Yesterday's News

As an afterward to the recent outbreak of Norovirus it seems that apart from the occasional reference in reports of the rapidly spreading virus the headline story of the outbreak on board has been relegated from the news.

Following ORIANA's return to Southampton on Friday morning the ship underwent a deep clean delaying passengers embarkation and and her departure.

In contrast to several of the passengers disembarking complaining to the waiting media those waiting to embark for her Christmas cruise had been completely undaunted by media's often inaccurate reports of the outbreak.

ORIANA alongside in Southampton: Copyright: Solent News.

While the outbreak in the UK worsens with 1 million cases confirmed and it is almost certain the virus was taken on board the ship unwittingly by a passenger  there are some among the cruise forums and review websites making bizarre claims that the responsibility lie with the company and a lack of cleaning on board and some claiming that the crew's personal habits were responsible.

Thankfully despite the efforts of both the UK media and disgruntled passengers ORIANA's and P&O's reputation is still firmly in tact.   

Mutiny on ORIANA ?

While we have covered and hopefully conveyed the positive experiences of cruising on board ORIANA however today the UK media has instead been covering a less enticing fact of cruising yet one which is none the less a fact of life on board the world's cruise ships Norovirus
According to an 'exclusive' by the London based tabloid Newspaper The Sun "Cruise ship passengers were last night threatening a mutiny'' over the outbreak of Norovirus (also known in the United Kingdom as the Winter Vomiting Bug) on board ORIANA.
The report continues by saying that "Crew members taped off areas of the ship “like a crime scene” and the liner smelt of sick, according to trippers on board"
Although there seems to be little or no comfirmation either by the afore mentioned passengers or P&O itself to substantiate this claim made by the journalist.
Elsewhere on board disgruntled passengers it is said from a reliable source on board, have been holding meetings to discuss the situation and what they consider the senior officers lack of response and the Captain's accusation that it was a passenger that has brought it on board with the threat that some may refuse to leave when ORIANA docks on Friday.
As mentioned above and as anyone with experience with cruise ships will tell you Norovirus is a fact of life on board due to the nature of a ship, it is effectively a confined environment and illness does tend to spread at a seemingly alarming rate in such an environment.

The reports in the media from those on board claim that the cruise has been "disrupted" and "it is the cruise from hell" and so on,
While others are upset by the manner in which the infection has been handled. such as closing The Conservatory buffet and restricting times for Breakfast and lunch and alternating between the main restaurants all of which are prudent action to avoid unnecessary contact with surfaces which could cause further infection.
Passengers who have been infected have also been confined to their own cabins during the time to recuperate, a practice that passengers are also been unhappy with yet one which is industry standard and indeed the best way to try and halt the spread of the virus.

Unpopular Decisions  
From most of the reports in the media passengers dissatisfaction on board stems from the stringent procedures on board passenger Denise Weston, 60, said that it was the worst cruise she has been on, out of 40 to 50 sailings, purely on the basis because of the measures in place.
She also added "We paid good money for this,"
To understand the measures and there necessity in place on board we must fist look at the virus and it's effects.
Norovirus is one of several viruses from the Calicivirdae family of viruses which is very contagious  and can be transmitted by contact with an infected surface or  by person to person contact.
In the United Kingdom it is most common cause gastroenteritis and is most apparent during the winter months.
Since the most common method of transmission on board a cruise ship is by tactile contact such as with a handrail or stairway banister.
It therefore stands to reason that during an outbreak the already stringent cleaning is scaled up with handrails etc being cleaned at more regular intervals than during normal conditions .
Understandably restaurants are some of the most frequented rooms on board which increases the chance of the virus being passed on in the venues, hence it is obvious that by reducing the time the room is open it gives the crew the necessary time to disinfect the various surfaces passengers come in contact with there from the table lamps to the tables and chairs among others before it is used again an operation which can not take place when the room is in use.
With all the will and cleaning procedures available there is still one variable which causes the spread of the virus despite all of the company's efforts, and that is the passengers.
Despite frequent reminders on board around health and hygiene specifically hand washing after using the public toilets is not practiced by a small percentage of passengers.
  
