Pre-naming images of ORIANA

Even before her first arrival in Southampton ORIANA's fine lines and elegance presence was already known to many because of P&O's detailed coverage ORIANA's early stages and trials.
Below are some images of ORIANA from March/April 1995.

ORIANA in dry dock.

Supplies are taken on board.

A rare sight- The German flag flies over the stern.

Meyer Werft's Captain, in charge until the handover.

Commodore Gibb in command for the first time.

On route to Southampton.

ORIANA arrives in Southampton.

Photos Copyright P&O Cruises.

Cruise Experience

Day 5- 24th July-Olden
Setting a southerly course from Geiranger overnight ORIANA headed on the shortest section of the cruise between 144 km to Olden.
ORIANA was at around 17 Km from Norway’s coast, which is standard company procedure, before making her approach to the Fjords.
Unlike Geiranger the day before the sky was remarkably clear as ORIANA embarked the local pilot before commencing the short journey up Nordfjord to Olden.
After what had turned out to be a late night the previous night we decided to have breakfast in The Conservatory buffet restaurant on deck 12 which allowed for some excellent views over the fjord while enjoying breakfast.
Similar to the day before the fjord boasted more rugged natural beauty for the discerning traveller to view, watching as we sailed I remembered reading that the only true way to study and admire the fjords were while approaching them from the sea and sailing through them.

Scenes from sailing into Olden.

After finishing breakfast I headed quickly up to the sun deck above to watch the final stages of the approach to dock, arriving on deck I found that ORIANA was not the first to arrive, as in the fjord was AZAMARA JOURNEY tendering.
With some passengers ORIANA taking photos one lone passenger on AZAMARA JOURNEY’S aft facing balconies repaid the compliment by taking many of ORIANA.
With ORIANA ready for the final approach to dock Captain Pembridge again took conduct of the ship to begin swinging the bow to port.
While watching the swing I heard from another group of passengers nearby someone say that AZAMARA JOURNEY looked like a small version of ORIANA!
With the turn complete ORIANA slowly headed astern as she gently manoeuvred alongside the small dock.

AZAMARA JOURNEY .

Approching the berth.

Edging nearer the dock it was possible to see that there were several boats each attended by a dockside worker one heading towards ORIANA’s bow and the other staying near the stern, which at first I was curious to see what the boats were used for as we neared the dock their use became clear with ORIANA lowering the mooring ropes the workers in the boats taking the smaller guide ropes to his colleagues on the shore.

The ropes are pulled ashore.

With ORIANA secure alongside and all security checks completed Captain Pembridge gave the customary announcement.
Although the announcement varies between captains in general it follows the same format, firstly welcoming all to the port of call and then informing all which decks the ships gangways are located before wishing the passengers a nice day a shore and what time to be back on board.
Although personally I had no plans for taking any shore excursions in Olden there was none the less many different ones on offer ranging from the a gentle scenic coach around Olden and its municipality of Stryn which like other areas of Norway offer stunning views of fjords, lakes and mountain areas to more active tours including hiking in the surrounding mountains or even a tour of the Nordfjord by a high speed rigid inflatable boat for those who enjoy a more adventurous method of exploring.
In the local area by far the most visited natural sight is the Briksadal glacier which is located within deep the Oldedalen valley about 25 km south of Olden.

The Briksdal Glacier,Copyright VistNorway.com.
On this particular day at least 3 different tours from ORIANA visiting the glacier one group even rafting on the nearby Briksdal Lake.
Before deciding to take a slow walk ashore I took the time to take a walk along ORIANA’s decks to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere on board.
While walking the decks it became more apparent that the weather also was beginning to improve allowing for the first time since we had arrived in Norway to see the height of the mountains in their entirety.The sight from the decks was another of breath taking beauty with the small buildings contrasting with the epic scale of nature.

A view of Olden, Copyright P&O Cruises.

