Insignia, the first of four 684-passenger Oceania Cruises’ ships to undergo an extensive facelift, set sail in December 2018 with an entirely new look that manages to be dazzling and understated at the same time. The key words here are “lighter” and “brighter.”

The $100 million renovation of Insignia and its sisters is part of the line’s OceaniaNEXT initiative, which was created to raise the bar on virtually every aspect of the vacation experience. Sirena, Regatta and Nautica’s refurbishments are set to be completed in May 2019, September 2019 and June 2020, respectively.

AGENTatHOME checked out the newly revamped Insignia prior to its 180-day world cruise in January.

Fanciest and Most Common Accommodations

Suites and staterooms were stripped down to the bones and redesigned with a palette of soft greys, greens and blues. Bathrooms received new vanities and glass shower enclosures. Penthouse, Vista and Owner’s Suites’ bathrooms now feature Carrara marble and polished granite.

The most luxurious accommodations are the six 1,000-square-foot Owner’s Suites, which offer 24-hour butler service and are equipped with huge verandas, bathrooms with oversized showers, two televisions, and a laptop computer and iPad.

The most common are the 108 Concierge Level Veranda Staterooms and 62 Veranda Staterooms, which measure 216 square feet. As its name implies, Concierge accommodations come with the services of a concierge. Both categories have verandas, minibars and comfy seating areas.

Dining

The Grand Dining Room has been refreshed with cream-colored dining room chairs and a gorgeous crystal chandelier, which serves as the centerpiece of the space. The European-inspired menu also features healthy Canyon Ranch signature dishes.

Other dining venues include the Polo Club, a classic steakhouse; Terrace Café, for all-day dining; Toscana, for Italian; the poolside Waves Grill, for casual fare; and Baristas for coffee and snacks.

What's Included

All meals and snacks; dining at all specialty restaurants; soft drinks, bottled water, specialty coffees, teas and juice; shuttle service from ship to city center in many ports; and unlimited access to Canyon Ranch Spa Terrace.

Who Goes on the Ship?

Intellectually curious travelers (patrons of the arts, foodies, adventurers, repeat cruisers) in the 55-plus age range from major U.S. metropolitan cities. The ship also attracts travelers from the U.K. and Australia.

Insider Booking Tip

Examine your current client base for those who are looking to trade up to a smaller ship and a higher quality cruise experience—such as your customers who sail in concierge-level staterooms and mini-suites on premium lines.

Key Selling Points

Oceania Cruises provides an exceptional value for the price. Insignia is extraordinarily beautiful, travels to some of the most intriguing ports in the world and offers some of the best cuisine at sea. And did we mention the ship’s superlative art collection?

Agent Assistance

Oceania offers sales and marketing support to help you build business. It launched a Travel Agent Center site on its website, which includes tools, tips and training, and other benefits. Visit oceaniacruises.com.