Oceania Cruises returning Insignia to SA for one-off cruise in 2023

After the 2021/22 cruise season was largely lost due to the Omicron variant of COVID-19, Oceania Cruises have announced they will return Insignia to South Africa for a Cape Town departure in 2023.

Insignia will sail from Cape Town to Dubai on April 5th, 2023. The 21-night voyage was meant to take place in 2022 as well, but had to be scrapped due to travel restrictions associated with COVID-19.

This will be one of two grand voyages from South Africa undertaken by Oceania Cruises during the year, with Nautica scheduled to cruise from Cape Town to Yokohama in Japan in January, after completing her 2022/23 season sailing roundtrip from the city.

“This three-week exotic cruise invites you to discover a broad sampling of desirable destinations lining the Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea, including top South African ports that open the door to incredible safaris, cosmopolitan cities, remote islands and more,” says Oceania Cruises.

“Sleek and elegantly charming, Insignia’s decks are resplendent in the finest teak, custom stone and tile work, and her lounges, suites and staterooms boast luxurious, neo-classical furnishings. Insignia offers every luxury you may expect on board one of our stylish ships,” it adds.

The cruise departs Cape Town on April 5th, 2023, and features 12 ports of call on the way to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. By booking-ending the voyage with South Africa’s ‘Mother City’ and the UAE’s ‘Monaco of the Middle East’, Oceania Cruises are offering two iconic destinations either side of the cruise.

In Cape Town, guests can explore Table Mountain by cable car, visit the South African Museum and Planetarium, the culturally significant St. George’s Cathedral, the historic and infamous Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned by Apartheid authorities, or go shopping on the V&A Waterfront.

In Dubai, they’ll discover ultra-modern architecture that soars over traditional Arab styles, visit the Jumeirah Mosque and stroll through the narrow alleys of old Dubai. Oceania Cruises also suggests guests journey along Dubai Creek in a dhow, or visit the neighbouring emirate of Sharjah, home to the Heart of Sharjah, the largest historical preservation and restoration project in the region.

Other ports of call on this three-week voyage include Mossel Bay, Durban, and Richard’s Bay in South Africa; Maputo in Mozambique; Mayotte in Comoros; Nosy Be in Madagascar; La Digue and Mahe in the Seychelles (an overnight stop); and Salalah and Muscat in Oman.