Oriana Review

-- / 5.0
Editor Rating
0 reviews

Southampton to Canaries

Review for Canary Islands Cruise on Oriana
User Avatar
Never Seasick
First Time Cruiser • Age 60s

Rating by category

Value for Money
Embarkation
Dining
Public Rooms
Entertainment
Fitness & Recreation
Service
Cabin

Additional details

Sail Date: Mar 2013

We were given an embarkation time of 0300-0345 and arrived at Southampton railway station at 0245 quickly finding a taxi but then were stuck in a traffic jam "the football was on". Arrived at the terminal at 0315 and waited with a coloured ticket for a short time a bit like being at the Argus shop. Soon our colour came up and we checked in. There was quite a long queue for the security check and we arrived on board at 0345 and wondered what to do. We went to our cabin but as we were walking up the stairs an announcement informed us that there would be a muster drill shortly and we needed to get out life jackets and go to the muster station, we had not even found our cabin! Once in the cabin a hasty exploration uncovered the life jackets, they were in the wardrobe. There was a knock on the door and Sudhakar the excellent, friendly, cabin attendant introduced himself, we explained that we had only just arrived, he asked if we had received our luggage and immediately said he would go and find it for us and put it in our cabin. We found the muster station and then decided to go and have a drink as we had not eaten since breakfast. Glasses of Champagne were offered as we went up the stairs for the leaving party but a cup of tea and some food took priority so we missed the event. I think 0300 was far too late to arrive everything seemed rushed and it spoilt the initial holiday experience and we missed the introductory tours of the venues.

Our cabin a larger outside one on A deck was much bigger than I expected, everything was working, there was a chair and a stool, ample hanging and drawer space and room to move around. The ensuite was a bit bijoux but functional. The down side was it was immediately under the bridge at the front of the ship and very bumpy in the moderate to rough seas we experienced for most of the cruise.We wandered round the ship on the first morning avoiding our very mobile cabin, sampling the entertainment on offer,the wine tasting, cookery demonstration, the film and a quiz. There seemed to be a different thing going on in every space "Its a bit like a posh Butlins" my husband commented. The conversation for the first three days revolved around cures for sea sickness and who of their party was ill. A roaring trade in extra strength sea sickness tablets (which seemed to make you fall asleep) and wrist bands occurred. We settled into a routine stretch class (most enjoyable),gym (walking seems to use very few calories), breakfast, film, lunch, quiz, show, evening meal.

The meals were all excellent and the waiting staff efficient and friendly. We thought we were the 8.30 sitting but upon arriving were informed we were freedom dining. I really enjoyed the flexibility of freedom dining, we always chose to share a table and met a variety of different people. We tended to go to the shows first and ate after so didn't have to clock watch whilst dining and the earlier shows were not so full.

Cabin Review

Cabin LF

A207 Our cabin a larger outside one on A deck was much bigger than I expected, everything was working, there was a chair and a stool, ample hanging and drawer space and room to move around. The ensuite was a bit bijoux but functional. The cabin was in a quiet area and we were not disturbed by outside noise. The down side was it was immediately under the bridge at the front of the ship and very bumpy in the moderate to rough seas we experienced for most of the cruise on night the drawers and wardrobe doors were fling open and the cabin seemed to vibrate when large waves hit the ship.

1 Helpful Vote
previous reviewnext review

Find a cruise

Any Month

Get special cruise deals, expert advice, insider tips and more.By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

© 1995—2024, The Independent Traveler, Inc.