Oriana Review

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North Cape and the Fjords

Review for the Baltic Sea Cruise on Oriana
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Demelza Poldark
6-10 Cruises • Age 60s

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Sail Date: Jun 2011
Cabin: Outside Stateroom with Balcony

I'll begin by mentioning that it is four years since we embarked upon a cruise of 14 nights (we've taken Mini Cruises in the intervening period), so we may have noticed marked changes that have evolved gradually. We drove to Southampton and the Ocean terminal where the embarkation process went smoothly, and guests proceeded to the Conservatory Buffet Restaurant where the Food was always plentiful and of a good standard. Our Deluxe Balcony Cabin on B deck was welcoming and comfortable; and Cabin Steward Oliver was pleasant, diligent and always found any items requested. My one disappointment was there not being a Hand Held Hair Dryer in the Dressing Table Drawer: only a wall mounted effort in the bathroom, which became too hot to handle long before a lady with a full head of hair could dry it! The bathroom itself was a little dated, and the 'barking dog' toilet worked spasmodically. But we count ourselves fortunate compared with the occupants of D deck, who had their water turned off for 18 hours the night before our second port of call. (Essential maintenance, apparently) A deck had a flood a couple of days later, and they too were turned off for several hours!

So Oriana is showing her age, and needs a major refurbishment. But with TLC, she still has much going for her. When viewed from the Quayside, she has a timeless, elegant profile: and is deservedly a popular ship with traditional cruisers. Our one visit to the Spa demonstrated its' shortcomings. One of the pair of Jacuzzis refused to bubble; the ladies' Changing Room was exceedingly chilly, and does not possess hair dryers. I'm sure that walking along the corridors afterwards with damp hair, made me a prime candidate to catch the famous Oriana Cold of the Voyage. The Show Lounges, Bars and Theatre Royal were all in good decorative order. The present Headliners troupe were extremely talented: and all seats for their performances were taken 15-20 minutes before Show Time! (Their contracts expire in November: catch them if you can) Now to the Comedian who was mentioned by a previous Reviewer: the blurb advertising his act in the Ship's Newspaper stated that he prided himself upon never having told a blue joke..... well, I'm no prude, but found some of his material very near the knuckle.

And yes, Captain Reid was wonderfully entertaining: he had the Cruise Director crying with laughter, during the interview! Proof of the affection and respect in which the P & O regulars hold dear Hamish, was found by all seats being filled, and also every inch around the Theatre,where it was possible to stand, passengers congregated.Plus the interview was beamed live to the Pacific Show Lounge, so great was the demand. Sad to report that our much loved Captain retired on 7th August, and will be greatly missed.

Cabin Review

Outside Stateroom with Balcony

Cabin DA

Prime location to access lifts and stairway, but opposite crew station: Stewards' trolley with rattling cups and saucers at 8am put paid to a lie in.

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