To me Olden had a similar feel to it as Geiranger although physically there are very few similarities between the two; it had a similar secluded out of the way feel and also an air of tranquillity and peace which to me are two of the most important aspects a destination.
While walking through the streets we came across some small souvenir shops selling typical Norwegian souvenirs from fridge magnets depicting scenes from across Norway as well as the traditional Norwegian sweaters which although on a warm day like this would not be much use but in the middle of the Norwegian winter it would surely be required wear.
Since at this time schools in Norway were on their summer breaks many some of the shop keepers were being aided by their children whose level of English impressed my fellow passengers, who also impressed to hear of the other subjects taught in the Norwegian school curriculum.
Continuing walking through the streets I saw some of the ship’s Asian crew members taking of advantage of their time off.
I thought despite working long days and being so far from home they seemed to enjoy being together and speaking together in their own language for the short amount of they have on shore away from serving passengers.
It is often said that when exploring or doing something productive and enjoyable that time passes quickly and on this day that seemed to be true, before I realised it the time was 12:30 and feeling rather hot and thirsty headed back to ORIANA.
Just as with boarding in Southampton ORIANA’s security team are ready at the gangways to ensure only passengers and crew board and to ensure that nothing is brought on board that is in contradiction to company procedure.
To this end all passengers are required to pass through a portable metal detector and have any handbags, cameras, cell phones ect put through a x ray machine.
Once checked in back on board ORIANA it was straight to The Peninsular Restaurant for a lunch, although not feeling too hungry it is a shame not to enjoy the all-inclusive food so decided on taking the option of a light salad with a refreshing beer to wash it down.
After lunch a unanimous decision was made to remain on board ORIANA for the remainder of our stay in Olden.
By now the weather was glorious and quite a contrast to what I had been told to expect in Northern Europe.
Maybe it was because of the fine weather ORIANA’s upper decks had taken on a relaxed feel with some interesting sights to be found around the pools from posers to older passengers in bathing suits, ORIANA as always offering a cross section of society.

It wasn’t only ORIANA that was enjoying the good weather in fjord but also many others smaller pleasure crafts which were sailing backwards and forwards around the fjord.

Slowly throughout the remainder of the afternoon the coaches from the tour excursions and the passengers made their way back on board.
As the time approached 16:30 ORIANA’s pre departure checks began to be made and dockside stevedores stood by the mooring lines ready to release them on word from the bridge which was given by Captain Pembridge.
Followed shortly by ORIANA’s horn blast and then thrusting off the berth at 17:01 retracing her route back out the Nordfjord.

Views as ORIANA departs.

After preparing for dinner which was for this evening an informal dress code it was into the restaurant for dinner during the course of this meal we had the opportunity to speak the head waiter who was more than willing to share many stories of his may years with P&O having served on both the previous ORIANA and CANBERRA among others.
Another feature that cruising around Norway offers are the relaxing evenings cruising through the stunning fjords offering a stunning background for evening cruising activity.
Having not had taken as much time as I could have the previous evenings to enjoy and savour the evenings watching the scenery pass by.
While walking around the deck after dinner it was interesting to see passengers all engaged in their own activities, from groups having a friendly gathering at the terrace bar while couples enjoyed dinner at the terrace grill with the fjord offering a stunning background. Having felt for some reason quite tired on this evening and not really interested in the guest speaker who was giving his talk in the Pacific lounge.
So instead I headed to my favourite venue The Crow’s Nest for some hopefully beautiful views out over the fjord.
With cocktail in hand and with the sounds of Jorge the cocktail pianist I gazed admiringly out the fjords at the moment all that could be said was life on ORIANA is a true joy and pleasure to enjoy.

Evening sights from the Nordfjord.
Nearing the end of the fjord at around the 8pm before leaving we passed another Carnival group ship, one vastly different and smaller than ORIANA -SEABORNE PRIDE from The Yachts of Seaborne which entered service in November 1988 after being named by actress and former U.S ambassador Shirley Temple Black.

SEABORNE PRIDE, Copyright: The Yachts Of Seaborne.

ORIANA first blew her horn to salute the smaller ship with SEABORNE PRIDE reply being barely audible from the lofty heights of ORIANA’s crow’s nest.
To those on board the smaller ship ORIANA’s sharply angled bow must have looked an impressive first sight of P&O’s finest emerging from the fjord.
Once leaving the fjord and SEABORNE PRIDE behind ORIANA turned to port and headed south to ORIANA’s last destination on this cruise Eidfjord.
Increasing speed to 23 knots to cover the 219 km remaining until the next port the sky slowly darkened as the night wore on yet the midnight sun still shone in the relatively clear summer night as another day on ORIANA was about to begin.

