Dress code on ORIANA

Being a luxury cruise liner ORIANA has a strict evening dress code for her passengers.
There are three different types of evening dress, informal, semi-formal and formal.
In general the first and last evening on board are informal nights with the second night being formal and also the Captains cocktail party.
To ensure all on board know the dress code of the evening it is printed in the daily Horizon newspaper and also on notice boards near the restaurants.
If passengers fail to comply with dress code entry may be refused to the restuarnts and also to The Crows Nest and Andersons bars .

Changes to ORIANA over the years.

When ORIANA is refitted later this year it will be the largest so far in her career however in some previous refits ORIANA has had noticeable albeit minor changes to both her interior and exterior.
When ORIANA entered in service in 1995 the two levels of the Kinghtsbridge were connected by a spiral staircase as a tribute to CANBERRA which had a spiral staircase which led several decks down from her crows nest.
This was removed in 2004 to maximise the amount of space available on both levels.
Below the deck plans of the area in its present form and as it was until 2004.

Externally when ORIANA entered service she featured one single Radar dome on the open observation deck above The Crows Nest, later a second was added to the starboard side of the first.
This second dome was removed in May 2004 returning the area to its previous appearance
Below is three photos to compare ORIANA's appearance from 1995, 2002 and 2010

At sea.
At Funchal,Madeira 2002.
At Funchal, Madeira 2010.

Deck Plans and Photo copyright: P&O Cruises & Steve Martin

Onboard ORIANA

Theatre Royal

Situated on the forward end of the Promenade deck is ORIANA’s largest entertainment venue the Theatre Royal.

ORIANA's Promenade deck with Theatre Royal at the forward end.

The theatre’s entrances are located either side of the forward lifts and both are adorned with the traditional theatrical image of the two masks symbolizing comedy and tragedy, the style continues upon entering with a gently inclined ramp leading past photographs of famous stars from both stage and screen before reaching the double glass doors that allow access to the back of the theatre.

One of the two entrances.

The decorative scheme is in keeping with ORIANAs British style and consists of gold, blue and red, with the carpet design incorporating the Tudor rose motif which gives a almost Shakespearean element to the room.
Seating 650 people at one time and with two disabled bays each accommodating up to four wheelchairs, access to the seats is via one of three long stairways one either side of the room and one down the centre.
At the time of her entry into service ORIANA was virtually unique in that her theatre is designed as a traditional theatre meaning that unlike many other ships theatres which are more show lounge influenced there is no bar service or tables, it was felt by P&O that any such service would be a distraction from the performances on stage.

Looking towards the wheelchair bays and Control room.

Being a specialized area the designers of ORIANA employed the help of a theatre specialist John Wyckham to advise on seating, lighting and acoustics.
Behind its classic styling the Theatre Royal boasts several different types of modern technology which cover a range of aspects from passenger comfort to lighting.
To ensure theatres temperature is regulated it uses a air circulation system called Microclimate which releases air through the back of the seating rather than having the traditional ceiling mounted units.
The lighting, sound and stage systems are controlled by the production manager and technicians from the control room which is located at the rear of theatre.

View from the control room.

The stage it self also employs technology which allows it to host more elaborate productions, these include 3 projection screens two either side of the stage and a retractable one above the stage.
The stage also features a two way revolving centre section and a orchestra pit which can be raised for the musicians to be fully visible to the audience or lowered to lowered out of sight depending on the requirements of the show.
Areas of the theatre that passengers never see are some of the most important ones backstage.
These are the fully equipped dressing rooms, wardrobe room which is more accurately described as below the theatre which usually has about 1000 costumes stored in it , store rooms for the sets and other items and the theatre’s own workshop for repairs and modifications to sets.

A small area of the wardrobe room.

So successful was the Theatre Royal during ORIANA’s early years of service that when younger fleet mate AURORA entered service 5 years later her theatre The Curzon Theatre was one of the few spaces whose design was copied with only a few minor modifications.
In terms of the entertainment on offer in Theatre Royal
Mostly to be seen is The Headliners Theatre Company P&O’s own theatre group which perform a different musical production most evenings each lasting about 45 minutes and each based on a different theme which including different musical styles and being based on individual band such as ABBA and Queen.
There are two performances per night the early performance starts at around 8:30PM and the later one at around 10:30pm.

Theatre Royal in action.

