Crew Reviews, Ratings & Info for Insignia

A recent norovirus outbreak affected 75 individuals onboard the Insignia during its cruise from the United States to Canada, which took place from October 16 to October 27, 2025. Of the 637 passengers, 74 reported illness symptoms, alongside one crew member from the 391 staff members aboard. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was alerted about the situation on October 20. Affected individuals experienced gastrointestinal distress, including diarrhea and vomiting. In response, the Insignia’s crew promptly implemented heightened cleaning and disinfection protocols as part of the ship's outbreak prevention and response strategy. They also collected stool samples from those who fell ill for laboratory testing and ensured that ill individuals were isolated to prevent further spread. Additionally, the ship's management consulted with the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program, reviewing sanitation and cleaning practices as well as protocols for reporting illness cases. The CDC continues to oversee the situation, ensuring adherence to recommended outbreak response measures and sanitation standards.

In a harrowing rescue operation on June 21, 2024, the cruise ship 'Insignia' docked at the port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife at approximately 5:30 a.m., bringing with it 67 rescued migrants and the somber news of six deceased individuals who perished during their perilous journey on a cayuco towards the Canary Islands. Among the rescued were 61 men, three women, and three minors, all hailing from sub-Saharan Africa. Upon arrival, a coordinated response was immediately initiated, with a comprehensive health service team comprising personnel from the Canary Islands Emergency Service (SUC), Primary Care, Red Cross volunteers, along with the National Police and Civil Guard, ensuring the migrants received essential care. Four tents were set up at the port to accommodate the survivors, demonstrating the urgency and scale of the response. Five individuals were promptly transferred to local health facilities, with one individual reported in critical condition requiring immediate attention at the Ntra. Sra. de Candelaria University Hospital. The SOS operation began on June 20 at 12:30 a.m. when the 'Insignia', en route from Gambia to Tenerife, encountered the distressed cayuco and rescued 68 survivors along with five bodies. The bulk carrier 'Philipp Oldendorff', sailing from A Coruna to Ponto Ubu, played a pivotal role in this narrative by initially spotting the drifting canoe 440 nautical miles south of Tenerife and providing urgent assistance. Despite the best efforts of the rescue teams, the cayuco was left afloat with two deceased individuals onboard due to adverse weather conditions that hampered recovery efforts. After the 'Insignia' reported one rescuer in critical condition, the Helimer 201 Search and Rescue helicopter was dispatched; however, after assessing the situation, the onboard physician confirmed the unfortunate passing of this individual, prompting the helicopter's return to Tenerife South Airport. In light of this incident, maritime rescue authorities engaged the guard ship 'Urania' to support the operations and facilitate the ongoing search for the remaining bodies, utilizing a searchlight provided by the 'Insignia'. Command and coordination of the emergency response were expertly managed by the Tenerife MRCC under the Tenerife Maritime Captaincy, navigating through challenging maritime conditions to aid those in distress. For more information, read the full report with images here: https://mirametv.com/llega-a-tenerife-el-crucero-insignia-con-6-migrantes-fallecidos-y-67-supervivientes

On July 10 at 6:25 p.m., the cruise ship 'Insignia' made a significant find while navigating the waters approximately 50 miles North-Northwest of Bermuda. The vessel came across a damaged sailing yacht, identified as s/y 'Uplace' (MMSI: 211795350), which appeared to be abandoned. The sails were incorrectly set, indicating potential distress. In response to this discovery, the m/v 'Genoa' was dispatched to assess the situation and check for any crew members aboard the 'Uplace.' This 36-foot sailing vessel, registered in Germany, had previously been reported after its crew abandoned ship during an incident involving a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter back in April. Due to concerns about navigational safety, a Notice to Mariners has been issued regarding this drifting hazard. The situation continues to be monitored as authorities take necessary precautions to ensure maritime safety.

In response to the imminent threat posed by Hurricane Florence, the cruise ship "Insignia" has made a significant detour to dock in Maine, abandoning its original destination of Bermuda. This change in itinerary occurred on September 10, 2018, as the storm was projected to strike the eastern U.S. coastline within the week. Local officials anticipate additional cruise liners may seek refuge in Maine's ports as Hurricane Florence approaches, highlighting the impact of severe weather on maritime travel.