The Baltic Sea cruise was a good value for money, and relaxing as a whole. This was my second time on Aurora, though the ship had gone through a refit and converted to an adults only vessel since my last trip, so there were some changes in layout. Embarkation went very smoothly, and we were directed to our muster station on arrival getting the check in instantly out of the way. The small cabin was cozy, and we slept well (with the exception of a storm day). The cabin steward was efficient, though not as sociable as some I have had. We had Freedom Dining, which was in the Medina Restaurant. We found all of the serving staff friendly and attentive. My wife took several art and craft classes on board which were held in the Crow's Nest area. The teachers were really knowledgeable and helpful. The Crow's Nest itself had good views of the surrounding seas and was a very relaxing retreat. The Lido deck and the area around the Horizon buffet restaurant were busy, but not generally crowded. The buffet was fairly good in choice and a great grab and go breakfast option on excursion days. We took five ship arranged excursions, including one accessible tour. These were well organised, informative, and reasonable in price for what we got. Disability assistance on the gangways and on the coached was very good. The Lido Grill was limited, but the veggie burger option was good. General maintenance of the ship was good, though there were some issues with the accessible toilet doors near the Horizon on a couple of occasions. Sea and weather conditions were such that the two Danish ports on the itinerary were cancelled, and an extra sea day (through a storm) was substituted as well as a port call in Cherbourg, France. On short notice, no excursions were arranged for Cherbourg, though free shuttle busses were put on.
Cabin on Deck 8 is small but cozy. Access is a bit far from the lifts as it is the last inside cabin forward on the deck. While on the same deck as several public spaces such as the Playhouse and Raffle's Bar, it is not easily accessed owing to a set of stairs which required me (as a mobility aid user) to go to the lift go down a deck, move midships and then come back up to these spaces. Able-bodied individuals can of course use the stairs. The bed was comfortable, and the steward kept the room very clean. A single British plug point is over the desk, and while there is also a kettle, no tea or coffee were at first placed in the room. The safe was a good size and very straight forward to use. The cabin being above the stage of the Curzon Theatre did give some noise, though this was in my opinion more like low ambient music rather than a annoyance.