Onboard ORIANA

Dining

For many cruise passengers the highlight of the experience of shipboard life is the dining, the image of ladies dressed in elegant formal dresses and gentleman in tuxedos entering the restaurants to take their places at the table is a powerful reminder of a time that has long since passed, one which ORIANA with her formal nights allows passengers to relive in her two main restaurants The Peninsular and The Oriental.
The Peninsular and The Oriental both located on Deck 6, The Peninsular being positioned amidships and The Oriental aft.
Named for the Iberian Peninsula of the company’s name The Peninsular Restaurant is elegantly appointed in light wood and a colour scheme of green complemented with a mirror panelled ceiling along the outer edges of the room and elegant cut crystal glass light fittings the largest of which occupies the centre of the room.
With large windows along both sides the room that allows plenty of light to enter the room during the day.

The Peninsular Restaurant.


Adorning the centre aft wall of the restaurant is a magnificent painting by artist Rose Warnock which to reflect ORIANA’s world cruising role depicts the epic journey of Odysseus from Greek mythology.
Entrance to The Peninsular Restaurant is by two sets of double glass doors one on the starboard and the other on the port side where passengers are always warmly and enthusiastically greeted by the Restaurant Manager and the head waiters
To add a sense of old world glamour each of the table feature a art deco styled table lamp which like all the furniture onboard was made especially for ORIANA.
Access to The Peninsular Restaurant is via the mid ships staircase.
In addition to being used for Dinner The Peninsular Restaurant is also used for the open seating Breakfast and Lunch.
Onboard ORIANA there is several options available for breakfast, from lighter options including Fruit salad and breakfast cereal to a traditional Full English breakfast available to drink is tea, coffee and a variety of fruit juices.
On a sea day The Peninsular Restaurant opens for breakfast at 8am until 9.30am and on port day opens at 7.30am until 9am .
For lunch The Peninsular offers a four course meal with the alternative of a lighter salad option or a hot sandwich.
The Peninsular is open from midday to 1.30pm for lunch.
Below is a example of a lunch menu from fleet mate AURORA

In a arrangement that dates back to the ocean liners of the early 20th century adjoining The Peninsular is ORIANA’s main galley and further aft is the larger of the two restaurants, The Oriental Restaurant.
Named for the ‘O’ in company name it is stylistically similar to The Peninsular the main differences being that The Oriental features a darker wood and red colour scheme and instead of featuring a wall painting The Oriental features aft facing windows in addition to those along the starboard and port sides, allowing for stunning views of ORIANAs wake while dining.

Unlike The Peninsular The Oriental is not used for breakfast and lunch however it does get a another use when it is used as the venue for the chocolate buffet, a event which is popular with many of the passengers especially those who have sweet tastes
Because of its location in ORIANA's stern access is only available via the aft lifts and staircase.

Overlooking ORIANA's wake.

The Oriental prepared for the chocolate buffet.

The main dining event of the day is dinner and the opportunity on formal evenings to dine not only in exquisite surroundings and for ORIANA’s chefs to demonstrate their considerable culinary ability but also for passengers to dress up and feel special and valued as they are served a beautifully prepared dinner
Dinner is served in two sittings the first being at 6:30pm and the second at 8:30pm.
For dinner the restaurants are club dining, meaning that same table is reserved for each passenger every night.
Each table is assigned two waiters and one wine waiter who each have a section of tables to look after.
The meal it self is served over five courses beginning with the starter and soup courses.

An example of a dinner menu.

In addition to the main menu, the chefs also cater for passengers who have special dietary requirements such as sugar free for diabetic or Gluten free

Offered with the dinner is the option for a drink of wine or other beverage for a additional cover charge.
So high is the standard that each executive chef in the P&O Cruises fleet is a member of Chaîne des Rôtisseurs which is one of the worlds foremost societies for food excellence.
　
To recognise this achievement on the final formal night during the meal the chefs perform a walk of both restaurants for the passengers to show their appreciation in the form of enthusiastic applause.

Although it might not be good for the waistline the effort made by the chefs is certainly appreciated by all on board.

Photo copyrights P&O Cruises