Oriana

Premier Ship Models have recently completed a custom build for the Oriana Cruise Ship, based on our existing bespoke model which you can view here: Oriana Model Ship – Premier Ship Models

The original Oriana was constructed by Vickers Armstrong in 1959 and was launched in 1959 by Princess Alexandra. Oriana first appeared as an Orient Line ship with a soft yellow hull, before being absorbed into the P&O group in 1966 and being repainted white.

She served as a full-time cruise ship from 1973 to 1986, where she was retired and subsequently sold to become a floating hotel and tourist attraction, first Japan and then in China. The Oriana served as a floating museum in Beppu, Ōita, from 1987, but this proved unsuccessful, and so she was sold to Chinese interests in 1995, before being heavily damaged in a storm in 2004. The ship was eventually dismantled in 2005, but a decade earlier, the name Oriana had been assigned to the P&O cruise ship, MV Oriana (which is now called the MV Piano Land). This particular custom model is based on the latter.

The new Oriana was entered into service in 1995 and was named by Queen Elizabeth II. The ship was the first designed specifically for the British cruise market. With a gross tonnage of 69,153, and a length of 260 metres, she retains her status as one of the largest cruise ships today.

In August 2019, Oriana was sold to the newly-formed Chinese cruise line Astro Ocean and renamed Piano Land.

This model was to be handcrafted with timber and fibre glass, with various accessories and details 3D-printed using ABS resin. Finally, the entire project would be brought together with chrome detailing added by hand.

This particular project was done for private clientele; therefore, we cannot go into too much detail., They were, however, extremely happy with the transparency we displayed throughout the build itself, as well as the clear and concise steps we outlined prior to the beginning of the project.

The client was also thrilled with the speed at which we delivered the model, as well as the build quality in its entirety.

Almost completely handcrafted from wood, this model was to measure in at 106 centimetres in length. With chrome detailing and fibre glass fittings, it was to be complete with a highly-detailed exterior, a beautiful and accurate paint scheme and a sturdy base for extra support. The Oriana would have no interior or internal mechanisms or lighting, but the deck would be fully fleshed out with every intricacy possible.

The build time was scheduled at 7 months, and payment would be split as so: a 50% deposit at the start, 30% once the model was almost finished, and the final 20% commencing the delivery date.

Included in the price was also a highly damage-resistant wooden packing box, to ensure the model’s fidelity during transport, making sure it received no damage in the delivery process.

Our model rendition of the Oriana was made entirely by hand, and so it was composed of timber, chrome detailing, acrylic and fibre glass.

Prior to any actual construction, we ensured agreements were made between ourselves and the client to guarantee everything was clear. Dimensions, details and aesthetics needed to be established, as well as the financial side of things, and of course a schedule.

We always start with the hull, as this is the basis for any ship. The same is usually true for any model, and so the hull is measured precisely to fulfil the specific requirements. Subsequently, the foundations for the upper deck were made, with smaller wooden planks being placed on the flanks of the ship, and they eventually lined the top of the ship, concealing the interior reinforcements. Subsequent additions were made, with the base for the stack and the bridge.

The next steps were painting the hull, deck and more miscellaneous details, as well as fitting the ship with some of the chrome detailing. The base of the hull was painted a clean and light blue, with the upper remainder being a deep red, and the deck was adorned in a light brown wood, with the majority being white. Blue was added for the swimming pool, green for the small sports pitch and a crisp yellow for the stack.

With the build coming to a close, the model was brushed up and cleaned, windows were painted and the decals ‘P&O’ and ‘Oriana’ were added, finalising the building process.

The client was beyond pleased with the final result, and they were thoroughly impressed with the level of detail we had managed to incorporate. Shipping and delivery went off without a hitch, and now they can display their model proudly!

It was a joy to work on another custom cruise ship model, and now we eagerly look forward to our next projects!