By Oliver Smith
The Europe-based Oriana has been refurbished and made an adults-only ship.
The Europe-based P&O cruise ship Oriana has rebranded itself as an "adult-only" vessel following a multi-million dollar refurbishment.
The one-month overhaul has seen the addition of 27 new cabins and the introduction of the Ocean Grill restaurant, operated by Marco Pierre White, the celebrity chef. The restaurant replaces Oriana Rhodes, which was run by White's spiky-haired celebrity rival, Gary Rhodes.
A second restaurant, Sorrento, serving Italian cuisine and with an outdoor dining area, has also been added. Cover charges of £12.95 ($A20) and £5 ($A7.80), respectively, will apply in the two new restaurants.
The aft deck and its bar have been redesigned, décor has been upgraded in the public areas and the Oasis Spa, and the ship's Mediterranean-style café, Al Fresco, has been refreshed.
"It is wonderful to welcome Oriana back into the fleet today with a fresh new look, and all exclusively for adults," said Carol Marlow, P&O Cruises managing director.
"Oriana is the most established ship in our fleet, having been named by The Queen in 1995. Since then she has carried hundreds of thousands of British cruisers all over the world."
The vessel departed yesterday for a 17-night Mediterranean cruise, before embarking on a 97-night world cruise in January.
Earlier this month Cunard's Queen Mary 2 was relaunched following a two-week refurbishment.
- The Telegraph, London
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