New look for Aurora

P&O Aurora will be heading into dry dock on the 29^th November to the 18^th December to undergo a 26 million pounds refurbishment to bring her up to date with the new P&O signature look.

She will be ready just in time to set sail on her South America & Pacific Adventure world cruise itinerary departing January 8, 2015.

Ventura and Arcadia have already received huge multi-million pound refits last year and Azura is planned for 2015.

I think the refit can’t come soon enough, after speaking to many clients returning off P&O cruises this year many have reported back that the Aurora and Oriana particular are looking very tired and in need a of good spruce up. But will their loyal customers like what they see; here are a few snippets of what she has in store.

• Contemporary version of the Union Flag on its bow and new blue funnels with illuminated rising sun
• A complete refurbishment of the buffet restaurant with new décor
• The introduction of Freedom Dining to Medina Restaurant with more tables for two and Marco Pierre White dishes on gala evenings
• A refurbishment of the Sidewalk Café and the introduction of Costa Coffee and brand new “Grab and Go” counter, a great option for breakfast and lunch on the go
• New soft furnishings for all cabins with flat-screen TVs
• Sindhu restaurant for evening fine dining with an Indian fusion menu designed by Michelin-star celebrity chef Atul Kochhar
• The Glass House restaurant and wine bar. Available for brunch, lunch and dinner it will house wine 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
• Upgrade of all sound and light equipment in the theatre and show lounge

These upgrades all sound fantastic and although I appreciate P&O has its own British contemporary style I still feel that sometimes the fleet are falling behind a little when comparing them to Royal Caribbean, Celebrity & NCL. Many of the new features in this refurbishment include upgrades these other fleets have had on board for a few years now. I do believe the British market tread more carefully trying not to upset too many loyal past passengers. The only thing they do manage to change more often than hot dinners are their promotions and pricing structures leaving customers completely baffled, month on month!!!!!!