On evenings when a theatre production is not a part of the evenings events there is a guest performer such as a comedian, musician or singer.
The theatre also is used as a venue for more educational purposes , its size and layout make it perfect for lectures which are held during the days at sea.
These include guest lecturers who speak on a number of different subjects ranging form history, spot and many others.
Also a variety of lectures from the ships crew are held during the cruise including a virtual bridge tour with one on the ships officers explaining in detail all of the ships navigational systems and bridge controls .
The History Of P&O is a newer lecture hosted by the Cruise Director which charts the company history from its foundation in 1837 to the modern day and includes footage of many of the company’s ships both past and present including of ORIANA’s maiden arrival in Southampton
Another popular use is the Cruise Director’s interview with the Captain where the Captain talks about life as ships master, training and various experiences they have had at sea and during their career.

Photos © P&O Cruises.

Salmon early released postcard of ORIANA

© João Abreu Collection.

Maiden departure from Southampton

Sunday 9th April 1995 was for most in south of England a dull grey day, however in Southampton amongst the overcast skies and busy port ORIANA was being prepared for her maiden departure.
On board reporters from various news programmes were given tours of her various public rooms and many and reported enthusiastically from the ship.
Meanwhile ORIANA's first passengers arrived to a warm P&O welcome and spent the hours up to departure exploring the newest floating masterpiece.
Finally the hour came and with blasts from ORIANA's horn she pulled away from the berth unaided with a flotilla of small boats surrounding her ORIANA sailed triumphantly down Southampton water.


Over the next days parties and celebrations marked her first days at sea as Madeira awaited for her first port of call.

Photo © P&O Cruises.

ORIANA's manoeuvrability

As well as being a fast ship ORIANA is also a highly manoeuvrable one being comparable in that respect it some naval vessels.
This is thanks to her system of twin high lift rudders positioned behind her propellers and her four transverse thrusters.
Manufactured like her propellers by LIPS BV based in the Netherlands ORIANA has three bow thrusters and one stern each with a output of 1,500kW these allow the ship to turn within her own length and allow for the ship to dock with out the assistance and the cost of a tug, in all but the most severe sea conditions.

ORIANA's bow thrusters being maintained during a refit.

While ORIANA's thrusters are only of use at low speeds, the ships main means of manoeuvring is by her twin high lift rudders having the twin rudders allow for more efficient turning at then was possible with the traditional system of the centre mounted rudder and was relief to the officers who had previously been assigned to CANBERRA who despite being well loved had a reputation for being sluggish in responding to her helm control.

ORIANA's Rudders.

When docking ORIANA's thrusters, rudders can be combined with the propellers under one control to make docking as easy as possible for the bridge crew.

Photos Copyright: P&O Cruises.

ORIANA in Funchal new years eve 1999

From L to R: SAGA ROSE on anchor, ORIANA, MAXIM GORKIY, MELODY and alongside PALMIRA.

On 31th December of 1999, ORIANA was once again in Funchal for the new year's celebrations, this in particular very special, it marked the beginning of a new millenium. 8 cruise ships were scheduled and like her previous times, ORIANA was one of the first to arrive, on a transatlantic crossing from Bridgetown.Among other british marketed ships like the SAGA ROSE, on 1999 new year's eve, two P&O ships welcomed the new year of 2000 in Funchal. To join ORIANA, arrived early in the evening the 1989 built ARCADIA former SITMAR FAIRMAJESTY and STAR PRINCESS, whose passengers had the chance to assist the fireworks display on the anchorage.

On the 1st January, ORIANA left on the first 2 hours of the dawn inbound Southampton and ARCADIA 15 minutes earlier towards Lisbon.

The spectacular and highly expected moment is only hours away! From L to R: ORIANA, MAXIM GORKIY, MELODY, LOBO MARINHO I and alongside OLYMPIC COUNTESS.
The ARCADIA of 1989 was one of 4 cruise ships that welcomed the new year in the anchorage on 1999.

Photos: © Nuno Jesus.

Onboard ORIANA

Alternative Dining.

Onboard ORIANA as well as the main two restaurants there is also on offer alternative dining venues each offering a different type of cuisine and surroundings.
These are Al Fresco Pizzeria, The Conservatory and Terrace Bar located on Deck 12 and Oriana Rhodes located on Deck 8.

