Insignia Cruise Reviews

Designed with the cruise line's signature style and elegance, Oceania’s Insignia offers a multitude of onboard amenities, including a casino, fitness center, and the luxurious Canyon Ranch Spa, where cruisers can relax in the thalassotherapy pool or enjoy one of the spa's signature treatments. The indulgence continues at the Horizons observation lounge, which serves up cocktails, live entertainment, and breathtaking views through its floor-to-ceiling windows.

For travelers looking to kick back and enjoy a show, the Lounge offers four unique productions, which span a variety of musical and dance styles. Shows range from Tuxedo, which features standards from the Rat Pack to 4 on the Floor, Insignia's tribute to legendary four-member bands such as The Beatles and ABBA. Cruisers who prefer more interactive pastimes should head to Artist Loft, where artists-in-residence host hands-on classes for creative travelers of all skill levels. The ship also boasts a heated pool, two whirlpools, and a variety of duty-free merchandise in its enticing boutiques.

Accommodating only 684 passengers, Insignia underwent a complete transformation during its 2018 OceaniaNext refurbishment. The ship came away from dry dock with a lighter, brighter feel, including modernized public spaces and cabins, which now boast soothing sea and sky colors. Only the ship's library, a passenger favorite boasting over 2,000 books, remained unchanged.

Insignia itineraries and departure ports

Insignia’s cruises depart from a multitude of ports, including New York, Miami, London, and Montreal, and the ship travels to exotic destinations worldwide. Although the ship offers various 7-day itineraries, many of its cruises take travelers on extended voyages. Its longest cruise, a 200-day global quest, stops at over 100 ports, including Cape Town, Lima, Rio Grande, Kuala Lumpur, and Hiroshima. Among its midrange cruises are an 18-day Miami to San Francisco voyage with stops throughout the Caribbean, a 20-day Shrines and Skyscrapers cruise that travels from Singapore to Dubai, and a holiday cruise from Los Angeles to Miami.

This ship is best for: Travelers looking for an intimate cruise on an elegant, modern ship will appreciate Insignia's understated charm and unique itineraries. Since most of the ship's activities aren't designed with families in mind, there are fewer children onboard, promoting a quiet, laid-back atmosphere that appeals to mature cruisers.

You should know: While Insignia serves up elegant, internationally inspired cuisine, it doesn't offer the variety of dining options provided by larger vessels. Insignia may not appeal to travelers looking to experience a new dining venue every day.

Activities on Insignia

Music lovers will appreciate Insignia's productions, including 4 on the Floor, a tribute to musical groups such as ABBA, The Beatles and The Four Seasons. For cruisers who prefer the dance floor to a theater seat, Horizons lounge offers live music, cocktails, and dancing.

Sun worshipers will appreciate the ship's heated outdoor pool and comfortable chaises, and for more active fresh-air pursuits, Insignia has a sports deck, where cruisers can enjoy a game of shuffleboard or practice their golf swing on the putting green. When it's time to head indoors, cruisers can revitalize with one of Canyon Ranch Spa's signature treatments or try their luck at slots in the ship's casino.

Insignia ship highlights

• Canyon Ranch Spa
• Artist Loft classes
• Waves poolside bar
• Musical productions: 4 on the Floor, Tuxedo, Acoustic Sessions, and Get on the Floor and Dance
• Horizons observation lounge
• Waves Grill poolside dining
• Library with over 2,000 books
• Sports deck, including shuffleboard and 9-hole putting green
• Heated pool and 2 whirlpools
• Polo Grill steakhouse and seafood
• Afternoon tea

Insignia cabins

While nearly 70% of Insignia's cabins include private, furnished verandas, travelers can also choose a budget-friendly interior stateroom or one of several oceanview cabin options. Cruisers seeking more spacious accommodations may prefer Insignia's luxurious suites.

Designed in soothing colors, all of the ship's recently renovated cabins feature Oceania's exclusive Ultra Tranquility beds and include turndown service, wireless internet access, and a refrigerated minibar stocked with complimentary bottled water and soft drinks. Suites come with additional amenities, such as free laundry service, a 24-hour butler, and priority reservations at Insignia's specialty restaurants.

Insignia dining

The Oceania dining experience is overseen by master chef Jacques Pepin, making it a foodies' dream. Insignia's formal Grand Dining Room offers passengers plentiful choices, including European-inspired fare, gourmet vegan cuisine, and healthy Canyon Ranch Spa dishes. At lunchtime, The Grand Dining Room features bistro-style food inspired by Pepin's own family recipes. Insignia also has several dinner-only venues, including Polo Grill, a classic steakhouse that serves delicious seafood and prime cuts of beef, and the Tuscan-inspired Toscana.

Cruisers who prefer more informal dining should check out Terrace Cafe, which offers interior and al fresco dining and boasts a changing menu of internationally inspired food. Just steps from the ship's swimming pool, Waves Grill is another great choice for travelers who want a casual lunch or a smoothie to enjoy while lounging in the sun.