AN ICONIC ship is to be pulled from its fleet today.

P&O Cruises oldest ship Oriana is set to leave the fleet today.

The 1,880-passenger vessel joined the UK cruise line in 1995 and provides traditional cruising “at its best”.

But a 50-night Caribbean, Mexico and US cruise was cancelled in January due to “technical maintenance” for the ship.

PHOTOS: A look at Oriana through the years >>

A spokeswoman from P&O Cruises said: “Oriana is an original, and a much loved P&O Cruises ship.

“Whilst we will miss her, her departure will allow us to focus on our remaining mid-sized and larger ships as the fleet expands with Iona and her sister ship in 2020 and 2022 respectively.

“Those guests who have sailed on Oriana will be able to enjoy holidays on Aurora and Arcadia, both of which are exclusively for adults and have a very similar on board feel.”

The disposal of the vessel follows the company selling Adonia, a smaller ship, to rival Royal Caribbean Cruises to be operated as Azamara Pursuit for its destination-focused line Azamara Club Cruises from August.

The departure of Oriana, the smallest ship in the fleet, follows P&O Cruises ordering two large, 5,200-passenger ships.

The first ship, Iona, is due to enter service in 2020 and the second, which has not been names yet, is set to join the fleet in 2022, giving a 50 per cent raise in capacity in five years.

P&O’s Aurora is due to be refitted next spring following its relaunch as a ship for adults only.