I Name This Ship ORIANA.

 Alongside the former Ocean Terminal which had once played host to many great ocean liners on the 6th April 1995 ORIANA dressed over all and her hull immaculate white made the perfect backdrop to a time honoured tradition.
 The sounds of the band playing and the Choir of  Westminster Abbey singing the national anthem all added to the sense of history being made not since 1967 had such a scene been witnessed.
With the immortal words I name this ship ORIANA, May god  bless her and all who sail in her, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II to great applause offically brought to a close the first chapter of the life of ORIANA  one of  steel cutting, welding, drilling, deck laying etc for a new page of cocktail parties, fine dining and endless adventures.

Everything was perfectly planned, rehearsed nothing left to chance and as the bottle smashed across her bow there could be me no doubt that all present were moved at the emotion of the event
With the royal standard flying from the mast Her Majesty and His Royal  Highness The Duke of Edinburgh went on board for a tour and lunch.

Fireworks end the days events.

In the evening to round off a triumphant day of celebration a fireworks display overhead honoured Southampton's new arrival.

In the years since ORIANA has followed in the wake of her namesake and predecessor CANBERRA heading to Australia during her world cruises and heading west across the Atlantic to New York like the transatlantic liners of the past.
Through canels, locks and great fjords to the North Cape and further to Ice floes of the Arctic bathed in the light from the Midnight Sun ORIANA has carried her passengers on adventures which have lived on after they have returned home.
There also has also been the friendships formed on board and around the appreciation of her which have led to their own adventures often returning to ORIANA herself all this ensuring her popularity remains for many years to come.