Oceania Cruises announced that Virginia Watters, wife of the line's Founding Chairman, Joe Watters, and the original Godmother of the ship, will rechristen Insignia in Istanbul on June 11, 2014. The ceremony will herald the return of the ship to the Oceania Cruises fleet after a two-year hiatus.
Virginia Watters first christened Insignia in March 2004 in the presence of His Serene Highness, Prince Albert in Monte Carlo, Monaco. Since then, the ship has carried tens of thousands of guests on hundreds of voyages around the globe. Ten years later, Virginia Watters will rechristen "her ship" and welcome the 684-guest vessel back in true Oceania Cruises style.
"Virginia and I are both honored and delighted to return to Insignia for her rechristening and to host our guests for this voyage. We look forward to rekindling fond memories, making new ones and celebrating the wonders of friendship with the Oceania Cruises family that separates the brand from all others," stated Joseph A. Watters, Founding Chairman of Oceania Cruises.
Prior to the start of her 2014 European season and her rechristening , the ship will undergo a multi-million dollar transformation that will result in a sophisticated new ambiance that imbues her old-world charm with the best elements of the line's newest ships, Marina and Riviera.
Rechristening voyage highlights
Immediately following the ceremony, Insignia will depart Istanbul on a 10-day celebration cruise that sails to Turkey, Cyprus, Israel and Greece. The cruise will feature many special amenities and exclusive events hosted by the Watters - a gala Christening Brunch; a post-ceremony Sail Away Cocktail Party as the ship cruises the Dardanelles; special Chairman's Choice Shore Excursions; commemorative gifts and mementos, and exclusive Oceania Club parties and hosted dinners.
ITINERARY
Date Port
June 10 Istanbul, Turkey
June 11 Istanbul, Turkey
June 12 Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey
June 13 Rhodes, Greece
June 14 Limassol, Cyprus
June 15 Jerusalem (Haifa), Israel
June 16 Jerusalem (Haifa), Israel
June 17 Jerusalem (Haifa), Israel
June 18 Cruising the Mediterranean
June 19 Patmos, Greece
June 20 Athens (Piraeus), Greece
2 for 1 Cruise Fares for this 10-day voyage include Free Airfare from select North American cities. Guests will also receive a special rechristening package that includes a $750 per stateroom shipboard credit, free pre-paid gratuities and a free unlimited internet package.
