Launching in April 2026 and operating through November, the brand-new Canyon Spirit route promises to redefine rail travel in the American Southwest. After experiencing it for myself, I can confidently say: it absolutely will. This is a journey that stays with you long after the last mile.

Salt Lake City – A Grand Beginning

Flying from Sydney to Los Angeles on Qantas QF11, my entry into the United States was surprisingly swift and seamless for any Australian traveller. I chose to spend a few days in LA first. exploring iconic landmarks, and adjusting gently to the time difference being a first time traveller to the United States. It was the perfect pre-tour warm-up.

From Los Angeles, I boarded Delta flight DL1647 to Salt Lake City, touching down at 4 pm the afternoon before departure. A quick 10-minute Uber ride delivered me to the Grand America Hotel, one of Canyon Spirit’s premier partner properties.

Stepping into the lobby felt like entering another world—English wool carpets, sparkling Venetian chandeliers, and a refined European charm that blended harmoniously with the modern luxury of a world-class hotel.

To my delight, check-in for the train also took place at the hotel. The Canyon Spirit ground crew welcomed me warmly, presenting my travel documents and setting the tone for the impeccable service that would follow.

My premier room on the top floor of the 24-storey hotel was indulgence personified: a plush king bed, a spacious living area, a marble-clad bathroom, and panoramic views of both the city and the snow-capped mountains. A twilight stroll through the manicured gardens, fountains humming softly, was the ideal prologue to the adventure ahead.

DAY 1 – Salt Lake City – Moab

A Window to the American West

The morning began with excitement and hesitation as I left my suitcase in my room to Canyon Spirit’s luggage crew to pick it up, who promised it would reappear in my Moab hotel room. One of the many features of Canyon Spirit.

Boarding began promptly at 8:00 am. The moment I stepped into coach CB01, I was greeted by warm smiles and a carriage bathed in natural light from the sweeping glass windows that make every seat feel like the best in the house.

Our hosts for the next three days—Mike, Jill, Leigh, and Chef Crystal—introduced themselves before offering a thoughtful cultural acknowledgement to the Indigenous communities of Utah and Colorado. Moments later, mimosas were raised in a toast as Salt Lake City faded behind us.

The scenery unfolded like an illustrated storybook: the dramatic Book Cliffs, the looping curves of the Gilluly Loops, the legendary Castle Gate, and vast canyonlands shaped by time and storytelling. The hosts’ commentary—part history, part geology, part humour—was exceptional.

Dining Onboard

Meals were presented with crisp linens and genuine hospitality. Breakfast and lunch read like menus from a boutique restaurant rather than a moving train. A snapshot:

Breakfast

– Utah Scone with whipped honey butter

Choice of Main:

– Front Range Plate

– Wild Mountain Berry French Toast

– Strawberry Lavender Parfait

Lunch

– Prosciutto & Melon

Choice of Main:

– Seared Beef Tenderloin

– Poached Baja Prawn Cobb

Dessert:

– Blood Orange Chocolate Pecan Tart

– Pistachio Cream Cake

As we approached Moab, its mesas and buttes hinted at the breathtaking national parks nearby. Since Moab has no station, we disembarked at Thompson Springs met with cool desert air and flawless organisation before being transferred by luxury motor coach.

At The Hoodoo Hotel, my suitcase was already waiting in my room as promised. After settling in, I enjoyed a relaxed wander along Moab’s charming main street cafés, galleries, and that unmistakable desert-town warmth.

DAY 2 – Moab –  Glenwood Springs

Arches, Canyons & Pure Magic

The day began with an excursion to Arches National Park. No photo prepares you for its scale, towering stone windows, the improbably balanced rocks, and far-off glimpses of the iconic Delicate Arch. Travelling in the cooler season made the morning golden and comfortable.

Returning to our new boarding station 10 minutes just outside of Moab, our hosts greeted us like old friends. Lunch onboard celebrated fresh flavours of the Southwest as we glided past ghost town Cisco and into the remote splendour of Ruby Canyon, a 25-mile masterpiece accessible only by rail or raft.

Crossing into Colorado, orchards and vineyards of the Grand Valley framed the horizon. By late afternoon, we rolled into Glenwood Springs, welcomed once again by the Canyon Spirit ground team.

