ORIANA in Madeira

Today once again ORIANA and her passengers are enjoying a call in Funchal, Madeira the second port of call on her current Atlantic Island cruise she arrived early this morning from the Portuguese capital Lisbon.

As mentioned previously ORIANA shares a long history with Madeira from her Maiden arrival in April 1995 which saw her treated as an honoured guest with people turining to welcome her in small boats and many more of all ages to see the great ship sail the following day undoubtedly a event which left an impression on those who watched.
More information can be found about the call here
Over the years ORIANA has also been present on many occasions for New Year's Eve to witness Madeira's award winning fireworks display a P&O tradition which started with ORIANA's predecessor CANBERRA in the 1980's.
Presently ORIANA's last New Years call was 2010.

  Oriana arrives in Funchal 31st December 2010

Also it can be noted that ORIANA holds the record for the largest ship to have visited Madeira's neighbouring Island Porto Santo.

Photo Copyright : João Abreu

19 years and going strong

19 years ago today ORIANA the new P&O flagship slipped her Southampton moorings for the first time and triumphantly sailed on her Maiden Cruise escorted by a flotilla of  boats the new flagship and her proud crew and first passengers headed for a number of 'firsts' in her career.

Departing from Southampton

Her first landfall after Southampton was Funchal, Madeira where her greeting was as warm as it had been when she had arrived in Southampton and had included a fireworks display arranged for her by the local authorities.

A brief clip of this call can be seen here

Leaving Madeira ORIANA's other ports included calls in the Canary Islands, Casablanca, Gibraltar Praia da Rocha and Lisbon.

The years since her introduction to service have seen many changes within the cruise industry and passengers cruising trends have changed as well but it is reassuring that in these days of the floating mega ship domintated market ORIANA is still a popular choice among cruise passengers with her regular passengers returning year after year to once again embark on seagoing experience on board P&O's finest liner.