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, as the ship returns to the brand following a two-year charter with Hapag-Lloyd Cruises.
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.
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.