A short stroll brought me to the charming Maxwell Anderson Hotel, modern comfort blended with century-old character. There, my luggage was yet again waiting for me in my room. Across the road, Glenwood Hot Springs offered naturally heated mineral pools once treasured by the Ute people. The perfect end to a magical day.

DAY 3 – Glenwood Springs – Denver

A Grand Finale Through the Rockies

After a leisurely morning, we re-boarded for the most dramatic leg of the journey. This final day covers eight unforgettable hours, passing through 45 tunnels and 50 across the entire three-day route.

Within minutes, we entered the magnificent Glenwood Canyon, its towering rocky walls hugging the Colorado River.

The scent of warm cinnamon brioche rolls filled the carriage as breakfast was served, followed by another beautifully curated lunch menu featuring dishes like Bison & Wild Mushroom Lasagna and Roasted Garlic & Pesto Chicken.

Outside the windows, the landscapes shifted continuously, ruby cliffs, snowy peaks, deep gorges, and finally the engineering marvels of the Moffat Tunnel and Big 10 Curve.

Arriving at Denver Union Station was a cinematic finale. Stepping onto the platform, I felt that familiar bittersweet tug, this journey had been extraordinary in every sense.

My stay at Hotel Indigo offered modern comfort just steps from restaurants, bars, and Denver’s vibrant downtown. The next morning, a short walk back to Union Station connected me effortlessly with the A Line train to the airport, only a 40 minute ride and a $10USD fare direct to the airport, If only every city made departures this simple.

I then flew from Denver to  Los Angeles on Delta DL2828, connecting with Qantas QF12 back to Sydney later that evening.

Before & After – Enhancing Your Canyon Spirit Experience

For Australian travellers, flying into the United States is surprisingly easy. Immigration was swift, connections seamless, and domestic flights well-timed.

I highly recommend spending a few days pre, whether it be in Los Angeles before flying into Salt Lake City -you explore Santa Monica, Hollywood, or simply unwind, it’s an ideal pre-tour city break.

Likewise, Denver is the perfect finale. Its food scene, breweries, architecture, and effortless airport connection make it a destination worth lingering in before your long flight home.

This trip isn’t just a train journey, it’s a beautifully curated travel experience from start to finish.

Why Canyon Spirit Stands Out

• Flawless Luggage Handling
• Your bag simply appears in your hotel room. Magic.
•  Room Keys Delivered Onboard
• Walk straight to your room—no front desk required.
• Crew Excellence
• Warm, engaging, insightful, and passionate. They make the journey.
• Restaurant-Quality Dining
• Fresh, thoughtful menus beautifully presented at 60mph.
• Unbelievable Scenery
• Deserts, canyons, vineyards, rivers, mountains -every mile is different.
• A Rare Opportunity to Slow Down
• In a fast world, Canyon Spirit invites you to savour the journey.
• The Canyon Spirit Milepost Guide
• An incredible companion filled with stories, geology, history, and landmarks.

Queen Victoria – Southampton to Istanbul

May 2025

Reviewed by: Clive Heath

Cruise Line: Cunard Line

Size of ship and passenger capacity: 90,949 GRT. Carries 2,014 passengers

Year Built: 2007

Where the ship cruises: World Cruises, Europe

Currency onboard: USD

 

It has been a few years since we cruised on Cunard. Our last ‘Queen’ voyage was Queen Mary 2 through the Mediterranean in 2014. 

Pushing the ship out this time (excuse the pun) we opted for a Queens Grill suite Q3 located on deck 5 Port side, mid-ship.

These cabins are particularly stable through the ‘Bay of Biscay’ being midships but on a lower deck which is close to the lifeboats and main decks can be a little noisy.

Our cabin

Equivalent to roughly two standard-sized balcony cabins with a circular flow, it had all the wardrobe space necessary for those gowns and tuxedos that were essential on a Cunard cruise with 4 formal or gala nights. 

Dress standards were generally enforced and spoken about daily by the Entertainment Director.

Note: If you didn’t feel like dressing up there were two restaurants where normal smart attire was acceptable.

Our cabin didn’t feel overly spacious but worked well.

