Orient Queen Beirut

The National
  • The Orient Queen was the first cruise liner to fly the Lebanese flag. All images courtesy Aboumehri Cruises
    The Orient Queen was the first cruise liner to fly the Lebanese flag. All images courtesy Aboumehri Cruises
  • On August 4, the cruise liner was damaged by the explosion at Beirut Port.
    On August 4, the cruise liner was damaged by the explosion at Beirut Port.
  • The Orient Queen's hotel director Vincenzo Orlandini moments after the blast in Beirut.
    The Orient Queen's hotel director Vincenzo Orlandini moments after the blast in Beirut.
  • The morning after the explosion, the Orient Queen was already sinking in the port of Beirut.
    The morning after the explosion, the Orient Queen was already sinking in the port of Beirut.
  • The Orient Queen would typically have been at sea during the summer.
    The Orient Queen would typically have been at sea during the summer.
  • The ship's summer season had been cancelled due to the economic crisis in Lebanon and the coronavirus pandemic.
    The ship's summer season had been cancelled due to the economic crisis in Lebanon and the coronavirus pandemic.
  • The luxury cruise liner could accommodate 300 passengers and 140 crew members.
    The luxury cruise liner could accommodate 300 passengers and 140 crew members.
  • Standing on the bridge with the captain as the Orient Queen sailed into port is one of Hana Abou Merhi's most cherished memories.
    Standing on the bridge with the captain as the Orient Queen sailed into port is one of Hana Abou Merhi's most cherished memories.
  • The Orient Queen from above before she sustained any damage.
    The Orient Queen from above before she sustained any damage.
  • Some of the multinational crew onboard the Orient Queen.
    Some of the multinational crew onboard the Orient Queen.
  • At an overseas port during summer cruise season.
    At an overseas port during summer cruise season.
  • Assessing the weather onboard the Orient Queen II.
    Assessing the weather onboard the Orient Queen II.
  • An ocean view room on the Orient Queen before she was damaged in the Beirut explosion.
    An ocean view room on the Orient Queen before she was damaged in the Beirut explosion.
  • A suite on the cruise liner.
    A suite on the cruise liner.
  • The Orient Queen was more than a chunk of metal to many people.
    The Orient Queen was more than a chunk of metal to many people.