P&O Cruises have recently announced that the much loved Oriana, one of their smaller, older ships, is to undergo a major refurbishment programme.Oriana was launched in 1995. An adults only ship sailing year round out of Southampton she is a much loved favourite of the P&O fleet. She last had a make over in 2011 but the forthcoming one sounds like a bit more than a tidy up.
Interestingly this is what P&O have to say “After listening to your feedback, we’re collaborating with leading cruise-industry architects Richmond on a refit programme. We will of course be retaining Oriana’s most distinctive features, but guests can look forward to enjoying new luxurious materials, soft furnishings and carpets, upgrades to furniture, improved lighting, rich colour schemes and the ultimate in comfort and relaxation.” Sounds pretty good to me, especially if the improved lighting is anything like that on Britannia.There are also changes to be made to the restaurants with new colour schemes and carpets.
So what does the refurbishment of a ship really mean? To me it should be that the ship goes in, has her refit and comes out just like a brand new ship. In reality that is definitely not always the case.
I saw P&O Artemis when she was transformed from Princess ship into a P&O one with a ” complete ” refurbishment. Well the cabins looked good but the one thing that I remember most was how scruffy the corridors were. Scratches and marks all over the walls, and the carpet had seen better days. Not what you would expect from a new ship.
Carnival Sunshine had such a big makeover she was given her new name! The public areas, especially the bars, restaurants and adults only pool area were beautiful. However not much had been done wit the cabins – the bright blue sinks and shower trays were a hangover from the 60`s and the main pool area a stainless steel jungle!
Speaking to a client last week she commented on Oceania Sirena. Again all the public areas beautifully upgraded but not the cabins. Lets hope that Oriana emerges like a butterfly from its cocoon, brand new and beautiful and ready for many more year’s service with P&O.