Gary Rhodes to join Oriana after refit

**Ally** · 09-05-2006, 11:10 AM

Celebrity chef Gary Rhodes will launch his newest fine dining restaurant on board Oriana later this year. The P&O Cruises ship, built in 1995, will undergo a major refurbishment in December, which will see her emerge with a number of significant product enhancements, including the new restaurant Oriana Rhodes, refurbished passenger cabins, improvements to the teen and children’s facilities and the introduction of Weddings at Sea.

Nigel Esdale, commercial director, P&O Cruises, says ’Oriana provides passengers with an authentic British cruise holiday. The improvements we’re making enable us to deliver an even better on board experience. For example, all passenger cabins will be redecorated in shades of navy and gold and duvets and bed runners are being introduced. The cabins will have a stylish feel, similar to that of a boutique hotel.’

Oriana Rhodes will be located in The Curzon Room, which is currently a piano lounge. The chef will be creating signature dishes, whilst the atmosphere and core menu will mirror the quality of the highly successful Arcadian Rhodes, his first restaurant at sea on board P&O Cruises’ Arcadia.

Oriana will also join sisters Arcadia and Oceana, and Artemis, as Weddings at Sea is introduced when she departs on her world cruise from Southampton on January 7. The Captain’s Lounge will be refitted to act as the on board wedding chapel, where Oriana’s passengers can be married by the ship’s captain.

Other renovations on board include: The extension of Lord’s Tavern bar to include additional seating and the installation of large plasma screens and hi-tech sound systems. Tiffany’s bar will be renovated with new lighting, fabrics and carpets. It will double as the pre-dinner bar for Oriana Rhodes and will feature a piano and evening pianist. The casino will be remodelled to create a boutique casino within the Monte Carlo Club. The new casino will bring together slots and tables in one area.