Celebrating ORIANA - Handover

2nd April 1995, Emden
After many years of planning and 2 years of building P&O were finally ready to take delivery of their new flagship ORIANA.
ORIANA's commander Commodore Gibb had been with the ship throughout her trials but strictly as an observer now at last he and the rest of the crew took up their postions on board ready for the moment the company took ownership of it's latest investment.
Joing the ship for the event was P&O chairman Lord Sterling, P&O Cruises chairman Tim Harris and P&O Cruises managing director Gwyn Hughes.
To mark the event ORIANA was dressed overall and the crew all in uniform turned out on the terrace decks to watch as Bernard Meyer, CEO of  Meyer Werft handed over the ship's papers to Tim Harris.
As seen below the moment was caught by the ship's photographer in an image which would be available for passengers to purchase during the maiden season.

ORIANA's crew turn out for the handover

Along with the formalites of handing over the papers the German flag which had flown over her stern and the Meyer Werft flag which had flown from her mast were lowered for the last time and replaced with the red ensign and P&O house flag respectivly.

For both companies ORIANA was ansignifcent milestone, for P&O she represented a new era in the rapidly growing UK cruise market and being the largest ship built in Germany in 80 years it brought Meyer Werft prestige.
With a good mood on board ORIANA following the handover with Commodore Gibb in command  she sailed for Southampton where a warm welcome awaited.