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Oceania's youngest world cruisers, 4 and 6, near end of 180-day voyage

(Photo: Diane Bondareff/AP Images for Oceania Cruises)
Lorenna D’Amore Nogueira, 4, and her brother, Henrique D’Amore Nogueira, 6, were recognized as the 'Youngest World Cruisers' when Insignia docked at New York on Wednesday during its 180-day voyage
​Lorenna D'Amore Nogueira, 4, and Henrique D'Amore Nogeuira, 6, are on the home stretch of Insignia's 180-day world voyage, making them Oceania Cruises' youngest world cruisers.

The children are sailing with their parents, Drielle D'Amore Nogueira, 30, and Diego Castilho Nogueira, 32.

The voyage departed Miami on Jan. 6, calling at 36 countries on six continents. Insignia is scheduled to return to Miami on July 6, where the family will disembark for the last time and return to their home in Brazil.

A teacher, Drielle said the education from such an extended adventure is an incredible way to learn about world history, culture and people. And, for her, 'The greatest achievement undoubtedly is English language skills.'

Regarding how her children are finding life on the ship, she said: 'They have adapted to it all very easily and willingly and are interested in new stories. This [experience] will definitely make a difference when studying, learning and understanding matters in school. How much they have learned on this trip will be uncovered in the future, when some subject will remind us all of what we saw and lived during this time.'

Diego added: 'It’s fantastic how children are sponges absorbing everything around them … The diversity encountered [on this cruise] will certainly help them grow with fewer prejudices because they met so many people from different cultures.'

Telling what he liked best about the journey, Henrique singled out the 'on-board games you can play with adults and my dad and my mom, and I love teatime. I like to visit the different countries, but sometimes I wanted to stay longer and we don’t have time. But it's cool; I already know the places that I want to go back to. Every time that we leave [for excursions], I really like returning to the ship and hearing the crew say, "Welcome back!" I love my house on the ship. I have a high bed that opens and closes and that's awesome.'

Lorenna, who turned 4 while on the voyage, likes to 'go off the ship and see the cities. I love the chef when he makes brigadeiro (a Brazilian pastry) for me, like for my birthday. I loved my birthday party on the ship.'

 As for keeping the children entertained for 180 days, Diego said: 'We adults have the idea that kids love to have toys, the more elaborate the better, but this journey also made us realize that actually children just want attention. Without any specific activity, if we give attention telling a story, painting with them, involving them around the environment, in the end they are just happy with that.'

Drielle added that their stateroom has been a place for play, family time and art. 'We have the children’s drawings on the walls of the places that we have been; they show how much they are learning with the whole experience.

'We love this experience and think it should be mandatory for every human being, as personal growth.'