Slightly old fashioned in decor with wood panelling and a marble bathroom. 

There was ample draw space and a walk-in wardrobe, two desks, and an older style TV, but with plenty of power points, although mostly American, and not yet with USB port technology that is common on later build ships.

Our butler Moses, organised our favourite wines for the bar fridge on day one and kept them topped up for the duration.

Bottled water was used even for tea and coffee. Multiple bottles were left every day. 

Canapes were delivered at 4:30pm daily.

Around the ship

Below us on Deck 3 down to Deck 1 were located the Theatre, bars, tour desk, Atrium, Red Lion pub and a selection of shops. The Queens Lounge on deck 2 was heavily utilised for everything from workout classes to fencing and was converted each afternoon for high tea by suitably attired waiters. 

This was certainly a guest favourite and was packed out every afternoon. 

For extra luxury pay $45 and add champagne to your experience!

The Red Lion Pub was offered as a typical English pub with Bingo daily morning and afternoon, pies, hamburgers and other pub fare! Not all ncluded in your cruise fare.

The Royal Court Theatre was located at the front of the ship spanning decks 1-3, on deck 3. We reserved a private box one night pre-show with a half bottle of bubbles and Canapes for added opulence! The Theatre had a lovely old world feel reminiscent of a London Theatre. The Theatre was also used for daily events and Port talks called ‘Cunard Connections’, these lectures took place twice daily on subjects relevant to the area or the patrons travelling onboard.

Our principal lecturers included Dr Helen Roe who spoke on topics ranging from the battle of Britain, Gallipolli and the ships of Brunel and David McCaddon who entertained us with tales of London criminals fleeing arrest to Spain in the 1970’s and what had become of the members of the Great Train Robbery in the 1960’s.

Evening shows at 7:15pm and 9:00pm offered the usual range of song and dance style reviews & comedians. Jools Holland, a UK entertainer was enthusiastically received as were most of the comedians.

It was not possible to eat in the Grills restaurant which opened at 6:30pm and attend the first show. 

A minor inconvenience.

Dining

The Britannia restaurant was the main dining venue with 5:30pm and 7:30pm sittings, all day dining was offered by the Lido on deck 9 although outside main meal times it was mainly snacks only on offer or room service.

Part of the Lido was used for speciality dining such as Coriander (Indian) and Bamboo (Chinese) this changed during the voyage.

The Verandah, or ‘Speciality’ restaurant was a premium mainly ‘meat’ offering on deck 3 at an added surcharge of $45 USD pp for lunch and $65 USD pp in the evening. 

For Grills passengers, daily lunch and dinner menus were placed in the cabin the night prior by our Butler.

The Commander Lounge on deck 10 was and ideal venue for a pre dinner cocktail offering panoramic views from the front of the ship, especially wonderful when entering and leaving port.

Dining for Grill passengers was on decks 11 & 12 which were our haven. The Grills lounge was shared by both Princess and Queens Grill patrons and had a concierge desk to help with everything from Internet issues, shore tours and restaurant bookings.

The Queens Grill restaurant flanked the lounge on the Port side and was mirrored on the Starboard by Princess Grill dining. In the middle was an area  open to the elements with cafe style chairs and umbrellas which was an excellent spot for an Alfresco lunch if the weather permitted.

The formal menu changed daily but our chefs accepted any challenge and could cater for just about all tastes. We requested a curry menu one night and specific pasta dishes another which were prepared without question. 

Lobster and steak were basically on request.

Grills Benefits

Behind the Grill lounge on deck 11 and on the top deck, deck 12, were comfortable sun lounges but no pool.

Decks 11 & 12 were reached by only two lifts midships which required key card access. It could be a long wait for the lift sometimes which encouraged use of the stairs which given the frequency and amount of food on offer was badly needed.

It was difficult to obtain clarity on exactly what was included in Queens Grill or Princess Grill packages. Research done in advance did not make things clear. Certainly, there was access to an exclusive restaurant, The Grills Lounge and private sun terraces as primary along with the cabin level of your choice. Alcoholic Drinks however were not included in any lounge unless you purchased a drinks package. 

The stateroom mini bar came with a few soft drinks and a bar list. You could also choose two bottles of wine which were replaced as consumed, however it was never clear if this was the case if you had not purchased a drinks package.

