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With Reuben Goossens

Maritime Historian

ss Oriana

Page Seven

Oriana in Dalian China

Oriana Updates

SS Oriana with her original buff & white livery seen in Sydney

The Storm

Seen on the 17^th of July 2004, the day after the storm

On June 16, 2004, SS oriana was struck by a vicious storm in which she was badly damaged. She took on a great deal of water due to her being holed at bow that saw her lower decks flooded, and soon she listed to port. Attempts were made to right her and the owners even considered restoring her, however the cost proved to be too great. On May 13, 2005 SS Oriana departed Dalian and was towed to Wayou scrap yard in Zhangiagang China where she was broken up.

13 May 2005 - SS Oriana departs Dalian under tow

(Photograph by Xinhua Daily)

See Zhangiagang shipyard in China for further photographs

Oriana’s Final Role in China

Dalian Theme Park & Entertainment Center

Story as originally presented

The Dalian Tourist Authority describes the Oriana as follows: The world’s only deluxe Liner-Theme Park and a Splendid Emperor’s Palace on the sea and a floating convivial resort.

Photographs of Oriana at Dalian were taken by Mr. Shane Spencer, who is from Milton Keynes who has spent 2.5 years in China teaching English. We thank Neil (Bob) Whitmore Oriana’s ex Maitre d'Hotel from 1976 to 86, who supplied these Photographs to us with the owners permission.

Oriana retains her classic exterior, but, I wish they had left the lifeboats white!

The owners renovated Oriana July 2002, spending a fortune in transforming the interior of the Oriana into a deluxe Emperor’s Palace. She now takes pride of place in the resort city of Dalian.

Huang Ying of the Peoples Daily reported on the official, opening. The Oriana, touted as one of the four most famous luxury cruises of the contemporary world, was unveiled Thursday in the Chinese port of Dalian. With a total investment of RMB 300mn Yuan, the cruise liner is refitted to become a floating theme park, which includes a maritime museum and a 800 seat Banquet Hall & Showroom. Visitors enjoy performances from a variety of cultures.

Entry costs were until recently: US$ 11.50 daytime & US$ 5.80 in the evening. However, recently, admission fees have been dropped, allowing locals to board Oriana and enjoy visiting the ships, which was out of reach for many. Whilst onboard they have many options, eating at one of the snack bars and restaurants, enjoy a drink in a bar or head for the ever popular pastime, Karaoke, located in the original Tourist Class Stern Gallery. There are various tours of the ship, including a tour of the engine room. However, it is the popular Dinner Show in the 800 seat Banquet Hall, which is Oriana’s main revenue earner.

Oriana the Museum

A special wharf and plaza has been created to house ss Oriana

Oriana’s Funnel continues to stand tall!

Note the red lettering (originally black)

The view aft from the fo’c’sle towards the Bridge is thankfully unchanged

The bridge remains as was

The helm that served Oriana so well

Thankfully, the Bridge and its equipment has been left untouched!

The Control Panel located aft on Bridge

which monitored the ships fire systems and water tight doors

The P&O maritime museum features a variety of models, including Oriana

as well as other P&O & Princess Ships

A poor mock up of a First Class cabin

Oriana the Emperors Palace

A colourful Oriana by night

The Entrance Foyer looks more like a palace than the Oriana

The circular glass floor on the right looks down into the engine room

On the upper level of the atrium (above) is the maritime museum

A palatial corner of a lounge

This sculpture was presented by the City of Dalian to honour ss Oriana

A model of Oriana on the table in a Private Function Venue

Oriana the Theme Park

Oriana offers many activities both by day and at night. On offer are elaborate restaurants as well as alfresco dinning venues and bars located throughout the ship. In addition, cultural shows from around the world are presented in the showroom and out on the aft deck during the day.

The photographs below show the wonderful Promenade deck with Bar, and other exteriors of Oriana the Theme Park

Promenade Deck features a multitude of P&O photographs and posters,

as well as photographs of the British Royal Family

This was the Tourist Class (Poop) Sports Deck, which was popular with sun worshippers
Note the original Deck Quoits Pitches

Queens Bar and Terrace located where the tourist class swimming pool used to be

The pool seen on the right has been partially closed in

A Flamenco dance show, part of the International entertainment

Oriana’s famed ex Tourist Class Stern Gallery, which now also contains a Karaoke bar

During the summer Dalian is a popular resort city and thousands come to see the ship

All photographs of Oriana at Dalian were provided to ssMaritime by Neil (Bob) Whitmore ex Oriana’s Maitre d’Hotel from 1976 to 86. If you wish to contact him, Neil’s e-mail address is - neil.whitmore@ntlworld.com

SS Oriana

Page 1: History and Images of the Oriana

Page 2: Oriana Postcards issued in 1960

Page 3: Oriana Photo Album - Page 1

Page 4: Oriana Photo Album - Page 2

Page 5: Oriana “Lady of the Sea by Neil Whitmore

Page 6: The Paul Oliver Collection

Paul Oliver Story

Page 7: Dalian See the sad photographs of SS Oriana damaged during a storm

Oriana at Zhangiagang shipyard in China – taken 29 July & 9 September 2005

Oriana the building of a liner - NEW

Page 1: The building of SS Oriana

Page 2: The launching and fitting out of SS Oriana

Page 3: Sea trials and Oriana’s maiden voyage

Return to our main Index

“Orient Line – A Fleet History”

Is available for £23.50 plus p&p from “Ships in Focus”

email: sales@shipsinfocus.co.uk

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Also Visit our Features on the following Orient Lines/P&O Ships

Orient Lines: RMS Orcades – SS Oronsay - SS Oriana - RMS Orion

P&O: RMS Strathaird - SS Iberia - SS Canberra

I trust you have enjoyed reading about this loved passenger liner. If you have sailed on her I would like to hear from you, and if you have any photographs I would greatly appreciate some, especially those of the interiors and out on deck. Email Me!

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