LIVE -- Insignia, August 16, 2015

On board the Insignia. This is the first morning on board, and those of you that have read some of my of "live" postings from other cruises know that means I'm sitting in Barristas powering my way thru several macchiatos. It's a sea day so fairly quiet at Barristas at the moment. (BTW, Barristas is the coffee bar location on the ship. Very nice espresso coffees. No regular "American" style brewed coffee, but the barristas behind the bar are happy to make an Americano for those looking for a regular Cup of Joe.)

I'm not planning on making these live postings an ongoing comparison between the R class ships and the O class ships, but it may turn out that way regardless. So here is the first comparison/opinion. I definitely prefer the Barristas location and overall feel on the Marina/Riviera. On the Insignia (as well as the Regatta and Nautica), Barristas is located immediately outside the entrance to the Grand Dining Room. Makes sense given the overall layout of the ship and was, I suspect, an easy retro fit when the Insignia was upgraded. Plenty of comfy seating, including bar seating. But the room feels somewhat dark and closed in.

On the Marina and the Riviera, the Barristas location is perched high up overlooking the pool. The room is entirely encased in glass giving you a great sense of being at sea. I know many people dislike this location because it also feels like nothing more than a passageway between the Computer Lab and the Library. That may be true, but it feels more like a true Italian coffee bar to me. And a nice way to greet people coming and going.

Ok everyone, set your flamethrowers to extra crispy: If I had been in charge on the R ship upgrade design plans I would have converted the Library to the new Barristas. Just raise the ceiling, encase in tall glass windows (again overlooking the pool) and voilà-- you have an amazing coffee bar with spectacular views of the sea.

Ok, that's enough for a first post. Fire away with questions or comments (or bricks and stones). Ciao

Happy to comply with your request, though I will not actually FLAME.

The Library on the R ships is something we really missed on the O ships. (About the only letdown for us on Riviera) The R Library is a place you can really sit and read and relax -- great for those bad weather days - but the O Library is a hallway with bookcases, no quiet, no atmosphere of a real library. To have lost that room/space would have been, for us, a huge blow. Not worth it so folks could have their Starbucks at Sea!!

(So there is your counterpoint, LOL. We maybe one time in two O cruises went to Baristas. Just not important to us. But the Library is!)

I hope you continue to have a marvelous cruise and look forward to your reports. I am jealous, naturally! And take my "counterpoint" in the gentle spirit in which it is intended.

Donna

Interested in your reviews of the Insignia; we'll be on her for 180 days starting in Jan 2016.

Big "no" to your idea of turning the library into Barristas but wonder if it couldn't be done in Horizons until cocktail hour?

I agree ..leave the library as is

the space outside the GDR was never used in the daytime & the perfect place for it

enjoy the cruise

Hi Everyone

Presently navigating our way up the Garonne River to dock in the the heart of downtown Bordeaux. Definitely a big plus to be on the Insignia for this capability. I understand the large ships dock in the commercial port at the mouth of Garonne. It's a beautiful day here -- sunny with a slight breeze. The day at sea yesterday took us across the sometimes dreaded Bay of Biscay. For us it was a big bathtub. Six foot swells, light winds. Perfecto!

So the day at sea -- You would think I would have time to post more. It's funny how these sea days slip by so quickly. Here was my very boring itinerary for the day:

1.) Spend a couple of hours in Barristas drinking macchiatos and catching up on work.

2.) Late breakfast with DD and her SO.

3.) Walk track with DW.

4.) Read on deck. Too cool to sit in shade. Sitting in sun was wonderful though. Given we had a sea day and the weather was as good as it could get, I thought the pool deck would be packed. But no, that was pleasantly not the case. There were loungers in abundance and not a chair hog in sight. Also nice -- no "canned" music being broadcast in the pool area. (Hate, hate elevator music.)

