By
Rebecca Gibson |
Insignia rejoined the Oceania Cruises fleet on 8 May following a two-year charter and an extensive US$50 million refurbishment.
The first of three Oceania ships to undergo a refit, Insignia now features many of the popular interior design elements from the line’s newest ships Marina and Riviera. Sister ships Nautica and Regatta are scheduled to enter drydock and receive similar enhancements over the next four weeks. Renovating three ships from bow to stern in a six-week time period marks the largest refurbishment programme in Oceania Cruises’ history.
“This is a milestone moment for Oceania Cruises,” said Kunal Kamlani, president of Oceania Cruises. “Not only did we welcome home a family member with Insignia rejoining the fleet, but she comes out of drydock essentially a new ship, reflecting an even higher level of elegance and design. By adding features our guests adore from Marina and Riviera to Insignia, Nautica and Regatta, it further enhances the upscale cruise experience and exceptional value for which Oceania Cruises is known throughout the industry.”
Notable enhancements include new bathrooms and fixtures in the Owner’s and Vista Suites; refreshed furniture and upholstery in the Penthouse Suites; and renovated changing rooms, décor and mosaics throughout The Canyon Ranch SpaClub.
In addition, the line has fitted a cook-to-order grill and replaced the furniture, flooring, fixtures and lighting in the Terrace Café; installed the popular Baristas coffee bar; updated the furniture, carpets and décor in Horizons Bar, Martinis and The Insignia Lounge; and added the new Artist Loft inside Horizons Bar to provide guests with a range of enrichment programmes.
The vessel’s sports deck, located at the top of the ship, has received a new miniature golf course and shuffleboard courts, along with other deck games. The main pool area has also been updated.
Insignia set sail on a seven-day ‘Jewels of Europe’ cruise on 8 May and will be officially re-launched by her original godmother Virginia Watters – wife of Oceania Cruises’s founding chairman Joe Watters – in Istanbul on 11 June 2014. Following the relaunch, Insignia will depart Istanbul, Turkey, for a ten-day celebration cruise, calling at ports in Turkey, Cyprus, Israel and Greece. Guests can enjoy several exclusive events throughout the trip including a gala christening brunch, a post-ceremony Sail Away Cocktail Party, special Chairman’s Choice shore excursions and Oceania Club parties.
Next year, the vessel will also sail an ‘Around the World in 180 Days’ cruise from Miami on 10 January and a ‘180 Day World Odyssey’ from the same port on 8 July.
Nautica is scheduled to debut on 16 May for a ten-day ‘Cliffs & Coves’ cruise, while Regatta will re-enter service on 7 June for a ten-day ‘Majesty of Alaska’ cruise.