There have been some claims by passengers that the source of the infection was during the preceding cruise with passengers claiming that the virus was brought on board during one of the port's of call in the Atlantic, according to one passenger  members of the crew were still suffering when the passengers embarked.
Exactly how passengers know this is somewhat of mystery since any effected crew member would be confined to their cabin and it is unlikely that any crew member would mention such a thing in front of passengers.
It is far more likely  the virus was indeed brought on board by a embarking passenger a point of view which is shared by both Captain Camby and the Southampton port health authority however sadly not shared by the some passengers who feel the company wish to shift blame to them.
Despite passenger's objections if we look closer at facts available to us they do indeed support the view that a passenger was responsible for it being brought on board the ship.
At present there is an 72 % increase of Norovirus in the UK with schools and hospital wards being closed due to infection it is expected that by the end of winter there will have been 750,000 cases diagnosed , with passengers having travelled from all over the country there is a high probability that some would have either come in contact with a person infected or surface contaminated with the virus.

 With the virus being such a common occurrence of cruise ship's of all companies and sizes why then has this case made to an exclusive in a top selling newspaper?
The answer of the question in its basic form is human nature, to be more specific in this case that of the passengers on board.
This particular story only being brought to the attention of the media by a passenger on board who is unhappy with the situation who chose to contact a newspaper. 
 The Sun newspaper itself is now well known for relaying exclusive news in an attempt to beat its competitors often at the expense of factual accuracy then like vicious a chain once one newspaper breaks the story it will undoubtedly be picked by another with more 'detail' often worse than the original source.
This has been played out with other papers and media with headlines such as "Plague ship''

From what can be understood from the various reports in the media at present is their sources on board are far from telling the same story, one reviewer named only as Andrea B posted on a website that  "P&O KNEW that it was on the previous cruise and DIDN'T TELL PASSENGERS. The ship simply SHOULDN'T HAVE BEEN ALLOWED TO GO TO SEA - not without telling customers anyway" while another passenger told a news channel that "passengers were warned by a letter left in their cabin that there had been an outbreak of norovirus on the previous sailing. Completely contrasting views making the truth somewhat blurred.


According to both P&O and The Southampton Port Health Authority ORIANA upon arriving tomorrow the ship will under ago a deep clean to ensure that any possible trace of the virus is removed before embarking her next passengers from 3PM onwards
.

The Magic of Cruising-ORIANA

With being as popular as ever ORIANA's it is perhaps fitting the a recent cruise on board was the subject of the latest entry on P&O's official blog.
Written by passenger on board as a guest blogger on the ship's most recent Mediterranean cruise.

Describing the experience of being on board the author states:
  "Oriana is now a child-free ship and I was interested to look at the new accommodation on Deck 8 where the play area used to be. The cabins are bright and fresh, of course, and another bonus is that the aft pool is now an additional facility for adults. I used it several times and appreciated its plain oblong shape: a good pool for swimmers.
 I couldn’t have asked for more from ORIANA. She remains on top form – a comfortable and well maintained cabin, good food, excellent service and some fine entertainment."
 The blog post can be read here.

Cruise Experience 2012

15th June- Stavanger

After two days enjoying the scenic wonders of Norway's rural splendour the last port of cruise was another of Norway's cities the forth largest in the country and the so called Oil Capital Stavanger.
While Stavanger itself is the forth largest city the greater area made up the third largest urban area in Norway.
Much like the previous entries into port during the cruise we were greeted cloud and mist, up head of the bow our destination became visible marked by the the distinctive features of cruise ships,
Firstly Saga's newest acquisition SAGA SAPPHIRE came into view showing her stern quarter.

SAGA SAPPHIRE was the first of the ships we saw and as ORIANA moved nearer the others came into view, another carnival meeting and the view that greeted us was COSTA LUMINOSA and VENTURA.

   Turning ORIANA with the aid of a tug to starboard on the port bridge wing Captain Pembridge transferred controls to maneuvering console and oversaw everything by 8:30 the turn was complete and we slid gently in astern of VENTURA where ORIANA sent the first line a shore at 8:45 shew promptly 'made fast' by 8:59.
 Our arrival had not gone unnoticed being referred to as one of three "Icebergs" by the Master of SAGA SAPPHIRE ready to disgorge her 'thousands' of passengers!
 In many ways it was quite an interesting meeting of ships each one having been built in a different decade of the last 30 years.
Undoubtedly ORIANA though sat above the rest in terms of her fine lines and abilities being both the most powerful and fastest present, a fact that didn't pass the bridge crew by, as they placed the Golden Cockral in place on the Port bridge wing.

