San Antonio greets you with its serene landscapes, from the sun-kissed River Walk to the historic Alamo, setting the stage for a genuine local experience. The warm, inviting climate year-round enhances the area's unique charm, perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in the true essence of Texan life. Here, tradition thrives in the bustling markets and lively festivals, offering a vivid display of authentic Texan customs and a departure from typical tourist destinations. A unique fact about San Antonio is that it hosts the largest mariachi festival in the world every year, a true spectacle of local sound and color.
Day 7
At sea
Day 8
Puerto Montt
Welcome to Puerto Montt, where the majestic Andes meet the serene waters of the Pacific. This gateway to Patagonia is famed for its breathtaking landscapes, such as the Osorno Volcano and the emerald waters of Todos los Santos Lake. The climate here is a temperate rainforest, offering a unique blend of misty mornings and crisp, clear days, perfect for those who wish to experience nature as it's meant to be. Puerto Montt is a celebration of Chilean traditions, from vibrant local handicraft markets to the spirited cueca dance. A hidden gem in this picturesque locale is the Angelmfish market, where the age-old bartering practices still thrive.
Day 9
Puerto Chacabuco
Day 10
Laguna San Rafael National Park
Days 11-12
Day 13
Punta Arenas
As you sail towards this spectacular destination, numerous cruise lines including Holland America and Princess Cruises offer tailored voyages that cater specifically to the discerning traveler. Once ashore, you can immerse yourself in excursions that traverse historical sites such as the Nao Victoria Museum, a full-size replica of the first ship to successfully circumnavigate the world. Celebrated figures from the area, like the explorer Ferdinand Magellan, lend a sense of adventure and discovery to every visit, making each moment aboard and ashore a continuous journey through living history.
Day 14
Day 15
Ushuaia
Ushuaia, famously known as the southernmost city in the world, offers a gateway to the untouched landscapes of Tierra del Fuego. It's more than a mere departure point; it's where the raw spirit of Argentina comes alive amidst rugged coastlines and pristine sub-polar forests. The climate here, cool and temperate, invites visitors into a world far removed from the bustling tourist centers, presenting a rare glimpse into the authentic heart of the country. Cruises utilizing this port offer scenic views of the Beagle Channel and the Martial Mountains, each narrating the epic saga of explorers who first charted these remote territories. Uniquely, Ushuaia's latitude allows for extended daylight hours in the summer, giving travelers more time to soak in its spectacular natural beauty.
Day 16
At sea
Day 17
Port Stanley
Port Stanley, with its distinctly British charm, beckons like a quaint postcard from another era, where the fusion of modern life with traditional values creates a comforting yet intriguing ambiance. The climate, mild and often kissed by sea breezes, complements the landscape beautifully, offering an authentic escape from the crowded tourist destinations. Visitors often find themselves immersed in a community that celebrates and lives its true traditions every day, making it a living showcase of the countrys authentic lifestyle. A unique aspect of Port Stanley is its love for maritime events, which are celebrated with the same fervor as any national festival.
Day 18
At sea
Day 19
Puerto Madryn
Puerto Madryn, a gem where Argentina's past meets the vibrancy of today, beckons to those who cherish authenticity and a milder climate perfect for exploration. Originating from the 1865 Welsh settlement, this town offers a palpable sense of history interwoven with modern-day Argentine life. It's a retreat from the tourist-heavy locales, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the local environment and community. Cruise lines highlight Puerto Madryn not just as a stop but as an invitation to experience Argentina in its truest form, with coastal treasures and wildlife encounters that stand out globally. Intriguingly, this is also where orcas have been observed intentionally beaching themselvesa rare natural phenomenon.
Day 20
At sea
Day 21
Punta del Este
Day 22
Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires, with its storied past woven into the very fabric of the city, beckons those who seek to immerse themselves in the authentic spirit of Argentina. Famous for its birthplace of tango, this vibrant city offers a glimpse into the local life far removed from the usual tourist paths. With a temperate climate that favors exploration year-round, Buenos Aires presents an exceptional setting for those looking to experience genuine local flavors and traditions. Cruise lines treasure this port for its ability to display the heart of Argentina, culminating in unique excursions that reveal secrets only known to locals. An intriguing fact about the city is its famed Recoleta Cemetery is the resting place of Eva Per.
San Antonio greets you with its serene landscapes, from the sun-kissed River Walk to the historic Alamo, setting the stage for a genuine local experience. The warm, inviting climate year-round enhances the area's unique charm, perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in the true essence of Texan life. Here, tradition thrives in the bustling markets and lively festivals, offering a vivid display of authentic Texan customs and a departure from typical tourist destinations. A unique fact about San Antonio is that it hosts the largest mariachi festival in the world every year, a true spectacle of local sound and color.
Welcome to Puerto Montt, where the majestic Andes meet the serene waters of the Pacific. This gateway to Patagonia is famed for its breathtaking landscapes, such as the Osorno Volcano and the emerald waters of Todos los Santos Lake. The climate here is a temperate rainforest, offering a unique blend of misty mornings and crisp, clear days, perfect for those who wish to experience nature as it's meant to be. Puerto Montt is a celebration of Chilean traditions, from vibrant local handicraft markets to the spirited cueca dance. A hidden gem in this picturesque locale is the Angelmfish market, where the age-old bartering practices still thrive.
