Aurora, a much loved ship, with a 26 Million pound refit plan

  The best thing about this refit is that she’s not going to have any cabins added. She will retain her current size, remaining a mid sized ship.

In years to come we’ll see make overs on all the P&O fleet with the new livery design. The first ship in the fleet to receive the bold new livery design is the Aurora. What does it mean? She will have a contemporary version of the Union Flag on its bow and new blue funnels with illuminated rising sun designs. It has been said the Aurora will have a  £26 million pound make-over this winter.

She launched in 2000 and only been refurbished in 2009. If you’ve been on the Aurora recently you wouldn’t think she was in need of a refit but the cruising industry must be at number one for amount of money spent on refurbishments and in such short period of time between them. These are massive investments that are seen as part of cruise lines ongoing commitment to ensure continuous improvement of ships and consistency across the fleet. The refurbishment will take place November 29 to December 18 in Hamburg, ahead of its Christmas and New Year cruise and before the South America & Pacific Adventure world cruise itinerary departing January 8, 2015.

She will have some very exciting introductions and improvements. As well as the brand new livery design, she have the introduction of branded restaurants and wine displays by the famous Olly Smith. As well as new cabin furnishing and throughout different areas including the Casino, buffet restaurant, Sidewalk Café, children’s club, brand new Spa, extensive shop refurbishment program and upgrade of all sound and light equipment we will see some great new additions.

We will have the introduction of Costa Coffee and brand new “Grab and Go” counter, a great option for breakfast and lunch on the go. The introduction of Freedom Dining to Medina Restaurant with more tables for two and Marco Pierre White dishes on gala evenings. And in the evening, The Beach House menu replaces the Pennant Grill menu to include family favourites such as Fillet of Beef on Lava Rock.

The most exciting introduction of all is the famous and much loved Sindhu Indian restaurant by Michelin-star celebrity chef Atul Kochhar , currently found on the Ventura and the Azura. This will offer her guests evening fine dining which will replace the library on deck 8. The library will relocate to cyb@study space adjacent to the Crow’s Nest on deck 13.  Always handy if you haven’t got a kindle.  Although i personally wouldn’t miss the library at all, Kindles are the new way forward for me. If you haven’t got one, it’s a great investment and a great present for your Christmas list. It’s a shame P&O haven’t thought of replacing the traditional library with kindle technology.

Also the Glass house Restaurant is replacing Café Bordeaux on deck 8. It will be available for a more casual brunch, lunch and dinner and it’s here that connoisseurs can enjoy the displays and wines selected by expert and TV presenter Olly Smith. Enomatic wine systems allow passengers to buy premium wines by the glass. There will also be a private room for wine tastings and dinners.

 With such big plans in renovation, i can’t wait to see the Aurora!!