We chose this cruise because of the smaller ship experience and the claims about the food (gourmet). We have cruised back in the classic days of cruising (e.g. the 1970's on Homeline's Oceanic which was 5 star) as well as in the late 80's on Celebrity (which was not as good as Oceanic days but pretty darn close). We have also sailed on Carnival, NCL, and MSC. Our last cruise (late last year) was on MSC and comparing MSC to Oceania Insignia is like comparing a buffet at the Golden Corral to dinner at a 5 star gourmet restaurant (Oceania Insignia being the latter).

First the ship: no complaints. Classy, clean, simple to navigate, and well organized. We find the very large ships to be extremely difficult to navigate and find your way around. Insignia was perfect. You could get from your cabin to any venue within a minute or two. I liked that very much. However, be aware that with a smaller ship comes more motion during rough seas. The internet was the best I've experienced on a ship.

Cabin: we had a concierge level veranda cabin in the back of the ship with a view of the ship's wake. Loved this room and balcony,. The refrigerator was refilled every day and there was no charge to drink the sodas or water in the room. Ice bucket was filled at least once a day if not twice. Carpeting, room temperature, and everything else about the room was just perfect. The cabin stewardess (Dyana) was always available, did her best to make us happy, and ALWAYS made sure to address us by our last names, a classy move. In fact, all staff on this ship were amazing. They did their best to address us by our names and ALWAYS said hello in passing with a smile and a "yes sir or madam." This ship, unlike most of the larger ships of today, was all about class, class, class. It was classy but not pretentious or snobby. Read more