ship size, open dining arrangements and the 'smart casual' dress code. Also the Eastern Med. destinations were appealing with probably Montenegro the best to coincide with our actual anniversary. (See photo cruising into Montenegro at 7.00am) All restaurants were excellent from relaxing on the Pool Deck at Waves Grill to the formal comfort of the Polo Grill for steaks and Toscana for fish and Italian. Eating breakfast and lunch at the Terrace was probably the most enjoyable with buffet style open dining. The cost of drinks was more then expected especially with the automatic 18% American style gratuity. It was hard to find a bottle of wine below $40. There was no need to dress OTT. Everyone was very smart - ladies in dresses, men with jackets most of the time but very few ties and no DJ's thank goodness. Very American Country Club to match the decor - just right. Well it was probably 90% Americans and we were among the dozen or so British contingent. Everyone was extremely sociable. The crew were all superbly attentive to the point of being too much so on occasions. Blink and your plates gone! Evening entertainment was very adequate perhaps too much on the 'show' songs front and not the best UK comedian. The American comedian and UK illusionist were extremely good. Shore excursions were rediculously expensive typically $100 - $150 each per trip. We only went on one (Montenegro) and chose to do our own thing for a fraction of the price. We were amazed that so many people went on so many excursions. Clearly the easy way to see the sites but at a high cost. Our Concierge Stateroom was small but extremely comfortable. We loved the veranda to sit out and drink our contraband wine. Overall a wonderful experience and we will cruise again but preferably no fixed dining, no DJ's and no huge ships. We may well have been spoilt with the 5* standard of Oceania. Alan & Sue, Warwickshire
Quality of Food

Entertainment

Shore Excursions
Only went on one. All rather expensive.
Staff

Children's Facilities	n/a

Onboard Activities

Cabins

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Opinion: Agree Comment by Jeffery, Binfield (21 Jul 09 21:15) about this REVIEW

I absolutely agree with all you said. We sailed round South America on Insignia last January and loved the experience but, yes, excursions and alcohol are ridiculously expensive. We have recently returned from the Baltic with P&O, and although it went well it couldn't compare to Oceania. We have been totally spoiled and will only book with them in future.

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Comment by Waite, Washington (21 Jul 09 16:29) about this REVIEW

We have booked on the Insignia for our first cruise and our Ruby wedding anniversary too. Very reassuring to see that it's a good experience. Many thanks.

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