Oriana’s Final Christmas Cruise.

Reports about cruises on Oriana

cruisin_duo
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Re: Oriana’s Final Christmas Cruise.

#101

Post by cruisin_duo »

Welcome home.

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prefdavid
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Re: Oriana’s Final Christmas Cruise.

#102

Post by prefdavid »

Final report from the lovely Sue K

7, 8, 9 February - Sea Days back to Southampton

Thursday


The weather stayed with us and another sunny morning on deck. Unfortunately just before lunch the clouds proved too much for the weak winter sun. The sea was still very calm but with long swells which caused some movement on the ship and the water in the Terrace pool was very lively.

I went to the Battle of the sexes which ended up with the ladies winning the day but the men leading overall.

We spent an hour sorting the cabin and started the packing. It is amazing how much rubbish we had accumulated over the 7 weeks we had been on board.

Graffiti classics were in the the theatre but having seen them last cruise we spent the evening in the Crows Nest.

Friday

A very busy day with everything being crammed into the last couple of days of the cruise.

After breakfast in the main dining room I went up to the buffet to watch the Conservatory team parade. I had never seen this done before and think it’s a wonderful idea. The team have worked so hard and it was great to be given the chance to show our appreciation.

As noon became one o clock the Battle of sexes started as did the Fish & chip lunch in the LordsTavern. The food was great but once again the ladies lost the battle. We won the general knowledge round but the guessing round which held the most points we lost dramatically.

The Chocoholics Afternoon tea was held in the restaurant and there was a great assortment of everything involving chocolate. It was a chocolate lovers heaven. I took lots of photos but as I am not a chocolate fan I had no problem leaving the food alone.

It was the Final formal night and the parade of the Chefs. A great P & O tradition and a chance for the passengers to show their appreciation to the galley crew.

John Martin the Comedian was in the Pacific Lounge.

We went to see the Headliners show We’ll Meet Again but the Oriana was rolling around because of the huge swells. As soon as I walked into the theatre I knew that I wasn’t going to be able to stay there. Instead we headed for the Lords Tavern where Protocol were singing. It was a another great night in the pub.

Saturday

The sea has calmed down considerably but still gave a lurch at times. The sun came out and although very cold outside at least it looked bright.

There was nearly a riot in library as passengers collected the crossword only to find yesterdays answers weren’t there. It had been printed incorrectly and the days before answers had been printed in error. One man shouted at the librarian they are hard enough with out printing errors. He then stormed off to reception to complain. He wasn’t being very serious about it but wanted an explanation.

My friend Vicky had won 2 tickets for the champagne galley walk through and as Roger didn’t want to go she offered me his ticket. It started at 10:30 a.m, which even for me is a little early for champagne and Canapés but we gave it a good go. After the tour we were given a glass of Tattinger and as it was not far off midday it was much more civilised.

From there we went straight to the final Battle of the sexes which was a bit of a let down. Carl had promised an exciting finish with lots of points to play for which would mean the ladies had a chance. The men were over 500 points in front so we needed a miracle. In the end we just played 3 games with only 30 points available to win for all 3 games. It was a bit of a let down for the final battle but overall it has been a great event every sea day and as the ladies won the first sector it ended as a draw.

We finished the dreaded packing which didn’t take long and put all but one case and a hold-all out for collection.

Our last dinner on Oriana and I felt very emotional saying goodbye to our fabulous waiters Nestor and Santosh and wine waiter Mario.

Protocol were doing their final show ever P & O in the Crows Nest. They have certainly worked very hard this cruise and have been our first choice for entertainment most evenings.

We have thoroughly enjoyed both cruises on Oriana. The food on board has been exceptional as has the service from the waiters on board. The crew are obviously very happy which is a credit to the management team, The smaller ships mean that the crew become one big family.

The entertainment team worked hard and there was a great variety of entertainment on board, not always to our taste but something for everyone.

Captain Alan who was on from Southampton until Barbados kept us all informed and was very visible and approachable. Captain Sarah took over in Barbados and has a completely different management style.

We heard from her in Barbados and when we left Antigua but was not heard from again until we were leaving Praia Vittoria. The only time I saw her was at the Peninsular party. As long as the ship is in safe hands it doesn’t really matter who the Captain is but having a communicative and approachable Captain certainly adds some interest to the cruise.

Sunday

We docked at Mayflower terminal around 6 am and were the only ship in Southampton. We had an early disembarkation and had arranged to meet Kenneth in the Atrium at 8 a.m. to say our farewells. Shortly afterwards the announcement came to disembark. I was very emotional as we said goodbye but Ken took one of my hand luggage and escorted us to the escalator. I felt very spoilt with the Food & Beverage Manager acting as my porter. We said goodbye yet again and he went back to work and with tears in my eyes we went in search of our cases.

As our cabin was on D deck which has the least number of cabins, with the help of a porter we soon found them all.

