Insignia - Tips

Book the specialty dining rooms in advance of boarding the ship or immediately when on board. You're not limited to the number of times you can dine in them but reservations fill up ultra fast. Transportation is NOT included to and from the airport/ship.

When given the opportunity to book specialty restaurants ahead of time, do so. Spread them out so that you can check them out early, mid cruise, and near the end when they are usually booked full. Enjoy the happy hours and various tastings if alcohol is in your plans. They are a great way to save.

If you're an early riser, coffee is available in the Horizons Lounge. Don't miss afternoon tea in Horizons -- but get there early for the best seats! On days at sea, take breakfast in the dining room -- it's more relaxing than the buffet in the Terrace Cafe.

If you expect the best in all facets of cruising you should definitely book a cruise on the Insignia. Top notch all the way.

Older ship, so be prepared for things to go wrong, they will! Spoke to so many passengers who were unhappy with their rooms - leaks, smells, etc... The card room was very well equipped with mahjongg, puzzles, all kinds of cards and games.....better than most!

Book the specialty dining rooms in advance, or as soon as possible after boarding - there is no charge, but seating id limited, and reservations tend to fill up fast. Excursions can be booked 'al a carte', or if you plan to take several and book in advance, a discount is often available.

Do not book a cruise where you are not able to make your own plane reservations; that is do not begin or end cruise in a remote port such as Papeete.

Bring a sense of adventure to this route; weather is unpredictable and the ocean can be rough at times (11 feet waves). The temperature changes very quickly, on land and on the ocean, so highly recommend to pack for dry/wet and warm/cool weather.

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If you need to keep in touch with work via internet , this is not your boat. Otherwise, it is great. Their internet service is not good, a quite low broadband.

I love that the ship is informal, open seating, helpful staff.

Try all the specialty restaurants and book your reservation on line before boarding the ship.

1) Book a specialty restaurant for the first night of the cruise. It’s easy to get the table of your choice at the time of your choice. And you won’t be tired of eating yet! 2) The Cuban Affair by Nelson DeMille was fun to read on board. Some of protagonist’s experiences will parallel yours and you’ll recognize the specific locations in Havana.

Wait until the ship is remodeled before you book. Also if you are prone to motion sickness, do not choose this ship because it rolls a lot even in calm seas.

Try to get any cabin at mid-ship and lower deck to prevent sea-sick

of my 50+ cruises, this is the worst. Not worth your money.

Allow plenty of time in Manhattan at the cruise terminal

don't go

Although the ship is small, the size increases your chances of doing things the big ships cannot due to their size. Also, there was plenty or room at the pool area even on sea days.

The food is excellent, but try to pace yourself. Otherwise you will need to purchase a new wardrobe.