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.