Oceania Insignia

The 1998-built (as “R One”) Oceania Insignia cruise ship is the first and oldest of the R-Class (“Renaissance”) liners, with sister ships Nautica, Regatta and Sirena (formerly Ocean Princess). Oceania Insignia was drydock-refurbished in November–December 2018 as part of the company’s OceaniaNEXT fleet renovation program (2019–2020).

The vessel (IMO number 9156462) is currently Marshall Islands/France-flagged (MMSI 538001663) and registered in Majuro.

History - construction and ownership

Oceania Cruises is a USA-based passenger shipping company and luxury travel brand owned by NCLH-Norwegian (shipowner). Between April 2007 and September 2014, the company (as part of “Prestige Cruise Holdings”) was owned by Apollo Management LP, one of the world’s largest private equity investment firms.

Since September 2014, Oceania and sister company RSSC-Regent have been owned by NCLH, acquired at a total cost of USD 3 billion.

Since January 2026, Oceania has operated as an adults-only cruise line and sea travel brand.

Oceania ships offer luxury cruises with relatively shorter itineraries, as well as Around The World voyages of up to 180 days.

The 700-passenger ship Insignia is currently operating again for Oceania Cruises. The concise history of MS Insignia includes the former names MS R One (1998-2003), MS Insignia (2004-2012) and MS Columbus 2 (2012-2014), all referring to the same passenger ship. Hapag-Lloyd decided not to renew her charter after 2014.

Decks and Cabins

Oceania Insignia staterooms (349 total, in 16 categories) include 62 Suites, 170 Balcony, 89 Oceanview (including 14 single-occupancy), and 28 Inside cabins. Most staterooms (66%) are Balcony cabins, sized approximately 175 ft2 / 16 m2. Most balconies are relatively compact, at about 45 ft2 / 4 m2.

The largest accommodations are the Owners’ Suites (620 ft2 / 58 m2 plus a 345 ft2 / 32 m2 private terrace).

The ship has 11 decks, of which 9 are accessible to passengers and 5 include cabins.

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

Oceania guests enjoy the flexibility of four open-seating dining venues. The Grand Dining Room serves Continental cuisine and is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Alternative, reservation-required venues include Toscana, offering gourmet Italian cuisine, and the steakhouse Polo Grill. The buffet restaurant Terraces serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner and transforms into “Tapas on the Terrace” in the evenings for a more relaxed dining experience. All dining venues feature bars, and there is no cover charge. In addition, a poolside grill offers hamburgers, sandwiches, and salads at lunchtime, while a pizzeria operates within the buffet area. The observation lounge Horizons serves afternoon tea, and 24-hour room service is available.

Below is the complete list of Insignia restaurants and food bars.

• Grand Dining Room (complimentary 340-seat open-seating restaurant for breakfast, lunch, and dinner; offers French-inspired dishes with daily changing menus)
• Toscana (96-seat Italian fine-dining restaurant, dinner-only, reservations required, complimentary; serves traditional Italian cuisine)
• Polo Grill (96-seat steakhouse restaurant, complimentary; reservations required)
• Red Ginger (feng shui-inspired Pan-Asian fusion specialty restaurant)

Waves Grill is a casual fast-food venue serving the Pool Deck with made-to-order daily specialties and gourmet gelato or freshly made ice cream. The menu includes more than 20 items, such as burgers with fresh salads, coleslaw, hand-cut fries, Surf & Turf Wagyu Burger, Philly cheesesteak, and cold sandwiches. In the evenings, Waves Grill transforms into an alfresco pizzeria serving freshly baked pizzas, grilled Italian specialties, salads, rosemary focaccia with burrata, and desserts such as Nutella pizza.

