Ramblings of a Salty Seadog

When I joined Oriana in November 1973 we were due to set sail on a five week voyage to Australia. Everything was new to me on joining my...

It has been a very sad week for old P&O seadogs. First we hear that Sue Huggins has passed away. Although l never sailed with Sue, all I...

Arrival at the Panama Canal always involves an early start for the ship’s company. Usually arriving very early morning. For the Purser’s...

When taking up a career as a P&O Pursers officer back in the 70’s, you were not just signing up to pen push and count cash you were also...

Parts of the training to beome a Purser Cadet was contracted out by P&O.Our induction training was carried out in the basement of...

There was always great excitement on deck when two P&O ships pass by in open water. Mediterranean cruising in 1974 Nevasa passes by...

All the booze and tobacco onboard ship was duty free so on arrival in certain ports of call the main booze and tobacco storerooms would...

I would say the Purser’s office was the heart of the ship, of course the deck department and engineering department might argue...

If you remember the early days of Princess Cruises, then you will surely remember Pietro Corsi who was VP Hotel services for Princess...

When I joined SS Oriana as my first ship in 1973, I was informed that a ship was like a floating city and with almost all services...

In October 1975 Pacific Princess departed American shores and headed to the Australia and the South Pacific for the first time. At the...

My first 21 months at sea whizzed past, they were exciting and thrilling, with many new experiences and challenges. The first twelve...

Joining Oriana back in I973 as a junior assistant purser I did not realise the extent that I would be involved with entertaining the...

Having set sail on my maiden voyage as Junior Assistant Purser on Oriana in November 1973 we headed out of Southampton, after a brief...

What a treat to leave Pago Pago in America Samoa early in 1974. Flower petals are sprinkled over Oriana from the cable car as she departs...

There was always great excitement when two P&O liners passed by each other. Here we are Mediterranean cruising in the summer of 1974. Fun...