Embarkation was a mixed bag. There was no clear Grills ‘line’ only a cursory look at our tickets gave us access to a shorter queue. 

Speak up for yourself would be my advice. No preferred boarding signage in Southampton at all.

Overall

The staff onboard were exceptional, a well-oiled machine! They were friendly, helpful and efficient. Some of the best we have encountered on any ship. Unfortunately the same could not be said of the Pursers desk staff,  where it was almost impossible to obtain a smile from any staff there.

I guess there’s a thankless job dealing with constant customer account queries.

Tips!

On any cruise starting from Southampton in early or late summer season opt for a starboard side cabin. This should provide more western sun and balcony sitting opportunities.

Other comments to note, Cunard has changed their tipping policy once again, they now levy a service charge of 15% which is added to all purchases of meals, drinks etc every day. For Grill passengers, this was set at a minimum of $18 per pax per day.

You can still use your discretion and give your cabin steward extra however you could have the ‘tips’ removed from your account at the purser’s desk. But Good luck trying!

All port visits were handled well although we did not join any of the ship’s tours preferring pre-arranged plans made through local operators at a quarter of the cost. 

Highlights

The ship itself – one of the best run and well organised we have enjoyed. 

Lots of places to relax.

Grills class. Maybe do it once!

Rhodes Town was exceptional – touristy, but packed with history. A visit to the Rhodes Museum is a must.

Transit of the Dardanelles – whether it was because we were on a ‘British’ ship or not, the respect for the Anzac landings in 1915 was profound and emotional experience with the last post and a minute silence.

Overall it was a very memorable cruise.

Pearl Expeditions – Paspaley Pearl

Cairns – Medang – 9 nights

October 2025

Reviewed by Clive Heath – Director, Cruise Express International 

At less than 1,000 tonnes this was the smallest ‘ship’ or motor yacht on which we had ever sailed. Prior trips on Seadream 1 (4,333 tonnes) in the Mediterranean Athens to Istanbul and Coral Adventurer, (5,599 Tonnes) Darwin to Broome being our previous small ship experiences.

Sailing out of Cairns we had a rather bumpy first two days crossing the Coral Sea before entering calmer waters and the myriad islands that comprise PNG. This gave us plenty of time to explore the ship and meet our fellow travellers. 

With a capacity of just 30 passengers and 20 crew (20 pax only on our cruise) in three cabin classes we soon met everyone.  One lovely lady guest grew up in PNG and chose this cruise to return and scatter her father’s ashes. Needless to say, she provided us with a real in-depth experience as well as much laughter and tears.

There was mixed knowledge amongst the group of what to expect from this particular expedition cruise visiting rarely seen islands and communities in PNG. My personal interest? The Coral Sea and local area land battles, especially Milne Bay, the first Australian victory over the Japanese in World War II. We snorkelled over a downed Zero fighter at Deboyne Lagoon, a highlight!

Though small, the luxuriously appointed Paspaley Pearl was refitted in 2024 and featured numerous comfortable spaces to escape to and enjoy the journey.

The top deck of three public decks featured a forward viewing area in front of the bridge which was a great place for bird or wildlife spotting with Locky one of our five expedition guides’ passion for ‘everything with feathers’ shining through! From day one, he scoured the horizon, drawing our attention to the numerous varieties of seabirds along the way. 

This was also a great viewing location when entering rivers or approaching islands, with comfortable seating. The top deck (called the Sun deck) featured a 10 person spa, outdoor shower, 6 comfortable sun lounges and other flexible seating options depending on weather conditions.

The main deck, Horizon deck, featured 6 good sized suites with small but adequate balconies, one of the only ships of this size to feature balconies plus the top accommodation, the Pearl Suite being directly below the bridge. 

The Ocean deck below featured another 8 double cabins with picture windows similar in size to those on the Horizon deck but without balconies. One of these cabins could be sold as solo occupancy without a single supplement. This deck also featured a comfortable lounge and four 8 seater ‘booths’ for inside dining when weather conditions demanded a more protected eating space.

