Oriana Review

Launched by HM the Queen in 1995, succeeding the first Oriana that entered service in 1960 and became a firm favourite with British passengers, the latest ship has followed in her predecessor's wake.

The cultural heritage of this traditional-style vessel that's part of the seven-strong P&O fleet runs through it like the wording in a stick of rock. A multi-million facelift in 2011, which coincided with Oriana being launched as an adult-only ship, enhanced rather than radically altered the original offering. The refurbishment saw the addition of 27 new cabins, including balconies and singles, in place of the previous children's area, a refreshed spa and a new seating area on D Deck where the children's pool used to be. Other changes included the Italian-themed Sorrento restaurant and Marco Pierre White's Ocean Grill, the latter replacing the previous restaurant under the auspices of fellow celebrity chef Gary Rhodes.

With entertainment and food firmly aimed at British tastes and engaging, courteous and ultra-helpful English-speaking crew members, Oriana sticks to a tried and tested formula that caters extremely well for a particular market. There are no gimmicks or fads, glitzy over the top entertainment or extreme onboard activities and it leans towards the refined atmosphere of a comfortable country house hotel.

From short breaks to a world cruise, Oriana's varied itinerary also features the Mediterranean, Norwegian fjords, Baltic, Atlantic Islands, Canada and the USA. On our Norwegian cruise there were a few gripes about cabin noise but overall it was a very happy ship, demonstrated by the number of repeat passengers who had been sailing on both of the namesake ships for many decades.

The under-50s on my cruise were in the minority. Oriana appeals to a mature and almost exclusively British clientele, mainly couples along with pairs and small groups of friends and middle-aged children travelling with one or both parents. A grumble among nimble footed single ladies was that there weren't enough spare men to dance with and no ‘gentleman hosts', particularly as my cruise had a dance theme.

Whilst some were on their first cruise, a lot of people were seafaring veterans, many loyal to the P&O brand and several recounting tales of feeling all at sea on the few occasions they'd defected to larger international vessels. Sociable and well-travelled, they were fun to talk to and it was easy to see how friendships are often formed, demonstrated by several couples who originally met onboard and travel together each year.

They threw themselves wholeheartedly into the onboard activities and excursions and each night when I headed to bed I was outpaced by hardy octogenarians and nonagenarians burning the midnight oil.

Life onboard is very relaxed and casual during the day, with many people happily wandering around in dressing gowns en route to the spa and pools. After 6 p.m. evenings are divided into black tie, smart and casual. Passengers can expect two formal nights on a seven-night cruise, four on 14-night itineraries and so on. There's a useful reminder and explanation of the daily dress code in the Horizon newsletter and whilst the men all donned tuxedos for the black tie nights, women tended to go for posh frocks and cocktail dresses rather than full-on ball gowns, and there weren't the sequins and tiaras you get on some ships. Smart turnout requires jackets for men with dresses or separates for women and just about anything goes on casual nights, including jeans. Whilst some casual evenings were further sub-divided into 60s and 70s it didn't make a huge amount of difference and there's no obligation to break out the flares.

The age-old and often thorny subject of tipping has been simplified with a daily amount of £3.10, per person, added to passengers' onboard accounts. This at least avoids the frequently perceived tyranny, as far as Brits are concerned, of numerous envelopes pre-addressed to multiple staff left in cabins on the final night of the cruise. The tips are shared amongst cabin stewards and waiting staff and cannot be pre-paid. In theory they are discretionary so anyone who really feels strongly about the subject, or reckons they have received poor service, can go to reception during the cruise and ask for the amount to be adjusted. Conversely, and more likely, outstanding members of staff can be recognised with additional tips or being nominated for an award through the CRUISE customer service programme. Oriana is a cashless ship, with the cabin key doubling as a security pass and card for all onboard purchases which are signed for and then charged to the final account which is in pound sterling.

Next: Oriana Cabins

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