bradpole

Same with our Nautica sailing last month. We each had our own login, no more bumping each other off to check an email etc.. the only bumping was if i wanted to switch from laptop to iPad with my login.

That’s easy…$$$. How much would they gain by removing 2 interior cabins for another laundry? Nothing.

I remember last December in Miami after they called the suites they called the higher levels in the club for boarding and let them use the gold carpet lane. They then called it he concierge cabins. Do they do that in all the ports? Possibly.

I’ll add my 2 cents here… are the bathrooms in the regular cabins tiny in the R ships? ABSOLUTELY! Very small! But they are incredibly well designed and after the refits they offer a ton of practical storage and we love the under counter night light. We have stayed in cabins with bigger bathrooms on other lines that have had less storage! We certainly prefer the wonderful bathrooms on the O class ships, but we survive just fine on the R class ships.

Very true! One does not book an Oceania cruise for the entertainment! For us, that is just fine!

If they use the proper containers water isn't needed. The Terrace Cafe doesn't use older style steam trays, they use induction to keep things warm.

I have to agree, we've sailed a few times post covid and besides some minor changes we haven't noticed any changes that have impacted us or caused us to not make a future booking. It always amazes me how two people on the same ship can have completely opposite experiences. Last week DH and I thoroughly enjoyed our cruise on Insignia. A lady in Barista's started chatting me up and after talking to her I was wondering if she was on the same ship I was! "Horribly under cooked sea food in the Terrace..." "stale bread everywhere..." "Cold coffee if and when you could get a cup..." "Room service constantly late..." she kept going on and on... I eventually stood, smiled and said, "enjoy the rest of your cruise!" and walked away.

To the OP... Thank you for taking us along, we got off Insignia as you got on. Besides the horrible weather we had, and missing St. Georges, overall we had an excellent cruise and were glad to be back onboard Insignia. I hope you enjoy the cruise as much as we did!

Just to add my 2 cents... We really did love our one Crystal cruise, the biggest disappointment was they just don't do casual very well...in our humble opinion. The meals we had in Waterside (MDR) or any of the waiter served restaurants were excellent! The disappointments were the Marketplace (Buffet), and Trident Grill (Pool Grill like Waves). The Trident grill menu was pretty uninspired given the price point, and nothing available cooked to order in the Marketplace like in the Terrace Cafe.

We just disembarked Insignia yesterday. Upon arrival at the terminal in NYC no one checked the arrival time. When checkin began we were all called to board the ship and begin the check in procedures in the Insignia lounge on deck 5. We were then directed to our appropriate carpet color, Gold, Silver, or Blue, based on cabin check in priority. I will note one thing regarding NYC check ins. If there is an NCL ship in port that day with you you'll most likely share the same terminal/pier. NCL on the north side, and Oceania on the south side. After security the Oceania people were directed to a small side room where we waited until 11am for the formal check in procedures to start. An important thing regarding security at NYC if you are sharing the pier. Don't just get in the first big line. Remind the agent you are on "the small ship" and they will either direct you to an Oceania line or the NCL Haven line which is MUCH shorter than the line for the massive NCL ship.

The evening entertainment is about normal for Oceania…nothing special. There is a show each night except tonight (the last night). I have not gone to any of them, my hubby went two a couple of them. The first night was the typical “welcome aboard” variety show. There was an “acoustic sessions” with the band and the singers, a comedian twice. There were also two “production” shows. One thing to note at the production shows there were only singers, no backup dancers. Given the small stage and lack of ceiling height in the lounge the lack of dancers didn’t lessen the show according to my dh. Tonight instead of a show there is a movie at 9. Sadly there doesn’t seem to be the typical “salute from the crew” tonight.

I just listed the pianist hours, the quartet plays 6:45-7:30; 7:45-8:30; 8:45-9:15 in the upper hall.

Perfect timing! I am in martini’s and the pianist is about to start! He plays 5-5:45; 6-6:45; 8:15-9; 10:15-11:15

We let go our lines this morning about 20 minutes before 7 and sadly have begun our journey north. The seas aren’t as bad as I would have expected, so far, but there are some BIG rolling waves out there!

Exactly what I was going to say!

Just one cruise ship. The dockyard is the only place that can support two ships.

when the initial announcement was made about missing St. George those who have sailed into that port, and have seen the entrance, know how little room there is for error and completely understood missing St. George. Another example of the grumpy attitude…I was walking down the corridor when the captain made the announcement about the gangway reopening he mentioned the buses have stopped running on the island. There was a guest who was poking her head out of her cabin door to hear the announcement and when she heard that she snapped, “Oh for ….can this ship get anything right? How the ….can we get anywhere with no buses?!” Once again another example of Oceania/NCLH working hand in hand with Bermuda to ruin her plans! 🤔😀 NCL Joy is out at the dockyard. No other cruise ship in Hamilton.

I agree! Personally I’d rather not cruise from NY in July or August but that’s when Insignia was here.

Exactly! I understand why some are upset. However no one controls the weather.

Hello from Insignia! We are currently onboard and docked in Hamilton. It had been an interesting cruise itinerary wise for sure! I can type up more once I’m home with a real keyboard but yes, yesterday we were docked all day in Hamilton with the gangway stowed. Late in the afternoon, just before tea, the weather improved enough that anyone who wanted to go ashore could. We are docked all day today with the gangway open until departure tomorrow morning. I do feel sorry for those who booked this cruise to go to Bermuda and have such terrible weather and to loose yesterday docked in port, but nothing we can do about bad tropical weather. For the most part people are happy and fine onboard. There are a few sour grapes who think the captain has personally set out to destroy their vacation, but I’m sure they’d have the same opinion on any ship with any changes. Initially we missed St. George and went straight to Hamilton. At one point we were going to depart Bermuda yesterday morning and the head to Boston and back to NYC docking Tuesday afternoon. The prospect of going to Boston was good news for some of us, but not for everyone naturally. When we couldn’t depart yesterday the iten. Was adjusted back to our original Hamilton departure. overall this has been ab excellent Oceania cruise and would happily repeat it! if you have any questions feel free to ask and I’ll try my best to respond.

That's exactly what I was thinking! We have enjoyed our cruises on the O class ships, but stepping back on the R class just feels more like home! I know many complain about the bathrooms being tiny but they are well laid out and functional!

I was thinking the same thing. People who can easily read small print without their glasses don’t know how helpful different colored bottles are!

Unfortunately for me it wasn’t simple to fix. I did politely ask a few times but eventually just gave up.

Actually to someone who drinks coffee, it is a “horror.” I experienced the same on Adventure last September. To some people this could seem incredibly trivial and stupid, but to others, myself included, this is no different than serving warm beer to a beer drinker. Some people are wine snobs, perhaps a beer snob…I consider myself a coffee snob. Milk in my coffee is not the same as half and half! Did this ruin our cruise? Nope, it was just annoying.

Exactly, and that’s a good thing (not being Princess). The big ship lines tend to offer quantity of options over quality.