Oriana 17th June - 9 years after last cruise on her

Hi all,

I've been on Oriana around 8 times (last cruise 2007) and booked for 17th June to the Canary islands. I am now 24 and mainly booked this cruise just because of it being on Oriana. I have fond memories of the ship from when I was a kid and wanted to go on her one last time before her time is up!

Back in 2007 the ship wasn't adult only - I was wondering if the average age of the passengers will affect my experience in any way? I've read a few posts on her that describe it as a "floating retirement home"!. I particularly am looking forward to not having kids around if I'm honest! It's never bothered me

On other holidays as my dad is in his 80s, just a few posts and reviews mention the average age was "getting to them"

I intend to watch the shows, swim and just generally laze around. Are the productions in the theatre aimed at an older audience? When I was last onboard they had Bobby crush, a funny northern comedian (played Apache by The Shadows to break up the show a bit) and Eddie the eagle as an inspirational speaker which I enjoyed.

I was considering Britannia initially but my loyalty to Oriana swayed me away. I also booked and found I was in the Atlantic tier of the peninsular club - I never thought my cruises would count from a kid !

Thanks!

If my experience on Arcadia, Oriana and Aurora is anything to go by the average physical age will be in the 60's but the average psychological age will be 10 - 15 years older. The ships can resemble the Mary Celeste from late evening as almost everyone goes to bed ;)

Oriana was the first and second ship we went on two years ago.

We were in our early-mid fifties and felt positively young compared to the rest of the passengers with one exception, we were knackered by 10.30pm and went to bed, the rest of the ship seemed to be partying until the early hours! :eek:

The other issue is that the entertainment is designed for 80 year olds, so not only are there the daytime bunion clinics, but the evening shows tend to be songs from the war and 'comedians' last seen in the 1970's.

The other issue is that the entertainment is designed for 80 year olds, so not only are there the daytime bunion clinics, but the evening shows tend to be songs from the war and 'comedians' last seen in the 1970's.

the scene - arcadia, Baltic

It is midnight and I am playing blackjack in the casino on a busy night, there are five or 6 of us present.

the main bar is next door

suddenly the resident band started up with a rendering of 'bluebirds over the white cliffs of dover'. I glanced up and then nearly fell of my seat laughing. They had given the passengers little union jack flags and they were waving them :eek:

If anyone was old enough to remember that song when it came out they should be either dead or in bed.

ps - I think it came out in 1943? or 70 years before the cruise :D

The average age will depend on the length of cruise and destinations. Don't be put off. She is still a lovely ship. A shorter cruise will attract all ages.

Just back off Oriana. Yes average age was 65 ish but there were a lot of younger people and a lot of older people.

The entertainment was the same as any other P & O ship as the acts move amongst the fleet. We had many comedians, young up coming singers and older established ones.

The evening disco was not well attended late on apart from party nights. On the next to last night it was still buzzing at 2 am. The Lords Tavern is full every night until after 1 a.m.

Our Ents manager was Mikey and he mixed up the entertainment to suit everyone. Have a great cruise.