At the stern was a platform ideal for swimming or launching the zodiacs. Briefings on wearing life jackets and ensuring we got on and off the zodiacs safely were comprehensive. Safety was a prime concern for the whole team. Also provided was a brand new snorkel, mask and flippers for each individual guest which we then stored in our cabins for the duration.  Instruction was available for those who were new to snorkelling. Scuba diving was not provided.

The Horizon deck also featured a large covered area with open sides featuring two long tables which was our principal ‘go to’ location for breakfast, lunch pre-tour briefings and nightly sunset drinks.

Each night Joel and his expedition team presented a recap of the day around 6pm, followed by a briefing about what to expect the following day, with hints on weather, sea conditions, wet or dry landings, and what greeting we could expect from the village community we were visiting. 

This was Paspaley Pearl‘s first visit to the area, so much forward planning was required to contact the local headman in each case and request permission to land on their territory. In all cases, Joel and his team landed first to find the key person and prepare them for our arrival. This advance planning enabled each village a chance to prepare their welcome which usually involved singing or a local dance, sometimes involving men, women and children, most times in full local costumes.  

Some local handicrafts were available for sale but this was not a feature of the trip. For each stop the Paspaley crew prepared a gift hamper as a thank you to the community for allowing us to visit their land. Guests also contributed with items such as school books, pencils and footballs. This was not mandatory for guests but we were provided with the options to consider in advance that would benefit the local community.

Each visit simply blew us away with the local friendliness, colour and general enthusiasm. The size of communities varied from 60 to 900 people.

Daily lectures on indigenous languages, birds, mangroves and the rich second World War history filled the sailing time between islands and villages. Christian and his F&B team of Sophie and Brooke looked after us over the 10 days onboard with memorable food options and a ‘nothing is too much trouble’ attitude. 

Chef Mateo Diaz produced a range of fish, meats and salads daily with his two assistants.

Expedition cruising may not suit everyone.

Entertainment is limited to shore visits and lectures. The food selection was superb in quality but limited to one or two main course options. Climbing in and out of zodiacs and the movement on such a small ship may not be in your comfort zone.

On the plus side, with such a small group, you can immerse yourself in the culture of each destination, you can ask questions and get detailed answers from an experienced team who understand and respect the local area, people and culture.

You get to talk with everyone onboard, passengers and staff, not just nod a greeting as occurs on larger ships. We have never taken as many photos and videos as we did on this trip. It is a trip we will never forget.

Future cruises?

In 2026 apart from her Kimberley sailings and Indonesia, Paspaley Pearl will be sailing to and from Medang in PNG, providing a richer cultural itinerary without the need for the Coral Sea crossing. This would be my pick if we ventured on an exhibition cruise again! Also if you have the budget, the ship can be chartered for a multi-generational family group.

 

Reviewed by: Meg Hill

Date: August 2025

Cruise line and ship: Explora Journeys – Explora I

Sailing: Venice to Athens

Size of ship: 63,900 GRT

Passenger capacity: 850-900 guests

Year built: 2023

Currency onboard: Euros

Where the ship cruises: the Mediterranean and Adriatic Seas (Summer) | the Caribbean (Winter)

Most suited to: Couples and small groups of friends of any age (honeymooners to retirees)

Embarkation Process:

We were met by a local host at our Venice hotel and after a short walk to the Grand Canal, whisked by water taxi to Piazzale Roma (5 mins) and then a Mercedes van transfer to the port of Fusina on the mainland (approx 20 mins).

The embarkation process was quick and simple (approx. 10 to 15 mins) using the Explora Journeys app. Cool water, iced tea and chilled towels were welcome in the 32 degree afternoon heat!

On arrival onto the ship we were welcomed and directed to our assembly station, where the staff instructed us to watch the emergency video on our stateroom tv once we arrived at our suite and then to call 881 to confirm. Safety drill done.

Disembarkation was equally simple and we soon found a local taxi for the 25 minute ride from the port of Piraeus into Athens. Private transfers could be arranged onboard for a fee of approx. EUR100. In comparison, expect taxi fares to be approx. EUR25.

Atmosphere: 

Stepping onto Explora I, it was quickly clear that she is one classy Italian lady. Explora Journeys is the new, luxury arm of the MSC (Mediterranean Shipping Company) Group. 