 Being berthed 'stern to stern' with VENTURA brought back to mind being on board at Christmas 2009  when ORIANA met another Fincantieri built fleet mate ARCADIA in Funchal when the two were in a similar position.

  Taking in the sights from the deck one view was interesting the small ship ROGALAND which was just a head of us, somehow it reminded me slightly of a similar ship in Tenerife.

Finally making our way ashore after many of the tours had headed off  there was still a number on the quayside making there way independently into the city while overs were taking the oppertunity to snap a quick photo with ORIANA or just a photo of the ship's impressive bow.

Initially leaving the port area we were greeted by a typical city scene buildings rising up and new ones under construction looking back towards the port area ORIANA's proud funnel stood magnificently contrasting against the the overcast sky. 

As we walked further into the city we reached a area of Stavanger which occupied by the famed traditional white wooden houses even here there was a contrast with the commercial aspect of the city and that was VENTURA's funnel and upper decks towering far above the houses' roofs.

Walking near the waterfront VENTURA and COSTA LUMINOSA dominated the port with the passengers from each creating a eclectic buzz of activity.

 Interestingly the water in the port seemed to have been favoured by Jellyfish floating fairly densely.

 Before continuing with some preplanned activities our last 'port of call' so to speak was to see SAGA SAPPHIRE while there seemed to be little passenger activity around the ship her crew were busy with a crew drill.

With the 'shipspotting' done for the day we had arranged to meet with local enthusiast Harald Oanes, while we knew it would sometime after 11am beyond that it was a little vague where and when we would meet surly enough walking near the waterfront we were recognised by Harald from a photo taken by Tom days before in Bergen.
We had originally planned to take trip out on his boat but due to the low temperature that plan was promptly changed to drive around some of the sights outside of the main city including to the island where he lived.

 The tour was an interesting one and with Harald's local knowledge we discovered things that wouldn't otherwise known about the area.
After an hour or so drive Harald returned us to the port area and after some last souvenir hunting we returned on board ORIANA in time for lunch.
Much like the day before ORIANA was almost empty with most of her passengers ashore and it seemed the remainder staying clear of the public spaces and open decks.
After lunch we once again took the opportunity to use the Spa/Pools, virtually we had the spa complex to ourselves with the relaxing music playing and the views through the window over the city, truly this was relaxation!
 Being the last port of call when passengers did return on board many of them would be making their way towards the terraced decks for the Great British Sail away.
The entertainment team were out in force on around the pool encouraging flag waving and joining in with the singing  

In the spirit of good fun the entertainment team called over to VENTURA and seemed at times to get some bizarre responses in comparison to SAGA SAPPHIRE who as the Cruise director commented seemed to be sleeping!

Listening and watching we almost missed the Captain's announcement which followed the standard format 

 as well as also encouraging as many passengers as possible to join the party.

Ready to get underway ORIANA's engines began to increase in power as her ropes were one by one they were let go and pulled on board.

With a blast from the horn began moving away from the berth and VENTURA as passengers from both ships cheered waved.

While there was an overwhelming party and jovial atmosphere on board as we sailed it was in someways a little downbeat for me as it summed up fairly well that the cruise was nearing it's end.

 Underway it was time to go below and get ready for the last formal dinner of the cruise.

Once again ORIANA had transformed from her atmosphere from that of an elegant casual resort of the day to that of an exclusive club for the evening.

As was expected the meal was truly in fitting with the dress code of the diners exquisite, in equally beautiful surroundings, thinking  and talking while dining only brought to mind that all on board myself included were lucky to be able to have the opportunity be there enjoying the finest service and surrounds.

With dinner over with we began the evening entertainment with a show in ORIANA's Theatre Royal the last show cruise, Destination Dance a show which had been partially choreographed by dancer and god mother of AZURA Darcey Bussell who opened the show via a prerecorded video.

Showcasing different styles of dance it took in everything from Irish dancing with 'Lord of The dance' to Rio Carnival and African style dancing.

