Above
and below: SS Oriana’s hull looking pristine in
her corn colours. She is ready for launching
On
November 3, 1959,
Princess Alexandra officiated at her launching of the Orient Line, super liner
SS Oriana. Countless of thousands attended the launch, including the proud men
who worked so tirelessly on her.
This
telegraph style handle was used to launch Oriana
“…
Bless who sail in her”
‘Drag
chains’ help Oriana down the slipway
Workers
on the bow as Oriana enters the water
Oriana
greets the water at last
All ships in the harbour welcomed Oriana to the water
Tugs
make ready to tow the unfinished Oriana to her fitting out berth
A
magnificent sight as Oriana is under tow
Two
tugs
Part Two: Fitting out SS Oriana
Berthed
at her fitting out berth
Her
funnel is slowly lifted into place
Oriana’s
bow emblem being designed
Interior
decorators testing the strength of chairs chosen
Matching
up the colour scheme for the First Class restaurant
An
exclusive ashtray was designed for Oriana, which, obviously became a popular
souvenir
Above
and below: Orient Line and Vickers Armstrong executives inspect the ships
lounges
Above
and below: Modern art was used throughout the ship.
Above:
Although the Tourist Class Stern Gallery was furnished in a simple style, it
became one of the most popular lounges on the ship, especially when she later
became a one class ship. However, vibration was always a problem.
Corking
is one of the important tasks as her teak deck are finished
Final
touches to make Oriana ready for her sea trials
Important
notice: My email box is frequently filled with requests for passenger lists or
sailing schedules. I wish to advise that I am unable to assist due to time
restraints and not having the requestedinformation available. Please be
advised, these requests will no longer be answered.
PLEASE
NOTE: I receive hundreds of requests for Passenger Lists and Sailing Schedules. I hereby wish to advise that I am unable to
assist due to time restrains and as most shipping companies have long gone
these lists/schedules are no longer available. I regret to advise that any
request for these will no longer be answered.
Photographs on ssMaritime and associated cruise sites are 1. By the author. 2. From the
author’s private collection.3. As provided by Shipping Companies and private
photographers. Credit is given to all contributors. However, there are some
photographs sent to us without details of the photographer/owners concerned. We
would therefore appreciate if owners of these photographs would make themselves
known to me, that due credit may be given.