Everything about the ship and our time on board was generous – the staff, their hospitality, space onboard including. in our suite, the meal portions and so much more.

The mix of guests is very multicultural esp. European. There are very few announcements made and they are only in English. That said, it was lovely to hear the chatter of other guests at meal times, out on deck or in the bars and lounges throughout the day, with French being spoken here, English, German or Italian there.

The average age of Explora guests is 52 and the ship/brand has wide appeal with couples of all ages, small multi-generational family groups and even a handful of families with young children.

Staterooms:

All accommodation onboard Explora I is suite style, with generous sized balconies.

Explora boasts the largest lead in suites at sea, with the Ocean Terrace Suites starting at a generous 30m2.

All suites are appointed with a spacious walk in robe, make up table and mirror with in-built Dyson hairdryer, a coffee machine with pods plus a selection of teas, flat screen wall mounted TV, a selection of coffee table books and novels, generous sized shower with rain and hand held shower heads, a heated bathroom floor, robes and slippers. 

On arrival, your cabin attendant will set up a mini bar in the suite – with two spirit bottles of your choice plus wine plus mixers in the refrigerator. These are replenished as required. There are also two large bottles of water and ice.

Dining Options & Service:

Explora I boasts six dining options included in your fare and one offering a degustation dining experience at an additional charge.

 

Emporium Marketplace operates buffet-style for breakfast, lunch and dinner

All food is served by staff with lots of fresh food stations – cooked to order omelettes, pasta, seafood, fresh rice paper rolls, nachos and more.

There’s also a gelato, and made to order pancake and waffle station on the pool deck serving guests throughout the day and into the night.

The breakfast choices in Emporium are some of the freshest and best I’ve ever experienced at sea

Med Yacht Club – a dinner venue serving dishes with Mediterranean flavours

Fil Rouge – a breakfast and dinner venue serving dishes with a French flair

Sakura – lunchtime and dinner dining, with an incredible array of super fresh sushi and sashimi options plus delicious main courses and desserts. Our dinner at Sakura was the best Japanese food I’ve eaten anywhere any time

Marble & Co – a dinner option serving a great range of steak and seafood options

Crema Cafe – open throughout the day and into the mid-evening, Crema serves specialty coffees, teas, a selection of finger sandwiches, paninis, sliders, pastries and chocolates 

Anthology offers a fine dining experience and is the the only dining venue with a cover charge (approx EUR100 pp). Prepare yourselves for a seven course degustation dining extravaganza!

Drinks are included for all guests, regardless of suite type, at all times throughout the cruise. Expect easy, attentive service and the various indoor and outdoor bars around the ship, and generous pours.

Entertainment:

Nightly shows in the Explora Lounge offer high action, high calibre shows. During our cruise, Martin Kaye, a well known English piano man, performed twice to fully packed crowds, standing ovations and encores – including a medley of Elton John hits. 

There were multiple opportunities to mix and mingle with the Captain and officers at events from welcome cocktails to a Q&A session and even a corn bag tossing competition. They were visible, energetic and engaged with guests throughout our cruise.

Onboard Activities:

The ship boasts multiple pools incl. an adults only infinity pool and a conservatory style pool with retractable roof.

There is also a well laid out spa/wellness area incl. sauna, steam room, salt room, ice fountain and hydrotherapy pool. This area is available to guests aged 18 and over on a complimentary basis. Access is limited to 1 hour visits on sea days

The gym is well equipped with all the usual workout equipment and offers complimentary yoga, meditation and spin classes. Class sizes are small so book early.

All suites also have a Technogym equipment bag with roller, weights, yoga mat and instructions to download the Technogym app for workouts.

Our cruise featured a combination of tender and port calls. Explora I features a Marina deck at the rear of ship on deck 3 which makes embarkation onto the tenders effortless.

Self-Service Laundry:

Australian cruisers will be pleased to hear that Explora I has two complimentary self-service laundrettes (located on Decks 9 and 10). Both are equipped with two washers and two dryers, as well as a small ironing board and iron. Laundry powder tablets are also provided.

There’s also the option of one bag of complimentary laundry per cruise, arranged by suite attendant.

