Oriental Dragon
Oriental Dragon Review and Specifications
Specifications of Oriental Dragon
| Year built | 1972 / Age : 47 |
| Flag state | Panama |
| Builder | Wartsila Marine Perno Shipyard (Turku, Finland) |
| Owner | Zann Corporation |
| Operator | Capital Dragon Global Holding |
| Speed | 21 kn / 39 kph / 24 mph |
| Length (LOA) | 172 m / 564 ft |
| Beam (width) | 24 m / 79 ft |
| Gross Tonnage | 18455 gt |
| Passengers | 542 - 600 |
| Crew | 350 |
| Passengers-to-space ratio | 23 |
| Decks | 8 |
| Cabins | 208 |
| Decks with cabins | 8 |
| Last Refurbishment | 2011 |
| Sister-ships | Song of Norway (2013 scrapped as Formosa Queen), Nordic Prince (2015 scrapped as Ocean Star Pacific) |
| Former names | Sun Viking (Royal Caribbean), Superstar Sagittarius (Star Cruises), Pongnae, Omar III, Long Jie |
Review of Oriental Dragon
The luxury cruise ship Oriental Dragon was originally named "Sun Viking" and ordered by Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. The ship entered service for the first time in 1972. Today, Oriental Dragon is owned by Capital Dragon Global Holding company (subsidiary of Zann Corporation-ZNNC) and operated by Hong Kong-based Island Shipmanagement Ltd.
History - construction and ownership
The 18,455-ton, 882-passenger cruise ship Oriental Dragon has two sisterships - Song of Norway (built 1970, scrapped in 2013 as "Formosa Queen") and Nordic Prince (built 1971, scrapped in 2015 as Ocean Star Pacific), all built with planned Caribbean cruise programs. Launched in 1972 as "Sun Viking" (for RCI-Royal Caribbean), vessel's name was changed several times - Sun Viking (1972-1998), Superstar Sagittarius (1998 for Star Cruises), Pongnae (1998-2003 for Hyundai Cruises), Omar III (2003-2007), Long Jie (2007-2011) and Oriental Dragon (since 2011).
In 1998, RCI sold Sun Viking to Star Cruises. In 2003, the liner (renamed Hyundai Pongnae) was chartered by Hyundai Merchant Marine (part of Hyundai Group, South Korea), then renamed "Omar III" and chartered to Asia Cruises. Renamed to Long Jie in 2007, in 2010 the vessel was put up on sale. After the drydock in Singapore (Sembawang Shipyard), the cruise ship was renamed to "Oriental Dragon". On March 24, 2011, the vessel left Singapore for Nansha-Guangzhou (China).
Cruise itinerary program
Oriental Dragon itinerary program is based on Pacific Asia cruises with roundtrip departures from Hong Kong. The scenic harbor cruising along Victoria Harbour is another shortbreak option.
Shipboard facilities and activities
Guests can enjoy different kinds of Chinese dishes during an Oriental Dragon Cruise. The restaurant provides free buffet for breakfast, dinner, and late night meal. Besides, à la carte and tailor-made specialties are also offered.
The ship features both the Chinese palace style and the Western classical cultural elements. Long Jie was transferred to a Chinese company and used as casino ship. Guest enjoy on board entertainment facilities such as spa, fitness center, karaoke rooms, water park, bar lounges.