Oriana 1985

A ten-minute video made by photographers on the SS Oriana in 1985.

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• Oriana
• P&O
• Australia
• south
• pacific
• Martyn
• Moore
• cruise
• merchant
• navy

[gregrudd]

Always interested to know why P&O sold this vessel after 25 year but yet kept the Canberra a lot longer. Was the condition of the Oriana worse than the Canberra

[martynmoore61]

The Big O was fading fast, I think, and there was always a slight feeling that Canberra was favoured. Maybe just in our heads, but there, nevertheless. Canberra looked more modern, in my opinion, and certainly continued line voyages and cruising regions by the season long after Oriana was confined to its Australia base.

Wish I could have worked on both and then provided an objective view.

[wazzawazza73]

@martynmoore61 What position did you hold on board Oriana? Do you remember a bridge officer named Glyn Wintle?

[martynmoore61]

@wazzawazza73 Hi, I was a photographer, so neither crew nor officer, concession staff. The steering thing is all set up, but I did do my steering ticket while serving between 1984 and 1986. Don't remember Glyn but all the VB I drank doesn't help me remember names. Sorry.

[birdie2219]

Doesnt download very well...I went in the O in 1978, 79, 83 & 1985...knew some of the crew many married aussie girls..and live around the country...

As for the debate on Oriana vs Canberra - I think the canberra had a lot more character and was sleek compared to the O. But Arcadia was my real fave - it was scrapped in 79.

[spareco]

what was with womans fashion in 85,i mean the whole big shoulder thing..pads in the shoulder i almost forgot...hahahahaha

[gregrudd]

The reason that I asked that question is that judging by reports that the Canberra needed more TLC mechanically compared to the Big O. I would have thought that the electrolysis between both the aluminum and steel superstructure would have been the problem that made P&O make the call to withdraw the ship after 25 years. Although compared to modern diesel powered liners I imagine she would have been a fuel hog. Especially running above 24 knots

[myfeeling4you]

I sailed on this grand lady May 1985, I have so many memories and in particular the English female staff on board. I went on board looking for love and departed a single man,same ol same ol,lol.

I saw what became of this ship and the story way it ended, so very sad.

But in my mind and heart she will alwyas stay.

[starzstuff]

I was on her in 82/3 so this was really close to my time. KI served in catering. Loved the ship, crew and those hot aussie women!

[Billybreezerboy]

mmmetro...Forget my profile details...I served on her 74/75 on the deck.Came out of NSTS gravesend 73.