SUPERSHIP
4 x 48'
THE CHALLENGE - P&O Cruises has decided to build the first-ever British liner designed specifically for the cruise business. Lord Sterling, P&O's chairman wants this to be "A
ship, not a floating block of flats".
THE CONSTRUCTION - In the Meyer Werft yard her hull begins to build up. Engines made in Germany, stabilisers made in
Scotland and propellers made in Holland arrive up the river Ems by barge. Inside, work goes on completing the restaurants, bars, theatre, cinema and other public rooms. Hundreds of square
metres of teak planking is laid on the promenade deck, always a feature of P&O ships.
THE LAUNCH - Oriana looks complete but hundreds of
technicians are at work on board completing the outfitting of the ship. Thousands of people throng the banks of the River Ems as Oriana slowly makes her way for sea trials before the official hand over to P&O.
Queen Elizabeth pulls the lever, at the naming ceremony in Southampton, England, to break the traditional champagne bottle. 'Supership' is now ready for her maiden cruise.
THE VOYAGE
- After nine months, Oriana's on her annual world cruise; three months travelling East to West round the globe. She sails through the Panama Canal, which takes a whole day to traverse.
Whilst passengers enjoy their journey, for the crew the daily routine goes on. The Purser makes regular inspections. For the crew there's regular training in safety and security routines,
fire-fighting and manning the lifeboats.
In Mexico passengers, and those members of the crew who can get ashore, enjoy the pleasures of Acapulco, before Oriana sets on into the Pacific.
Producer: First Freedom Productions
Availability: Worldwide, all media ex. Discovery Europe footprint.
See also ’AROUND THE WORLD IN 90 DAYS- Everyones Dream Journey’
a documentary series filmed on a round-the-world cruise aboard ‘Oriana’