Fast Facts
Launched: 2000.
Tonnage: 76,000.
Speed: 24 knots.
Number of passengers: 2,000 at double occupancy.
Crew: 850.
Staterooms: 937, the majority of which are outside.
Where she cruises: The Mediterranean, Europe, the Caribbean, and world cruises.
Overview
Now in her eleventh year of service, Aurora is an traditional mid-sized cruise ship with an unusual multi- tiered stern. Purposely designed as a classic ocean going liner, she offers a quintessential British-style cruising experience enjoyed by an older clientele.
Who Should Go?
Couples, families during school holidays.
Things You Might Not Know
Aurora has a stunning Lalique-inspired waterfall as the primary centrepiece in her atrium. Her staterooms have standard British-style 3-pin sockets with 220 volts.
Staterooms
There are many types of accommodation on this ship to choose from, and to suit all budgets, with standard features including a television and telephone, hairdryer, refrigerator, tea and coffee making facilities, and a vanity/writing desk and chair. There are 284 inside staterooms of just under 14 square metres in size, with picture mirrors and two lower beds which can covert to a double. The decor is simply elegant with white walls, touches of warm wood, blue and gold drapes and carpeting, and cushions adding a touch of colour. Outside staterooms without balconies total 249, and are of the same size and have the same amenities as their inside counterparts, with the addition of a picture window.
The remainder of staterooms, 404 in total, are made up of balcony staterooms, 18 mini suites and 10 suites including two two-level penthouses. Balcony cabins some in standard or deluxe versions, with the former being around just over 19.5 square metres, and the latter at just under 23 square metres. In addition to standard features, balcony staterooms have floor-to-ceiling glass doors leading to a balcony with a table and chairs. The decor of standard balcony staterooms is light walls, warm wood, red and gold carpets and sofa, and gold drapes. Deluxe balcony staterooms are similar with splashes of green and purple.
The suites are very spacious with a range of additional facilities including whirlpool baths, an iron, ironing board and trouser press, and a DVD player. Mini Suites are just under 35.5 square metres in size with a warm decor of white and biscuit and honey colours, and have a separate sitting area with a sofa and chairs, while suites have a lavish decor of cream, gold and red, with a sitting area, dining table and chairs, a coffee machine, butler service, and they are just over 48 square metres in size. The penthouse suites also have butler service and a baby grand piano; the lower level is around 53.5 square metres with a guest cloakroom, with a spiral staircase leading to a bedroom with a walk-in dressing area at 33.5 square metres in size.
Facilities and Entertainment
Aurora has plenty to keep its guests busy or not as they choose. For those who like to be active there are three pools and several whirlpools, a small fitness centre, a spa, and a golf simulator with nets. Aurora is also a walker and jogger’s dream with its broad, teak promenade deck.
Of the 12 bars and lounges on board, the Crow’s Nest is a popular watering hole boasting great views, while Champions sports bar and casino is the place to try your luck. And with its wood panelled walls, the elegant Anderson’s is the place to chill with an after dinner cocktail.
By night entertainment includes watching recent release movies at the Playhouse Cinema, dancing at the Masquerade Nightclub, and Broadway stye shows and reviews at the Curzon Theatre. For kids, there are children’s programs including two dedicated facilities – one for toddlers, the other for tweens - and there’s a babysitting service to give the grown-ups a break or a night off.
Dining
Traditional dining, called Club Dining, is the norm on this ship with early and late seatings in two main dining rooms, Medina and Alexandria. A flexible alternative to this is Select Dining in Café Bordeaux and The Pennant Grill, which attracts a small cover charge but allows you to dine when and with whom you choose. The high profile alternative restaurant on Aurora is Café Bordeaux, headed up by the three-star Michelin chef Marco Pierre White, a lovely bistro offering an elegant, classic Italian dining experience.
The Low Down
Aurora has a slightly dated design when compared to some of its newer counterparts, and although its decor is simple without much of a wow factor, she does, however, have a lot of outdoor deck space making her ideal for longer cruises.
More information
Visit www.pocruises.com
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