Terrace Cafe & Bar is a complimentary casual buffet restaurant open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with both indoor and outdoor seating and constantly changing menus. The Terrace Bar also functions as a small pizzeria. In the evenings, Terrace Cafe becomes “Tapas On The Terrace,” serving traditional Mediterranean cuisine. Once per cruise during dinner service, the Indian Corner opens at Terrace Cafe, offering around 15 authentic Indian dishes.

The Lido Buffet’s Sushi Station offers approximately 45 recipes, including two varieties of sashimi, three of nigiri, several uramaki selections, and a daily vegetarian sushi option.

Red Ginger is a Pan-Asian specialty restaurant offering fusion cuisine, including a five-course tasting menu (à la carte priced). The menu features sharable selections for two to four guests (skewers, sushi, and tempura), soups (Tom Kha Gai, Chili Miso), salads (Spicy Duck and Watermelon Salad, Thai Beef Salad, Avocado Lobster Salad, BBQ Baby Back Rib Salad, Sesame Wakame Salad, Asian Greens), appetizers (such as Seared Salmon with Scallop Ceviche, Vietnamese Banh Trang Summer Rolls, Vegetable Tempura, Tuna Tataki, and Sushi Chef’s Selection), main courses in seafood, vegetarian, and meat categories, and a variety of side dishes. Fleetwide since 2026, Red Ginger’s menu also includes 12 Nikkei dishes (Japanese-Peruvian fusion cuisine developed by master chef Gustavo Sugay), prepared using traditional Peruvian ingredients and Japanese culinary techniques.

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

Insignia welcomes her guests in a refined country-club atmosphere, while her cruises deliver an engaging and immersive travel experience. The ship’s mid-size design and non-crowded ambiance allow guests to relax completely.

Below is the complete list of Insignia lounges, clubs, and entertainment venues.

• Insignia Lounge (main showroom and theatre for live evening entertainment and themed dance parties; also hosts daily trivia, lectures, and presentations)
• The Casino (operates with USD wagers and is served by the Casino Bar)
• Martinis (piano bar serving a wide selection of martinis)
• Two Boutiques (offering duty-free perfumes, jewelry, Oceania-branded merchandise, clothing, gifts, and convenience items)
• Upper Hall lounge area (with grand piano for live performances, served by the Martinis Bar)
• Grand Bar (wine bar hosting tastings and served by Baristas preparing complimentary illy beverages)
• Insignia Wellness Center (including Spa Terrace, Spa Whirlpool, steam rooms, treatment rooms, styling salon, Canyon Ranch Spa Club, fitness center, and Boardroom for cards and board games; Canyon Ranch Spa Club treatments include acupuncture, Ayurveda, energy healing, body wraps and scrubs, skincare, tanning, massages, and exotic therapies)
• Oceania@Sea (24-hour internet computer room; private lessons and group classes available)
• Pool area (one swimming pool, two whirlpools, sunbathing area, and bandstand, served by the Waves Bar)
• The Patio (outdoor shaded lounge with chairs, daybeds, and sofas)
• Horizons (lounge and bar with floor-to-ceiling windows, live entertainment, full bar, and afternoon tea service; converts into a nightclub at night)
• Fitness Track (power walking and jogging track) and Promenade (Deck 5)
• The Library (over 1,000 books, including numerous destination guidebooks)
• Sun Deck (served by the Polo Bar; features sun loungers, showers, and deck games including shuffleboard, a golf driving net, and a nine-hole mini-golf putting green)

Itineraries

MS Insignia’s itinerary program focuses on luxury World Cruises roundtrip from Miami with multiple segment options, Mediterranean sailings, Asia cruises departing from Singapore and Hong Kong, voyages in Australia and the South Pacific, Panama Canal transits, and transatlantic repositioning crossings.

The ship’s 2022 schedule featured a 196-day world voyage visiting six continents (44 countries, 43 islands, and 91 ports, including 68 UNESCO sites), with 19 overnight stays, navigation through 23 waterways (four oceans and 19 seas), 22 time-zone crossings, and two equator crossings.

