Sailaway parties

A tradition which is famous among the P&O fleet the sailaway deck parties as each ship prepares to depart their various ports of call the entertainment team give a fond final impression for the passengers by holding a sailaway party on deck.

ORIANA's entertainment team around the Terrace pool during a sailaway

The "amphitheatre" of ORIANA's elegant terraced stern decks make it a natural venue for a sailaway offering the watching passengers the perfect vantage point from almost any angle as can be seen below.
These photos from June 2012 taken in Bergen also show another aspect of the parties most of them sport their own theme, 2012 celebrated the 175th anniversary of P&O's founding so one of the themes was a anniversary party.

So there is no doubt what is being celebrated 175th anniversary flag made an appearance being waved enthusiastically by passengers and the entertainment team alike.

 To some perhaps the decks might be a little too crowded so if the sun is shining the pool can be seen as a fitting alternative to watch from .

While most are upbeat featuring party music and dancing others take a more relaxed approach for the more scenic sailaways such as in the Geirangerfjord a classical party is often held
For the last port of call of the cruise a larger "Great British Sailaway" party is held celebrating the last destination of the cruise and as the name suggests takes on a patriotic theme decked out with Union Jacks  and the entertainment team leading the festivities with music representing all the countries of that make up the British Isles.
Below ORIANA's stern comes to life in during a Great British Sailaway from Stavanger, Norway 14/6/2012.

Often ships in a will share the port with their fleet mates and on this occasion ORIANA met with VENTURA and in the destictive British style a friendly rivalry between the two.

Photo Copyright: João Abreu