Aurora Review
Rating by category
Additional details
Some key points before the full review:
This was our first cruise with P&O, we had cruised twice previously with Cunard - this compared very favourably. On Cunard ships there seemed to be a 'Ball' every night and there were less formal opportunities to ballroom dance on this cruise if that was your thing but we don't so it didn't bother us. There was ball room dancing going on in Carmens in the afternoon and some evenings.
Cruise passengers are often elderly and/or with limited mobility - this can be frustrating at times but we will all be there eventually! Whether elderly or not most are very friendly and considerate but as always, anywhere, there are some who annoy.
Cabin Review
Cabin A175, a balcony with a comfortable double bed on deck 11. Smart and clean. Amazing storage with neat cupboards with mirrors, lots of hanging and drawer space, small table, TV, two seater settee and good dressing table space. Not quite enough hangers for me but I had taken a few extra. I would say it is worth taking a dozen extra if you like to hang lots of tops as well as trousers and dresses, I also took some skirt hangers which was helpful. I was told by another guest that you only have to ask and your steward would get some wire ones for you. The cases went inside the wardrobe, one inside the other then flat against the wall of the inside section. This cabin had occasional noise from above but not such that we were frequently disturbed. The cabin was 50 feet from a launderette which did not disturb us but which was really useful when we wanted to use the facility. Planning your time to do the washing and taking your own powder cubes with built in softener could mean you would bring everything home clean. The machines and tumble dryers are easy to use and efficient. Only one 13 amp standard British socket was in the cabin so a bank of extra sockets on an extension lead was really useful.
Bathroom, again with great storage and neat little bath with shower over. Good, large containers of toiletries provided, shampoo, separate conditioner, moisturiser, and shower gel in the shower. Full range of towels, flannels etc. No dressing gowns as but I knew that and took ours which were able to hang on the inside of the bathroom door. Tea and coffee making facilities with biscuits were a nice touch. Wine glasses were provided and two bottles of water were in the fridge. I took ready mixed gin & tonic tins and a bottle of PLJ lemon juice to have each evening before leaving the cabin.
Balcony - this room had a sheltered balcony with a glass fronted section. There were two teak chairs with thick padded cushions and a small table. Very comfortable and pleasant to sit out on. Going into Venice this balcony provided the perfect place to watch and take photos rather than the crush on top.