Oriana Review
-- / 5.0
Editor Rating
0 reviews
mekydro
6-10 Cruises • Age 60s
Rating by category
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Value for Money
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Dining
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Entertainment
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Additional details
Sail Date: Jun 2018
Cabin: Outside Twin with Window
We had cruised on Oriana before, in 2013 and 2015, and enjoy its atmosphere. This cruise was affected by 'Storm Hector' and we had an extra sea day instead of calling at Portree in Skye, which was to have been a 'tendering port'. There was not much more that the company could have done in the circumstances, and we made the best of the extra time to enjoy the ship's facilities and entertainment.
Oriana is now called a 'mid-size' ship by P&O, who have recently chosen to turn their back on those who enjoy smaller ships in favour of enormous mega-ships with many thousands of guests aboard. Oriana is a throwback to an earlier era and has a different feel to the company's newer ships. At 23 years old she is also becoming middle-aged by ship standards.
Embarkation at Southampton was affected by problems with the 'air-bridge' (covered gangway) and although this did not cause a late departure, it was frustrating for both the terminal staff and passengers during the delay.
Cabin Review
Outside Twin with Window
Cabin LB
Our cabin steward Ariel kept the cabin clean & tidy throughout our cruise, and was very friendly. I did note that the bed linen was not changed until the 7th night of the cruise, though - even Premier Inns give you new bedding after 3 nights. The cabin was comfortable and not especially noisy. It was very handy for the Peninsular Restaurant, and disembarking to go ashore.
The one really jarring note regarding the cabin was the very obvious preparation for the guests on the next cruise, which started the day before disembarkation with the appearance of the next guests' bed linen on our top shelves and their fresh toiletries. This practice is really poor and makes you feel as if P&O cannot wait for you to get off so that they can get on with the next cruise. A new development not noted before, and not a very welcome one.
Port Reviews
Greenock (Glasgow)
We took the train into Glasgow Central from Greenock Central, about a 20-minute walk from the ship. It was signposted but the friendly staff in the terminal were happy to give directions to the station as well, so we had no difficulty finding it.
The train journey was 45 minutes each way, and very good value for money.
Invergordon (Inverness)
A short stroll from the ship brought us to this charming small Scottish Town, which had basic amenities such as small shops, public WCs and cafes. Well worth a visit.
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