Photos Copyright: Steve Martin.

Late spring call of ORIANA in Funchal

ORIANA looking particularly handsome berthed in Funchal, Madeira on 7th May 2006. She still had the P&O former logo prior to the Bremerhaven's refit late that year.
At the time she was returning home after a transatlantic crossing from Bridgetown.
Photo: João Abreu.

Celebrations on board ORIANA

Just over a year after ORIANA was launched on 27th August 1996 ORIANA's officers and company assembled on ORIANA's terraced aft decks while docked in Palma Majorca to pose for a farewell photo for ORIANA's first master Commodore Gibb who after long service with P&O in both the cargo and passenger divisions was given command of ORIANA as P&O's new flagship.

Also during his final cruise a special retirement lunch was held for him and his wife which was attended by the ships senior officers.

ORIANA's officers and crew gather on the terraced decks for a farewell photo.

Photo courtesy: Seadogs Reunited.com

Cruise Experience

Day 4- 23rd July- Geiranger.

Having travelled only 261km over night at 4:02am ORIANA reached the entrance of the Sulaf Fjord to await the embarkation of the local pilot who would like in Bergen the day before take conduct of ORIANA on her trip up the fjord to the village of Geiranger.
Having spoken with the Cruise Director I was expecting the journey to be a somewhat different experience from the previous days sail in and indeed it was much different, being much more valley like with the mountains towing far above ORIANA .
Deciding initially to observe from the cabin balcony, the atmosphere was a remarkable calm with ORIANA making her way at low speeds up the fjord the only sounds to be heard was the muffled sounds of conversation from the other balconies and of the water gently breaking at ORIANA’s bow.
The scenery was truly awe inspiring its rural and mostly unspoilt beauty was evident for all to see and as this was my first time seeing it I was truly impressed by more things than can be adequately describe in words but the lasting memory I have of the sailing through the fjord was the amazing contrast of colours on display and how wherever I looked there appeared to be a waterfall nearby, it was quite interesting to see the grey of the rocks contrasting with the green of grass on the mountainside and above topping them the peaks of the mountains capped in snow.

Unlike the previous day there were very few houses around the coastline instead higher up the mountain farms which had long been disused due to being for the most part inaccessible sat seemingly undisturbed.

Scenes from sailing up the Fjord.

The Geiranger fjord its self is actually only a small fjord of only 15km which branches off from the considerably larger Storfjord, on this morning ORIANA’s route took her first into the Sunnylvsfjord before reaching the Geiranger fjord where ORIANA would anchor.

As the time headed towards 6:45am and ORIANA neared Geiranger on her portside we passed the famous and much photographed Seven Sisters Waterfalls in local legends the story of the Seven Sisters is that that they joyfully play and dance down the mountainside while on the opposite side of the fjord a single waterfall known as friaren playfully attempts to encourage the sisters to join him.
Legends aside, the sisters more practically indicated that we were now only about 6km from ORIANA’s anchorage point.

Fjords and Waterfalls.

In amongst the majestic fjords ORIANA who had dominated the terminal in Southampton now seemed to humble in comparison.
After watching more for a few minutes more I headed down below for breakfast before embarking on my first shore excursion.

Over the course of breakfast ORIANA made her final approach to anchorage quoting the ships log “Captain Pembridge then took conduct of the vessel and commenced the swing of the bow to starboard.
With the swing complete the order to ‘let go’ the starboard anchor was given at 0738.”
After a short run of 261 km overnight ORIANA had arrived serenely.
With ORIANA secured on at the designated point her crew began to rig the tender embarkation platforms and the ships tenders were lowered and took position ready to ferry the passenger ashore.

Geiranger.

