DC225

I don't think you'll be one bit overdressed. On the contrary, you're probably going to look fantastic and be right in-line with the rest of the MDR. On my last cruise a couple of weeks ago, I didn't see anyone "underdressed" and most folks looked very sharp (minus a few dowdy outfits here and there). Attire ranged from pant suits to dresses (cocktail or nice sundresses). On gents, it ranged from polo shirts to sports coats. Go rock those cocktails dresses and feel like a million bucks! Enjoy your cruise!

Here’s a pat on the back. You are clearly smarter traveler than the average run-of-the-mill cruiser.

Imagine going to a steakhouse, your mouth watering for a juicy filet mignon, only to find out all they can serve is a burger. Oceania can't control the weather, but to an extent they can control their alternative ports of call. Instead of Nassau, how about Charleston, SC? Jacksonville, FL for historic St. Augustine? Turks and Caicos? Nassau is a lame substitute for Bermuda. If you are just booking for the cruise and don't care where the boat goes, then it shouldn't matter, but if you booked wanting to go to Bermuda, then you're probably not going to be happy with the Bahamas. Bermuda is a chic and elegant island outpost and many people think Nassau is the armpit of the Caribbean. I would be disappointed.

Oceania scheduled all their 2023 Bermuda cruises from 30 August to 27 September: the absolute worst of hurricane season. 2024 looks to be the same on Insignia and Nautica. You are correct that there are other cruise lines sailing to Bermuda at better times of the year and that flying may be a better option. If one likes cattle call mega ships, choosing NCL or Celebrity for their wiser scheduling may be a good choice. Oceania's scheduling decision, however, is perplexing.

Having just been through this same pre-trip anxiety from not knowing what would happen to our cruise due to hurricanes, I think some simple messaging from Oceania would have gone a long way. Obviously the cruise line can't control the weather, but if they are scheduling cruises during the height of hurricane season and if there's a named storm heading right toward your cruise path, then some simple reassurance sent via email before the cruise, such as this, would really mean a lot: 1. Your safety is our top priority. We will always put safety first. 2. We may need to re-route your itinerary, and it may not be known until the last minute (or even until we start sailing) because weather changes rapidly. We appreciate your patience and flexibility. 3. You may wish to pack some warmer clothes in the event we have to sail north. 4. Your cruise itinerary may change, but the Oceania experience you've come to expect will not. You'll still have a great cruise no matter the weather. Even better, maybe they can move Insignia's Bermuda runs to sometime other than the literal worst month of the year for hurricanes.

That still leaves 6 months outside of hurricane season. Is it really that hard for a cruise line to avoid?

I really wish Oceania didn't put Insignia's Bermuda runs right in the midst of hurricane season. A different month would probably yield more consistent and less uncertain itineraries.

We sailed on the Rivera in 02/22 and just got off Insignia today. We thought that the food was superb on Riviera and almost excellent on Insignia (meaning most everything was terrific, with a couple big misses here and there). Overall I'd say that's pretty darn good for large scale catering on a ship.

I’m onboard and the ship has sailed pretty well through the remnants of Idalia. The ship definitely pitches in 10 foot plus waves but the rolling is minimal. I’m very prone to motion sickness and with my wrist bands and Bonine I’m doing just fine.

I'm all for nostalgia, but I always thought the Baked Alaska parade was so incredibly cheesy. It's one of the few aspects of "old time cruising" I don't really miss.

Do they put mayonnaise on the fish sandwiches in Bermuda? I'm guessing yes, but it's helpful to know for a mayo-hater like me.

Hello, all. My partner and I are less than a week away from our first cruise together (and my first in about 25 years). I'd love some recommendations on how to approach embarkation day. Our sailing time is 6:00PM and I think we can board as early as 11:00AM. Is there any reason to board early versus later? I'd love to get a sense as to what day one before departure looks like. Many thanks in advance.