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 with the owners
permission.
Oriana retains her classic exterior.
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, boasted as one of the four most famous luxury
cruises of the contemporary world, was unveiled 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.
I 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
unchanged
The bridge remains
The helm that served Oriana so well
the
Bridge and its equipment has been all the same!
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
The First Class cabin
II: Oriana
the Emperors Palace
A colourful Oriana by night
The Entrance Foyer
looks more like a palace than the Oriana The cicular glass floor on the right
looks down into the engine room On the upper level of the atrium (above)
is the maritime musuem
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
III: 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
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