Aurora was the smallest cruise liner I’d sailed on for quite some time so I was somewhat apprehensive & fully aware I’d end up comparing it to relative giants such as IotS, Azura & Ventura.

I needed not worry, our embarkation in Southampton was far quicker than the last time we boarded Ventura. I was somewhat annoyed we sailed whilst the muster drill was ongoing, I overheard numerous other passengers complaining about this also. It spoils one of the most exciting parts of the holiday and although I’m aware of the European cruiselines routinely doing this, I was disappointed to come out of our muster point to find aurora already 100 yards off her berth.

A few other points I’d made were that bar prices on the whole are okay, comparable to average UK pub prices, staff on the whole are pleasant & our cabin steward + waiters in Alexandra were more than helpful. I wasn’t sure why they never opened the roof on the crystal dome? I found it a shame considering the good weather we had. The ship has a lot of nooks & crannies which I found quite endearing. Little spots here and there where you can grab a sunbed or a quiet drink. Andersons is as nice a bar as I’ve seen on any ship, the Crows Nest is also good and very few areas on the ship give you the idea that you are on a relatively old member of the fleet. Read more