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