Situated next to the Gymnasium on the forward end of the Lido Deck,
Al Fresco is ORIANA’s onboard causal Pizzeria, with one entrance near the Rivera Pool and with a outdoors seating area it is perfect for the passengers who do not want to be too away from the sun loungers or the pool and with many of the younger passengers not wishing attend dinner in the main restaurants
Offering different options throughout the day and night Al Fresco opens for “early starter” breakfast menu at 7am until 11am the menu offering continental style breakfast, toast, rolls and a selection of juices.
Beginning at 11am and ending at 6:30 pm is the day menu offering a variety of options with a “fast food” feel including burgers, salads and open sandwiches.
From 7:30pm until 10pm Al Fresco becomes Al Frescos Pizzeria, offering a range of Italian cuisine ranging from all varieties of Pizza to the other quintessentially Italian dish of Pasta.
From 10:30pm until 6am the following morning Al Fresco serves a selection of snacks.

To reflect ORIANA’s change to adults only cruising Al Frescos Pizzeria is to be replaced by a new formal dining venue, in keeping with a taste of Italy the restaurant to be named Sorrento will offer fine Italian cuisine the area will be extended out to the glass screening of the deckThe forward section of deck 12 in its present from and after refit.

Continuing to the aft of Deck 12 is ORIANA’s buffet restaurant
The Conservatory, offering a informal self-service in a light airy surrounding with wall murals to suggest a view over a country garden and floor to ceiling windows offering a sea view.

Beginning at 6:30 am with a Early Continental Breakfast The Conservatory remains open until 9pm offering throughout the day different types of menu.
From 7am until 10:30am buffet breakfast is available offering toast, Breakfast cereals, Bacon, Eggs and Sausages with Tea, Coffee and juice drinks available.
From 10:30am until midday The Conservatory offers a selection of snack foods including healthy options of fruits and salad
From Midday until 2.30pm The Conservatory serves lunch.
From 2:30pm until 5.15pm traditional Afternoon tea is served, a institution within the company Afternoon tea and its associated cakes are always a highlight for passengers who enjoy the all traditional aspects of cruising that ORIANA offers.
For 45 minuets between 5.15pm until 6pm The Conservatory is used by the on board youth team as a venue for the Children’s Tea.
The final meal served is between 6.30pm and 9pm is the themed buffet with styles of food which varies every night throughout the cruise the themes include, Indian, Chinese, Tex Mex and Spanish Tapas.


Just aft of The Conservatory is The Terrace Bar during the day it offers a relaxing place to get a refreshing drink while over looking ORIANA’s handsome terraced stern but from 7PM until 9:30pm the bar offers the Terrace Grill menu available by reservation it offers passengers the chance to dine up on deck under the stars with ORIANA’s wake providing a dramatic and romantic backdrop.
The Terrace Grills menu has £7.75 (8.80€) extra charge per person.

Located near the centre of Deck 8 is Oriana Rhodes, the on board restaurant of celebrity chef Gary Rhodes and offers menus created especially for restaurant by Gary.
The room its self is actually a very unusual one for a restaurant as it was originally designed and built as the Curzon Room a music venue for passengers to listen to piano music, which was a successor to the popular Meridian Room on CANBERRA which served a similar purpose.
When the room was converted to a restaurant in late 2006 there was many passengers opposed to the change however in general the Oriana Rhodes has been a successful addition to the ship.

As the Curzon Room.
Oriana Rhodes is open for diners between 6pm and 9.30pm, as a speciality restaurant there is a £15.00 (17.00€) extra charge per person.

As Oriana Rhodes.

Oriana Rhodes Dessert menu.

The Oriana Rhodes Restaurant is to be replaced by The Ocean Grill with menus from renowned British Chef Marco Pierre White later this year when ORIANA is refitted in November.

Photos,Deck Plans & Menu © P&O Cruises.

ORIANA Collectors stamp

Issued in by The Gibraltar Philatelic Bureau in sets of four between 2005 and 2008 to celebrate the calls of the many cruise ships at the port, the third set featured ORIANA alongside fleet mate OCEANA and the Cunard's QUEEN MARY 2 and QUEEN ELIZABETH 2.

Alongside the stamp is the following description:

"ORIANA entered service in April 1995 as the first cruise liner custom-built for the British cruise market. She is specifically designed and equipped to operate world voyages. She embodies the classic lines, comfort and ambiance of traditional ocean liners. She was the fastest cruise ship built for 25 years, with an operating speed of 24 knots.
Her high speed and technically advanced hull enable ORIANA to operate the most far-reaching itineraries worldwide."
The stamp set is available to buy behind the Reception desk on ORIANA.

