natshala Posted February 8, 2023 #1 Share Posted February 8, 2023 Long time X and Crystal cruiser, I am about to bite the bullet and book my first Oceania cruise. I’m a little nervous as this is a big jump into the unknown. I travel solo. I’m about to pull the trigger on a September 2023 cruise on Insignia (I know nothing about O ships) New York to Montreal. 10 days. I think I’m going to use O Air for the flights from/to MCO. Is Insignia a nice ship? As far as the O choices, I’m thinking —excursions and —wine & champagne. I do not like cheap wines. Issues there? Would I be better off with the $300 OBC? I don’t drink a lot but enjoy quality. I would appreciate any advice, cautions. I need to make this decision tomorrow. I tend to overthink. Am I missing anything? Thanks, all, for your insights! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonthomas Posted February 8, 2023 #2 Share Posted February 8, 2023 When travelling solo, I would think you would find a smaller ship cozy and comfortable. The Insignia is just that. Staff is friendly and accommodating. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AMHuntFerry Posted February 8, 2023 #3 Share Posted February 8, 2023 (edited) Which type of cabin will you book? The smaller R-ships have tiny bathrooms unless you book a penthouse or above. We don't care but many people find them unacceptable. There are tons of Youtube videos that show the different ships and suites (limit it to the past year or so to get current videos). The R-ships are Regatta, Insignia, Nautica, and Sirena. The larger O-ships are Marina and Riviera (plus there are new A-ships that haven't sailed yet). You can book cruise-only and skip air and/or O-life (the pick one perk choice). It can be added later (before final payment I think) if you want it. If you get O-Life, don't choose the OBC. You pay $300 to get $300 non-refundable OBC. If you want pre-paid OBC, buy yourself "gift" OBC which is refundable. Edited February 8, 2023 by AMHuntFerry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare ORV Posted February 8, 2023 #4 Share Posted February 8, 2023 You mentioned taking two choices on Olife. Generally it's only one. I'm not sure if there are different rules for solos. Maybe someone with solo experience can chime in here. . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare LHT28 Posted February 8, 2023 #5 Share Posted February 8, 2023 There is a thread here with the wine & drinks menus maybe have a look I would just do the cruise only You can check the air prices to see what it would cost then compare with what O is charging Insignia is about 1/2 the size of Crystal ships If you do decide to do one of the O life perks do NOT take the OBC you are just giving them your money for a non refundable OBC JMO Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ATXBecky Posted February 9, 2023 #6 Share Posted February 9, 2023 (edited) Our first with Oceania is this Oct. on the Riviera. Our TA recommended taking the excursions and no air. By choosing this way we are paying $300 for 3 excursions upfront which has a value up to $199 for each excursion. We book our own air as we have control to and from our destination in case any issues or delays arise. I think next time we will not take any "perks" since you are paying for them with O life up front. Edited February 9, 2023 by ATXBecky left word out 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare ORV Posted February 9, 2023 #7 Share Posted February 9, 2023 1 hour ago, ATXBecky said: Our first with Oceania is this Oct. on the Riviera. Our TA recommended taking the excursions and no air. By choosing this way we are paying $300 for 3 excursions upfront which has a value up to $199 for each excursion. We book our own air as we have control to and from our destination in case any issues or delays arise. I think next time we will not take any "perks" since you are paying for them with O life up front. It seems you have one of the better TA's, at least in the advice they gave you on this. Only reason to not take the excursions would be if you are a do it yourselfer, or the type that just hardly ever gets off the ship. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
halfapair Posted February 9, 2023 #8 Share Posted February 9, 2023 We just got off the Insignia and loved it. Yes, the bathroom is small, but my 6'4" husband made it work, so you shouldn't have much of a problem. As others have said, the staff on board is lovely, always pleasant and ready to help. The passengers are wonderful, too. It's easy to strike up a conversation and make friends. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
babysteps Posted February 10, 2023 #9 Share Posted February 10, 2023 11 hours ago, ATXBecky said: I think next time we will not take any "perks" since you are paying for them with O life up front Others may know better - I believe if you haven't yet done final payment that you can drop OLife. You might not have to wait until next time Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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