Goodbye ORIANA

After 24 years of calling Southampton home ORIANA as "PIANO LAND" sailed for the last time.
After a week in port and looking somewhat different to when she returned from her final cruise the names of her bows and Union Flag artwork painted out but still visible and the letters removed from below her funnel.

ORIANA no more: the proud letter torn from their rightful place: Photo Andrew Sassoli-Walker

 For her last hours ORIANA was joined by the only ship that was ever able to equal her near sister AURORA who enthusiastically greeted her and the less impressive VENTURA.

ORIANA and AURORA together for the last time Photo: Patricia Dempsey

During the week her estimated date and time of departure had changed several times from the 15th to 16 August but finally at little after 8:30am ORIANA/PIANO LAND began to pulling her lines up and shortly before 9am slipped her berth under the charge of her V.Ships crew her horn sounding 3 blasts AURORA chimed in with a final salute to her former fleetmate with 2 short and 1 long blasts.

ORIANA departs for the last time Photos: Patricia Dempsey

Continuing down Southampton water ORIANA passed near the Ocean Terminal where VENTURA was berthed and the two saluted each other as she passed on.

ORIANA passes VENTURA Photo: Patricia Dempsey

Photo: ABP Southampton

Continuing on her way ORIANA looking as stunning as she ever not looking half of her 24 years.

ORIANA continues on her way Photos:Patricia Dempsey

Making her way out into the English channel for the final time ORIANA throughout the day has varied her speed between a maximum of 18 knots and a minumum of 11/12 knots.

ORIANA out bound never to return

After 24  years we have finally said an emotional goodbye to our dearly beloved ORIANA she is now the charge of another company and heading away from her true home for the last time, she is en route to Piraeus, Greece where she is expected to arrive on Friday the 23rd August at 1pm local time.

Photo Copyrights: Patricia Dempsey, ABP Southampton & Andrew Sassoli-Walker