Captain Mike Carr on board ORIANA.
ORIANA Blog: Firstly Mike thank you for agreeing to answer our questions.
Mike Carr: It’s a pleasure.
O.B: Obviously there are many questions we could ask but we will have tried to keep it to what we feel was the most important.
M.C: Please feel free.
O.B: When where you first assigned as Captain of ORIANA?
M.C: I was assigned in April 2003.
O.B: Had you been associated with ORIANA in anyway before being assigned command of her?
M.C: Until I had been assigned to her no, I hadn’t.
O.B: In total how long did you command ORIANA for?
M.C: Until February 2006 when I retired from the Company.
O.B: What were your feelings when you were assigned to her?
M.C: Nothing in particular as I didn't know the ship, although I had heard she was a good ship to handle and I looked forward to that.
O.B: ORIANA was of course very important to P&O at the time she built being the first ship built the British Market, from your point of view was there much anticipation amongst P&O crews?
M.C: I don't think so, apart from their on-going employment.
O.B: While speaking to former Commodore Ian Gibb earlier this week he expressed his opinion that ORIANA has the best design of any cruise liner do you agree with that view?
M.C: Cruise ships and their design are always being improved on and even with sister ships there are changes. I personally feel that the propulsion system on board was over complicated.
O.B: In comparison to other ships you have served on how does ORIANA compare in terms of character, handling etc.?
M.C: She is a lovely ship to handle with plenty of power.
O.B: Officially ORIANA’s top service speed is 24 knots, which is faster than most modern liners but it is known on occasion that she increases above that, do you recall the fastest speed ORIANA achieved while you were in command?
M.C: We were on a tight schedule leaving Quebec and were delayed by the QUEEN MARY 2 who requested to leave ahead of us, we overtook her about an hour later and with the favourable current achieved about 30 knots.
The epitome of a modern Cruise liner ORIANA at speed looking stunning as ever.
O.B: ORIANA is of course a Cruise liner opposed to an Ocean liner how does she handle deep sea voyages such as transatlantic crossings?
M.C: I feel that she has more the feel of an ocean liner with her strong hull. She is a good ocean going ship.
O.B: ORIANA of course was designed to evoke something of the feeling of CANBERRA do you feel she accomplishes this?
M.C: No. CANBERRA was built as a 2 class ship for the Australian line voyages. ORIANA was built as a 1 class ship with all passenger cabins having full en-suite facilities and of course air conditioning etc.
O.B: You of course were in command of CANBERRA on her final voyage to Karachi during which it’s said CANBERRA passed by ORIANA, how did it feel to be delivering such an iconic and legendary ship to the breakers?
M.C: We did not pass ORIANA on this trip. The voyage to Karachi was most enjoyable for all of us. There were 3 chefs on board and we all gained weight!!! The crew were supposed to leave the ship at Karachi but requested that they might all remain on board for the beaching which the new owner allowed.
Captain Carr on CANBERRA's bridge telegraph during her delivery to Pakistan.
CANBERRA finally alone awaits her fate in Karachi.
O.B: Having had the opportunity to sail on board ORIANA several times I am always amazed how many members of the crew in particular Waiters and Bar stewards mention how they prefer serving on board ORIANA because they feel she looks after them , can you tell us a little about what ORIANA is like behind the scenes ?
M.C: I believe that the atmosphere on board any ship is generated by the senior officers. If there is a good caring team then the ship's company will be happy and this feeling benefits the passengers. The ship was well built with quality fittings both above and below decks which were easy to use, clean and maintain which was appreciated.
O.B: In this age of floating resorts which feature all kinds of novel entertainment what do you think it is that keeps ORIANA popular with her passengers?
M.C: I think it’s because she is a well-built ship and has a feel of quality.
O.B: During her last refit last year ORIANA became an adults only ship what is your opinion of this change of role for the ship?
M.C: I guess that this was driven by market demand and the demise of Artemis. It will be popular with passengers who don't want children around.
O.B: Of the recent refit ORIANA had in Germany, what are your thoughts about the ship's main changes, namely the addiction of a duck tail at her stern?
M.C: I am sorry but I don't know what a duck tail I am more familiar with the term Sponson.
O.B: Do you believe that ORIANA will remain in the actual P&O fleet for the rest of her service life as CANBERRA did?
M.C: That will be a decision for Carnival Corporation.
O.B: After many years at sea, you have retired on ORIANA's World Cruise in 2006. It’s written on Seadogs Reunited.com that it was a very emotional moment for you. Having happened on board ORIANA by then famous and much loved ship, did it add to the atmosphere to make it a more special event?
M.C I am not aware of Seadogs Reunited; I was looking forward to retirement and was touched that so many of the ship's company and passengers were at the ship's side rails when my wife and I disembarked.
Captain Carr and guests assemble for a photo in the Captain's lounge on the occasion of his retirement lunch.
O.B: Since your retirement have you been on board ORIANA or any other ship?
M.C: Since I live as far away from the sea as possible in the UK I have felt no need to visit any ship since I retired, although I do keep in touch with many of the friends I have made.
O.B: And finally one more question -From your time as master of ORIANA are there any memories that stand out for you?
M.C: She was a happy ship which I enjoyed handling, and especially as she was responsive and had good "brakes" which enabled her to stop both quickly and straight. I had requested to stay in her through to my retirement.
O.B: Mike on behalf of the team here thank you for taking the time today to answer our questions.
Sem comentários:
Enviar um comentário