We chose Oceania for the 12-day cruise between Buenos Aires and Rio (11/07/16 to 11/19/2016) because of the unique itinerary on a relatively small ship (previous cruising experiences were on much smaller boats ranging from under 100 persons to a max of 300). After this trip we decided we prefer the smaller ones.
The Insignia is one of Oceania's older ships. We felt the Insignia interior decor of the public areas was very dated and overly-gilded with much faux filigree in an attempt to project the "formality of a bygone era." This may appeal to an older, British clientele but not to the more contemporary. The hallways were very dingy with drab beige walls and dark printed carpet.
Our balcony stateroom was extremely small (my measures found it about 10% smaller than the website description indicates). The passageway between the end of the bed and the wall was barley 2' wide. The tiny bathroom was definitely the original layout with updated faucets/fixtures.
Our balcony stateroom was extremely small (my measures found it about 10% smaller than the website description indicates). There was too much furniture for the size of the room making mobility dificult. The passageway between the end of the bed and the wall was barley 2' wide. There is an obnoxious/useless 6'x6' mirror facing the foot of the bed. The tiny (shower-only) bathroom was definitely the original layout with updated faucets/fixtures. The bed was very comfortable with nice linens. The view from our balcony (at the stern) was very nice.
Interesting boat trip through the delta.
Due to a change in ports-of-call, out tour was on a Sunday. Nothing was open. Tour leader was terrible. Food at lunch was bad. Nothing good to say about the tour or Sao Paulo!
Average bus tour. Few stops for photo ops. Shopping/lunch time at a nice mall.