Turnaround day.

Among the first words on the cruise log given to ORIANA's passengers are: "During the day ORIANA lay quietly alongside her berth whilst passengers embarked and stores were loaded." Given the impression of a quite day in her home port turnaround or Southampton day as it is called quite opposite and is one of the busiest days of a cruise. Beginning early in the morning like any other day, ORIANA is normally alongside her berth by 6:30am after a slow approach from the English Channel and embarking the pilot at the Nab Tower during the early hours of the morning. Once alongside the passengers luggage is of loaded via the ships to be placed in the luggage hall. ORIANA in the designated "swinging grounds" preparing to dock

As the passengers look on their luggage is off loaded.

Waiting on the berth on large pallets is the ships supplies ready to be placed loaded on the ship.

Everything needing to be checked by the crew to ensure that all that was ordered is present and correct and also to be checked by sniffer dogs to make sure nothing illegal is being taken on board.

Generally the longest amount of time in any port, with the exception of a overnight stay the time in spent in Southampton gives ORIANA's engineers and technicians the chance to make any repairs and to preform maintance.

It is also here in Southampton that in the main ORIANA's crew go on leave and new crew members join.

While the new set of passengers and their luggage is loaded ORIANA's officers keep updated on the weather off the Southern English coast in preparation for departure. With a almost impossibly long list of tasks to preform eventually everything is completed and with the pilot back on board ORIANA sails again form her home port for distant shores.

All tasks completed and permission granted ORIANA departs for another cruise.

Having just departed yesterday form Southampton ORIANA will return again on the 3rd May where she will be joined by CELEBRITY ECLIPSE and INDEPENDENCE OF THE SEAS.

ORIANA in Copenhagen 2008

It's always nice to see ORIANA in the northern european capitals, in this particular case, in Denmark's main and busiest port, Copenhagen on a rainy 6th July of 2008.
In this summer ORIANA will run more Southampton Med cruises than Northern Europe itineraries, even so she's expected in Copenhagen two times, on the 30th May and 9th August.
Photos: © Søren Rasmussen.

ORIANA in Civitavecchia Italy

ORIANA in the italien comune of Civitavecchia, one of the busiest ports in the Mediterranean during the summer cruise season. Also the main gateway to Italy's capital of Rome, for those who arrive by sea.
On this sunny 6th of September of 2009, ORIANA was surrounded by many other cruise ships, based in Civitavecchia or just on another call of their summer cruises in the Med.

Photos: © Sérgio Ferreira.

November refit extended

It has been recently announced by P&O that ORIANA's refit will be extended, originally scheduled to leave service on the 16th and return on the 30th November this year,
ORIANA will now be inactive for a further 8 days with a new date set for the 9th December.
As a result of the extended time in refit ORIANA's first cruise after the refit has been delayed until the 9th December while her Canary Island cruise that was due to depart on the 3rd December has been cancelled.
Commenting via its Facebook page P&O said:
Oriana's refit has been extended and as a result we have had to make some changes to cruises in December which includes cancelling one of the cruises.
All customers are being contacted to discuss their options at the moment, We are sorry to those whose cruises are affected."
At this time no reason has been given by P&O for the changes to the refit schedule.

ORIANA in refit at Lloyd Werft, May 2004 © P&O Cruises.

Onboard ORIANA

The Oasis Spa and Salon.

Located on the forward end of Lido Deck 12 is ORIANA’s fully equipped health and beauty area The Oasis Spa.
A must for passengers who wish to look youthful and refreshed The Oasis Spa is comprised of: Sauna, 2 Whirlpool spa baths, 5 treatment rooms, The Oasis Salon and the Gymnasium.
With its location on the Lido deck from most areas the Spa and Salon offers sea views while being treated and pampered.
Although the Spa and Salon are always popular especially amongst the glamorous ladies onboard, the busiest time during a cruise is on day when the dress code for that evenings dinner is formal when it is important for ladies to be looking their best.
Up until ORIANA’s entry in to service P&O on its existing ships CANBERRA and VICTORIA had beauty therapy areas that had been added to them during refits for cruising duty which although offered passengers the services the wanted, the facilities were from a technical point of view limited by the fact that they were adapted from areas that had different uses earlier in the ships careers.

Deck plan showing the Oasis Spa & Hair Salon and Gymnasium.