5.) Lunch at Waves. I can't bring myself to eat the Surf and Turf. Not the case for DD and the SO. I "settle" for a bacon cheeseburger with bbq sauce and fries. Tasty, tasty.

6.) More reading on deck.

7.) Workout in gym. The gym is fairly quiet. Lots of new equipment. The kids worked out late in the morning. They noted it was fairly quiet as well at that time.

8.) Sit on balcony in room and drink some wine. Listen to DW describe her thoughts on what to wear to the Captain's Reception. Drink more wine......

9.) Ready myself for Reception. Brought a jacket, so I'm wearing the damn thing. Kids show up to play cards. DD dressed up to the max. Typical for her.

10.) Head off to the Reception. Free drinks from 5:45 to 8:00. The event is hosted in three venues -- Martinis, Horizons, and the Insignia Lounge. We go to the Lounge for introduction to Captain and the Senior Staff. Alcohol flows freely. The usual characters worry they won't be able to consume enough over the two plus hours of free service. Minor gripe (I've made this one before on previous cruise postings): I think it is insulting to the Captain and his staff to show up in sweat pants and a T-shirt to this event. At least have the courtesy to go to one of the other venues.

11.) Dinner in Polo at 8:00. They are very busy. Ok by us because we are happy to spend two to three hours at table. Eat way too much. I had the ribeye steak. Really, really nicely done. Whole steamed lobster on the side. Sheer decadence.

12.) Need to stay up for a while after that meal. Hit the casino with DD and SO. (They are fends for gaming.) I am a huge winner at the three card poker table. Dealers are ok. Not very engaging. The guy running the show is borderline rude to the kids.

13.) Retire to the room. Sea day is done.

I would not mind a comparison between an O and R ship

I have only cruised on the smaller ships and on the Marina in 6 months time.

The R ship libraries are perfect in every way.

Seriously - someone came in sweatpants and a t-shirt to the Captain's reception? At what club is that "country club casual?" It should not be countenanced. Period.

Donna

Thanks for your report....enjoying your style.

On the Marina and the Riviera, the Barristas location is perched high up overlooking the pool. The room is entirely encased in glass giving you a great sense of being at sea. I know many people dislike this location because it also feels like nothing more than a passageway between the Computer Lab and the Library. That may be true, but it feels more like a true Italian coffee bar to me. And a nice way to greet people coming and going.

 

Ok everyone, set your flamethrowers to extra crispy: If I had been in charge on the R ship upgrade design plans I would have converted the Library to the new Barristas. Just raise the ceiling, encase in tall glass windows (again overlooking the pool) and voilà-- you have an amazing coffee bar with spectacular views of the sea.

 

Ok, that's enough for a first post. Fire away with questions or comments (or bricks and stones). Ciao

Revving up the flamethrower....

As a lover of the old Caribou Coffee houses (may they rest in peace) I really like the Barrista's location on the R's. Guess I'm one that prefers the living room feel to my coffee house.

Funny how all of us our different...the beautiful library and Barrista location on the R's are two things that offset the negative of smaller cabin bathrooms (but that's just me).

Did Insignia get new fitness equipment? Brand?

I enjoyed your description of your sea day - sounds pretty near perfect:)

Re Barristas; I find the location of Barristas on the R ships to be perfect. My morning routine is to get up and out well ahead of DW and hang out in the Barristas/bar area checking my email and reading the news (on the phone). When she arrives we go right into the MDR for breakfast. That location is roomy with a variety of seating for groups seeking conversation or for those seeking privacy. The O ship barristas has none those attributes - neither comfort nor location. On the O ships I use the concierge lounge or Horizons for my morning routine - usually Horizons as the lounge tends to attract strangely dressed people (think bathrobes and hairnets:eek:) and also Horizons has room for privacy. Also now has a coffee machine so you can get your Latte or whatever.

Re the library; Like most long term O cruisers the O ship library was a major disappointment. The R ship library is well neigh perfect in my humble opinion.

