Name: O Sole Mio
Brand: Oceania Cruises
Rating: 5 (1 reviews)

Overview

There's no better way to see Mediterranean and Spain than from the deck of Oceania Insignia, sailing with Oceania Cruises for 14 nights from Le Havre. The itinerary features stops at 3 destinations, including La Rochelle and Porto, before arriving in Barcelona. Mediterranean and Spain has a way of getting under your skin, and seeing it from the water only deepens the experience. Prices for this cruise start from £3,288 per person.

Oceania Cruises

Cruise Itinerary

Day 1

Le Havre

At first glance, Le Havre looks strikingly different from other stops along the Seine. Much of the city was destroyed during World War II, and its post-war reconstruction was led by the architect Auguste Perret, whose bold use of concrete and symmetry has since earned Le Havre UNESCO World Heritage status.What makes Le Havre interesting is precisely this contrast: the clean lines of its modernist layout set against the windswept Normandy coast. Perret’s legacy is seen in landmarks like the Church of St Joseph with its lantern tower.Le Havre is also a gateway to Normandy’s beaches and countryside. Some cruises include excursions from here to Étretat’s chalk cliffs, the D-Day Landing sites or inland to Rouen or Honfleur.

Day 2

At sea

Day 3

La Rochelle

Nestled along the Atlantic coast, La Rochelle boasts a maritime legacy steeped in resilience and adventure. Its storied past, from medieval fortifications to bustling ports, echoes through the cobbled streets. The mild oceanic climate blesses visitors with refreshing breezes and abundant sunshine, ideal for leisurely strolls along the picturesque harbors. Unlike bustling metropolises, La Rochelle offers an authentic glimpse into French coastal life, with its vibrant markets and quaint cafes serving up fresh seafood delicacies. As a beacon of maritime history, La Rochelle's iconic towers stand tall, guarding secrets of seafaring adventures that have shaped the region's identity for centuries.

Day 4

Bordeaux

Ships dock close to the centre, making it easy to explore on foot. The UNESCO-listed old town is packed with neoclassical buildings, lively cafés and riverside walks. Landmarks like Place de la Bourse, the water mirror and the gothic cathedral are all within easy reach.Bordeaux is also home to La Cité du Vin, a futuristic wine museum with interactive exhibits and a panoramic tasting area. You can also hop on a tram to explore the Chartrons district, once home to wine merchants and full of vintage shop and galleries.Cruise excursions might include vineyard visits, bike tours or food tastings. Some itineraries even offer evening moorings here so you can enjoy dinner in town or take a night-time stroll along the Garonne.

Day 5

Saint-Jean-de-Luz

Day 6

Bilbao

Bilbao, once an industrial heartland, has transformed into a hub of modern architecture and art, exemplified by the iconic Guggenheim Museum. The climate here is temperate and inviting, with mild temperatures that make year-round visits pleasant. Cruise lines such as Norwegian and Holland America offer excursions that allow travelers to explore not just the famous museum, but also lesser-known areas like the historic Casco Viejo, or Old Quarter, providing a more rounded glimpse into Bilbao's rejuvenation and traditions. Interestingly, Bilbao is also known for its unique linguistic contribution, being a stronghold of the Basque language, which predates most European languages and adds a layer of mystique to this vibrant city.

Day 7

Gijón

Day 8

La Coruña

Day 9

Porto

Porto may be Portugal’s second city, but it takes first place in many cruisers’ hearts. It’s a gastronomic wonderland – with port and tonics, pastel de natas and excellent seafood. It's also full of architectural marvels, including the famous ironwork bridge joining the neighbourhoods of Gaia and Ribeira. You’ll find that both ocean liners and river cruise ships stop at its ports.

Day 10

Lisbon

In the annals of maritime lore, Lisbon stands as a testament to resilience, having weathered centuries of conquest and exploration. Its labyrinthine streets whisper tales of Moorish conquests and Age of Discovery triumphs, each cobblestone a silent witness to the city's rich past. Beneath the warm Mediterranean sun, Lisbon exudes an undeniable charm, drawing travelers seeking an authentic escape from the beaten path. From its vibrant neighborhoods to its serene waterfront, Lisbon offers a glimpse into Portugal's soul, where fado music reverberates through alfresco cafes, and the aroma of freshly baked pasts de nata fills the air, tempting even the most seasoned voyagers.

Day 11

At sea

Day 12

Motril

Day 13

Alicante

Alicante, with its sun-kissed shores and ancient roots, beckons travelers to uncover its vibrant history. Nestled along the Mediterranean coast, this coastal gem boasts a rich maritime heritage, shaped by centuries of seafaring traditions. The city's mild climate and azure skies provide the perfect backdrop for exploration, inviting visitors to wander its charming streets and savor authentic Spanish cuisine. Beyond the tourist hubs, Alicante offers a glimpse into the real Spain, where locals gather at bustling markets and quaint tapas bars. Don't miss the chance to ascend to the towering Castillo de Santa Bbara for panoramic views of the city and sea.

Day 14

Mahón, Menorca

Day 15

Barcelona

Barcelona, a city defined by its innovative spirit from the architectural wonders of Gaudto the bustling medieval streets of the Gothic Quarter, offers a vivid window into Spains artistic soul. The city benefits from a Mediterranean climate, ensuring pleasant weather perfect for leisurely explorations of its many districts. Cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean and Norwegian utilize Barcelona as a key port, giving travelers the chance to immerse themselves in a blend of modernist architecture and vibrant local life. An intriguing fact about Barcelona is its beach was artificially created in preparation for the 1992 Olympics, showcasing the city's ability to ingeniously reinvent itself while maintaining its historical roots.

Day 1

Le Havre

Day 2

At sea

Day 3

La Rochelle

Day 4

Bordeaux

Day 5

Saint-Jean-de-Luz

Day 6

Bilbao

Day 7

Gijón

Day 8

La Coruña

Day 9

Porto

Day 10

Lisbon

Day 11

At sea

Day 12

Motril

Day 13

Alicante

Day 14

Mahón, Menorca

Day 15

Barcelona

670

Passengers

400

Crew

1998

Launched

2018

Last refit

30277t

Tonnage

180m

Length

25.5m

Width

18kts

Speed

Decks

USD

Currency

Oceania Insignia

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.

All Prices

Customer reviews

Reviews

It was the most relaxing cruise I’ve ever taken!!

The cities were lovely and the countryside beautiful!

Oceania Cruises Oceania Insignia

Reviews

Fab

Great ship snd destination

Oceania Cruises Oceania Regatta

Reviews

Superb

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.

Oceania Cruises Oceania Vista

Reviews

Dissatisfied

Ship beautiful staff excellent food in main restaurants not up to standard and disappointing. Special restaurants Ok .

Oceania Cruises Oceania Allura

Reviews

2023-10-15 13:50:20

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.

Oceania Cruises Oceania Riviera

Reviews

2023-06-14 18:39:59

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.

Oceania Cruises Oceania Marina

Reviews

2023-06-02 16:15:45

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.

Oceania Cruises Oceania Riviera

Reviews

2023-06-02 13:27:42

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.

Oceania Cruises Oceania Nautica