My 4 Days Of Oceania Luxury

After recently returning from a 4 day cruise with Oceania Cruises on the Insignia, I have to admit or should I say remind myself why I love smaller ships and why I would pay more for a cruise. Yes, pay more!

It is not that long ago when people said they were off on a cruise the response was “wow” a cruise, you must be loaded!  Times change and now cruising has become affordable for everyones pocket which is great but what about if you have have done alot of cruises and are just looking for that something different, just moving up a little. Say for example from a 4 star hotel to a 5 star?

For those out there, (and I know there are many of you) have a look at Oceania Cruises. So who are Oceania?  They  are a United States cruise line, and under the main “umbrella” with Regent Seven Seas and NCL cruises however, trading of course separately.  Currently they have 6 ships in the fleet, all premium standard. The ships vary in size, ranging from only 684 guests to the largest one with 1250, so you see not huge at all.  I was on the Insignia which is one of the smallest in passenger size.

Apart from the obvious cliche of a smaller boat does get to many places that the big boys cant, what else would make Oceania cruises stand out?  For me, it is just about everything.  I loved that sense of space and been able to find out the different areas. On a big ship, I must admit I do struggle and lose my way many a time. The interior is a huge wow. Classic, stunning, tasteful comes to mind. Beautiful pictures and art work everywhere, some of the pictures are actual “real” works of art, for example Picasso originals (yes honest!).  One of the many areas I loved was the library. To be honest with you, I would never normally look for a library on a ship but this one was so beautiful with loads of books and the most fabulous surroundings, I wanted to just sit for a few hours in that oasis of peace.

The pool area was something else. No more lying like sardines (my pet hate), I had space and I had quiet too! The sun beds were not the normal ones you get for your own back garden, these were plush and so comfy. There was a huge gym for the size of the ship which had everything you could want, if you wanted to exercise (not!). The Canyon Ranch Spa club was so lovely. Even the changing rooms were better then some of the spas I have seen on a ship! Entertainment at night, I know can be a deal breaker for many of you. If you are looking for the “all signing – all dancing” type of Vegas shows, you won’t get that on these ships, what you will get though is great production shows, a casino and some very good entertainment. For example one evening there was a show, then we had a couple of violinist’s who played all the songs from Phantom Of The Opera – it was amazing. I’m not a classical music lover as such, but this was really so good!

Now we come to the food. Can I really give this the justice it so deserves? On the Insignia, they have the main dining room, the Polo Grill (steaks and seafood) and Toscana (Italian). We ate in every one of them! My own personal favourite was the Polo Grill which was amazing, the steak was to die for. Toscana was beautiful and the main dining room? Well that was fantastic too, in fact the main dining room is really like one of the “posh” restaurants on a bigger ship. Service is exceptional, food is fantastic – anything you want to “tweak” they will do for you. Dining was really a pleasure and with 7 or 8 courses if you wanted, I certainly did not get off the table feeling hungry!

Carrying on with the food theme, I can not ignore the Terrace cafe which we went to for lunch and breakfast. A buffet service, but not like any buffet – so many staff to serve you with the most fantastic food again! Lastly there is the Waves grill by the pool. We were advised to try out the burgers there. OMG!! They are to die for! They do serve salads and seafood too! Take my advice and try it!  If after all this food you want some afternoon tea, at 4pm sharp it is served in the Horizon lounge – finger sandwiches, cream cakes, pastries…. wonderful!

Oceania are not all inclusive which many of the other luxury cruise lines are. Did this bother me? Not in the least.  You can purchase a full drinks package or you can pick a beverage package for use when in the restaurants (this is currently on offer when you book). All soft drinks, bottled water, cappuccino, espresso, teas and juices are complimentary. Let us not forget that not everyone wants a drinks package.

In these days of cruising choice, it can be hard to decide on what is really “you.” If you are looking for something else, maybe just a bit fed up of your usual cruise line or want to move on to the premium cruise lines, I  have no hesitation in recommending Oceania Cruises.

Want to know a bit more? Give me a call or drop me a line anytime!

Till next time x