 Although it wasn't exactly something which interested either of us the strength of the vocal performances and the dancing skill of the performers coupled with pyrotechnic effects ensured it was good start to another evening on board ORIANA.

Photos Copyright : João Abreu & Steve Martin   

Cruise Experience 2012

13th June-Olden

After another short journey overnight along the Norwegian coast ORIANA was once again moving in land navigating through the fjords, on this occasion to reach her destination the village of Olden, she would have to traverse 3 fjords firstly the Vagsfjorden  followed by the Nordfjorden where ORIANA had to pass under a overhead cable which hung 60 metres above sea level leaving the ship with only 5 metres clearance at her funnel.

 ORIANA's funnel later in the day.

Finally before arriving at Olden ORIANA passed through the Storfjorden.
Waking shortly before 7am our first action of the day was to watch the ship's information channel to see ORIANA's current status and position and it was quite an incredible sight to see on the map screens how far the ship had travelled  inland.
Switching to the ship's bridge cam channel the view from the bow showed Olden just up ahead.
Getting ready for the day our first stop for the day was breakfast in the Peninsular and as we were there the various announcements were made from the bridge relating to arrival.
ORIANA was secured along side and with the all the arrival formalities completed we were free to proceed ashore which we would be doing as soon as breakfast was over and we had taking some time to take the  view from the deck.
While we were in rush many of the other passengers were on early departing tours so were heading off to their various meeting points around the ship before going ashore and then to the tour buses.

Also ready on dockside ready to take passengers on a tour of the surrounding area on a tour train quite similar to a train we had seen two days earlier in Bergen.

  Disembarking the and walking a little way into the town it was clear to see that even tough it like Geiranger the day before was a small village it was very different and having its own charms among its typical Norwegian wooden buildings.
While many of the passengers were off on their tours there was still a number of passengers like us walking through Olden armed with cameras.

Unlike the previous two days there ORIANA was the sole visitor in the fjord and it was her alone who towered over the traditional buildings some of which seemed almost to cling to the mountainside

Walking on we were greeted by a number of small  numbered red buildings curiously placed in rows while not sure we mused that perhaps they were used by visitors or locals for leisure time perhaps a holiday hut or such like.

As we passed through Olden and to the opposite side of the fjord to get some starboard side views of  ORIANA we met a few other passengers walking doing much the same as us and  also some hikers, curiously a building nearby featured a wall adorned letters of the Runic alphabet it could be truly said that in Norway like many other countries much of the tradition was kept alive in various forms.  

On the opposite side of the fjord for the first time of the day we got an excellent full side view ORIANA
who looked absolutely stunning in the few rays if sunshine which broke through the low cloud cover.   

 Despite having been used the previous day at anchor ORIANA's crew were testing her tenders and lifeboats in amongst the overpowering nature of the fjord the small crafts made for a curious sight circling round the fjord.

Heading back towards the ship it was quite a humbling moment looking towards ORIANA and the contrasting colours of the surroundings to appreciate being in a country like Norway especially the rural areas, it felt like it was it's own isolated little world far removed form the sometimes frantic and busy lives many of us live, in many ways reflecting life on board ORIANA for her passengers.

Stopping off at the small souvenir shop on the back to ORIANA we took the last couple of shots ORIANA from the shore.

Returning on board shortly before lunch ORIANA was still fairly empty most of her passengers ashore she took on an oddly empty feel many of her bars now open the remainder of the passengers could be found there enjoying the comfort serenity of the rooms offered.
At lunch there was again very few passengers present in some ways the restaurant taking on a rather lonely persona as the majority of its 500+ seats were empty contrasting sharply to dinner where most of the seats would be full.
After lunch and with several hours left before ORIANA's departure we decided on trying another first, the ship's spa and taking a swim on in the ship's pools.
An relaxing and worthwhile experience the spa with it's views out over the ship's bow and the relaxing music offered the perfect retreat to and space to unwind and relax from the warm waters of the Jacuzzi or the laying on the loungers looking out the forward windows.
While outside in the pool and outer Jacuzzis gave the chance to be in the most curious position of being outside amongst the snow topped mountains whilst enjoying temperatures in the pools of  20 degrees + and with most still ashore or inside we virtually had the deck and pool to our selve.
After an hour or so and the temperature lowering it was decided to cut short time on deck and perhaps resume tomorrow.
By now ORIANA's passengers were now returning on board either independently or from the tours.
Changed and once again with camera's we returned on deck for ORIANA's departure, firstly to the terraced decks where some passengers too were enjoying relaxing in.