Oceania Cruises Insignia ship is the company’s first and oldest vessel of the R-class (R stands for “Renaissance”), with sister ships the fleetmates Nautica, Regatta, and Sirena. Other vessels of the same design are the Azamara fleetmates Azamara Journey, Azamara Pursuit, Azamara Quest, and Azamara Onward.

The vessel (built at Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard, hull number H31R1) is powered by four WARTSILA marine diesel engines (model 12V32) with a combined output of 13.5 MW. The registered shipowner is NCL BAHAMAS LTD, while the current ship manager is INSIGNIA VESSEL ACQUISITION.

MS Insignia was ordered and operated as “R One” by Renaissance Cruises during the period 1998-2003. Following the cruise line’s bankruptcy, the ship was purchased and renamed “Insignia” (2004-2012). Between 2012 and 2014, she was operated by Hapag-Lloyd Cruises as “Columbus 2”.

On September 2, 2014, the Norwegian company NCL purchased “Prestige Cruise Holdings” (owner of Oceania and RSSC-Regent Seven Seas) for USD 3.025 billion, thereby becoming the official owner of all vessels in both fleets.

In 2017, Insignia became the third Oceania Cruises ship to visit Cuba, following fleetmates Marina (2016) and Regatta (2017). In February 2017, the company announced the addition of six more Insignia cruises to Cuba from Miami, Florida. These itineraries (ranging from 6 to 13 days) were scheduled between November 14 and December 21, 2017. Four of them included overnight stays in Havana. Oceania ships operated a variety of itineraries, including a circumnavigation of Cuba (with calls at Cienfuegos and Havana) as well as Cuba visits as part of selected Panama Canal transition cruises.

The Apollo Group provides all Oceania ships with the complete onboard hotel product and services. This includes administration, food service staff (preparation and service), housekeeping, as well as vessel provisioning and crewing. Other cruise lines served by Apollo include Thomson UK (Marella Cruises) and RSSC-Regent.

Crescent Seas Residences at Sea (Crescent Heights cruise brand)

In March 2025, it was announced that Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd (NCLH) had long-term chartered Oceania Insignia to Crescent Heights Inc (founded in 1989, a Miami-based real estate development company). In December 2027, Oceania Insignia will join the fleetmate Seven Seas Navigator (acquired in March 2025).

Also in March 2025, Russell W. Galbut (a founding partner of Crescent Heights) explained that the company selected ships with configurations suitable for conversion into luxury residential cruising yachts. The vessel’s scheduled refurbishment in 2027 (estimated at over USD 50 million) will involve three design firms—Lissoni & Partners (Milan, Italy), Journey Group (Charlottesville, VA, USA), and MAWD (London, England, UK)—each contributing to different aspects of the redevelopment.

Upon completion, Crescent Insignia will feature 290 staterooms/residences, priced between USD 0.75 million and USD 8 million. Owners’ annual maintenance fees will start at USD 210,000 and will cover onboard dining, housekeeping, 24-hour butler service, and internet access.

New amenities will include white-glove butler service (for all residences) and Starlink internet connectivity to support remote work or schooling.

Crescent Insignia is scheduled to resume operations in December 2027.

Crescent Seas also plans to introduce three additional residence ships over the next five years, expanding to a five-ship fleet by 2030.

Residents will embark on extended worldwide voyages, with stays of two to three days in each destination.

To ensure a first-class service standard, the existing crews will continue to operate and maintain the vessels.

Onboard hospitality services will be managed by The Apollo Group, renowned for delivering high-quality service and dining experiences.

However, NCLH’s two ship lease agreements (signed in March 2025) were terminated on September 30, 2025. Both 10-year lease deals (for Regent’s Navigator and Oceania’s Insignia) included purchase options at the conclusion of the charters.