The customs officers were out in force with sniffer dogs one of which was particularly interested in my Guess handbag. Apparently it could smell cash but after confirming that I only had a small amount she let me through with no problem. Steve our taxi driver was ready and waiting for us. The easiest disembarkation ever.

Ben & Lisa from Cruisepark Southampton had our car ready and soon loaded it up. We were on our way home by 08:45 and home just after 1 p.m.

We are taking a break from cruising this year and are not due back on board until 21 December 2019 which is on Aurora.

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Gill W
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Re: Oriana’s Final Christmas Cruise.

#103

Post by Gill W »

As ever, I’ve enjoyed reading all the reports.

Many thanks to Sue, and to David
Gill

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GillD46
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Re: Oriana’s Final Christmas Cruise.

#104

Post by GillD46 »

Thanks Sue for all the reports and to David as well.
Gill

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Kenmo1
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Re: Oriana’s Final Christmas Cruise.

#105

Post by Kenmo1 »

prefdavid wrote: 11 Feb 2019, 14:08
We are taking a break from cruising this year and are not due back on board until 21 December 2019 which is on Aurora.
:roll:
I have thanked Sue for her wonderful reports on another forum but it made me wonder how we are going to fill the massive gap she will leave on this forum without her cruise reports to read. Perhaps she will keep us updated with any other type of holiday she takes but hopefully the gap will be filled with others of us writing reviews about our holidays of any kind so that this great forum doesn't grind to a halt once the subject of Brexit gets sorted (if it ever does) as it currently appears to be the mainstay of the forum.

I was pleased to see a couple of new threads and updates on here today that covered subjects other than Brexit.

Maureen
Last edited by Kenmo1 on 11 Feb 2019, 16:25, edited 2 times in total.

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Kenmo1
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Re: Oriana’s Final Christmas Cruise.

#106

Post by Kenmo1 »

Not quite sure how the rolling eyes got in there. I tried to get rid of them but couldn't.


Silkworm
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Re: Oriana’s Final Christmas Cruise.

#107

Post by Silkworm »

Yes, Sue, I agree, will definitely miss your reports, have read them avidly to try and bring some sunshine into our winter days here in the North West.

We were on Arcadia with you on Gary’s birthday (in Ocean Grill, handed in the birthday card) and that seems long ago.

Thank you for all your info which I have taken note of for our New Orleans cruise in twelve months time. These cruise forums are a wonderful platform for sharing experiences and tips for us all.

Off on Azura next week for two weeks in the Caribbean and will certainly try to send some reports, have several private excursions booked and will share our thoughts.

Once more, thank you.

Silkworm.


cruisin_duo
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Re: Oriana’s Final Christmas Cruise.

#108

Post by cruisin_duo »

Thank you so much for the excellent reports Sue. Have really enjoyed reading them.

Look forward to hear about your adventures later in the year.

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barney
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Re: Oriana’s Final Christmas Cruise.

#109

Post by barney »

Thanks Sue, we've very much enjoyed your adventures
Empty vessels .. and all that


MaureenB
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Re: Oriana’s Final Christmas Cruise.

#110

Post by MaureenB »

Thank you Sue for your excellent reports. It has been a joy to read them whilst enduring the winter. :clap: I am going to miss them that's for sure. You cannot expect us to go without them until December can you?!! :o :lol: Perhaps you will slip in a late booking sometime so that I can get my fix!! ;)

Best wishes to you


Whynd1
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Re: Oriana’s Final Christmas Cruise.

#111

Post by Whynd1 »

Thank you from me as well Sue for the excellent reports.
As the others have said we all enjoy looking forward to the next read. We will be having withdrawal symptoms,

So will you if you are having a break.
Take care
Lindsey

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Gill W
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Re: Oriana’s Final Christmas Cruise.

#112

Post by Gill W »

Kenmo1 wrote: 11 Feb 2019, 16:24
prefdavid wrote: 11 Feb 2019, 14:08
We are taking a break from cruising this year and are not due back on board until 21 December 2019 which is on Aurora.
:roll:
I have thanked Sue for her wonderful reports on another forum but it made me wonder how we are going to fill the massive gap she will leave on this forum without her cruise reports to read. Perhaps she will keep us updated with any other type of holiday she takes but hopefully the gap will be filled with others of us writing reviews about our holidays of any kind so that this great forum doesn't grind to a halt once the subject of Brexit gets sorted (if it ever does) as it currently appears to be the mainstay of the forum.

I was pleased to see a couple of new threads and updates on here today that covered subjects other than Brexit.

Maureen
I have a feeling Brexit will grind on for several years yet, and the same people will be posting the same stuff in three years time! ( I include myself )

However, we are all people who like cruising, and like travel in general, so I would love it if the focus returned more to these pursuits.

It takes a bit of effort to write a report, and especially to do a report on a daily basis, like Sue does. I did go through a stage of doing a daily diary while I was on a cruise, and posting it all when I got back. However, after a 35 night cruise and a 49 night cruise,I found it quite fatiguing, so I've gone back to doing a report when I return from my cruise.