During the course of breakfast the captain announced the arrangements for disembarking the ship, because of the limited space available on each tender those passengers not taking a shore excursion were required to collect a numbered ticket from a predetermined room on board and wait until the group number on the ticket is called.
Since we were booked on a shore excursion we were scheduled to meet on deck 5 of the atrium before being taken down one deck to the tender embarkation platforms.
After having the cruise card scanned by the security at the door it’s a short stair way down to the platform where the tender was waiting.
I was sure that for me it was an interesting experience having never before been on a tender boat.
Quickly and efficiently crew members filled the tender to capacity and before leaving ORIANA’s side and heading towards the pier on the shore, the journey was relatively short lasting around 5 minutes for me it offered a new perspective to see ORIANA from and as the boat departed I recall thinking that despite the unpleasant weather of several days ago ORIANA looked no worse than we had boarded in Southampton.
Once reaching the pier we were quickly directed by a member of the shore excursion team to direct us to the excursion coach which where we greeted by our local tour guide Christina.

As the first to arrive we needed to wait for a short period of time for the other passengers, which gave us a few minutes to look around, my first impressions of Geiranger was that it certainly was what I had been told it sure was small and to call it picturesque was a understatement.
All arrived and with our driver Hans on board we headed off towards the mountains.
Our tour today was a coach trip to the top of one of the local mountains Mount Dalsnibba whose summit is some 1,476 metres above the sea level and locally is well known for hosting The Geiranger-From Fjord to Summit a bike and running race which is held once a year.
My first thoughts as the coach began to climb the roads were how close to the edge the coach was and how very narrow the roads were, the driver I assume must have guessed that several on the coach were thinking the same thing and decided to lighten the atmosphere by commenting that all should be ok on this journey because he hadn’t drunken any alcohol today!
As we headed further up the mountain I thought that I felt a popping sensation inside my ear, something which is usually associated with flying or higher altitudes.
During the drive our guide gave us an excellent talk about the local area including historical information, general knowledge and local myths and legends.
Passing by another half abandoned farm the guide retold an old story about it being used as a rendezvous for eager young lovers.
Our first stop during the tour was at the Flydalsjuvet Gorge which is famous with holiday makers for the views over the village from the gorge, from here the village looked so peaceful laid back almost detached from the outside world.
Moving on we headed on towards the summit of the mountain and it was at this time that mountainside became covered in snow.

Reaching the peak the view was not exactly at its best due to the low level cloud but it still was breath-taking in its awesome natural beauty.

Joining us at the summit was a selection of other travel groups from Europe and East Asia.
After a 20 minute break to photograph and rest it was back on to the coach to begin on the descent this time stopping off at the Djupvasshytta Mountain Lodge for a coffee break.

My first thoughts on seeing the lodge was that it was a wonderful traditional wooden mountain lodge, moving inside the lodge we were greeted by a typical Scandinavian sight, a troll statue, I was told that Norwegians do have a thing for trolls and this one being dressed in a Viking helmet and holding a sword.

After a drink coffee, which like the beer the previous day was expensive it was back to the coach and continuing back to the village, as we drove in the distance group a family of deer was visible playing and bounding in the wilds of the mountainside.
Coming off of the mountain we slowly drove back through the village and as we did our guide gave us some interesting facts about the village its self, including some of the amenities in the village and how in the winter when the heavy snowfall closes all the roads to the larger urban areas of Norway the village becomes completely self-sufficient.

ORIANA and Geiranger.

Our last interesting fact before reaching the end of journey was relating to the village’s church, it was said that the original church had been burned down when the keeper did not want to go and open it every day instead he set fire to it.
Arriving back at the pier side I took a short walk around the village enjoying the small village feel before catching the tender back to ORIANA.
Since The Peninsular Restaurant was fairly full for lunch we decided take the alternative option of having a light lunch in in the relaxing ambiance of Tiffany’s.

After lunch had finished as I was walking along the promenade deck the shape two ships appeared entering the fjord as they too came to join ORIANA on anchor, arriving first was Transocean Tours ASTOR followed quickly by Classic International Cruises OCEAN MONARCH making for a contrast of ships in the small village. Throughout the remainder of they stay in Geiranger I chose to remain on board ORIANA although there was still many of the tours still out and about round the village and surrounding areas including a the chance to try out Kayaking.
Nearing the end of the stay at Geiranger ORIANA began to prepare departure which was scheduled 6pm compared to a regular departure departing on anchor involves a few more procedures including stowing the tenders for sea.
At 5:55pm Captain Pembridge gave the order to heave up the starboard anchor, with the anchor ‘home’ and ORIANA secure for sea the Captain blew ORIANA’s horn to indicate departure which was replied to from ASTOR and OCEAN MONARCH and as ORIANA made her way back down the fjord a local saluted her by letting off several fireworks.

