Onboard ORIANA

Atrium

To conclude our look at ORIANA’s venues and public spaces we will take a closer look at the largest space onboard the atrium.
Although not strictly a venue as such it is never the less a very important space since it serves the important role of serving as passengers first impression of ORIANA.
Due to its location the atrium is also a space that passengers pass trough everyday while going from one public room to another or passing through to the restaurants.

In comparison to the atria from other ships especially those aimed at the North American market ORIANA’s can be considered to be smaller and lacking the over the top Las Vegas glitz and glamour.
ORIANA instead offers her passengers a altogether more refined entrance one more befitting which gives a perfect introduction of the design philosophy of ORIANA what can be called elegant and refined good taste The first thing that greets passengers embarking ORIANA is the base of the atrium staircase which sweeps in spiral down the entire height of the four story atrium from Deck 8 to Deck 5.

A ORIANA welcome.

Immediately backing the staircase is a marble wall which at its centre has waterfall that descends from the top of the atrium to the bottom ending in pool directly behind the lowest flight of stairs, the effect being created by fibre strands which the water runs down.
In the tradition of ocean liners the staircase is elegantly crowned by a beautiful glass ceiling which boasts a Tiffany style decoration that gives a the passengers below a beautiful piece of art to look up in awe at as the ascend or descend.
Each level of the atrium has its name and contains various passengers service areas and plenty of seating areas for passengers to relax to the sound of the flowing waterfall.
Beginning from deck 5 level which is called Garden Court contains the Reception Desk, more traditionally called the Pursers Desk, which is opposite the staircase and is manned 24 hours a day and offers passengers assistance with any enquires they may have, also available daily from the desk is the Britain Today news paper sheet which gives passengers a run down of the main news stories both at home and internationally.

Continuing up to the next level of the atrium on Deck 6 which is the called the Queens Court which is contains the first of ORIANA’s shopping areas The Emporium which sells postcards, sweets, batteries and other general essential items, next to The Emporium is the lower level of The Knightsbridge shops , named after the prestigious area in London, it has on offer a number of ORIANA named souvenirs, including a ceramic ship model, key rings, T-shirts as well as the casual clothing selection.
The upper Knightsbridge is located above on the promenade deck level named Royal Court, which is ORIANA’s high end shop selling formal wear and more expensive souvenirs and jewellery.

Shopping ORIANA style.

The opening hours for The Emporium is open daily from 8am until 11pm on port days and 9:30am until 10:30pm on sea days for Knightsbridge the opening times are the same as The Emporium on sea days and on port days due to tax reasons Knightsbridge opens shortly after the ships departure until 11 pm.
Also on this level of atrium is ORIANA’s tour office where passengers can receive information from the tours team about the excursions on offer in various ports during the cruise and can purchase shore excursions from there as well.

The top most level of the atrium is named Tiffany Court and is occupied entirely by Tiffany’s Bar which is ORIANA’s coffee bar, which offers passengers relaxing surroundings to enjoy a drink and chat complete with ambiance created by the waterfall, and piano music or alternatively use as a reception room before dining in the ORIANA Rhodes Restaurant.
Daily from 11:30 am until 3:30pm Tiffany’s also offers a light snack menu for those who wish to enjoy a quick bite to eat, these include sandwiches and Salads.
Tiffany’s opens at 8am daily and is open until around 1am the following morning.

The elegant Tiffany bar.

During the festive period the atrium takes on a more informal and jovial character as it is adorned by Christmas decorations, which hang from the balustrades of the staircase and a beautiful gingerbread village created by chefs onboard is placed at the base of the staircase featuring Snomen , and eve a Father Christmas and his raindeer riding down the hand rail of the staircase.

Christmas time on ORIANA.

Photos copyright: P&O Cruises & Steve Martin.