Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is set to charter the Insignia, from Oceania Cruises, starting in April 2012. The vessel will be renamed the Columbus 2. A statement from Oceania said the charter period will last for two years with the 684-guest vessel rejoining the Oceania fleet in April, 2014.

Earlier today Hapag-Lloyd Cruises announced a luxury newbuild with STX France, the Europa 2, and followed that up with the announcement of the two-year charter of the Oceania (ex-R2) Insignia.

Since ordering three new ships from Fincantieri, Oceania has delayed the launch of the Marina and quietly let the option for the third ship expire.

According to a statement released by Oceania: “Concurrent with the charter of Insignia, the line will accept delivery of the 1,250-guest Riviera.”