ORIANA in Port Canaveral

Today found ORIANA as one of four ships calling in the Florida port of Port Canaveral, alongside fellow Meyer Werft built DISNEY FANTASY, NORWEGIAN EPIC and AIDA VITA.

ORIANA and DISNEY FANTASY

ORIANA remained in port until 5:30pm when she pushed of her berth and headed past DISNEY FANTASY swinging to port as she passed .

ORIANA underway from her berth.

ORIANA turns to port.

With sun setting as she departed ORIANA's pristine white hull was bathed in a warm orange glow as the last of the day's sunlight reflected from the Lido Deck's windows.

A sunset departure.

 As ORIANA sailed the webcam captured some of her passengers and crew members taking the last views of the port as she headed back to sea.

Crew members on the starboard bow observation platform.

ORIANA heads back to sea.

With Florida behind ORIANA is now heading to Charleston, South Carolina where she will arrive tomorrow.

ORIANA in Charleston

Departing from Port Canaveral shortly after 6pm local time ORIANA headed over night to her next U.S port of call an overight call in Charleston, South Carolina .

ORIANA passes chemical tanker SEABULK CHALLANGE as she departs

Being that ORIANA is a very rare visitor it no surprise that her presence causes more than a little interest.
During a similar cruise in 2013 her presence in the port was celebrated with an article in the local newspaper and some photos capturing the call formed the basis for this tribute video shown below, as well as giving a glimpse of her in port it captures the story of ORIANA via the use of various clips of the ship throughout her career up to that point, including material collected on this blog.

Departing later today from Charleston she will next head to Hamilton, Bermuda before heading back across the atlantic.
While ORIANA's passengers have been ashore and making the most of their time in the city they have had the oppertunity to enjoy the southern hospitality on offer while also taking in its charm.
For those who prefer a slower pace a tour in a horse drawn carriage or a visit to typical tea plantation followed by a sample of a traditional American blend of tea.
Or for those with a passion for all things military and maritime a visit to Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum which includes the aircraft carrier USS YORKTOWN  retired from active service in 1970.
Following her departure from Charleston today ORIANA will return 'stateside' in  later this year in November.
 

ORIANA in Fort Lauderdale

Continuing her callls in the U.S ORIANA yesterday called in Fort Lauderdale where she was joined by Holland America Lines' MASDA , the second time this cruise docking in a Florida destination following her departure from Key West the day before.

ORIANA distinctive profile dominates the port.

Named for Major William Lauderdale and a seires of Forts he was resposible for building during Second Seminole War the city as a population of around 165,521 people being on the Atlantic coast the Greater Fort Lauderdale area which includes Broward County features at least 100 marinas which are home to 45,000 residential yachts.
For ORIANA's passengers wishing to tare themselves away from her decks there was many destractions on offer, exploring alone as many do or by taking a  excursion arranged by P&O.
A good way to explore to see the sights is to mix from the sea and by land so combining the two into one trip to give a true look at the city for many was a must while wildlife lovers have both the Everglades and Flamingo gardens,
For those with a sense of adventure exploring the Everglades by airboat or taking a helicopter further ashore to Miami kown for it's famous art deco buildings and for many associtated with the neon lit and pastel shades of the 1980's due to various films, television series and other media.
Laying alongside the dock during the day ORIANA started her engines shortly after 6:30pm local time.

ORIANA prepares for departure

Shortly after slipping her moorings ORIANA made her departure passing as she did the condominiums  lining the shore, it is something of a tradition by the local residents to salute departing ships as they pass and ORIANA is no exception being a rare sight at the port, during a similar cruise in 2013 the sounds of horns of all types and cheering  could be heard.

ORIANA's house proudly displayed as she sails

ORIANA cuts a fine figure as she departs

For those watching it could truly be said that despite number of cruise calls each year ORIANA marked a different call, a ship form a market whose needs and expectations are vastly different and whose design reflects this, yet at the same time far from her home waters ORIANA was still well know.

 Despite her modest size compared to the new breed of 'bigger is better' floating resorts ORIANA made an impressive sight as she quickly picked up speed heading out to sea.

ORIANA heads for the horizon

Leaving Fort Lauderdale in her wake ORIANA headed overnight for her next Florida destination Port Canaveral.

Webcam Copyright: PTZtv

ORIANA in Key West

Today finds ORIANA in Key West the southernmost region of the state of Florida and the last in the string of islands which makes up the Florida Keys.
Arriving at around 8am local time from New Orleans after a day at sea. 

Alongside ORIANA's lines are secured

ORIANA's only call this year she was orignially scheduled to have called at the port back Feburary during her previous USA/Caribbean cruise that call was however cancelled due to sea conditions.

Preparing to disembark passengers

While docked in Key West ORIANA's passengers have the opportunity explore all which the port has on offer from a tour on a 'coach train' taking in the many and varied sights telling the 400 year history in the area to visiting the former home of the famous American author Ernest Hemingway a beautiful Spanish Colonial styled mansion where he wrote several of his famous works it has since 1968 been designated as a   U.S. National Historic Landmark.

ORIANA's webcam shows her house flag and forward decks illuminated by the morning sun

With her Red Ensign proudly flying ORIANA shows off her British heritage

Following her departure later today ORIANA will stay in the state of Florida for her next port of call Port Everglades where she will arrive early tomorrow morning.

Webcam images Copyright: PTZtv

ORIANA's return to the Caribbean.