Of course opinions may vary ;)

Robbie

Hi Everyone

Presently navigating our way up the Garonne River to dock in the the heart of downtown Bordeaux. Definitely a big plus to be on the Insignia for this capability. I understand the large ships dock in the commercial port at the mouth of Garonne. It's a beautiful day here -- sunny with a slight breeze. The day at sea yesterday took us across the sometimes dreaded Bay of Biscay. For us it was a big bathtub. Six foot swells, light winds. Perfecto!

 

So the day at sea -- You would think I would have time to post more. It's funny how these sea days slip by so quickly. Here was my very boring itinerary for the day:

 

1.) Spend a couple of hours in Barristas drinking macchiatos and catching up on work.

 

2.) Late breakfast with DD and her SO.

 

3.) Walk track with DW.

 

4.) Read on deck. Too cool to sit in shade. Sitting in sun was wonderful though. Given we had a sea day and the weather was as good as it could get, I thought the pool deck would be packed. But no, that was pleasantly not the case. There were loungers in abundance and not a chair hog in sight. Also nice -- no "canned" music being broadcast in the pool area. (Hate, hate elevator music.)

 

5.) Lunch at Waves. I can't bring myself to eat the Surf and Turf. Not the case for DD and the SO. I "settle" for a bacon cheeseburger with bbq sauce and fries. Tasty, tasty.

 

6.) More reading on deck.

 

7.) Workout in gym. The gym is fairly quiet. Lots of new equipment. The kids worked out late in the morning. They noted it was fairly quiet as well at that time.

 

8.) Sit on balcony in room and drink some wine. Listen to DW describe her thoughts on what to wear to the Captain's Reception. Drink more wine......

 

9.) Ready myself for Reception. Brought a jacket, so I'm wearing the damn thing. Kids show up to play cards. DD dressed up to the max. Typical for her.

 

10.) Head off to the Reception. Free drinks from 5:45 to 8:00. The event is hosted in three venues -- Martinis, Horizons, and the Insignia Lounge. We go to the Lounge for introduction to Captain and the Senior Staff. Alcohol flows freely. The usual characters worry they won't be able to consume enough over the two plus hours of free service. Minor gripe (I've made this one before on previous cruise postings): I think it is insulting to the Captain and his staff to show up in sweat pants and a T-shirt to this event. At least have the courtesy to go to one of the other venues.

 

11.) Dinner in Polo at 8:00. They are very busy. Ok by us because we are happy to spend two to three hours at table. Eat way too much. I had the ribeye steak. Really, really nicely done. Whole steamed lobster on the side. Sheer decadence.

 

12.) Need to stay up for a while after that meal. Hit the casino with DD and SO. (They are fends for gaming.) I am a huge winner at the three card poker table. Dealers are ok. Not very engaging. The guy running the show is borderline rude to the kids.

 

13.) Retire to the room. Sea day is done.

Well, I just have to ask: given your dinner in Polo, you are obviously not entirely averse to the surf and turf concept. What is it about the Waves surf and turf sandwich that you "can't bring" yourself to eat? Inquiring minds want to know! (Me, I just deconstruct the sandwich & have at it :D)

Good morning everyone (at least morning here).

Sorry again for the lack of posting. I'm going to catch up today.

But first some answers or follow ups:

Avalong-- Couldn't bring myself to eat the Surf & Turf simply from overindulgence while on this vacation/cruise. DD and DW eat the Surf & Turf deconstructed due to having Celiacs, but I can see why this is a popular way to order. Nothing like a big plate of lobster and tenderloin. The portion sizes are unbelievable.

Buggins-- I'll check on the gym equipment for you this morning. Been to the gym three times and the equipment name is not sticking in my head.

All -- Sitting in Barristas enjoying my macchiatos. Still prefer the O version of Barristas, but I can appreciate others preference to the R ship style. I guess my preference is based, in part, on the fact that I never use the library. Thus it seems like wasted space to me. Since we are in France, I guess I will close this topic by saying Vive la Difference.