 Moving to what had became our favorite vantage point forward of the deck tennis courts we found Captain Pembridge on port bridge wing in preparation for departure.

As the Captain waited a passenger standing nearby bizarrely asked the him if he knew 'everything' to which the Captain replied he liked to think so!
Strange encounters aside ORIANA's lines were slowly let go and hauled back on board and with a blast of the ship's horn she slowly began to slip away from the berth.
Moving astern and thrusting out into the centre of the fjord ORIANA began swinging her bow until she was in position to begin her departure.

 Heading back the she had come hours earlier ORIANA began making her way back out towards the North Sea the ship cruised onto the final destination of the week another of Norway's cities, Stavanger.

Photo Copyrights João Abreu & Steve Martin.

ORIANA at Ponta Delgada

Following a transatlantic crossing from the Caribbean ORIANA arrived on the 13th October at Ponta Delgada in the Azores archipelago. Originally ORIANA's cruise had her scheduled arrive on the 28th September but due to strike action ORIANA rescheduled and instead called at Funchal,Madeira which had been originally scheduled as the last port of call before her return to Southampton. Below we present several photos showing ORIANA's call that day and also a time lapse video taken from the local webcam and ORIANA's own cam. All images are courtesy of the Azores Cruise Club to whom we extend our thanks.

Photos by Eduardo Wallenstein.

Photos by António Simas.

Photo by António Rebelo.

Photo by Carlos Carvalho.

 Video Courtesy of The Azores cruise club,

 Photos Copyright's: Eduardo Wallenstein, António Simas, António Rebelo & Carlos Carvalho.

Cruise Experience 2012

12th June-Geiranger

Following the excellent day spent in Bergen and a short 273 Nautical mile 505.9 KM overnight journey the early morning of the 12th found ORIANA travelling through the Geirangerfjord to the picturesque village of Geiranger .

Having had an early morning the day before it was a mutual choice not to wake as early, the beauty of Geiranger would be as equally stunning sailing out as was sailing in we reasoned and given that ORIANA would be reaching her anchorage around 6 to 6:30 am we felt that it they would be plenty of time to all the natural splendours the village had to offer.

While we woke just before the arrival we were time to watch the arrival via the ships' mast cam on the in cabin television.

 According to the cruise log ORIANA reached the anchorage point at 6:55 am where she began a swing to port to put her bow in position for departure later in the day.

At 7:08 am with the swing complete the starboard anchor was let go before the lines were sent ashore via boats, these lines ensure ORIANA wouldn't swing during her time on anchor.

Shortly after 8am the tendering operation commenced as is common practice passengers who were going ashore on an organised tour would be able to go ashore using their tour tickets as a pass to the tenders passengers going ashore independently were required to take a numbered ticket and when their number was called.

This would continue until the main disembarkation was complete after which time it would be just a case of arriving at the tender platforms when a tender was available.
Unfortunately during our first hours on anchor there was a personal matter which I had to go a shore to attend to meaning that I was unable to watch as  'old acquaintance' made another appearance as AIDA MAR entered the fjord with the ferry Veøy.

 Both had arrived from the nearby village of Hellesylt where AIDA MAR had made a brief call earlier in the morning.
It was the second time we had seen AIDA MAR since her departure from Bergen, the previous evening  we had been sailing in close proximity to her.

AIDA MAR lets go her port anchor.

  Having returned on board and meeting up with João we went back onto deck to take in proper the truly breathtaking natural surroundings and the traditional wooden buildings such as the church.
Apparently not the original, local stories tell that the person who had been given the responsibility of cleaning and maintaining it grew tired of going to the church everyday so he burnt it down, the present it is said church was it's replacement.