As the late afternoon transitioned into early evening ORIANA once again began to bustle with evening activity, this night was a semi-formal and the highlight of evening after dinner for many would be the 60’s and 70’s night something of a tradition on board ORIANA but first of course another exquisite meal on board in The Peninsular Restaurant was ready to be served.
In general a typical dinner in ORIANA’s main restaurants lasts around an hour and half although passengers take it at their own pace, although for such good food no time is long enough to savour.
With dinner finished and after much persuasion it was to Harlequins for the all-night party where all the finery of the previous evenings formal dance made way for the platform shoes and flared trousers of 60’s as the we entered Harlequins the entertainment team were dressed like something from said decades.
With the music beginning ORIANAs largest dance venue filled with music that was newly released when ORIANA’s predecessor CANBERRA had sailed the oceans on route to Australia and a time many of my fellow passengers remembered first hand.

Passenger of all ages enjoy the sounds of the 60's & 70's.

To pay homage to the “good old days” of music as many call it the band played all the way to midnight.
Choosing to remain and enjoy the classic vibe of the music I settled in for the night before at a minute to midnight a countdown by the band and a mass of streamers from all directions welcomed the start of next day on board ORIANA as she a mere 144 km and about 8 hours remaining before we reached our next destination olden.

Map Copyright:Google Maps , Photos Copyright :Steve Martin

Description of ORIANA

For ORIANA's many fans the ship holds a special place as a truly elegant and authentic ship and
from the enthusiasts point of view who's interest is more in the ships design and purpose rather than emotional attachment ORIANA is still a ship which has a very few rivals.
Below is a description given of ORIANA in the 2004 published Cruise Britannia, a book looking at the growth of ships of the British Cruise market written by authors Roger Cartright and Clive Harvey.
" ORIANA (1995)
In 1972 P&O introduced their first purpose-built cruise ship, the 17,370grt SPIRIT OF LONDON.
The ship was designed for the US market as replacement for ARCADIA AND IBERIA.
In 1974 P&O acquired Princess cruises and SPIRIT OF LONDON was transferred to the Princess fleet as the SUN PRINCESS.
By 1991 it was clear that CANBERRA would not be suitable for service into the latter years of the decade and an order was placed for the first ever purpose-built cruise liner for the UK cruise market.
Whilst it was popularly believed that ORIANA was a straight replacement for CANBERRA, this was not the case and the two ships operated alongside each other until September 1997 when CANBERRA was withdrawn and replaced by ARCADIA (ex-STAR PRINCESS)
No British yard felt able to compete for the order and it was gained by the experienced cruise liner building yard of Meyer Werft in Germany.
Robert Tillberg who was responsible for much of the design work, spent a great deal of time on CANBERRA assessing the needs of the UK cruise passenger.
His design was elegant yet in many ways traditional, ORIANA’s single funnel is designed to have a resemblance to the twin funnels of CANBERRA and the positioning of the lifeboats also reflects the design of CANBERRA.
ORIANA is an extremely elegant ship and brought new standards of accommodation to the UK cruise market, including a whole deck of staterooms and suites .
So successful has ORIANA been in stimulating the market growth that by 2003 she was the smallest in the P&O fleet having gained a larger half-sister in the larger AURORA in 2000."


The above image was placed with the description although no place or date was included.


Copyright: The History Press 2004.

ORIANA in St. George's Grenada

The fine lines of ORIANA contrasting with Holland America Line's contemporary cruise liner RYNDAM in St. George's on the beautiful caribbean island of Grenada.
Photography by William Mayes in "Cruise Ships - Second Edition", date unknown.