I'll post more later today. Currently cruising from Bordeaux to St. Jean de Luz. Beautiful day again. Sunny with calm seas. We've been very lucky with the weather.

Ciao!

Enjoying your live reports as I did the last time you were posting them - keep it up.

PS - Ciao from France? :D

Hey Paulchili -- Great to hear from you. You're correct of course, I should have closed with Salut!

Back to Buggins -- Just finished workout. Gym equipment appears to all be TechnoGym. I am not familiar with this manufacturer. I'm not typically a big gym rat, so not sure if I missed on seeing equipment from TechnoGym in the market. (Swimming is more my thing.)

Ok, some on the fly comments (I usually write up my comments beforehand in Notes on my iPad and post later, but free internet is a luxury I can now take advantage of):

1.) My morning ritual-- As you can see from previous postings, I sit in Barristas for a couple of hours. Amped up on espresso, I then head to Terraces for the breakfast buffet. I have never done breakfast in the MDR in the previous four Oceania cruises. Sitting outside of the MDR at Barristas, it's hard not to think about giving it a shot. Morning meal (my OCD makes me a creature of habit, so I eat the same breakfast EVERYDAY): start with melon and baguette- love, love the baguette; follow with strawberries and yogurt; end with two link sausages and two of the little hash brown potatoes. Too much information? Too bad. :)

I'm going to log off and go back to typing in Notes. Afraid I'm going to lose this posting.

Ok, that was stupid to post live comments while logged in. Fortunately I can see I didn't lose anything to that point. I've read too many other threads where the author lost a complete posting while typing "live." I type with two fingers , so blogging is a SLOW process for me anyway. Best to type in Notes. Save. Copy. Log on. Connect to Cruise Critic. Get to Thread. And Paste.

Continuing with random blathering:

Three nights of dinners. Here are the venues so far, in order: Polo (good, but table location by a service station somewhat of a distraction -- I know, I know -- petty); Polo again (very good); dinner for four on the veranda of our suite ( really fun, food was very good).

First Polo meal was suggested by Butler when we had our first meeting. Nice perk. Everyone excited to do a specialty restaurant even though we were already scheduled to dine in Polo the second night. It was slow so I think it would have been easy for anyone to get a table the first evening. I note this because I've seen numerous previous comments indicating specialty dining without a reservation the first night has become more difficult to secure.

Second night in Polo. The place is packed. Got to see someone press a tip on the Maitre D in an attempt to secure a table. The tip was accepted. Table was secured after maybe a ten to fifteen minute wait. I've seen previous threads on this topic. I am generally in favor of tipping, both before (specifically with my butler -- thanks to JimandStan for this suggestion) and after service. (Ok everyone, put down the flamethrowers! I am not trying to start something here on tipping protocols.) Pressing money on a specialty restaurant manager though always strikes me as bordering on a bribe. Again not trying to start anything here. I am making note of it only because I haven't seen it happen before. Interesting issue though. Who is more at fault (assuming there is a fault) -- the "giver" or the "taker"?

Third night I arranged with butler to serve dinner in our suite. I splurged for this cruise and took an Owners Suite. Originally we were booked in a Penthouse Suite. Both of the Owners Suites on Deck 7 routinely popped up as available. I use a travel agent. (Many of you know her mother who is also a travel agent. Two very strong thumbs up to my TA!!! Side note to everyone: Use a TA, particularly one who does a lot of business with Oceania.) We made a couple of attempts to secure one of the OS suites by offering varying discounts to the posted price. Oceania wasn't buying. Off and on the OS suites were put on Wait List and then back again as Available. Always the same suites on Deck 7. I finally pulled the trigger.

Lunch is calling. I'm going to post this part now. See you all later.

Hey What A Market!

It's Mary from the Riviera Maiden Voyage. Sounds like you are having another fabulous cruise in style! Hope your family is doing great. Enjoy your cruise and all your excusions.

