ORIANA in The Azores

Rounding off the ports of call of her current 35 night USA and Caribbean adventure, ORIANA was today back in Portuguese waters as she called at the Island of São Miguel in the Azores.

Arriving at Ponta Delgada, the largest municipality and administrative capital of the archipelago which is offically named as Região Autónoma dos Açores, shortly after  8am local time amongest overcast skies and rain.

Arriving after a six day atlantic crossing ORIANA was welcomed by overcast skies and slight rain as her made her approch to the port .

ORIANA berthed in the "Portas do Mar" terminal and joined the EXPEDITION, as the name suggests a small expedition type cruise ship operated by the Canadian tour company G-Adventures, and Greek ferry EXPRESS SANTORINI of Hellenic Wind, chartered in the Summer months to local operator Atlânticoline for regular seatrips between the islands of the archipelago.

ORIANA berthed in "Portas do Mar" and in the south harbour wall, the EXPRESS SANTORINI and EXPEDITION.

Due to the islands location in the Atlantic, the weather conditions are unpredictable and change with very little notice, a contrast to the experiences the passengers would have had visiting Maderia at the beginning of the cruise.
 Along with the Madeira Islands, the 9 islands of the Azores make up the two Autonomous Regions of Portugal, which together encompass an area of 3,134 km².

Departing shortly after 5pm  ORIANA is now homeward bound where she will arrive in Southampton on the 11th.

Images: António Simas and Manuel Botelho - Azores Cruise Club.