An Historic Meeting in Cannes

On the 25th September 1997 ORIANA anchored with fleet mate and 'mother' CANBERRA at the French resort of Cannes unlike other occasions when the two had been seen together this was a symbolic and ceremonial meeting for CANBERRA was on the final leg of her Farewell Cruise and as such was handing over the honour of fastest ship in fleet to ORIANA.
This also meant handing over the famed Golden Cockerel which was proudly held by the fastest ship, CANBERRA had received the Cockerel from SS ORIANA in 1986 when was retired from service and now 11 years later CANBERRA herself was handing the trophy over.
To quote CANBERRA's log:
 "1705: A launch from the ORIANA and from the CANBERRA met amid a cacophony of sound and colour to exchange the famous P&O Cockerel which the CANBERRA has held for many years as the fastest ship in the fleet"

ORIANA and CANBERRA together

Seen fron the waterline

In the years since ORIANA has proved many times that she is a fitting holder of the title even passing 30 knots on occasion a feat her mother most certainly be proud of.

The Golden Cockerel proudly displayed on ORIANA's port bridge wing