 Oriana berthed at Ocean Terminal, Southampton On December 1st 2013, Dream Designs Colchester had the opportunity to visit P&O Cruises’ Oriana, whilst the ship was berthed alongside Ocean Terminal in Southampton. Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester invited Anthony Marshall and Christian Reay to join him on board Oriana for the ship visit. Harry was able to organise the visit aboard Oriana through direct correspondence with the Captain and as a result was also able to arrange to view his drawing displayed in the Captain’s Office. On the morning of December 1st 2013, Harry, Anthony and Christian arrived at Ocean Terminal around 08:15 and made their way to the Passes Office in the terminal building to collect their visitor passes before boarding the ship. Captain Robert Camby had requested they boarded the ship at 08:30 in order to meet with him and view the drawing, as he was handing the ship over to Captain David Pembridge. 
Anthony Marshall & Christian Reay admire Oriana from the quay at Ocean Terminal
Upon boarding Oriana on Deck 5 (F Deck), Harry asked a member of the ship’s security team to contact the bridge. A short while later Harry, Anthony and Christian were met by a cadet who welcomed them on board and asked if they would like a tour of the ship. They took the lift up to Deck 12 (Lido Deck) and took a stroll alongside the two main swimming pools, before making their way up to Deck 13 (Sun Deck) passing the ships funnel and taking a look over the ship's tiered decks at the stern.
Making their way back along the deck towards the bow, Harry, Anthony and Christian passed the ship's name under the funnel and took the opportunity to have a photograph taken together next to it. A short while later whilst still touring the outside decks the cadet touring them around received a message from the Captain, stating that he was free to meet with them. 
Left to right: Anthony Marshall, Christian Reay and Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester on board P&O Cruises' Oriana
They were immediately taken to the Captain's Office, where Captain Robert Camby was ready to meet them. They also had the opportunity to view Harry's especially assigned drawing of Oriana which is displayed right behind the Captain's desk. The drawing was presented aboard to Captain David Pembridge by our Volunteer @ Sea, Peter on March 26th 2013, during his cruise on board. 
Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester stands proudly alongside his drawing of P&O Cruises' Oriana displayed aboard in the Captain's office!
Captain David Camby was very welcoming and friendly and after chatting for sometime took Harry, Anthony and Christian up to the bridge. We did not get a photograph with the Captain as he was out of uniform and thought it might be rude to ask. The Captain introduced Harry, Anthony and Christian to another Cadet, Imogen Cornick, who was training to become Third Officer. They were given a complete tour of the bridge and even had the opportunity to each have a photograph taken at the ship's wheel! 
Imogen Cornick, Deck Cadet, P&O Cruises, talks Anthony Marshall & Christian Reay through the various controls and equipment on the bridge of Oriana
After spending quite sometime on the bridge it was time to start touring the rest of the ship, looking at the many wonderful amenities on board. Harry, Anthony and Christian were guided around Oriana by Imogen Cornick, starting their tour in The Conservatory on Lido Deck.
Having taken a look at The Conservatory (Lido Deck) the tour continued to the stern of the ship, down to D Deck to the Terrace Pool. On Deck D, Harry, Anthony and Christian had a chance to look at the new staterooms which had recently been added.
Continuing along D Deck heading towards the bow, other venues which they got to take a look at include Chaplin's Cinema, The Library, Ocean Grill At The Curzon Room and the Atrium.
The tour continued further, moving down to the Promenade Deck and E Deck, where there were many more exciting amenities to see, including Theatre Royal, Anderson's, The Peninsular Restaurant and The Oriental Restaurant.
Having toured most of the amenities on board Oriana, Imogen agreed to escort Harry, Anthony and Christian back to the bridge, to see if Captain David Pembridge had boarded Oriana yet and if he was able to briefly meet with them. Captain David Pembridge had indeed boarded the ship, but unfortunately was busy dealing with the hand over of the ship with Captain Robert Camby. This was of course understandable. 
Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester (left) with Christian Reay (right) in the atrium aboard Oriana
Whilst nearby to the bridge, Harry, Anthony and Christian were allowed to take a look at the Golden Cockerel trophy, which was in the Captain's very own lounge. The trophy is kept aboard the fastest ship in the P&O Cruises fleet and was formerly aboard the Canberra and original Oriana.
Leaving the bridge area, they took the opportunity to explore some of the many luxurious suites on board Oriana on B Deck, before the awaiting passengers embarked.
Next they made their way back to The Conservatory on Lido Deck. Cadet Imogen Cornick now had to return to her duties, but informed Harry, Anthony and Christian that they were welcome to spend the afternoon aboard Oriana, touring the ship at their leisure. Following a quick break in The Conservatory, the tour continued, as Harry, Anthony and Christian explored the ship some more by themselves and took the chance to view the amenities they had not yet seen before lunch, such as the Gymnasium and the Oasis Spa on Lido Deck.
On Sun Deck they took a look at some other amenities they had not yet seen, including The Crows Nest, Cyber@Study and Medina Room.
With still plenty of time before lunch, Harry, Anthony and Christian made their way down to E Deck, where they viewed some of the Ocean View Staterooms on board Oriana.
After exploring some of the staterooms, they made their way up to the Promenade Deck above and took a brief look at the Monte Carlo casino, before strolling around the open Promenade Deck.
After their stroll along the Promenade Deck from bow to stern, they made their way inside into the Pacific Lounge, where priority boarding passengers were enjoying a champagne reception. The HR Manager, John Lawlor, who they passed on their guided tour around the ship earlier that morning had recommended they take a look and enjoy a drink together before lunch. 
Left to right: Anthony Marshall, Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester and Christian Reay, join passengers for a Champagne Reception aboard Oriana
Harry, Anthony and Christian spent a short while in the Pacific Lounge, with the embarking priority passengers, but did not stay too long, as they did not want to impose. Next it was time for lunch in The Conservatory. The buffet style restaurant was exceptionally good, with a good choice of food! 
Left to Right: Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester, Christian Reay and Anthony Marshall enjoy lunch in The Conservatory aboard Oriana
After a truly delicious lunch, Harry, Anthony and Christian decided to enjoy some of the sports on the outside decks of Oriana, including deck quoits, basketball and tennis!
Having spent close to seven hours aboard the ship it was unfortunately time to disembark Oriana, a ship which had exceeded Harry, Anthony and Christian's expectations.
Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester, said: VISIT OUR NEW 'DECEMBER 1ST 2013' PAGE TO VIEW EVEN MORE PHOTOGRAPHS!
ENDS
For more information please Contact Us on the following details below Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester Mobile: 07778940245 E-mail: harry_cotterill@hotmail.co.uk
1 Comment
My name is Shiva.I worked on this dream liner since inception from 1995 Maiden voyage to 2003. Did circumnavigate the world 8 times. I was in the position of working in the bars and than restaurant as wine waiter. i served as a head sommelier till 2003. Now we are in Scotland running a wine business. Hope you enjoyed Oriana. Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
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Harry Cotterill24 year old Harry Cotterill is one of the youngest cruise bloggers in the world. He's become known across the world for his amazing talent of drawing cruise ships! Blog Archive
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