Oceania Insignia refurbishments review

Drydock 2018

The ship’s OceaniaNEXT refurbishment in 2018 (November 18–December 6, at Grand Bahama Shipyard in Freeport, Bahamas) resulted in the following changes:

• New public spaces, including an open-floor design Lobby with a Reception Hall (lower level) and Upper Hall (second level). These areas are connected via the Grand Staircase (with decorative railings and balustrades) and feature a large crystal chandelier with hand-painted glass elements.
• The Grand Dining Room (aft on Deck 5) received new premium dining furniture (leather chairs with metallic bronze threading) and a new crystal chandelier.
• Martinis (the piano bar lounge on Deck 5) was redesigned with a new silver-white marble bar top and walnut paneling.
• All staterooms were completely overhauled (redesigned and refurnished) and upgraded with custom-made furniture, polished wood and stone finishes, designer accessories, smart HDTVs (interactive infotainment systems with movies-on-demand and internet), USB ports, and LED lighting.
• All cabin bathrooms were refurbished with new tiling, surfaces, fixtures, designer accessories, vanities, and glass shower enclosures.
• Penthouse, Vista, and Owner’s Suite bathrooms were enlarged and upgraded with Carrara marble, onyx, and polished granite surfaces.

Oceania’s 2018-2022 refurbishment projects (covering Insignia, Nautica, Regatta, and Sirena) cost the company approximately USD 100 million.

Drydock 2016

The deck plan changes following the ship’s 2016 drydock refurbishment (April 24–May 8, at CNM-Chantier Naval de Marseille in Marseille, France) included:

• All passenger cabins received new décor, furnishings, and luxury fabrics.
• All cabin bathrooms were upgraded with oversized showers. Owner and Vista Suite bathrooms received new onyx and granite vanities.
• Penthouse Suites were remodeled in line with those on Marina and Riviera.
• The “Horizons” bar lounge (Deck 10) was updated with new colors and furnishings.
• All lounges were renovated with new carpeting, chairs, premium fabrics, and upholstery.
• The “Martinis” bar lounge (Deck 5) and the Lido Pool area (Deck 9) received new furnishings.
• The Spa complex (Deck 9) was remodeled with two new steam rooms, while locker rooms were redecorated with custom-made tiles and mosaics.
• The Terrace Café buffet (Deck 9 aft) was redecorated, and a Terrace Grill station was added (similar to Marina and Riviera).
• The Grand Bar (Deck 5) received Barista coffee machines, and amenities were upgraded with complimentary illy coffees and gourmet desserts.
• New deck games (Deck 11) were added, including shuffleboard and a nine-hole mini-golf putting green.

The Oceania ships refurbishment project in 2016 (covering Insignia, Nautica, and Regatta) cost the company approximately USD 50 million.

Oceania WORLD CRUISE 2025 itinerary

The following table shows Insignia’s “2025 Around the World Cruise”.

The 180-day itinerary visited 89 ports and destinations (including 46 UNESCO sites and 21 overnight port stays) across 32 countries on five continents.

Exclusive Shoreside Events (shore excursions/land tours) were organized in Montevideo, Walvis Bay, Singapore, Benoa/Bali, Adelaide.

Overland Programs included the Amazon Jungle (boat tour), African safari, Taj Mahal, flight to Bagan, Angkor Wat, Terracotta Army (Xian).

Oceania WORLD CRUISE 2024 itinerary

On March 2, 2022, Oceania opened for booking Insignia's "2024 Around the World in 180 Days".

The voyage visited 96 ports/islands (34 countries, 78 complimentary shore excursions) and crossed 3 oceans and 15 seas. Curiously, it was sold out within just ~30 minutes of the sale opening. Oceania announced that 42% of the "World Voyage 2022" customers booked "World Voyage 2024", and 18% of the bookings opted for the 196-day extension package.

The 180-day itinerary departed from Los Angeles (January 14th) and visited popular destinations in Hawaii, French Polynesia, Samoa, Australia and New Zealand, Asia - Indonesia (Bali), Japan (Tokyo, Kyoto), Myanmar (Yangon/Rangoon), India, Arabian Peninsula, Europe (Mediterranean), followed a Transatlantic crossing to the USA and the voyage ended in NYC New York.

