Editor's note: This ship is no longer sailing as part of the P&O fleet.
One of P&O Cruises' smallest and oldest ships, 1,880-passenger Oriana entered service in 1995, but a bow-to-stern facelift in 2011 and another makeover in 2016 have kept it feeling fresh. The very British ship is traditional in both design — with its defining Tiffany glass ceiling in the grand foyer and Art Deco accents throughout the ship — and values. (Picture formal nights, and assigned seating at dinner.)
Oodles of Deck Space: With acres of teak, the wraparound Promenade Deck, large Lido Deck and tiered aft areas of A, B, C, and D Decks are great for sunbathing — and there are enough sun loungers for everyone. We also love dipping into the ship's whirlpools and three swimming pools.
Specialty Dining in Sindhu: Michelin-starred Indian Chef Atul Kochhar devised the menu and trained the chefs at Sindhu, a delightful restaurant where, for a small surcharge, you can indulge in a rich and flavorful fusion of British and Indian cuisine.
English Pub Ambiance: Many passengers love sinking a pint of bitter in the Lord’s Tavern Sports Bar, while for others the gentleman’s club style of Anderson’s Bar or the forward-facing Crow’s Nest is the hangout of choice for their gin and tonics.
Suite Living: There are eight generously sized suites, each at 500 square feet, that won’t break the bank.
Grown-ups: This adults-only ship is well-suited to those who don’t want to spend their vacation in the company of unruly kids and teenagers, yet who like to socialize with a mature crowd. (After a family experience? Try the line's children-friendly ships: Aurora, Azura, Britannia, Oceana, and Ventura.)
Anglophiles: If you want to cruise as the Brits do, this is your ship, where there's daily afternoon tea with clotted cream and jam and Sunday supper to boot.
Entertainment Isn't a Strength: The shows in the Theatre Royal aren't cutting-edge Broadway, and cabaret and comedians in the Pacific Lounge are rarely risqué.
Gamblers, Be Aware: The small Monte Carlo Casino is about as far from the Vegas scene as it’s possible to imagine. This is not a hangout for high-rollers.