YoPhilly

My husband and I spent a full day with Trudy and Jimmy Dwyer of Tropical Tours Samoa. They picked us up right at the pier with smiling faces, a big welcoming hug, and a clean, comfortable vehicle. Our tour was a little more than six hours, and the two of them were so much fun and so hospitable…we learned and laughed. On our way out of town, they stopped to pick up delicious picnic lunches, and then we were off. Samoa is filled with natural beauty, and the Dwyers were keen to show us their island. Their love for Samoa is evident, and they are eager to take guests to places the larger tours can’t access. We had our picnic lunch with million dollar views. Above all else, what we will remember most from Samoa is Trudy and Jimmy - their hospitality, laughter, and love of their tropical paradise. I highly recommend them. tropicaltourssamoa@gmail.com

Is the visitor center in Russell?

I am currently cruising across the Pacific and will disembark in Auckland before boarding another ship. I impulsively chopped my hair off yesterday, and will need a professional to clean it up for me. 🤣🤣 For you locals, can you recommend a good stylist?

The GM is Ludmila…. I didn’t catch her last name.

I can’t get over the crew! To a person, they are pleasant, smiling and friendly. We celebrated my husband’s birthday tonight in the GDR, and it was lovely.

In football-related news, the ship has been showing all of the playoff games in cabins as well as Horizons or Insignia Lounge. With popcorn!. 🏈.

We’ve had excellent weather every day since we left LA. Gorgeous sunny days and very cooperative seas! 😄. We arrive at Rangiroa tomorrow.

This morning we had a Grand Brunch…. And grand it certainly was!

So sorry you’re missing it. It appears that everyone is having a grand time. I’ve met many many passengers, and all are lovely, friendly people.

Our best as well

Agreed. I’m on my way to his cooking demonstration shortly.

It is, but we’re only on to Auckland.

We boarded Jan. 14 in Los Angeles and are now crossing the Pacific. This is our 4th O cruise (2nd time on Insignia). The entire crew is delightful - pleasant, engaging, smiling. Dottie is our CD, and she is the best CD we’ve ever had. We’re having a great time. For those of you who know June Tenuka, she’s onboard and holding jewelry-making classes. Chef is everywhere, everyday - very accessible- and he’s doing something fun and delicious every night in the Terrace Cafe since our weather across the Pacific has been excellent. One would be hard-pressed to find fault with the food. In my comment card, I suggested they add plain rolls or baguettes to the pastry offerings in the GDR at breakfast. As I noted, not everyone wants sweets. (I’ll take a good crusty baguette over a danish any time!). Tonight at dinner, the maitre d’ sought me out, thanked me for the suggestion and said they’re making the addition. It was great to know they actually read the comments and take action. We just crossed the equator in the past hour, so this afternoon we had a fun time getting initiated into the Order of the Shellback. the ship is just lovely, and we love the small size. She may not be the shiniest penny in the drawer but she is a beauty nonetheless.

We did an Eastern Med in October one year and had torrential rains the entire route. Another year we cruised a similar itinerary in November and had very pleasant weather. One never knows what will happen.

It's such a pretty ship. Other ships may have more to offer, but I love the lines of these R ships.

I'd appreciate it if someone currently or recently onboard Insignia could let me know if there is a rower in the gym. I tried searching but no luck. Thanks!

This is so helpful.....thanks! ⭐

Our ship excursion to a motu doesn't include a snorkeling stop. The excursion I'm canceling does include rays and sharks but does not visit a motu.

We're lucky enough to spend 2 nights at Bora Bora next month. I've dreamed of swimming in that gorgeous lagoon water for decades, and I'm finally getting there. On Day 1, we're taking the ship's excursion to a motu. Day 2, we're planning to go to Matira Beach for most of the day....is it possible to get a taxi back and forth from the tender dock? We'd rather not hassle with rental car. Also, are there beach chairs rentals at Matira? Thanks. P.S. If you are going to mention snorkeling, let me elaborate. I had booked a snorkel trip for Day 2, but my husband doesn't like to snorkel and can't spend hours in the sun....he'll head straight for shade on the beach. I don't want him to be uncomfortable, plus I've done enough snorkeling in my life, so I'm canceling the tour. All I ever wanted to do is swim in that water for hours - and I'll have my snorkel with me in case there's anything interesting from shore. If you have any other ideas, I'd love to hear them. 😄

Getting ready to pack for Insignia…..are they providing tote bags for concierge guests , or are they still out of stock?

Beatleman, thanks for the recommendation. Based on my research, Manly seems to be the better choice.

Thanks very much, Belinda.

I also have a few questions about Eden. 1) Are breakfast and lunch free in Eden? 2) Can anyone enjoy the public spaces in Eden during the day? 3) Are the nightly shows in Eden complimentary, or is there a charge for those shows? Thanks!

Thanks for the post. Now I'm thanking my lucky stars that I booked our flights using AMEX points.😅

We have tickets for Great Opera Hits.