SHIPS GET IN SHAPE FOR UK MARKET
IN A flurry of floating design activity, P&O has revealed the plans for its brand-new cruise ship the Oriana, while Cunard has announced a £30m facelift to the QE2, aimed at re-establishing an edge over other luxury cruise ships.
The Oriana, a 67,000-tonne superliner, is aimed squarely at the British cruise market, with designs and theming reflecting the UK's long cruising history.
However, the company has gone to Germany for the shipbuilding and has appointed Swedish marine architect Robert Tillberg responsible for overall style, and Norwegian Petter Yran for the design of passenger and officer cabins.
The UK's John McNeece is designing the public areas and two UK art consultants have been employed to oversee the commissioning of sculptures and paintings from British artists. Around 3,000 pictures are planned for the 914-cabin liner - more than the total number in London's National Gallery.
McNeece, who is designing the Pacific Lounge, a nightclub, a pub, casino, bar and two main shops on the cruise ship, says the colour scheme will be "distinctive and bold".
Tillberg, who has designed several cruisers for P&O, says the difference with the Oriana will be "the emphasis on space and openness".
The Oriana is set to launch in April 1995.
McNeece is also involved in another joint design venture on cruise ships with London's MET Studio. The aim is to retain the "wow" factor of Britain's best-known luxury liner, Cunard's QE2, and bring the 27-year-old cruiser up to date.
All the public areas and every single cabin will be refurbished in a more contemporary style, during a 25-day break from cruising this November. A pub will also be added to the on-board facilities.
