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Italy and Greece April 2007 |
| Reviewed By: Alliston, Solihull West Midlands on 24th Mar 2008 |
| Cruise Line: Oceania Cruises |
Times cruised before: 10+ |
| Cruise Ship: Insignia |
Sailed:
April,
2007 |
| Destination: Mediterranean |
Age: 65+ |
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Having previously travelled with Swan Hellenic on Minerva 2 we were already familiar with the layout of the ship and were hoping that it had not changed too much. We were not disappointed - if anything it was even better than Minerva. Walking around the ship we were impressed by the luxurious touches, particularly the double sun-loungers and relaxing areas round the pool. We were relieved to see the library still the same and the lovely fireplaces that make the ship so special.
Our cabin was delightful, the bed the most comfortable I have slept in on board ship, and the balcony well equipped for relaxing. The staff gave excellent friendly service.
We found the food to be excellent, although the speciality restaurants were free, we ate there only once, we were quite happy to eat when we wanted to in the main dining room. We were always shown to a window table for two without having to wait. On port days we often returned to the ship to eat on an empty deck at lunch time - an experience we found very relaxing.
The itinerary was very well planned and managed to pack a lot into a 12 day cruise. We were not impressed with the port talks and preferred to wander about on our own, aided by the useful information and maps provided on board.
The entertainment was not as good as on a larger ship but this did not concern us much. I did enjoy the art lectures given before the art auctions. It is the first time on a ship that I have actually learned anything about the featured artists.
The only criticism I have of what would have been a perfect holiday was the arrangement made by the ship for a tour of Rome culminating in a drop off at the Airport. This failed to happen. After a really good day in Rome we were taken to a hotel, some distance from the Airport and told that was the end of the trip. Phone calls to the cruise consultant on board confirmed that we were to be left at the hotel. We were told by the hotel staff that this frequently happened. Although the coach driver, in his own time, did eventually take us to the Airport it left us feeling annoyed and took the edge off the holiday.
We would certainly travel with Oceania again but in future make our own travel arrangements. If Oceania were to commence some of their voyages from a British port we would become very frequent passengers.
Having previously travelled with Swan Hellenic on Minerva 2 we were already familiar with the layout of the ship and were hoping that it had not changed too much. We were not disappointed - if anything it was even better than Minerva. Walking around the ship we were impressed by the luxurious touches, particularly the double sun-loungers and relaxing areas round the pool. We were relieved to see the library still the same and the lovely fireplaces that make the ship so special.
Our cabin was delightful, the bed the most comfortable I have slept in on board ship, and the balcony well equipped for relaxing. The staff gave excellent friendly service.
We found the food to be excellent, although the speciality restaurants were free, we ate there only once, we were quite happy to eat when we wanted to in the main dining room. We were always shown to a window table for two without having to wait. On port days we often returned to the ship to eat on an empty deck at lunch time - an experience we found very relaxing.
The itinerary was very well planned and managed to pack a lot into a 12 day cruise. We were not impressed with the port talks and preferred to wander about on our own, aided by the useful information and maps provided on board.
The entertainment was not as good as on a larger ship but this did not concern us much. I did enjoy the art lectures given before the art auctions. It is the first time on a ship that I have actually learned anything about the featured artists.
The only criticism I have of what would have been a perfect holiday was the arrangement made by the ship for a tour of Rome culminating in a drop off at the Airport. This failed to happen. After a really good day in Rome we were taken to a hotel, some distance from the Airport and told that was the end of the trip. Phone calls to the cruise consultant on board confirmed that we were to be left at the hotel. We were told by the hotel staff that this frequently happened. Although the coach driver, in his own time, did eventually take us to the Airport it left us feeling annoyed and took the edge off the holiday.
We would certainly travel with Oceania again but in future make our own travel arrangements. If Oceania were to commence some of their voyages from a British port we would become very frequent passengers.
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| | Shore Excursions | n/a |
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| | Children's Facilities | n/a |
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