SS Oriana: Orient Line's Last
The Oriana was the last passenger liner ordered for the Orient Line for use on the Southampton-Sydney route and intended to exploit the post war assisted passage scheme for emigration to Australia. Originally carrying a corn coloured livery, this was changed to white when the Orient Line became part of P&O group. In 1973 Oriana became a full time cruise ship until ending her days as a floating hotel initially in Shanghai and then later Dalian.
The Oriana featured a modern, contemporary interior design including modern signage and works of art co-ordinated by the Design Research Unit in collaboration with Brian O’Rorke.
Launched: Barrow-in-Furness, 1959
Disposal: out of service,1986; converted to a museum then a hotel; sunk, 2004 and scrapped 2005
Tonnage: 41,923 tons
Length: 804 feet or 245 metres
Maximum speed: 30.64 knots
Also see: Ocean Liners, SS Normandie, RMS Orion & RMS Orcades II.