quinta-feira, 28 de março de 2013

18 years,still popular

Almost 18 years after she entered service and thanks to the care given by her various crews and her several  refits ORIANA remains amongst the most popular ships cruising out of Southampton.
Despite passengers expectations being different to what it was in 1995 the design philosophy of ORIANA has accommodated this change well and still offers a modern yet traditional cruise experience, a perfect example of this is her 2011 conversation to adults although undoubtedly with a minority, the simple truth is that it has had little effect to her on board ambiance.
While ORIANA continues to be popular with her clientele and along with AURORA offering the most authentic cruising experience in the fleet, her future is certainly assured for many more years.
Below we present two videos from ORIANA's earliest days covering her keel laying arrival in Southampton, naming and maiden departure. 
 

segunda-feira, 18 de março de 2013

ORIANA on Television

On a  recent television programme Sea City produced by the British Broadcasting Corporation looking at life in Southampton's port ORIANA featured prominently as the first episode featured P&O's Grand Event.
As well as her arrival and departure the episode detailed the preparations on board for the arrival of Princess Anne for the reception on board and also the interesting problems that a large celebratory cake posed.    
Below are some screen captures from the episode.

domingo, 10 de março de 2013

ORIANA's departure from Port Canaveral

Continuing with our coverage of ORIANA's recent activity in North America we present some webcam images of of her departure from Port Canaveral on 6th March.
Departing shortly after sunset with several blasts from her horn to which fellow Carnival group ship CARNIVAL PRIDE remained silent .
 Following her departure headed to Charleston,South Carolina before her Eastbound Atlantic crossing her next port of call before her return to Southampton is Ponta Delgada in the Azores where she will arrive on 14th March.

quarta-feira, 6 de março de 2013

Departure from Port Everglade and arrival at Port Canaveral

Below we present a selection of webcam images of ORIANA from her departure Port Everglades yesterday evening to her arrival at Port Canaveral this morning.

Departure from Port Everglades. 
 Originally scheduled to depart at 5:30pm it was nearer 6:15 pm when she finally slipped her moorings and headed astern.
In the webcam images below ORIANA is seen heading astern and turning before continuing on her way and her next destination
In keeping with tradition ORIANA's departure was saluted by locals with whistles and and car horns as she passed to which her distinctive horn replied enthusiastically. 
Arrival at Port Canaveral
Arriving this morning shortly after dawn at Port Canaveral ORIANA joined fellow Carnival group ship CARNIVAL PRIDE who had arrived before hand.
ORIANA is scheduled to remain in dock until 6pm local time where she is due to departure simultaneously with CARNIVAL PRIDE, her next destination, the last port of call before her east bound Atlantic crossing, will be Charleston.

terça-feira, 5 de março de 2013

ORIANA in Fort Lauderdale

Having completed her tour of the Caribbean Islands, New Orleans and Key West today finds ORIANA in Port Everglades in South Florida, which is currently ranked as the third busiest cruise port in the world arriving amongst clear skies and sunshine ORIANA looked fittingly dazzling as sailed into port one which she is only a occasional visitor to.
Below is a selection of selection of webcam captures of her arrival,
ORIANA will depart at 17:30 local time for her next call at Port Canaveral.
Its tradition by locals in the nearby condominium to give ships a warm send of  horns and whistles to which the ships often respond from there own horn, a rare visitor such as ORIANA will undoubtedly draw attention as she slips moorings.

segunda-feira, 4 de março de 2013

Cruise Experience 2012

Continuing our Cruise Experience review series we present a photographic look at the next two ports of call of the cruise.
 Geiranger-12th June.
ORIANA at anchor

ORIANA & AIDA MAR
AIDA MAR & MIDNATSOL
AIDA MAR seen as ORIANA departs
Viewing the Seven Sisters waterfalls
Leaving Geiranger
Olden 13th June.
Olden seen from ORIANA
A local tour train arrives in dock
ORIANA docked in Olden
Rune like inscriptions on a wall
Bulidings in Olden
Captain Pembridge observes from the bridge as departure nears
ORIANA proceeds astern leaving Olden.
Photos Copyrights : João Abreu & Steve Martin