Twelve Months On ...

[david63]

Originally posted 3rd July 2012

This is the Grand Event Sailaway from a unique and privileged perspective.

Last week we were on Azura when one day I had a phone call in the cabin from the Executive Purser to say that he had received an email from P&O on my behalf with an invitation for myself and a guest to attend a P&O 175 year celebration on the 3rd July on Oriana where we would be having afternoon tea in the presence of the Princess Royal and this would be followed by the review of the fleet from the private yacht Rum Jungle. Needless to say it took less than half a Nano second to accept this invitation.

Shortly after this I received some documentation about the arrangements and the inevitable consternation as to whether we had the right clothes and the logistics of getting there. Fortunately we had already got an hotel booked for the night of the 3rd July as our original intention was to go on the Red Funnel trip to watch the fleet sail out.

The clothing was not too much of a problem for me as we were told that men were required to wear a lounge suit and, being on a cruise, had one with me. However the problem of keeping warm on the yacht was another matter altogether as I do not normally take a warm overcoat with me on a Mediterranean cruise! The problem was somewhat similar for Mrs63 as there was also the issue of “sensible” footwear to be considered for the yacht. Eventually she sorted herself out but decided that she needed a pair of tights and guess what? – there were none on board, so first task when we have disembarked is to go shopping.

Well “plan A” failed miserably and it has warranted an emergency shop for a new outfit and I know have a bigger hole in my credit card.

So off we set. Our instructions were to arrive at City Terminal at 15:30 so we arranged for a taxi for 15:15 which of course was early. Anyway to cut a long story short we arrived at the terminal and went through the normal security/check in procedures but after that everything changed as we were escorted to the ship and past the passengers who were waiting for Princess Royal – some (most?) thinking that we were “celebrities” – OK we were for the day. Anyway we were escorted up to the Crows Nest where there was an array of sandwiches, cakes and tea awaiting us served by white gloved waiters. Following on there was champagne and/or other drinks available. On the way up to the Crows Nest we were in the same lift as Marco Pierre White. Other guests included Shirley Williams, Lord & Lady Sterling, the Mayor of Southampton, the High Sherriff, The Lord Lieutenant, Olly Smith, Atul Kocher and others that I did not know – in total there were about 80 of us.

Upon the arrival of HRH there was a short speech from Carol Marlow before HRH unveiled a plaque to commemorate the 175 Anniversary and cut a special cake. There was then a short speech from Lord Sterling where he recalled some anecdotes from P&O past. After HRH had been introduced to several of those present (not the peasants!!) we then made our way back down and off Oriana and then 40 of us boarded a coach that would take us to Town Quay here we boarded Rum Jungle.

As we boarded Rum Jungle we were given champagne, which was constantly topped up along with a spectacular selection canapés. The yacht then set off on a wet evening to watch the fleet leave port. First of all we were in a position to see the fireworks as each ship passed by and then took various positions to see the ships in convoy but unfortunately due to the weather we really saw more mist than ships. It was a bit like watching a film about ghost ships!! In between the food and drink we were all trying to see all seven ships but that was never going to be easy with the weather. Sadly the Red Arrows had to cancel at the last minute due to the weather conditions.

We were then manoeuvred into position to see, and hear, the cannon salute from the Royal Yacht Squadron on the Isle of Wight. Next was to be in position to review the fleet, along with HRH before heading back to Town Quay and our coach to take us back to City Terminal.

Thank you P&O for such a wonderful, unique and privileged day.

Must just add that the weather this year is pretty much the same as that of last year.

[Susan Watt]

We were on Aurora for the Baltic cruise. Had a great cruise. Even managed a Costa coffee in Latvia Costa machine in Raffles was broken for the whole cruise.

[Dark Knight]

We were on Azura
it was a great day all round, even the weather didn't spoil it

[Wina G]

We had a fantastic cruise on Oceana & met some wonderful people

[Gill W]

We were on Arcadia.

We watched the DVD that we recorded last night (ours, not the P&O one)

It was certainly a great occasion, but it was a shame about the weather.

It's only slightly better today, weather wise.

[Quizzical Bob]

The weather didn't bother me. We were booked on a Red Funnel luxury excursion but instead I spent the day in hospital having a heart attack.

[Kendhni]

Sadly we missed the grand event but it is bard to believe that was a year ago

[Holiday Planner]

This time last year - on Ventura. Soggy but happy

[jacksparrow]

I was on Oriana.... the sail away, watching all the ships was brilliant even though it was wet...... Shame I cant say the same thing about the ship...