We were recently onboard Insignia — one of Oceania Cruises’ newly refurbished ships that is on its 180 day around the world tour. Insignia’s renovation forms a part of the cruise liner’s ambitious OceaniaNEXT initiative — a series of product and guest service enhancements. The first initiative undertaken is the $100 million re-inspiration of the line’s four 684-guest ships — Regatta, Insignia, Sirena, and Nautica. Each of them will feature 342 new designer suites and staterooms, and sophisticated décor elements across the restaurants, lounges and bars.
Insignia is the first ship to showcase the new enhancements. The first thing that you notice when you step aboard Insignia is its grand yet intimate setting. Plush furnishings from Baker and Donghia, fabrics from Rubelli and Kravet, and modern colour tones of soft blues and bold charcoal reflect the ship’s contemporary aesthetic vibe. The Grand Staircase is accentuated with a magnificent chandelier.
All of Insignia’s 342 suites and staterooms have undergone massive rejuvenation; and are tastefully designed to meet the needs of Oceania Cruises’ loyal guests.
However, the highlight of the cruise ship is its F&B offerings serving dishes made with the best of artisanal local ingredients. I had my lunch at the Grand dining room, decorated with dazzling crystal chandelier designed by Studio DADO. I opted for a vegetarian meal course comprising of roasted beetroot and garlic napoleon; provolone-stuffed purses with butternut squash; Mediterranean vegetable tarte tatin and potato and vegetable curry. Adding to my lavish meal was the papuan chocolate volcano.
There is also the Toscana restaurant, celebrating Italian cuisine.
Insignia also has a private club, Martinis which is an ideal gathering spot for like-minded travellers.
In another news, Oceania Cruises also unveiled its recently revamped Sirena cruise. Expressing his views on this, Bob Binder, president and chief executive officer, Oceania Cruises said, “The re-inspired Sirena is perhaps the best expression of our team’s Kaizen culture which focuses on implementing constant incremental change that continually elevates the guest experience. That’s the heart and soul of our OceaniaNEXT initiative.”
