Solar Solve Marine, the UK-based manufacturer of SOLASOLV® anti glare sun shades for Cruise Ship Oriana, was contracted in April 2011 to supply 17 new sets of anti glare sun shades for the vessel’s navigation bridge windows.
The cruise ship Oriana, built at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany in 1995, originally had SOLASOLV® anti glare sun shades installed at the newbuild stage. After delivering 16 years of exceptional service, the original screens had reached the end of their operational life and required replacement—once again reinforcing confidence in the SOLASOLV® brand.
Oriana has a passenger capacity of 1,928 and operates regular cruise itineraries across the Mediterranean, Baltic Seas, and Norwegian Fjords, returning to its home port of Southampton for scheduled passenger and stores changeovers.
Survey, Specification, and Rapid Installation
Following an enquiry from the vessel’s Superintendent in March, Solar Solve dispatched a specialist survey team on a 740-mile round trip from South Shields to Southampton on 30th March. The purpose of the visit was to carry out a full bridge survey and take precise measurements for the replacement anti glare sun shades for Cruise Ship Oriana.
A complete order for replacement SOLASOLV® screens was placed just days later.
In April, a dedicated Solar Solve installation team returned to Southampton to complete the work during a tight port call window. With the vessel alongside for only 8 hours, the team efficiently installed all 17 new SOLASOLV® anti glare sun shades, each averaging over 2 metres in width and drop.
In addition to the installation, the team also removed all legacy screens and fittings from the bridge. The project was overseen by the Deputy Captain, who expressed high satisfaction with both the product quality and the installation efficiency.
Learn more about Solar Solve’s professional installation capabilities for large vessels via their marine sun shade solutions.
How SOLASOLV® Anti Glare Sun Shades Improve Cruise Ship Oriana Safety
SOLASOLV® anti glare sun shades for Cruise Ship Oriana utilise advanced multi-layer shade films, manufactured using polyester layers, specialist dyes, and a micro-layer of aluminium.
These features deliver critical operational benefits:
- Effective protection against solar glare and solar gain
- 100% clear external visibility while navigating
- Reduced eye strain, improving readability of modern bridge displays
- Significant heat rejection, helping reduce crew fatigue
- Lower reliance on bridge air-conditioning systems, reducing fuel consumption and emissions
By improving thermal comfort and visibility, SOLASOLV® anti glare sun shades support safer navigation and reduced risk of human error, particularly important on passenger vessels operating long itineraries in high-glare environments.
More insight into crew comfort and efficiency can be found in Solar Solve’s article on crew wellbeing and fatigue reduction.
Proven Reliability for Passenger Vessels
Paul Hopkins, Solar Solve’s Sales and Marketing Executive, commented:
“With the original SOLASOLV® anti glare sun shades providing such a long and reliable service, the crew on the Oriana were keen to buy from Solar Solve again. Working within a very tight schedule, our dedicated team completed in one day what would normally take two. If the new screens provide another 16 years of service, SOLASOLV® will have protected the Oriana’s bridge for over 32 years.”
This repeat order highlights Solar Solve Marine’s reputation for long-term reliability, precision engineering, and dependable service within the cruise and passenger ship sector.
Conclusion
The installation of anti glare sun shades for Cruise Ship Oriana demonstrates the long-standing trust placed in SOLASOLV® by major cruise operators. By combining proven durability, superior glare and heat reduction, and rapid installation capability, Solar Solve Marine continues to enhance navigation safety, crew comfort, and operational efficiency on passenger vessels worldwide. The Oriana’s continued reliance on SOLASOLV® stands as a testament to product quality and long-term value.