Uniqueness:

Explora I is perfectly suited to Australians who will love the laid back luxury or luxe experience without any pretence. The ship is light and airy, with generously sized suites and public spaces.

An Explora cruise is also perfect for first time cruisers, especially in areas like the Mediterranean. The ship is so smooth and at times cruises at such a slow pace, that it doesn’t even feel like you’re cruising but rather enjoying al the features of a boutique resort hotel.

Another feature of our itinerary was a number of long port stays (up to 11pm on two occasions). This allowed for leisurely touring throughout the day and then the option to dine ashore or dine onboard and then return to shore for an evening stroll, a nightcap or perhaps an after dinner gelato!

Reviewed by:  Stephy Cole

Date: 18/05/2025

Cruise line and ship: Oceania Insignia

Size of ship: Tonnage 30,277 Length 180 meters ( 592 ft)

Passenger capacity: 670 ( double occupancy- often sails with 600 guests) 

Crew: 400

Year built: 1999 

Refurbed: In 2018 Insignia underwent a USD$100 million refurbishment, under the OceaniNEXT program, where she was updated with the same style, furnishings and feel of the future vessels that were in the pipeline at the time. 

Note: Insignia will be retired in December 2026.

Currency onboard: US dollar

Where the ship cruises: Worldwide- Canada and New England, Caribbean, South America, Baltic, Scandinavia, Northern Europe, Mediterranean

Most suited to: A more mature and well-traveled clientele on the longer itineraries; For the shorter 7-12 day itineraries, 45-65 year old professionals still working, who are interested in port intensive journeys and appreciate luxurious surroundings and service.

Atmosphere: Modern, elegant, glamorous, inviting, and intimate.

Staterooms: Something for everyone, from spacious owner’s, vista and penthouse suits, to verandas, oceanviews and inside staterooms. They also offer solo occupancy oceanview staterooms. All in luxurious furnishings and decor. Simple yet elegant. Comfortable queen-size beds to dream in.

Dining Options & Service: 4 gourmet dining options, all with open seating. The Grand Dining Room, Polo Grill ( a traditional steak and seafood menu), Toscana ( a traditional Italian menu), and Terrace Cafe ( an informal environment, offering an array of international cuisines). 

Waves Grill offers casual dining poolside, with a menu of “all American favourites” and desserts.

Baristas for delicious sweet treats and finger sandwiches. 

They also serve an exquisite Afternoon Tea, daily, in Horizon’s ( a relaxing observational lounge at the front of the vessel, with floor to ceiling windows and comfortable lounges and chairs)

In room dining experiences ( room service) are also available.

** Note: All dining experiences and venues are included in the cruise fare.**

Entertainment: Cabaret-style performers and shows, including local guest entertainers; an onboard cast of professional singers and musicians, from classical to jazz, from modern to Broadway.

Onboard Activities: A well-stocked library of books and puzzles, guest speakers presenting informative talks on the cultures and the people of the region travelling; running/walking track and sports deck with shuttle board and a golf putting green; Aquamar Spa and Vitality centre, shopping boutiques of fine jewellery and resort wear; and a good sized Casino with numerous and various slots and tables.

Complimentary Self-Service Laundry and paid laundry services are both available.

A review of my day aboard the Oceania Insignia:

Having visited Oceania’s “big sisters”, Marina and Riviera (double the tonnage and with 1250 passengers), I was keen to experience and visit one of the  “little sisters”. Insignia.

She is very popular among Oceania guests- so much so that she has hosted the 180 day Oceania World Cruise for 6 years. ( And yes, I will be referring to Insignia as a she. 

As soon as I boarded, I understood why. The feeling was modern and glamorous, relaxed and friendly, spacious yet intimate, with gorgeous furnishings in modern art deco style. It was peaceful and inviting. And I loved having all the venues and spaces in easy walking distance. 

We were hosted by Martine, the lovely Oceania rep for NSW, who welcomed us warmly and kindly- just like the crew on board Insignia. As the crew would pass by my group of fellow cruise and travel experts, they would greet us and say “Welcome aboard!”. They knew we weren’t permanent guests ( if only!), as they pride themselves on knowing all their guests.

We explored the vessel, visiting the various dining venues and public spaces. The layout flowed well, as we passed several bars, lounges and relaxation spaces.

