Welcome to P&O Cruises UK Aurora, Where You Get A Taste For All Things British!

P&O Cruises originates from 1822, with the formation of the Peninsular & Oriental Steam Navigation Company, which began life as a partnership between Brodie McGhie Willcox, a London ship broker, and Arthur Anderson, a sailor from the Shetland Isles. The company first operated a shipping line with routes between England and the Iberian Peninsula, adopting the name Peninsular Steam Navigation Company.

In 1837, the company won a contract to deliver mail to the Peninsula, with its first mail ship, RMS Don Juan, departing from London on 1 September 1837. The ship collected mail from Falmouth four days later, however it hit rocks on the homeward bound leg of the trip. The company’s reputation survived only because all objects including mail were rescued.

P&O first introduced passenger services in 1844, advertising sea tours to destinations such as Gibraltar, Malta and Athens, sailing from Southampton. The forerunner of modern cruise holidays, these voyages were the first of their kind, and have led to P&O Cruises being recognised as the world's oldest cruise line.

Aurora is one of the oldest ships in the P&O Cruises UK fleet, Aurora was built in the year 2000 while sister ship Oriana was built in 1995. Aurora certainly has a lot to offer to anyone who decides to take a cruising vacation on her. P&O Cruises UK Aurora offers lots of cruising options including her world cruise which stopped in Sydney, Australia overnight on the 02nd and 03rd of March 2017.

P&O Cruises UK are steeped in tradition and that is why you may see so many British, Australians and International guests travelling with such a well know and established brand. For many it’s like a home away from home. You get all the creature comforts and a whole lot more all for quite a reasonable price.

Ms Aurora certainly creates a striking figure at sea with her well designed four deck tiered stern, which can be first noticed on sister ship Oriana. Also her long bow and sleek funnel are a couple of other standout features all designed with World Cruises in mind. Aurora is best known for her world cruises and has everything a cruiser could want, including world class dining, spa, salon, cinema and theatre.

Aurora is impressive and so is her four-deck atrium with a stunning 35ft sculpture of two figures veiled in water.

Great for adults.

Once you step on board Aurora you'll find everything that you need for your much anticipated journey. This includes superb dining options from the many restaurants on board some of those which will include a small surcharge to the two main restaurants which are included in your cruise fare. There are also four pools on board Aurora for your use and relaxation there’s nothing like a day at sea spent by the pool. There is also the luxurious and very well equipped spa and salon, this is where you and your loved one can spend many of your days of your voyage pampering each other.

Then there are the many cosy and stylish bars that are situated around the ship, you'll certainly never go thirsty on board Aurora. Oh and did I mention about the shopping on board, whether you need a new outfit for the formal night or just wanting to buy someone that special souvenir, there is something for everyone!

Shopping on board Aurora.

•Mayfair - offers elegant clothing for ladies and gentlemen, as well as jewellery, including our range of Pandora Jewellery, perfumes and cosmetics, souvenirs and accessories from many different designers.

Piccadilly - offers clothing, accessories, souvenirs, gifts, games and toys.

•Emporium - has everything you may need whilst on holiday from sweets and snacks to souvenirs and toiletries and other holiday essentials such as batteries and sun lotion.

Family friendly.

Aurora even offers something for the little kids and the big ones, it’s bringing the opportunity to enjoy quality time together as a family as well as being able to spend some time alone separately. From being able to do what you want to being on a schedule it’s your choice to do whatever you please. On board Aurora kids are well cited for their kids clubs on board cater from the age of 2 right up until the age of 17. P&O Cruises UK have qualified reef rangers on board to keep the kids entertained from morning to night, there is even a night nursery which age ranges from 6 months to four year olds, mind you this is also a free service.

Age groups are:

Splashers 2-4 year olds - Qualified youth staff provide a full programme of age-specific activities.

Surfers 5-8 year olds - Qualified Reef Rangers provide activities, adventure, games and sport coaching sessions.

Scubas 9-12 year olds - Children this age can either join in the organised games with the specialist Reef Rangers or simply hang out with friends in the chill out areas.

H20 13-17 year olds - Children have their own room to chill out, watch movies, play games or participate in coaching sessions, talent shows and parties.

Relaxation On Board Aurora.

Oasis spa

Did I mention about the spa omg, luxurious spaces to relax in, salon treatments and the aroma of scented oils. You can enjoy a warming and cleansing visit to the sauna and steam rooms. Or opt for the very latest in facials, manicures, pedicures, aromatherapy or massages, in one of the luxurious treatment rooms, each with a fantastic ocean view.

Some of Aurora's spa features.

Oasis spa & salon - Get ready for the evening ahead and indulge in pedicures or a manicure. Also offering hair dressing - the Spa Salon is the place to come before a glamorous night out on board Aurora.

Spa treatment rooms - Book yourself into one of the Oasis Spa treatment rooms on Aqua deck for some well-earned relaxation. Some of the treatments on offer are:

Elemis Aroma Stone Therapy - On Aurora they use heated stones to melt away your tension. Therapeutic heat is slowly released into the belly of the muscle for a completely new body experience.

Elemis pro-collagen quartz lift facial - An exceptional anti-wrinkle facial which has been independently tested with phenomenal results.

Oasis Salon

Situated midships on Lido Deck, between the Crystal and Riviera Pools, is the Oasis Health and Beauty Salon. The theme of Oasis is botanical and the aim is refreshment, relaxation and rejuvenation.

