Farewell Oriana!

News broke this week that P&O are set to say goodbye to their smallest ship Oriana

The Original and much loved ship is to leave the fleet next August only 5 months since the Cancellation back in January of its 50 night Voyage due to Technical difficulties.

The departure of Oriana, the smallest ship in the fleet, follows P&O Cruises ordering two large, 5,200-passenger ships.

The 1,880-passenger vessel joined P&O back  in 1995 and has been marketed as providing “traditional cruising at its best”.

She has a lot of loyal passengers who love the small ship feel and been their favourite over many years. It will be sad to see her be replaced by 2 huge ships but perhaps it is not cost effective any longer to maintain her.

It was only a few months ago they announced the Sale of Adonia to small ship Cruise line Azamara. I personally, have lots of P&O guests that loved both ships and will be hugely disappointed that it is to lose them both in the same year.

Aurora will become the smallest in their fleet come August 2019. She will be completely refit in April and will join the adult only sector of the P&O fleet. Only just marginally larger than Oriana, she has been a favourite in the family market for those not wanting such a huge ship.

New cabins will be added as well as fixtures, fittings, soft furnishings and enhancements to public spaces.

The additions will include new excursions across our itineraries, new dazzling theatre shows and daytime activities which reflect today’s trends. They have listened to feedback from Loyal guests whilst trying to break through the barrier in encouraging a wider range to try their Cruises.

Oriana will have a special send off with details to be announced later in the year.

Watch this space!

Until Next time

Di x