Oriana Review

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The ruin of a great ship

Review for the Eastern Caribbean Cruise on Oriana
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Old Salt73
6-10 Cruises • Age 80s

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Sail Date: Jan 2013
Cabin: Inside Twin Cabin

I last cruised Oriana in 2003, when it was family friendly and when P&O was not owned by Carnival. I shall start with the not so good, and finish with the terrible.

It was once a ship brimming with babies laughter and yet having a class that was quintessentially British, with food that was superb throughout the ship and with dedicated, loyal staff under the genial 'Captain Birds Eye' (the passengers nickname).

Now, after the refit that has removed the toddler's paddling pool, their play area and the creche, all to enable the construction of a small block of cabins; the ship, with an average passenger age of over 80, has the joyless air of 'God's waiting room on sea'; the food in the main restaurants is average at best, the choice of wines very limited; the food and drink in the alternative food outlets eg The Conservatory, is totally repetitive and its serving completely marred by the edicts demanded by the disease ridden state of the ship (more of that later); the staff are still going about their tasks with fortitude and good humor, but when gently pressed by the passengers refer to the Captain with many unflattering terms, the mildest of which was Captain B***-S***. I have seen other reviews for this cruise that say that the Captain was the most informative ever; if giving us a long description of the expected and prevailing weather conditions, and how it was only by his own masterly navigation skills that the passengers were saved from an experience of tsunamic proportions, then yes I agree; others I met called him a patronizing BS.

Cabin Review

Inside Twin Cabin

Last minute booking. Told P&O wife was disabled, taking her scooter (small). We were given an inside OC, bunk beds folded against wall, very very small , TOTALLY impossible to put scooter in cabin, until settee waas taken out. scooter only able to enter very narrow door in reverse, ('Health and Safety', stopping scooter being stored in Reception Atrium, just around the corner). Formal nights an absolute nightmare, so we ended up dining in room.

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