Keeping in contact

While at sea ORIANA's passengers can keep in contact with friends and family thanks to ship to shore phone calls via the ships telephones and passengers cellphones and also Internet ready computers.
Although it is expensive ,costing approximately £5 (5.70€) per minute, for some passengers who need to stay in contact with the outside world on days at sea it can be a lifeline.
Alternatively it is also possible for passengers use their own mobile phone which connects to a maritime communication network operated MCP a specialised network operator who also operates networks for P&O's sister brands including Aida and Cunard.
If a email is a more preferred option then ORIANA has a Internet access for her passengers in the Cyb@study which offers time based or pay as you go plans.
As alternative ORIANA also offers a Wi-fi connection for passengers laptops in the The Crows Nest on Deck 13.

ORIANA keeping her passengers in contact with Their friends and family.

Photo Copyright: P&O Cruises

Cruise Experience

Day 3-22nd July -Bergen
Since the early hours of the morning ORIANA had slowly making her way towards the entrance Hjelte Fjord which serves as the embarkation point for the local harbour pilot which according to the ships log occurred at 5:27am
As is normal procedure the ships clock had been advanced by one hour at 2am from Western European Summer Time to Central European Summer Time.
Having heard much about the rugged coastline and fjords of Norway I again work early and after looking out from the balcony ventured up on the deck to watch the approach to the dock.
It was fortunate on this particular day that Bergen’s reputation of being one of the wettest cities in the world was not evident, it is said that it rains on average about 300 days a year in Bergen.
Although it was sky was overcast and there was a slight breeze in whole the weather was calm enough to enjoy the journey up the fjord.
Like many of Norway’s fjords the coastline was lined by small traditional colourful wooden houses at times it seemed randomly placed.

As well as having outstanding natural features the area we were now entering also had a rich history and culture, Bergen being the second largest city in Norway had it once been the capital of the country before being replaced by Oslo during the reign of King Haakon V(1299-1399).
More recently in May 1941 the short-lived German battleship BISMARCK and 2 other ships anchored in the nearby Grimstad fjord while attempting to conceal themselves from the British armed forces
As well as history Bergen boasts a very rich cultural heritage, among its most famous residents was Norway’s most famous composers Edvard Grieg whose house Troudhaulgan is a museum dedicated to his life and works.
On this day however ORIANA wasn’t making the journey along the fjord also on route to Bergen were Transocean Tours ASTORIA and Fred. Olsen’s BOUDICCA.
ASTORIA had approached from ORIANA’s starboard side from underneath a suspension bridge, and briefly drew level with ORIANA before going ahead towards the next bridge which ORIANA would also need to pass under before reaching her berth.

It was while photographing ASTORIA approaching the bridge that I noticed in the distance another ship which had already passed under the bridge although initially it was difficult to see which ship it was at that time, but it would turn out to be BOUDICCA.

BOUDICCA passes under the bridge

By this time the forward decks were beginning to fill with passengers all eager to see ORIANA pass under the bridge.
According to the ships log Staff Captain Neil Turnbull was at ORIANA’s helm as just after 7am she passed under the suspension bridge.
Although my first time passing under a bridge on board I was reliably informed by my fellow passengers that such occasions always draw a crowed on to the upper decks.

After passing under the bridge ORIANA proceeded towards her berth where she docked a little under an hour later.
Once ORIANA had docked the usual procedures then came it to affect these being with ORIANA having been cleared by the port authorities for her passengers and crew to proceed shore.
As soon as all formalities had been completed the bridge made its customary announcement to inform passengers that they were free disembark and also when for passenger going on the organised shore excursions to meet at the designated meeting points on the ship and on the dockside.
Bergen being a historic destination offered passengers many varied sights to visit either by taking advantage of one of P&O’s prearranged shore excursions or explore independently by taking the complementary shuttle bus from the berth to the city centre.
Although we decided not to take any shore excursions on this day it is worth noting that they do offer an excellent way to explore different aspects of a port of call.
One of the most popular tours for Bergen is a ride includes a ride in its famous Funicular railway which runs from the city centre to the top of Mount Fløyen the most visited of the seven mountains that surrounds the city.

Another popular tour is a boat tour which conveniently departed from the near the ships berth and included in its tour fantastic views of one of Bergen’s most famous sight the old wharf area of Bryggen.
As I was walking on ORIANA’s aft decks it was possible to see the tour departing.