For anybody who does a cruise report, it is appreciated 100% by me, so if you are not sure whether to post a report, please don't be shy, I would love to read it. Same goes for any sort of holiday report, not to mention days out.

My next cruise will be in May, and I'll be doing a report. Would be delighted to see reports from other travellers too :)
Gill

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GillD46
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Re: Oriana’s Final Christmas Cruise.

#113

Post by GillD46 »

Well I am happy to do a report from our holiday in Mauritius next month, but although we do intend to see something of the island, we also intend to spend some considerable time horizontal on a sunbed or face down in the sea snorkeling.

But if anyone is interested, I am happy to write something. The flight might be interesting as we have really pushed the boat out for this one - pardon the pun!
Gill

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Kenmo1
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Re: Oriana’s Final Christmas Cruise.

#114

Post by Kenmo1 »

GillD46 wrote: 13 Feb 2019, 17:20
But if anyone is interested, I am happy to write something. The flight might be interesting as we have really pushed the boat out for this one - pardon the pun!
I would be very interested Gill. Thank you.

Maureen

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Gill W
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Re: Oriana’s Final Christmas Cruise.

#115

Post by Gill W »

Me too, will look forward to it
Gill

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GillD46
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Re: Oriana’s Final Christmas Cruise.

#116

Post by GillD46 »

:D Ok, I can’t promise it’ll be blow your socks off exciting, but I always enjoy reading about people’s trips and places, so maybe it’ll pass a few minutes for members every now and again.
Gill

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Jan Rosser
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Re: Oriana’s Final Christmas Cruise.

#117

Post by Jan Rosser »

GillD46 wrote: 13 Feb 2019, 18:57
:D Ok, I can’t promise it’ll be blow your socks off exciting, but I always enjoy reading about people’s trips and places, so maybe it’ll pass a few minutes for members every now and again.
Look forward to hearing all about your holiday Gill - like you I find other people’s experiences interesting to hear about - I always appreciate the comments made by members when I post reports but Sue is a legend - such detail :thumbup:
Janis


Silkworm
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Re: Oriana’s Final Christmas Cruise.

#118

Post by Silkworm »

Hi GillD46

We were in Mauritius just 12 months ago for a special birthday of mine.
Whilst we really wanted to see the island, it was so very hot and humid we barely left the hotel grounds and beach. A cyclone had just passed the island and its remains were still being felt.

The flight was good with Air Mauritius, direct to Port Louis from Heathrow.
We managed to successfully bid for business class seats on both journeys so it did make a difference (surprising how many passengers change into PJs to sleep)!

If there is one thing I would recommend it is to do an excursion out on a boat with Eric. It was absolutely fantastic. Just the two of us with Eric, a very passionate Mauritian who knew everything about every piece of land and every bit of sea.
Finishing up with lobster lunch on a deserted beach, does not get much better.

Have a super time.

Silkworms

Just google Eric in Mauritius, you will find it somewhere there amongst all the
Five star reviews.

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GillD46
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Re: Oriana’s Final Christmas Cruise.

#119

Post by GillD46 »

Thanks so much for the tip, Silkworms, but I’m afraid I can’t go on a small boat at all. Despite being ok on a cruise a small boat is a complete no no. I did once take a night fishing trip on a flat calm lagoon in the Maldives, and was promptly sick over the side and spent the rest of the trip lying down! And afraid as a veggie lobster doesn't appeal either.

But I’m sure there will be something suitable on land.
Gill


Lynda and David
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Re: Oriana’s Final Christmas Cruise.

#120

Post by Lynda and David »

David and I are booked to travel from London to Venice on the Orient Express on 28th/29th April. If anyone is interested I will post a report on our journey on the train. We're celebrating our 30th Wedding Anniversary on the 29th April so thought we'd do something special.

Lynda

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GillD46
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Re: Oriana’s Final Christmas Cruise.

#121

Post by GillD46 »

That would indeed be an interesting read. Thank you, and have a fabulous trip.
Gill

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Meg 50
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Re: Oriana’s Final Christmas Cruise.

#122

Post by Meg 50 »

even trips around Britain - not cruising - are interesting.
Meg
x

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Kenmo1
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Re: Oriana’s Final Christmas Cruise.

#123

Post by Kenmo1 »

Meg 50 wrote: 14 Feb 2019, 08:46
even trips around Britain - not cruising - are interesting.
:)

Yes, Meg. There is so much of our country that I haven't seen and know little about.

Maureen

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GillD46
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Re: Oriana’s Final Christmas Cruise.

#124

Post by GillD46 »

I think we’re all agreed, we are all interested in everyone’s travels, wherever they may be
Gill


Whynd1
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Re: Oriana’s Final Christmas Cruise.

#125

Post by Whynd1 »

I am still hopeful that I can go on the British Isles cruise on Oriana in June,but my husband fell whilst out yesterday and broke his hip.
Hoping to have an operation today.

Fingers crossed for everything.
Lindsey

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