Prices started from USD 48500 per person with double occupancy (for the 180-day voyage) and USD 53000 pp (for the 196-day voyage). The 196-day itinerary starts from Miami Florida (Dec 29, 2023) and prior to Los Angeles visits George Town Grand Cayman (Dec 31), Cartagena Colombia (Jan 2), Panama Canal (transit on Jan 3)Puntarenas Costa Rica (Jan 5), Corinto Nicaragua (Jan 6), Puerto Quetzal Guatemala (Jan 7), Acapulco Mexico (Jan 9), Cabo San Lucas Mexico (Jan 11) and Ensenada Mexico (Jan 13).

Fares were inclusive of First Class Roundtrip Flight, Roundtrip Transfers, Visa Package, Pre-Paid Gratuities (max US$8200), Onboard Medical Care, Onboard Internet, Laundry Services, Luggage Delivery, 1-Night Pre-Cruise Hotel.

Oceania WORLD CRUISE 2023 itinerary

In mid-January 2021 Oceania introduced its "2023 Around The World in 180 Days" voyage. General public bookings opened on January 27. The company's "ultimate B2B" (back-to-back) was the 217-day itinerary from Miami to NYC.

The 180-day roundtrip from San Francisco CA (January 15, 2023) visits 96 ports/destinations in 33 countries across 4 continents, 60+ UNESCO sites, 20 port overnights, cruising in Antarctica. The Antarctic experience features 3 full days of scenic cruising in the South Shetland Islands - including Half Moon Island and Admiralty Bay (King George Island) and Paradise Harbor (Graham Land).

The next table shows the 217-day B2B leaving in 2022 (Dec 28).

All bookings on Oceania's World Cruise 2023 receive either 64 free shore excursions or a free USD 6400 per person OBC (shipboard credit) or a free beverage package. In addition to those inclusions, all bookings also receive Oceania's "Exclusive Prestige Package" with free perks like first-class roundtrip flights from various North American airports, pre-paid gratuities (up to USD 8200 pp), onboard medical care, unlimited WiFi Internet, laundry services, shoreside events, visa package, luggage delivery (Canadian and USA passengers), 1-night pre-cruise luxury hotel (in the embarkation port), roundtrip bus transfers (within 80 km / 50 mi from the embarkation port).

Oceania also offers the option for extending the Around The World cruise 2023 up to 218 days by adding the following segments:

• December 28, 2022 - 198-day from Miami to San Francisco
• December 28, 2022 - 214-day roundtrip from Miami
• December 28, 2022 - 218-day from Miami to NYC New York
• January 15, 2023 - 180-day roundtrip from San Francisco
• January 15, 2023 - 200-day from San Francisco to NYC

Oceania WORLD CRUISE 2022 itinerary

The 196-day "World Cruise 2022" itinerary (Dec 21, 2021, through July 5, 2022) covers 6 continents (44 countries, 43 islands, 91 ports, 68 UNESCO sites), and features 18 port overnights, navigation in 23 waterways (4 oceans and 19 seas), 22 time-zone crossings and 2 equator crossings.

The voyage was also offered in smaller itinerary segments, including the "180 Days Around The World" itinerary leaving from Los Angeles.

Insignia's World Voyage 2022 prices started from EUR 37540 pp (double-occupancy cabin rates).

Oceania WORLD CRUISE 2021 itinerary (CANCELED)

For 2021, Oceania Cruises planned for the Insignia ship a 181-day World Voyage roundtrip from the USA (Miami to NYC). Eventually, in early-October 2020, NCLH (shipowner and Oceania's parent company) canceled the sailing due to the ongoing COVID-related international travel restrictions.

181-day from Miami to NYC New York - prices from USD 87000 pp