It was fair to say more than Bergen, Geiranger was what people would typically think of Norway to be a small village nestled amongst the mountains and deep fjords.
While we were eager to disembark and take in some of the sights and sounds at ground level it was still very busy with quite a number of passengers still disembarking.
With main disembarkation due to last until around midday and not having had lunch the day before we chose to instead have lunch on  board before going ashore.
A tradition dating back many years on board P&O ships is to have an Indian dish on the lunch menu, and we both decided on having the dish for lunch, like all meals on board it was of the highest possible standard but for both of us it required washing down with many glasses of water, much to the puzzlement of the waiter who was serving us.
 Finishing our lunch main disembarkation had indeed been concluded so we made our own way with our cameras down to the tender and after the five minute journey were disembarking on the pier shortly after 1pm.
Finally ashore the true beauty and scale of nature was apparent ORIANA who had towered far over the terminal buildings in Southampton here dwarfed the village yet herself was dwarfed by the mountains and the fjord.

 At anchor.

    It was also the first time that the duck tail/sponson had been in full view during the cruise the effect was not as extreme and nowhere near as negative as many had mentioned instead close up it looked more like an extension of the original stern shape.
As had been mentioned by Tom in Bergen MIDNATSOL made an appearance anchoring to disembark passengers onto the sightseeing boat GEIRANGERFJORD.

 MIDNATSOL arriving and disembarking.

While we were taking in the scenery on our own many of the passengers were taking to the water for the excursions including kayaking and taking to a viking long boat tour.

 ORIANA and kayaks.

   AIDA MAR and replica Viking vessel.

Walking on ashore it would be fair to say that wherever we looked there was something to see whether that was mountain view or a waterfall.
 Walking on the beauty offered many and varied photo opportunities which it appeared other passengers were taking advantage of.

    Everything about the village and it's surroundings said something of the way of life here everyone was taking life at their own pace not in a rush to go anyway or do anything it would be fair to say that it was like being in a small environment cut off from the outside world, which during the winter it virtually is, thinking about it the most fitting description would be serene even the water was almost like a millpond.

   A Nautical view in the fjord.

A perfect photo opportunity, João with ORIANA and the nature of the fjord. 

While we could have stayed much longer after purchasing some souvenirs we took the tender back to ORIANA to settle in before the departure.
As the departure drew near the tender operation wound down and the last tender the remaining passengers returned to the ship.
Given the surroundings of the fjord it was unsurprising that ORIANA's terraced and upper decks were filling with passengers ready to watch the sail out from the fjord.

  Passengers getting in position on the terraced decks.

Giving his departure speech the captain announced the planned movements for the evening and encouraged those who had not done so already to come out on deck to enjoy the stunning scenery.
By now we had moved to the forward decks and as ORIANA began to make her move a local resident set off some fireworks in a small tradition he had begun with departing cruise ships.
Shortly after ORIANA's distinctive horn blew and echoed off the fjord and mountainside.
Hardly having a chance for the echoes to fade then AIDA MAR exchanged a few blasts to which ORIANA responded much to the amusement to passengers on both ships.

Passengers on AIDA MAR wave to and photograph.

Adeus AIDA & Geiranger!

Leaving Geiranger in her wake ORIANA made her way past one of the most famous natural features of the area the Seven Sisters Waterfall's which she was passing on her starboard side and was attracting attention from passengers.
While on her port side ORIANA was passing another waterfall known as the the suitor.

The Seven Sisters.

And The Suitor.

Passing the waterfalls we moved back along ORIANA's decks to the terrace decks where the sail away was of a classical music theme while not the music our generation prefer it was we both agreed the most fitting with the scenery and the mixture of the music and the passing mountains waterfalls combined to form a truly unforgettable look at some of nature's masterpieces.

 ORIANA's  mast contrasts with the mountains.

A ferry crossing ORIANA's wake.

Having had a fairly full and busy day and also somehow unwilling to leave the beauty of the fjord behind in another first we chose to have a buffet dinner in the The Conservatory on deck 12, the theme of the evening was East Asian cuisine namely Chinese and Thai, although of course lacking the service of the main restaurants the food was at the exact same high standard, we were also lucky that a table near the floor to ceiling windows was available which gave an excellent view out over the fjords and mountains it would be fair to say that it was almost a poetic scene to watch pass by it could be truly said there is no other way to see the fjords than from a ship.
Leaving the land behind for time being ORIANA reentered the North Sea on route to our next destination Olden which was about 11 hours away.

Photo Copyrights: João Abreu & Steve Martin.