Today after a week at sea since her departure from Funchal  ORIANA makes her return to the tropical waters of the Caribbean, the second time this year she has visited these waters.
ORIANA's first call after her transatlantic crossing was St Maarten one of the Leeward Islands.
With it's distinctive mix of Dutch and French influences the island makes for a  interesting port of call it's architecture clearly showing the styles found in The Netherlands and France .
Another claim to fame is the landing approch to the islands main airport which passes directly over the Beach.

Veiw from ORIANA's webcam while docked in Saint Maarten 16/4/16

 From St Maarten ORIANA will visit Jamaica, Mexico before heading to several ports in the US including
Key West, Port Canaveral and Charleston.

ORIANA in Port Canaveral 10/02/2016

 The final port before heading back across the Atlantic ORIANA will once again call in Bermuda the third time she has visited her port of registry.

ORIANA departs from Bermuda 15/2/16

After another 5 days at sea ORIANA will arrive in the last port of the cruise Ponta Delgada, Sao Miguel in The Azores before her return to Southampton on the 10th May.

ORIANA in The Sunshine State

For the better part of a week ORIANA's passengers have been enjoying the best of what Florida has to offer.
After aborting a call at Key West ORIANA headed at around 18 knots towards her next scheduled port of call Miami, passing fairly close to another Meyer Werft built ship, DISNEY FANTASY.

Arriving earlier than was intially scheduled ORIANA began her two day call in the company of MAJESTY OF THE SEAS and NORWEGIAN SKY, being based mainly in the US two ships ORIANA would not normally encounter, it is also note worthy that NORWEGIAN SKY was born out of the designs drawn up by Bremer Vulkan for Project Gemini/ORIANA which were rejected by P&O.

ORIANA about to berth in Miami in the darkness of the evening having arrived before schedule

While docked in Miami passengers could enjoy the splendours of the city often cited to be the Cruise Capital of the US due to it's large number of ship calls and being the home of many of the worlds largest cruise companies including P&O Cruises parent company Carnival Corporation.
While those not intrested in the business aspect of cruising could enjoy seeing the famed Art Deco buildings which drew their insperation from the style that was once embraced by the great ocean liners such as NORMANDIE  and in more modern times is a feature on board both ORIANA and her near sister AURORA.     

ORIANA docked in Miami as the MAJESTY OF THE SEAS departs

Departing from Miami ORIANA next called into Port Canaveral arriving on a rather windy morning one of the webcams in the port was excellently positoned to capture her as with a tug in attendance she slid almost effortlessly into dock.

During her stay in the port ORIANA was in the company of a fellow Carnival ship in the shape of CARNIVAL PRIDE.

Quite by coincidence during a similar call almost 3 years ago on the 6th March 2013 ORIANA also shared the port with CARNIVAL PRIDE.

ORIANA and CARNIVAL PRIDE in Port Canaveral March 2013 

CARNIVAL PRIDE leaving Port Canaveral passing by ORIANA. 10/02/2016

ORIANA's next port of call will be Charleston, South Carolina where she will arrive tomorrow.

ORIANA in arrives in New Orleans

Today ORIANA  makes her return to the USA with a two day call in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Arriving earlier today after a day at sea , ORIANA made her entrance on to the mighty Missisipi river before making her way up river arriving at New Orleans, the transit lasting a little under 6 hours at an average speed of  11 to 12 knots.

 ORIANA's course up river

ORIANA on the Missisipi River, 2011

Spending two days in port ORIANA's passengers will be spoilt for choice for what to do within the city's melting pot of culture with strong African, French and Caribbean influence from it's clubs and bars with their distinctive sounds of Jazz and Blues while those looking for food highlights are able to enjoy the famed Creole and Cajun cuisine.
Departing from New Orleans ORIANA will then head to Florida and Key West the southernmost of the Florida Keys where she will arrive on the 7th February .

ORIANA's Caribbean & American Adventure

Yesterday ORIANA made the first port of call of her first cruise of 2016 in Santa Cruz Tenerife on route to the Caribbean and the Americas on a tour of many of popular ports in the U.S and South America and Caribbean Islands including Bridgetown, Barbados P&O's home port while operating in the area during the winter months

ORIANA docked in Barbados

During the cruise ORIANA will also briefly visit Bermuda where passengers will be able to go on tours to Hamilton, ORIANA's port of registry since December 2006.

Map showing ORIANA's current cruise.

On her return across the Atlantic ORIANA will make her second call of the year in Funchal, Madeira before returning to Southampton.

Photo Copyright : P&O Cruises

An Epic voyage for a landmark year

Coinciding with the start of thr 180th Anniversary year of P&O's founding in January 2017 ORIANA is going to be undertaking an epic 50 night cruise Caribbean and Amazon Adventure which will take ORIANA from Southampton to The Azores, Bermuda, USA, The Caribbean Islands and some 1,450 Km inland up the Amazon River to the port of Manaus which lies at the heart of the Amazon Rainforest.

 ORIANA's itinerary for Jan/Feb 2017

This will be the first time since 2012 that ORIANA will undertake a cruise of such length with fleet mates AURORA and ARCADIA having handled the circumnavigation voyages since 2013 ORIANA having spent the winter months making transatlantic Caribbean cruises and Northern Europe 'Northern Lights cruises'

ORIANA docked in Ponta Delgada in the Azores, May 2012

More infomation on this cruise can be found at P&O's Website : http://www.pocruises.com/x701/?search=true&leadmeta=b

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

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.

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.