Most of us consider ourselves lucky if we can figure out a way to spend a week or two each year on a cruise ship. But we’ve all read — and perhaps dreamed — about retired folks who live onboard a ship year-round. Maybe the perfect middle ground (at least for those with both six months and around $40,000 to spare) is this 180-day Oceania cruise around the world aboard the gorgeous Insignia.
Schedule
Departing from Miami on January 6, 2017 (or, should you need a little more time to save up, January 3, 2018), the voyage features stop in ports ranging from Bar Harbor and Boston to Bangkok and Jerusalem. And for lovers of sea days, there are approximately 67 of them over the course of the journey.
Living The High Life
Let’s face it: You know you’re traveling in style when afternoon tea is offered each day at 4 p.m. — no reservations required — featuring pastries, finger sandwiches and a string quartet. When dinner time rolls around, head to the Grand Dining Room if you want to be pampered by the “formally attired and classically trained” wait staff, the Polo Grill if you’re in the mood for a classic steakhouse experience, or Toscana, the ship’s high-end Italian eatery. (Or, if you’re having one of those “I just can’t even” days and want to avoid people altogether, enjoy complimentary room service!)
Looking for a cocktail?
We bet you can guess what they serve at Martinis! If a rare wine is more your style, head over to the Grand Bar for a pre-dinner libation. There’s nightly entertainment in the aptly named Lounge bar, including comedians and the occasional jazz ensemble. Of course, it wouldn’t be a cruise ship without a spa, some shops, and a casino, right? Perhaps the most unique feature of the Insignia is the Artist Loft Enrichment Center, where artists-in-residence offer personalized lessons to help you create a picture-perfect artwork.
The Ship
The ship itself was built in 1998 and refurbished in 2014, carrying 400 staff members to cater to the whims of, if she’s traveling full, 684 passengers. But if you’re considering booking, it’s worth doing so sooner rather than later… some categories of staterooms (including the Owner’s and Vista suites) already have a waiting list!
Special Offers Available!
To describe the cruise as a “once-in-a-lifetime” experience would probably be a major understatement, and that alone might well make it a priceless experience. But there are ways to chip away at the hefty price tag (aside from pinching pennies and selling vital organs). Among the offers available from the cruise line are free pre-paid gratuities… and on a 180-day trip, those can really add up! In fact, Oceania estimates that this alone can save you up to about $8,300! Worried about keeping up with the folks you’ve left behind? Never fear, Insignia offers free unlimited internet. Heck, you might even qualify for 2-4-1 fares and free first class roundtrip airfare!
photo: flickr/Roderick Eime