Disembarking ORIANA to set foot for first time in Scandinavia we were greeted by a friendly local guide who was giving out guides and maps to the city and directing passengers to the buses.
Being me I took the opportunity to get some quick photos of ORIANA in her berth.

Once arriving in the city centre I was pleasantly surprised by the surroundings, blended perfectly was the modern cityscape with old traditional wooden buildings.In many ways and the city reminded me somewhat surprisingly of the Atlantic Islands which I had visited the previous year on board ORIANA, although of course not in terms of climate but the way that the city’s houses and other buildings began to be built up the mountain side.

Another interesting feature and the first time I had seen it for myself was the “train” tour which was a motor vehicle designed to look like a passenger train complete with open train like cars.

Continuing to walk through the city centre we were pleased to find a Brass band playing various music styles including some from The Beatles.

In the best tradition of the British as the time approached midday we decided to find a relaxing bar to sit and soak up the atmosphere.
Although the local made beer was good it was somewhat expensive costing 79 Norwegian Korone (approximately £9 or 10.21 €) each.
It had originally been our intention to spend the entire day ashore and maybe even to try a local lunch however anticipating the cost and the fact it seemed Bergen might indeed prove to us that is the wettest city in the world changed are minds and promptly headed back to ORIANA just as the mountains seemed to disappear into the low level rain cloud.

Getting back on board and being greeted by the gentle sound of the waterfall felt in some ways like a homecoming as we headed up to the restaurant for Lunch.
Back on board ORIANA the conversation over lunch and the hours that followed was towards what for many cruise passengers is the highlight of the cruise, the first formal evening and Captain’s Cocktail Party which had been delayed from the previous evening.
As other passengers began to slowly return from the city, ORIANA began to prepare for her departure within hour with all her engines slowly being brought back on line after being shut down during the day for their regular maintenance.
By 5pm ORIANA was almost ready for departure and was just waiting for her passengers to return.
As the time moved towards 6pm ORIANA’s decks once again began to fill with passengers as ORIANA’s lines began to be signalled up and just before 6 ORIANA’s horn blew indicating her departure.
On the dockside cars honked their horns to attempt to compete with ORIANA, with little success.

Clearing the berth ORIANA slowly began swinging her to starboard before heading back down the fjord.
With departure over passengers began returning to their cabins to prepare for the first formal night.
Dining in the Peninsular Restaurant meant that our Cocktail Party was to be held in The Crows Nest.
Arriving dressed in formal and waiting in line to meet the captain anyone would have been forgiven for thinking that they were living in another era.
The Captain welcomed each passenger with a handshake and a polite word.
The atmosphere was certainly elegant with passengers dressed to impress in their finest and ladies adorned in their best jewellery.
The atmosphere was added to by beautiful surroundings and the attentive waiters ensuring that passenger’s glass were never empty.
To me as it always does on this occasion, it felt almost like a dream and a little unreal, I had often watched films of such parties yet never thought that I would have the opportunity to be at one.
Afterwards it was down to Deck 6 and a walk down the atrium to the restaurant for the elegant first formal dinner, walking by the staircase it really felt just like a film set on board a ocean liner of the past, with passengers walking down the staircase and the sound of the piano playing from above and the sound of conversation.
Another evening began with another beautiful meal and a relaxing and elegant night on board ORIANA.
Always too good to eat!
Like every night this night was another full of activities and entertainment, firstly we decided watch in the Theatre Royal a comedian and singer before heading to the aft end of the promenade deck to the Pacific Lounge to watch “We Are The Champions” a fantastic and sometimes touching musical tribute to Freddie Mercury and Queen preformed with professionalism and talent that you would find in any good land based theatre.

Some of the entertainment highlights

After a good show it was to the Lords Tavern for a mix of a quiz and karaoke and of course drinks, before a last walk around the deck.
Because of the Northern latitude outside it was still quite light, despite being close to midnight it still looked much as it had during the day as ORIANA headed further up the coast to her next destination the small yet picturesque village Geiranger.

North Sea at Midnight.

Photos Copyright: Steve Martin