Overall Score

BERLITZ'S RATING
	Possible	Achieved
Ship	500	422
Accommodation	200	161
Food	400	271
Service	400	307
Entertainment	100	81
Cruise	400	298

How this score is created

Aurora is named after the goddess of the dawn in Greek, Melanesian and Slav­onic mythologies. Or perhaps the carnation Dianthus Aurora. Or it could be the famous Northern and Southern Lights, aurora borealis and aurora australis. At any rate, it was built specifically for Britain’s growing traditional cruise market.

As ships evolve, slight differences in layout occur, as is the case with Aurora compared to earlier close sister Oriana. One big difference can be found in the addition of a large, magrodome-covered indoor/outdoor swimming pool (good in all weathers). The stern superstructure is nicely rounded and has several tiers that overlook the aft decks, pool and children’s outdoor facilities. There is a good amount of open deck and sunbathing space, an important plus for the outdoors-loving mainly British passengers. There is an extra-wide wrap-around promenade deck outdoors, with plenty of white (plastic) sunloungers (cushioned pads are available).

The ship’s interiors are gentle, welcoming and restrained, with warm colors and combinations that don’t clash. The public rooms and areas have been designed in such a way that each room is individual, and yet there appears to be an open, yet cohesive flow throughout all of the public areas – something difficult to achieve when a number of designers are involved. There is good horizontal passenger flow, and wide passageways help to avoid congestion. Very noticeable are the fine, detailed ceiling treatments.

As it is a ship for all types of people, specific areas have been designed to attract different age groups and lifestyles. The focal point is a four-decks-high atrium lobby and a dramatic, calming, 35-ft (10.6-meter) high, Lalique-style sculpture (it’s actually made of fiberglass) of two mythical figures behind a veil of water. At the top of the atrium is the ship’s library.

The carpeting throughout is of an ex­cellent quality, much of it custom designed and made of long-lasting 100% wool. Original artworks by British artists include several tapestries and sculptures. For a weird experience, try standing on the midships staircase and look at the oil on canvas paintings by Nicholas Hely Hutchinson – they are curved – this has a dramatic effect on one’s ability not to be seasick while cruising through the Bay of Biscay.

Other features include a virtual reality games room, 12 lounges/bars (among the nicest are Anderson’s – similar to Anderson’s aboard Oriana, with a fireplace and mahogany paneling, and the Crow’s Nest – complete with a lovely one-sided model of one of P&O’s former liners: Strathnaver of 1931, scrapped in Hong Kong in 1962. There is also a cinema that doubles as a concert and lecture hall.

There are special facilities and rooms for children and teens. Toybox is the playroom for 2–5 year olds, Jumpin’ Jack’s for 6–9 year olds, Quarterdeck for 10–13 year olds, and Decibels for 14–17 year olds. and a whole deck outdoors to play on (swimming pools and whirlpools included just for the youngsters). Children and teens have “Club Aurora” programs with their own rooms and their own outdoor pool. Children can be entertained until 10pm, which gives parents time to have dinner and go dancing. All cabins also have a baby-listening device. A night nursery for small children (ages 2–5) is available (6pm–midnight, no charge; from midnight to 2am there is a charge), as well as slumber parties for 6–9 year olds, In addition, 16 passenger cabins have interconnecting doors – good for families with children (or maid). Note that at peak holiday times (summer, Christmas, Easter) there could be 400 or more children on board. However, the ship absorbs them well, and the children’s programming helps keep them occupied.

The library has several writing desks, large leather audio listening chairs, a good range of hardback books (and a librarian), and skillfully crafted inlaid wood tables. On the second day of almost any cruise, however, it will have been almost stripped of books by word-hungry passengers. The library also sells some nautical books. An internet-connect center is located on the port side, aft of the popular Crow’s Nest observation lounge (but sending emails can prove expensive).

In this ship, P&O Cruises has improved on the facilities of older sister ship Oriana, with larger cabins and suites and with more dining options and choice of public areas. Aurora provides a decent, standardized cruise experience – good value for the money – for its mainly British passengers (of all dialects) and may be ideal for those who don’t want to fly to join a cruise, as the ship sails from Southampton. Each year, the Aurora undertakes an around-the-world cruise; this is excellent value for money.

However, in the quest for more onboard revenue (and shareholder value), even birthday cakes now cost extra, as do espressos and cappuccinos (fake ones, made from instant coffee, are available in the dining rooms). Also at extra cost are ice creams, and bottled water (this can add up to a considerable amount on an around-the-world cruise). The onboard currency is the British pound. For gratuities, you should typically allow £3.50 ($5.25) per person, per day.

A fine British brass band send-off accompanies all sailings. Other touches include church bells that sound throughout the ship for the interdenominational Sunday church service. A coach service for passengers embarking or disembarking in Southampton covers much of the UK. Car parking is available (one rate for undercover parking, one rate for an open compound).

The ship’s layout is a little disjointed in certain places, and there are several dead-ends and some poor signage. The reception desk’s opening hours (7am–8pm) are too short. Shuttle buses, once provided in the various ports, are no longer free when provided (except on the around-the-world cruise). Standing in line for embarkation, disembarkation, shore tenders, and for self-serve buffet meals is an inevitable aspect of cruising aboard all large ships. “Cashless Cruising” doesn’t include tips (for an around-the-world cruise, this means carrying more than $750 in cash).

The final word: Aurora is the new Canberra, and there will typically be lots of smokers aboard.

Berlitz Guide © Apa Publishing 2008