A recent maritime certification compliance with SOLAS is an increase in stability requirements. As vessels superstructures get taller they need a stable base (hull). A popular enhancement done in drydocking a modern cruise ship is the addition of balconies. This can sometimes be done by extending the stern superstructure of a vessel as was done [...]

Almost echoing the recent incident with the Costa Deliziosa in Norway, P&O’s Oriana docked in Southampton and revealed her little scrape. The dent occurred as the ship hit the quarryside in Kristiansand, Norway. She still is seaworthy and any impact to future cruises remains minimal.