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Thu 25 Nov, 2004 04:44 pm
Here's a picture of the Insignia of Oceania Cruises. It's a relatively new cruise line with only two moderate-sized ships, but it's rated number 3. Our cruise had only 370 passengers with a staff and crew of 400, so the service was excellent. Some people already cruised the sister ship, and found some crew members on our ship - and they remembered their names! The food was excellent with service to match. Some people enjoyed the ten days from Lisbon to Barbados so much, they booked the 12 days to South America right on the ship. That says alot about how good this cruise line is; I don't think I've ever seen this heard about this before. As a matter of fact, a Canadian I met on the ship told me he was going to find another promotional deal for early next year, so I told him to let me know which segment he's planning to take. I may just join him. I have a few more pictures to post before I write a brief summary of the trip. This is a picture of the Insignia taken at St Lucia.
These are mountains in St Lucia.
This is a mountain area of Madera, Portugal.
My driver, Carlos, told me that some people who live on these hill villages never leave their village, and haven't even visited Funchal, the port city.
This is Lindsay Hamilton, a professional singer who has played in Les Miz, Evita, and many other famous plays. She has consented to join our a2k London Gathering in May 2005, so any of you interested, please come and join in the fun. I was the only American at the first London Gathering in April 2003, but we are expecting many more for the Europe Gathering in the spring.
Thanks for those great pics, c.i.!
(Cruise travels with Oceania Cruises - both in the Mediterranian Sea* and to South Amrica - are offered here in Germany on various dates at rather cheap prices.)
* From 2.855 instead of 5.190 (two bed inside) up to 7.855 for the owner's suite instead of 15.449 - all for a fortnight cruise
great pix, c.i. ! did these ships sail under the R1, R2, R3 ... name before ? we did a 22 day cruise from rome to ft. lauderdale five years ago on the m.s. rotterdam and sure enjoyed it. next year the m.s. rotterdam makes a 27 day cruise from venice to rio (november/december). sounds interesting, but we'll wait. hbg
hbg, Yes, they were orginally Renaissance cruise ships, but refurbished with rich wood panels, and other refinements. It's my understanding that the boss at Oceania Cruises was one of the honchos at Crystal Cruise - the number one cruise line. We did Crystal Harmony from Acapulco through the Panama Canal to New Orleans couple of years ago. Their food and service is one step above Oceania, and that's saying something. Oceania will see many repeat customers, because of the value they give cruisers. It's cheaper to cruise than many mid-range hotel rooms, and that includes the overseas flights. One can become accustomed to being treated like royalty for a few days. LOL
c.i. : while i think i am still a bit of a 'socialist' - belonged to the union of government employees in germany - , i have to admit, i don't mind being treated like royalty on occasion, such as when going on a cruise. (shame on me ! ). hbg
Jeez, ci, I wish I were rich also...because I'm sure I would enjoy the lifestyle of the Rich and Famous every bit as much as you....
...(he said, green with envy!).
Frank, We ain't rich; trust me! LOL We're what is called "comfortable." We still clip coupons, and that'll never change.
Frank, We also know you love to play golf, and that ain't exactly a poor mans sport.
Oh C.I
I am
absolutly crazed with jealousy.
But I am very glad to see that you are loving every minute of life you can!
Wonderful pictures!
Keep posting them!
I will secretly live vicariously through you .......
I thought this was an interesting picture of another ship we saw arriving at Barbados in the early morning hours.
This is another interesting picture of Queen Mary 2 anchored not far from the St Lucia port.
Queen Mary 2 when it wasn't raining.
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