Island Princess - The Birth of P&O Princess Cruises in 1974
Although Princess Cruises was founded by Stanley B. McDonald back in 1965, at which time he chartered ships. In 1972 Princess Cruises...
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Salty Seadog
Apr 11, 20213 min read
Tonga Welcomes Oriana 1974 - Prince Philip Remembered by Pacific Islanders
In the early 1970’s P&O changed track from voyages and started to concentrate on the cruise market. In 1973 Oriana was converted from a...
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Salty Seadog
Apr 4, 20216 min read
From Oceans to Embassies - Memoir of a P&O WAP
When I joined Oriana in November 1973 we were due to set sail on a five week voyage to Australia. Everything was new to me on joining my...
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Salty Seadog
Mar 14, 20214 min read
Panama Canal - Mules and Donkeys
Arrival at the Panama Canal always involves an early start for the ship’s company. Usually arriving very early morning. For the Purser’s...
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Salty Seadog
Feb 19, 20212 min read
Nevasa Passes By
There was always great excitement on deck when two P&O ships pass by in open water. Mediterranean cruising in 1974 Nevasa passes by...
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Salty Seadog
Feb 7, 20213 min read
Princess Pursers
I would say the Purser’s office was the heart of the ship, of course the deck department and engineering department might argue...
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Salty Seadog
Jan 23, 20213 min read
Princess Patter
When I joined SS Oriana as my first ship in 1973, I was informed that a ship was like a floating city and with almost all services...
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Salty Seadog
Jan 7, 20214 min read
All Ashore for the Tour Bus
My first 21 months at sea whizzed past, they were exciting and thrilling, with many new experiences and challenges. The first twelve...
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Salty Seadog
Nov 29, 20203 min read
My Maiden Voyage
Having set sail on my maiden voyage as Junior Assistant Purser on Oriana in November 1973 we headed out of Southampton, after a brief...
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Salty Seadog
Nov 25, 20201 min read
Oriana Leave Pago Pago
What a treat to leave Pago Pago in America Samoa early in 1974. Flower petals are sprinkled over Oriana from the cable car as she departs...
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Salty Seadog
Nov 16, 20201 min read
Island Princess Christmas Party 1974
Here you have the original team on Island Pricess when the ship was taken over by P & O in 1974 with Captain Biddick at the helm. We are...
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