CRUISE SHIP: P&O Aurora, what guests can expect

The P&O Aurora, an adults-only ship from P&O Cruises, offers guests a sophisticated and relaxed cruise experience with a focus on fine dining and entertainment. Refurbished in 2024, this 1,874-passenger vessel blends classic design with modern amenities, appealing to travellers seeking a leisurely and luxurious journey.

Guests aboard P&O Aurora can anticipate a refined, carefree cruise tailored for adults. The ship’s diverse dining, from gourmet restaurants to casual buffets, caters to all tastes, while its entertainment, including theatre shows and live music, engages a broad audience. Spacious cabins, eco-friendly updates, and a dedicated crew create a relaxed experience.

The 850-person crew fosters a warm, attentive atmosphere, with English as the primary language. The all-inclusive fare covers most dining, soft drinks, gratuities, and Wi-Fi, ensuring a seamless experience. The Oasis Spa offers a thermal suite, hydrotherapy pool, and treatments like massages, with fitness classes like yoga in a modern gym. Boutiques sell luxury goods, and Charlie’s champagne bar serves sparkling drinks. Suite guests enjoy priority boarding, daily canapés, and exclusive breakfast at Sindhu.

Reception Areas: Elegant and Welcoming

The Atrium, a four-deck space with a Lalique-inspired waterfall sculpture, accommodates guests with a bright, open design. Connecting to restaurants, bars, and shops, it serves as the ship’s social hub. The 24-hour reception desk provides efficient support for excursion bookings and onboard queries. The My Holiday app offers digital guidance for dining and activities .

Dining: Diverse and Gourmet

Aurora’s dining options include three complimentary venues and two specialty restaurants. Medina and Alexandria Restaurants on Deck 6 offer Freedom and Club Dining with English and international dishes, from seafood to vegetarian options. The Horizon Restaurant on Deck 12 provides casual buffet dining with global flavours. Sindhu serves Indian fusion cuisine, and The Glass House offers small plates with curated wines, both with a surcharge. Complimentary soft drinks, juices, and afternoon tea are included, with 24-hour room service available.

Entertainment: Engaging and Varied

The Curzon Theatre, a two-tiered venue, hosts nightly Broadway-style shows by the Headliners Theatre Company, including Killer Queen in Concert. Carmen’s Show Lounge offers cabaret and live music, transforming into a disco, while Masquerade provides quizzes by day and dancing by night. The Playhouse, a 213-seat cinema, screens recent films. The Monte Carlo Casino offers blackjack and roulette, and The Crow’s Nest provides panoramic views with live piano music. Deck activities include a golf simulator, shuffleboard, and a sports court.

Accommodation: Spacious and Comfortable

Aurora’s 962 staterooms across nine guest decks include inside cabins (150-225 square feet), sea view cabins, balcony cabins, and suites. Refurbished in 2024, cabins feature neutral tones, air conditioning, smart TVs, and tea/coffee facilities. Balcony Cabins, at 211-300 square feet, include private verandas. Mini-Suites (382 square feet) offer whirlpool baths and lounge areas, while Suites (534-937 square feet) provide butler service, Champagne on arrival, and spacious balconies. All cabins include Egyptian cotton sheets, The White Company toiletries, and daily steward service.