Text: Bart Bruynseels & CruiseToTravel – Photos: Bart Bruynseels
After my husband Danny and I tied the knot, he convinced me to board a slightly larger boat for our honeymoon: the Insignia from Oceania Cruises. “You’re going to love that,” he said. “Wanna bet you will only want to take cruise holidays afterward.” He was right – again – …
I’m just used to the fact that Danny can sometimes exaggerate a bit in his enthusiasm. But here I must admit that none of his superlatives to describe an Oceania cruise were exaggerated. Normally, I don’t believe in the word ‘perfection’. There is always something that can be improved. But from our first minutes on board, I saw that perfection does exist on the Insignia. Everything was taken care of down to the smallest detail, including a pair of romantic swans on our bed. We immediately felt at home in our efficiently furnished and spotless cabin. The bed was so luxuriously soft that I wondered if I would ever get out of bed again. And the bathroom? It was almost a mini-spa in itself, complete with luxurious bath products and fluffy towels. Every morning, it was a real pleasure to wake up and see the view over the horizon.
Oceania likes to show off its ‘gourmet dining’ in its brochures. And that is completely right. The food on board was truly high-quality gastronomy. From breakfast to dinner, everything was always taken care of down to the last detail and prepared à la minute. The variety of dishes was enormous, and the quality was second to none. At breakfast, we had a huge choice, from fresh croissants and local cheeses to a full English breakfast and fresh smoothies. But what really impressed us was dinner. Every evening, we were surprised with new menus, often inspired by the local cuisine of the ports we visited. Each course was a true feast for the senses, and the recommended wines paired perfectly with the dish.
One of the highlights was dinner at the authentic Italian specialty restaurant Toscana, where the lobster was simply unmatchable. It was so fresh and flavorful that we couldn’t help but enjoy every bite. Even when we thought it couldn’t get any better, there was always a new dish that blew us away.
The small size of its ships is one of Oceania’s greatest assets. Because the Insignia is not a huge vessel, the ship can visit charming smaller ports where larger cruise ships cannot dock. This gave us the opportunity to visit places we might otherwise never have discovered. Small, picturesque villages on the coast, with narrow streets, colorful markets, and an atmosphere that you will not often find on larger ships. The locals were always friendly and hospitable, and the excursions offered by the ship were wonderfully organized. After a day on land, it was always wonderful to come home to enjoy a refreshing drink on the sun-deck, with a view over the ocean and the setting sun.
The highlight of our trip? The entire voyage was a series of highlights. Waking up every day in a completely different environment without having to pack our bags every time. It’s wonderful to explore a part of the world in such a relaxed way. One day you take part in an excursion that is organized down to the last detail, the next day you relax by the pool or go out alone for a walk in the city. The balance between activities and relaxation was just right. We had no obligations, no deadlines, just pure enjoyment of the moment and each other. It wasn’t just a holiday; it was an experience that really enriched us.
I’m normally not quick to make contact, but because you’re at sea together, you bond more quickly with your fellow travelers. Everyone is there to unwind and discover new things, and that creates a very special atmosphere on board. Although I had said in advance that I did not want to share a table, we often dined with fellow passengers and met nice people. There were couples celebrating their fiftieth wedding anniversary, single travellers looking for adventure, and couples who just wanted to enjoy quality time together. It was beautiful to see how everyone, despite their different backgrounds and ages, shared the same love for comfortable travel and discovery.
In addition to the luxury, tranquility, and delicious food, the impeccable service is one of the things that makes me a big fan of Oceania. The staff were always friendly, helpful, and willing to go the extra mile to make our stay perfect. A really huge shout-out to the entire crew. From housekeeping to the captain. Everyone worked together like a well-oiled machine and made sure we didn’t lack anything.
We had the honor of having lunch with General Manager Laurence, the highest-ranking officer on board after the captain.
With her lovely French accent, she talked about what it is like to work and live on board the Insignia. Stories that made us laugh, but also shed tears. For example, she said that her crew rescued a number of malnourished shipwrecked sailors on the open ocean and got them all back on their feet with bouillon and rice before they reached land. Her entire crew, who work very hard anyway, voluntarily worked double shifts. A story that left a deep impression on us and made us realize how passionate and dedicated the crew on board Oceania is.
Our honeymoon was an amazing trip packed with moments that we will cherish forever. It was a honeymoon with a golden touch. And one thing is certain: we certainly won’t wait for an anniversary to take another cruise with Oceania.
Bart and his husband Danny traveled aboard the Insignia of Oceania Cruises from New York City to destinations including Bermuda, St. Barts, St. Lucia, Barbados, St. Vincent, Grenada, Bonaire, Curaçao, and Aruba.
Bart Bruynseels, a freelance journalist, is always on the lookout for captivating stories.
Website: www.journalistbart.be.
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