Mary

Second night in Polo. The place is packed. Got to see someone press a tip on the Maitre D in an attempt to secure a table. The tip was accepted. Table was secured after maybe a ten to fifteen minute wait. I've seen previous threads on this topic. I am generally in favor of tipping, both before (specifically with my butler -- thanks to JimandStan for this suggestion) and after service. (Ok everyone, put down the flamethrowers! I am not trying to start something here on tipping protocols.) Pressing money on a specialty restaurant manager though always strikes me as bordering on a bribe. Again not trying to start anything here. I am making note of it only because I haven't seen it happen before. Interesting issue though. Who is more at fault (assuming there is a fault) -- the "giver" or the "taker"?

This has been discussed before but I will say it again

this should not happen on Oceania ...if those that have to get what they want by way of a bribe then do it on land based restaurants but follow the rules on Oceania

some with disagree with this ...too bad:mad:

both parties are to blame

I seem to recall that last time this was posted about the bribe the Maitre'd was fired ...if that is the case good

Maybe the word is out for Polo on your cruise that if your bribe them you get in ...I have never seen any specialties packed on a cruise

They have reservations system so they usually have a few tables empty

Hi Mary

Wonderful to hear from. I still have fond memories of the Riviera's maiden voyage. One of the best vacations, let alone cruises, I have ever taken. Hope all is well with you guys.

As to LHT28's comment and my original observation. I've been thinking about this since my posting. Perhaps the gentleman handing over the "inducement" was simply trying to secure a better table. I have done the same numerous times, even on other cruise lines (never though on Oceania). Perhaps he was providing tip for previous exceptional service.

I don't want this topic to spin out of control.

You are right, Lyn -- he was fired for having accepted the "tip" for a table. Management was able to figure out from the information given here who was the culprit. Too bad they couldn't also have thrown the passenger overboard.

To OP about breakfast in GDR -- if you are partial to lamb chops, you should order them! That's just about my favorite item on GDR's breakfast menu.

Mura

This has been discussed before but I will say it again

this should not happen on Oceania ...if those that have to get what they want by way of a bribe then do it on land based restaurants but follow the rules on Oceania

some with disagree with this ...too bad:mad:

both parties are to blame

 

I seem to recall that last time this was posted about the bribe the Maitre'd was fired ...if that is the case good

 

Maybe the word is out for Polo on your cruise that if your bribe them you get in ...I have never seen any specialties packed on a cruise

They have reservations system so they usually have a few tables empty

+1 Completely agree Lynn. No matter how someone couches it, giving money before getting the service is a bribe and not a tip!! And on any and all cruise lines the person accepting the bribe and giving someone special treatment because of the bribe should be fired on the spot!!!!! And, to whatamarket, this unacceptable activity needs to be called what it is, bribary. Your example about getting a better table is absolutely no different than bribing the Matr'd to get a table when none are really avaible. The tables are first come first served and should never be available based on bribary.

Random update. This time on the Casino.

The "kids" had a great experience in the Casino last night. (I retired earlier.) The casino manager was running the roulette table. DD and her SO made a point of telling me he was engaging and fun. Big difference from previous experience. I guess everyone is allowed an "off" day. :)

As to LHT28's comment and my original observation. I've been thinking about this since my posting. Perhaps the gentleman handing over the "inducement" was simply trying to secure a better table.

 

I don't want this topic to spin out of control.

Still unacceptable on Oceania

Tip on the way out if the Maitre'd gave you a special table or service

Off my soapbox

Better get your life jacket on T!

Have fun in the Casino!

Mary

What makes tipping before a service not acceptable on Oceania. Don't see any rules about that. If tipping before to get good service is not acceptable in the dining room, it should not be acceptable to the butler. You can't have it both ways. Tipping to get tables in restaurants has been going on forever.

Let the flames begin. lol

Alex