ORIANA'S Sauna © Beyondships.com

Designed to make the users feel at ease the Whirlpool Spa area with its Subtropical plants, elegant statue, art deco styled glass panels and floor to ceiling windows looking out onto the deck tennis court offer a spacious area to sit and relax following use of the Sauna and Spa.

The Spa area.

Just aft of the Spa area on the port side is the treatment rooms, these offer a full range of beauty treatments for both men and women.

Attended by a fully trained beauty therapist with treatments that cover a whole range of massages and alternatives, on occasion one of the spa team will demonstrate the different treatments available and explain the different methods of each treatment.
The treatments available include: Reflexology, Aromatherapy, Mud therapy, Massages, also available is a selection of treatment for men.

One of the treatment rooms © Beyondships.com

Further aft is the Oasis Salon, which is ORIANA’s Hair and Beauty Salon.
Complementing the treatment rooms the Salon is where passengers come to enjoy a simple haircut or a complete restyling.

The Oasis Hair Salon.

With a team of fully trained stylists and make up artistes who can combine their talents to create a complete make over experience for a passenger wanting to look and feel their best for a night onboard
Services that the passenger can take advantage of is Hairstyling, Hair colouring, Manicures, Pedicures and for men various grooming options are available.
All services offered are usually at a extra supplement charge
Along with the treatment rooms and Sauna , The salon is open daily form 8am to 8pm.

The final room that completes the area is the Gym, which is located on the starboard side of deck 12.
Equipped with the latest in exercise technology the Gymnasium offers passengers a variety different equipment which includes, rowing machines, Exercise bikes, Steppers and weights, the Gym is the perfect place to visit for the fitness fanatic or the passengers who overindulge them selves at meal times.

The Gym

Use of the Gym is 24 hours a day with a fitness instructor available at various times of the day to offer advice.
The use of the exercise equipment is free of charge to all passengers how ever fitness classes held by the instructors generally have a small charge.

Photo & Deck Plan Copyrights :P&O Cruises.

ORIANA First call in Funchal 16 years ago...

"12th April of 1995. The date was long awaited in Madeira, that by the years was used to welcome P&O passenger ships. CANBERRA''s withdrawn was prominent, so the sucessor that would continue the legacy of one of the most popular ships in the world. But both still sailed together and visited Madeira simultaneously, on 18th December 1996. The press, radio and TV reported frequently about this inaugural call, of a passenger ship highly expected by the british cruise market.Funchal was selected for first port of call in her maiden cruise, after departure from her homeport of Southampton. It was a beautiful day, blue skies and flat seas with dolphins jumping welcoming the brand new ORIANA as she approached the harbour by midday. From the city pier, sea avenue and Santa Catarina park, hundreads or even thousands of locals and tourists were admiring the first call of the british cruise ship. Dressed in arc, ORIANA made it's way between the many tugboats, small craft and yachts that were dressed as well for this inaugural, on a gathering of boats promoted by the Clube de Entusiastas de Navios.

A dolphin jumps out of the water at ORIANA's stern, on a grand and memorable event in Funchal.

In the designated berth, the folk group of Boa Nova welcomed the maiden voyage passengers of ORIANA, offering local souvenirs as they were leaving the gangway. Onboard ORIANA, Commodore Ian Gibb welcomed some local entities and one group of the CEN, that honered this inaugural call on a beloved destination for P&O. The following day, ORIANA made it's farewell from Madeira, with many horn blasts and yet again, between a large fleet of small craft in the area.When she entered service in 1995, ORIANA marked a new generation of passenger ships, the resurgence of Meyer Werft shipyards of Papenburg, today an icon in the cruise shipbuilding industry, and inspired the british cruise market, that since then hasn't stopped growing. It was for all this, that ORIANA was one of the most expected ships of all time."Photos & Text: © Courtesy of Luís Filipe Jardim.
Journalist by profession, Luís Jardim has showned by now his great enthusiasm for the ships and the sea in several ways. 17 years ago, he was one of the founding members of Clube de Entusiastas de Navios, the first cultural association of it's kind in Portugal. Some years ago he produced and hosted a local mini TV series, about cruise ships and their life onboard. More recently, in 2010, he launched the Cruzeiros magazine, again the first project of it's thematic in Portugal. Also he writes frequently on his own blog, dedicated to cruise ship activity in Funchal- CruzeirosMadeira.