We were fortunate enough to be able to inspect 2 room types- a Penthouse suite and a Concierge Veranda.

The Penthouse suite is lovely and spacious, with a really good-sized balcony and a generous bathroom with a full shower recess. If new to Oceania and coming from small-ship luxury cruise brands like Silversea, Windstar and Regent, I would recommend this category, due to the similar size and space/layout. 

The Concierge Veranda is smaller, but still offers the same opulent and comfortable furnishings as those found in the Penthouse. Two friends traveling might find it a tight squeeze, whereas a couple may find it cosy. The bathroom is noticeably smaller, ( there will be no swinging of cats inside this bathroom) with only a half shower recess- though I did appreciate the solid shower cubicle with a swinging open door. 

The Concierge Veranda’s layout is identical to the Veranda Staterooms- the differences remain in the extra benefits and position in the vessel. 

We were treated to a delicious 4 course lunch in the Grand Dining Room. ( Which,  by the way, will offer unique menus with no repeats of any kind for approx 30 days.)

I had intentions of eating half of each plate that came out. Well, that wasn’t what happened. I enjoyed and savoured each dish with true delight. The food was fresh, excellent quality, tasty, small portioned ( allowing me to enjoy all the flavours on offer across the 4 courses) and a true culinary experience. I loved every morsel. 

My crab cake was smooth and tasted like the sea. My porcini risotto was earthy and velvety. My beef was soft and buttery, with the regular knife gliding as I sliced through it. ( Fun fact- I always select the beef option when going on ship inspections and visits, so that I can compare the quality and taste of the dish across all the different cruise lines. I can confirm that this beef was one of the best.) 

And me oh my, the triple choc brownie left my mouth watering. I did demonstrate some restraint on that course, eating only half of it as I thought it prudent to keep room for the petit fours. Our amazing meal was finished off with a double shot espresso. Perfetto.

I would like to share a little anecdote regarding lunch- a member of our group was tossing up between the miso-glazed sea bass and the buddha bowl ( the vegetarian option). The warm, yet very professional, waiter made a suggestion. “We could add a piece of sea bass to the buddha bowl if you like? This way, you don’t have to choose.”. This is what attentive and luxurious service looks like. Providing a solution to perhaps a dilemma.

Another example of how Oceania strives to provide solutions for their guests and focus on their comfort whilst sailing.

Insignia had to change her itinerary last minute in an attempt to avoid the ugly storms and weather conditions that were presenting themselves down the southern parts of Australia. Knowing that they were crossing over to NZ and were likely to face challenging seas for extended periods of time ( causing discomfort to the guests on board), they decided to head north up to QLD first, where they will cross from there. It should be a more comfortable sailing for all.

Due to their changes in arriving into Sydney early, and change in departure times, some of their tours were no longer available. They were able to put together new options and ideas, and even arranged for private tours of the Opera House ( whereas originally that tour had been a group experience- the Opera House had no availability for groups on Sunday, only the Monday. Oceania found a solution for their guests.) I think this is what true luxury means. It’s not just about the food and beverage, the velvet and crystal. It’s about how they focus on the guest satisfaction, comfort and happiness with what they do on and off board.

A point of difference to note between Oceania and most other luxury cruise lines is that alcoholic beverages are not included in their fares. Guests can purchase packages, and it is not necessary for all guests in the one stateroom to purchase said package. This is great for people traveling with others where their drinking habits differ. At time of writing this review, May 19th 2025, there was a special promotion where the House Select was included in the fare.

• House Select package (USD39.95 per day) – Wine, beer, and champagne by the glass during meals
• Prestige Select package (USD69.95 per day) – Unlimited premium spirits, cocktails, wine, and beer
• House Select Upgrade (USD30.00 per day) – Upgrade from pre-purchased House Select
• Wine By The Bottle package (from USD332.50) – Seven or more bottles at USD47.50 each

The House Select and Prestige Select offerings focus on by-the-glass service, while wine enthusiasts may prefer the bottle collection program for a more curated experience.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time on Insignia. One day is better than no day, I say. I left understanding why her guests are happy to cruise around the world for 180 days aboard. I can’t wait for the next time I have the privilege of experiencing Oceania.