I chose this cruise as I liked the itinerary. I was dubious about going on the Aurora, but the fact that it was Adult Only helped seal the deal and the price was right.

Why was I dubious about the Aurora? This was my 3rd trip on her, my first being in 2019 just before the pandemic. My experience then was great. Good ship, lovely crew, good service and great food choices. Having experienced this in 2019 I sailed on her again in March this year. What a disappointment! you could tell immediately that things had got worse. Food wasn't great, neither was the service. I had hoped that by booking this trip might have shown that it was an isolated experience. Unfortunately not. The food situation was even worse and so was the service. I do not understand why P&O are doing this, Aurora is a great ship, people love her but if it carries on at this rate the customers will desert her, and P&O. Sadly Aurora is not the only ship I have experienced a distinct lack of quality. I sailed on Ventura in 2015 and thought it was great. Then I sailed on her in 2022, and boy had the experience deteriorated.

P&O is definitely cutting costs and corners and to me that's pretty short sighted. Perhaps they are no longer interested in loyal cruisers and want only to attract a younger audience, although the new ships Iona and Arvia are not without criticism.