ORIANA's Miami delay

Last night shortly after departing Miami, Florida and on route to Key West  ORIANA suffered a minor fire in her engine room forcing a return to Dodge Island Florida where she remained until 8am local time.
The first indications of any problems came from a call to the port authorities from the ship requesting a return to port and tug assist her while turning.

Initially the return to port was surrounded by confusion a viewer of the webcam feed reported hearing of a engine fire from the ship to shore communication while relatives and friends of passengers on board were reporting being contacted by their loved ones some saying about an on board fire while others mentioning other reasons.
P&O Cruises finally put the speculation to rest this morning when they confirmed via there Facebook page the reason for ORIANA's return to port.
" There was a minor localised fire which was swiftly extinguished. At no time did this affect the safety of passengers or crew."
They also confirmed that no serious damage had been caused and that the delay was due to inspection by the U.S Coastguard explaining that - 
" ORIANA has been delayed in Miami due to a mandatory US Coastguard inspection. Unfortunately, as a result, the call to Key West will be omitted. ORIANA is due to leave Miami at 08:00 local time today and sail directly to New Orleans to arrive at 09:00 on Tuesday morning."

ORIANA alongside at 05:30 local time while NORWEGIAN EPIC arrives.

Shortly after 07:40 with her radars working and engines restarted she waited for COSTA ATLANTICA to pass her turn and dock just forward of her bow.

COSTA ATLANTICA passes ORIANA

 ORIANA shortly before departure

As planned shortly after 8am ORIANA's stern lines were let go and slowly she headed astern slightly before clearing COSTA ATLANTICA and heading forward again.

Aft lines being let go

 As ORIANA departed the freshly applied Union Flag livery to her bow was glimpsed by the camera.

Sailing she passed the now docked COSTA ATLANTICA, CARNIVAL BREEZE, CARNIVAL SPLENDOR and NORWEGIAN EPIC.

ORIANA passes NORWEGIAN EPIC

ORIANA heads back to sea

In order for ORIANA to return to her schedule as soon as possible she has had to abort her call today in Key West and is instead heading straight to New Orleans where she is expected.

While the mention of fire is always at first a concerning one at no time was the ship in any danger and the high level of training given to her crew for such incidents prevented it doing so.

Webcam video/images courtesy of PTZtv