As you sail towards this spectacular destination, numerous cruise lines including Holland America and Princess Cruises offer tailored voyages that cater specifically to the discerning traveler. Once ashore, you can immerse yourself in excursions that traverse historical sites such as the Nao Victoria Museum, a full-size replica of the first ship to successfully circumnavigate the world. Celebrated figures from the area, like the explorer Ferdinand Magellan, lend a sense of adventure and discovery to every visit, making each moment aboard and ashore a continuous journey through living history.
Ushuaia, famously known as the southernmost city in the world, offers a gateway to the untouched landscapes of Tierra del Fuego. It's more than a mere departure point; it's where the raw spirit of Argentina comes alive amidst rugged coastlines and pristine sub-polar forests. The climate here, cool and temperate, invites visitors into a world far removed from the bustling tourist centers, presenting a rare glimpse into the authentic heart of the country. Cruises utilizing this port offer scenic views of the Beagle Channel and the Martial Mountains, each narrating the epic saga of explorers who first charted these remote territories. Uniquely, Ushuaia's latitude allows for extended daylight hours in the summer, giving travelers more time to soak in its spectacular natural beauty.
Port Stanley, with its distinctly British charm, beckons like a quaint postcard from another era, where the fusion of modern life with traditional values creates a comforting yet intriguing ambiance. The climate, mild and often kissed by sea breezes, complements the landscape beautifully, offering an authentic escape from the crowded tourist destinations. Visitors often find themselves immersed in a community that celebrates and lives its true traditions every day, making it a living showcase of the countrys authentic lifestyle. A unique aspect of Port Stanley is its love for maritime events, which are celebrated with the same fervor as any national festival.
Puerto Madryn, a gem where Argentina's past meets the vibrancy of today, beckons to those who cherish authenticity and a milder climate perfect for exploration. Originating from the 1865 Welsh settlement, this town offers a palpable sense of history interwoven with modern-day Argentine life. It's a retreat from the tourist-heavy locales, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the local environment and community. Cruise lines highlight Puerto Madryn not just as a stop but as an invitation to experience Argentina in its truest form, with coastal treasures and wildlife encounters that stand out globally. Intriguingly, this is also where orcas have been observed intentionally beaching themselvesa rare natural phenomenon.
Buenos Aires, with its storied past woven into the very fabric of the city, beckons those who seek to immerse themselves in the authentic spirit of Argentina. Famous for its birthplace of tango, this vibrant city offers a glimpse into the local life far removed from the usual tourist paths. With a temperate climate that favors exploration year-round, Buenos Aires presents an exceptional setting for those looking to experience genuine local flavors and traditions. Cruise lines treasure this port for its ability to display the heart of Argentina, culminating in unique excursions that reveal secrets only known to locals. An intriguing fact about the city is its famed Recoleta Cemetery is the resting place of Eva Per.
The better-than-new Oceania Insignia blends sophistication with a contemporary flair to create a casually elegant ambiance that embodies the most treasured elements of our celebrated ships. Every surface of every suite and stateroom is entirely new, while in the public spaces, a refreshed colour palette of soft sea and sky tones surrounds a tasteful renewal of fabrics, furnishings and lighting fixtures that exquisitely encompasses the inimitable style and comfort of Oceania Cruises.
Embarkation was the easiest and fastest we have ever experienced. The ship is beautiful. It is light and spacious and full of gorgeous artefacts. Our concierge balcony cabin was spacious and very comfortable, although it would have been improved by better drawer space. The bathroom was probably the most elegant we have had. The balcony itself was very spacious but lacked high backed furniture or footstools. There were two bucket type chairs and a small table -such a waste of such a lovely space.
All crew members that we came in contact with were delightful, from room stewards to restaurant staff and the boys who saw us safely on and off the tenders. The young Cruise Director was brilliant and the entertainment extremely good.
The food in all the restaurants was excellent. We normally avoid the Buffet on cruises because we hate the fight for tables and the scrummage around the service stations. This wasn't a problem at all on Vista and we ended up enjoying every breakfast and an occasional lunch there.
We always book the Owners suite so the level of accommodation is superb and once again didnt disappoint . The excursion in Bordeaux was overpriced and a big let down but overall another enjoyable cruise with Oceania.
Food, service and accommodation were excellent. Some of the ports visited were very interesting but a few were limited in things to do, particularly on a Sunday or public holiday and we were unlucky to hit smaller ports on those days.
A great cruise on a beautiful ship.
Unfortunately the one place we wanted to visit, Amalfi, was not visited as it was too rough to tender, but we got a lovely day in Pompaei instead.
Some of the best food in all of the restaurants we have had on thirty plus cruises.
The refurbished cabin was a delight, a glass door for the shower rather than a shower curtain a great improvement.
Plenty of space on board inspite of it being a full complement of passengers.
This really was an appalling picture of greed and inefficiency.
The ship was lovely, most of the staff were great. Management ( were there any?) we're disinterested. Boarding the ship in Taiwan was a long-winded affair. With a lack of English speaking staff this compounded the meds. Japanese customs were even worse, not helped by the lack of interest by the ship's crew.
The excursions were expensive, none were available for disabled passengers. The ones we booked before we left England, were changed or cancelled
I wrote and complained over 2 months ago and have still not had the courtesy of a response.
