Oriana

An ill wind blows some people no good but not everyone loses out. For the guests on board the Oriana returning from a two week cruise to witness the Solar Eclipse, they had a extra night on board because the ship was unable to dock in Southampton, despite having two tugs assisting. As a result of the late arrival of the Oriana on its berth in Southampton P & O put the guests expecting to enjoy their cruise to Guernsey and Zeebrugge, in hotels in the area paying for the room and meals. They also have a 50% refund of the cost of their cruise, but miss out on a night on board at sea.

Despite the 24 hour delay, the guests on the Oriana arrived early this morning at the new liner pontoon in St Peter Port with its temporary signage. The weather today started off damp and misty but cleared during the day to enable all to enjoy a full day on the Island.

The last guests leaving the island had no queues to bother about as they stroll along the pontoon to board their tender for the ride to the ship on the more easterly anchorage.

The Oriana looks strange in her part painted new house colours as she waits for her late afternoon departure for Zeebrugge where she will arrive early tomorrow morning. She should be returning to Guernsey in August, hopefully to warmer weather. Good Friday tomorrow and the inter island ferries are busy with weekend guests to Sark and Herm.