THe Final 5: Oriana's Last Cruises

Oriana has been a beloved part of the P&O Cruises fleet since her maiden voyage in 1995. Over the past 24 years, she’s won many admirers and clocked up countless nautical miles. With her teak promenade and lido decks, tiered stern and classic features, Oriana is the very definition of cruising elegance and tradition.

Oriana will be leaving the fleet in August 2019, but there’s still time for you to sail on her final five cruises, each of which visits unique ports that enchant and excite in equal measure. We count them down below. And of course, the fun continues on board, too – from deck parties to quizzes, we’re making sure we see this grande dame out in style.

5. Scotland, Ireland and Guernsey

15-28 Jun 2019, 13 nights, 8 ports

This cruise takes you on an island-hopping adventure to Ireland, Scotland, the Faroe Islands, the Shetland Islands, the Orkney Islands and the Channel Islands. The first stop is in Killybegs. Despite its small size, this charming town has lots to offer, from a world-renowned rug industry to spectacular scenery. The capital (and only town) on Scotland’s Shetland Islands, Lerwick punches well above its weight with a brilliant music scene and some of the best fish and chips you’ll ever try. Dublin, meanwhile, is a cosmopolitan capital that will delight you with its many charms, from its cobbled city streets to its breathtaking countryside.

Click here to see the full itinerary.

4. France, Spain and Guernsey

28 Jun - 5 Jul 2019, 7 nights, 4 ports

Sail along the Iberian Peninsula, where beautiful beaches, fascinating history and total relaxation await. Dramatic twin towers protect the port of La Rochelle, and once you’re in you’ll be treated to a lively city full of great bars and restaurants. Bustling Santander offers excellent shopping and dining, outstanding beaches, great surf and interesting cultural attractions. El Ferrol on Spain’s northwestern coast has strong ties to the sea and has been both a fishing village and a military stronghold. From here you can visit the iconic Santiago de Compostela or get back to nature in Europe’s largest coastal Atlantic forest.

Click here to see the full itinerary.

3. Ireland, Iceland and Faroe Islands

5-19 Jul 2019, 14 nights, 7 ports

Staggering natural beauty and buzzing urban charm combine on this one-of-a-kind holiday. Reykjavikis a perfect example of both: the Icelandic capital is a truly cosmopolitan city surrounded by breathtaking natural wonders, from glaciers to volcanoes. In Torshavn, the capital of the Faroe Islands, you can explore a unique land of steep mountains, idyllic villages and friendly people. Cobh, pronounced ‘Cove’, is the gateway to Cork. Stroll the waterfront with its colourful seaside houses, or kiss the Blarney Stone and be blessed with the gift of the gab.

Click here to see the full itinerary.

2. Guernsey

19-22 Jul 2019, 3 nights, 1 port

Sometimes, a quick getaway is all you need. Take a long weekend and escape to charming St Peter Port, arguably the prettiest town in the Channel Islands. Fine Georgian and Regency houses, tumbling terraced gardens, winding streets and hidden leafy alleyways define this easily walkable town. In fact, the best way to discover the true beauty of Guernsey is on foot, exploring the Ruettes – the tranquil, quiet lanes that are dedicated to walkers, cyclists and horses. Or see a different side of the island on a countryside and coastal drive, where you’ll discover dramatic cliffs and sandy beaches.

Click here to see the full itinerary.

1. Norway and North Cape

22 Jul - 9 Aug 2019, 18 nights

Oriana’s final cruise heads way up north to Norway and North Cape. The cruise takes in a number of unforgettable ports, as well as cruise-bys in destinations such as the epic Nordenskiöod Glacier, the abandoned mining community of Pyramiden, the magnificent Templefjord in Svalbard and the stunning North Cape, the northernmost edge of the European continent. Seizing the day is easy in Tromsø, Norway’s most northerly city, when the midnight sun stays up until the wee hours. Oriana’s final destination with P&O Cruises will be Belfast, where a compelling blend of history and modernity will capture your heart, from the otherworldly beauty of the Giant’s Causeway to the striking contemporary style of the Titanic Belfast museum.

Click here to see the full itinerary.

More fun on board

During Oriana’s final cruises, guests will be treated to a host of extra on-board events and activities* designed to give the ship a proper send-off and make your holiday that extra bit special. Look out for:

• Evening deck parties - Spend an evening celebrating Oriana with a party on the deck. Guest entertainers, house musicians and other crew members will be in attendance, and a special cake will be served.

• Celebration dinner - Toast Oriana with a complimentary glass of sparkling wine at this special formal evening. A commemorative menu cover will also be yours to keep.

• Officer-hosted tables - Throughout the cruises, a selection of officers will join guests at tables in the dining room on formal nights.

• Oriana memories board - We’ll be setting up a notice board in Reception where guests can share their favourite Oriana memories. Bring some photos or write down stories to share.

• Nostalgic deck games and entertainment - Oriana is all about classic cruising. To celebrate her heritage and style, we’ll have games to play on the open deck that hark back to the traditions of a bygone era.

• Heritage quiz - How many miles has Oriana travelled in her lifetime? Who was her first captain? Guests can test their knowledge with our themed heritage quiz.