We chose this cruise specifically because it was promoted as just that: a music festival at sea. Not everyone on board knew that. Which did, in the event, cause some grumbles.

Embarcation was fine. On this occasion we had booked a higher grade which did reduce the waiting. Our cabin was a mini suite which we had chosen because, having travelled on this ship once before, we knew it to be of a good size, design and decoration. If you think that you will use your cabin for more than just sleeping in, then we believe that in this ship the considerable extra expense is worth it. But it is does cost a lot more.

On Aurora you can chose between one of two seatings for dinner, or freedom dining. We chose the latter and after a few initial delays by way of queues and non-working bleeper things, it worked out quite well, with little more than a few minutes wait before being assigned to a table. The service and food was on the whole good given the numbers to be catered for. Some people might prefer having the same waiter throughout the cruise. But overall we enjoyed the food and the company, different each evening. Read more