Sailing straight from the golden age of cruise travel, this handsome pair of Nora Wellings vintage sailor dolls are brimming with nautical nostalgia. Dressed in soft navy velvet uniforms with hand-painted faces and sweet embroidered details, these charming cloth dolls were sold as onboard souvenirs on P&O’s most iconic post-war ocean liners:
 
SS ORSOVA (1954–1974)
SS ORIANA (1959–1986)
 
Each doll wears a traditional white cap bearing their ship’s name in gold thread, and blue sailor collars stitched to perfection. With expressive faces and stitched limbs, they’re the epitome of British seaside charm and souvenir craftsmanship.
 
Made by the celebrated Nora Wellings (UK), whose dolls became must-have mementos aboard ships and holiday resorts in the 1930s–60s.
 
Maker: Nora Wellings (unlabelled but identifiable style)
Date: Circa 1950s–60s
Material: Velveteen, cotton, felt, painted cloth faces
Ships Featured: SS Orsova & SS Oriana
Size: Approx 22cm tall
Condition: Good vintage condition with light age-related wear and some fading, commensurate with age (see photos)
Use: Ideal for display, collectors, maritime history fans, or vintage travel décor
A quirky and historic duo sure to make waves in any collection 🌊⚓