Celebrating 20 years

In the first edition of P&O's new look loyalty scheme Peninsular Club magazine renamed "Moments" sent to it's past passengers P&O pay brief tribute to ORIANA's 20 years in service.
Featuring a brief interview with her current Captain Ashley Cook he speaks about his pride being in command of P&O's most iconic ship.

Exploring the different sides of Norway

Among the destinations ORIANA has visited over the years very few can offer such a diverse in one Country as Norway, from it's cities such as Oslo and Bergen home of the famous Byggen area  to it's distinctive and majestic natural wonders such as it's  fjords and glaciers
Below we share some photos from one such cruise with ORIANA from June 2012

 Arriving into Bergen ORIANA's mast passes under the bridge.

Entering Bergen ORIANA encounters some of her fellow Carnival group ships namely HAL's EURODAM and Aida's AIDA MAR and AIDA LUNA.

 The city's classic buildings prove a popular attraction for passengers.

Tall ship STATSRAD LEHNKUHL

 Also arriving during the day the Hurtigruten ferry MIDNATSOL on her regular course down the coast of Norway.

MIDNATSOL in Bergen

The following day after short overnight cruise up the coast ORIANA arrived in her next destination the scenic Geirangerfjord.
Amongst it's soaring mountains ORIANA again met with AIDA MAR.

 With nature as her backdrop ORIANA who had towered over the terminal in Southampton now looked almost humble as the colours of nature and waterfalls dancing down the mountains.

Also making another appearance from the previous day MIDNATSOL disembarking her passengers during  brief visit before heading back out into the fjord.

ORIANA's departure like the port of Geiranger itself  had much to offer shortly after sounding her mighty horn, ORIANA was saluted with fireworks which was become something of local tradition.
Leaving Geiranger ORIANA passed by one of the area's most famous sights the Seven Sisters Waterfalls
And on the opposite side of the fjord the Suitor waterfall said to be playfully dancing for the attention of  the Seven Sisters.

ORIANA's passengers gather to see the Seven Sisters

 The Suitor Waterfall

ORIANA's next two port of calls Olden and Stavanger  also would give ORIANA a look at the different aspects of Norway.
Photos Copyright: João Abreu & Steve Martin

Southampton Departure

On a slightly cloudy June afternoon in 2012 ORIANA loomed large above the terminal building of the Queen Elizabeth II terminal her CANBERRA inspired funnel towering over her pristine decks as her crew readied her for her next cruise to the Norwegian fjords 17 years to the day that she first headed north to the nature of Norway.
On the dockside the band struck up a tune as ORIANA began to cast off.

 Joining ORIANA in port that day was CELEBRITY ECLIPSE and GRAND PRINCESS both of which departed shortly before her.

While CELEBRITY ECLIPSE remained quiet passing by GRAND PRINCESS saluted which was drowned  by ORIANA's more powerful reply

With a blast from her horn ORIANA departed her berth swinging her bow to head down river.

Passing as she went a small  "fleet" of tugs.

As she headed out to sea she left CELEBRITY ECLIPSE in her wake

Photos Copyright : João Abreu & Steve Martin