Visit the hair salon to have your hair styled for the evening, to try a new colour or even a totally new look. The Oasis Salon is all about pampering and indulging yourself.

Treatments at the salon include:

Lash and brow tinting for the lady’s or gentlemen if so desired.

A range of manicures and pedicures

Bliss waxing (brows, lip/chin, half arm, underarm, half or full leg, bikini, Brazilian, back/chest)

Hair styles and treatments including colouring and highlights

Gym and Fitness Where You Can Work Out To Your Hearts Content.

For those who may think a cruise might be boring or there might not be enough to do it’s quite easy to keep active on a ship such as Aurora. You can work out in the gym, take a spinning class, or a nice walk around deck.

On board Aurora there is the offer of a range of different fitness classes such as indoor cycling, Pilates, yoga, body sculpt boot camp and push 'n' lift which are assisted by a fitness instructor.

The gym

The gym is typically open from 8am - 8pm every day and use of the on-board gym equipment is complimentary. Equipment on board includes:

Bikes

Treadmills

Cross-trainers

Steppers

Rowing machines

Free weights

Sports Activities On Board Aurora Head to Sun deck for some sporting action.

Whether you enjoy the friendly competition of an organized tournament or prefer to play casually with your own party, short tennis, football, cricket and basketball are just some of the options available in Aurora's Sports Court. Securely enclosed in netting, you can perfect your swing as you sail on to the next course with Golf nets. Clubs and balls are provided, or you can use your own.

Aurora's entertainment options means that there is always something to do and see.

There’s never a dull moment on board Aurora, when it comes to entertainment and things to do there’s something for everyone.

See below some examples of the kind of entertainment you'll find included in the price of your holiday.

Dazzling West End style performances in theatre

Comedy shows

Cabaret

Live music, piano recitals and tribute bands

Night clubs

Dance classes

Pub quizzes

Sea day activities

With a range of activities taking place throughout the day, you’ll struggle to fit everything in. Take a look below for some examples of activities you could enjoy on board.

Dance classes - take place on all cruises with 7 or more days at sea and are hosted by coupled dance instructors. A variety of complimentary dance lessons are available with the main type of dance offered being ballroom and Latin. It may be possible to arrange 1 to 1 tuition; any charges generated from this would be at the instructor's discretion. Everyone is welcome regardless of experience.

Guest speakers - will be on board cruises of 7 nights or more (if over 20 night duration - 2 speakers share the cruise).

Deck quoits

Shuffleboard

Watercolour art - classes take place on all cruises with 6 or more days at sea. Art materials can be purchased on board or you may bring your own art materials to participate in the classes.

Bridge - classes hosted by an instructor will take place on all cruises with 7 or more days at sea.

Language classes - a language instructor teaching Spanish will feature on Round the World Cruises only. However the language and times are subject to change. Full information, including any associated costs, times and locations will be available on-board.

Poolside snacks, Where You Can Snack to Your Hearts Content, its where swimming and lounging around on the pool deck can be hard work there’s plenty of options to choose from.

Lido grill – Unlike P&O Cruises Australia everything available at the lido grill on Aurora is free and included in your cruise fare.

Sidewalk Café – Help yourself and enjoy light snacks from the ‘Grab and Go' counter this is also included in your cruise fare.

Poolside Ice Cream – From Jude’s ice cream bar on board Aurora where there is a multitude of flavours to choose from. There is a nominal fee involved.

Specialty Restaurants On Board Aurora, Where You Can Eat Some Of The Best Food Going Round For A Nominal Fee.

Sindhu

Atul's restaurant, Sindhu, will showcase an elegant fusion of Indian and British cuisine featuring sublime flavours.

Enjoy a menu inspired by Atul Kochhar. His Soft Shell Crab and Squid Salad in particular is sure to be a favorite. Guests will also be able to order from a lighter menu for a more informal bite to eat, or sample one of Atul's exotic cocktails from the equally chic bar.

The Beach House.

Fun and informal, The Beach House is a great option for families.

Located in the buffet restaurant during the evening, The Beach House offers great ocean views to go along with a casual menu of grills and seafood. When the sun is shining, there’s also the opportunity to sit outside on the terrace.

The Glass House

If you enjoy a glass of wine with your meal you'll want to visit The Glass House.

On the venue's signature menu every course comes with the option of a different glass of wine, matched by our expert, Olly Smith. With a handsomely stocked wine cellar and mouth-watering daytime and evening menus, The Glass House is a relaxed, informal haven of good food and fine wine. What's more, selected bottles are available by the glass, so there's no need to order the whole bottle to sample a particular vintage.

Afternoon Tea The Tradition Continues!

On Board Aurora every single day you are able to sample traditional cruising at its best. With the Classic English Afternoon tea it’s something never to be missed!

For a once in a life time experience you can spoil yourself to a classic English afternoon tea, served daily in the two main restaurants. You can enjoy a selection of finger sandwiches, delicious cakes and of course the all-important scone topped with clotted cream and jam, all served alongside a pot of tea or coffee.

This is certainly an experience of a life time, with many Australians who have decided to take a P&O Cruises UK cruise, just so that they can sample this and see what all the fuss is all about because know body does it better than the British !

Main dinning Where You Can Enjoy Some of the Finest Dinning At Sea.

Freedom Dining at the Medina Restaurant. Similar to [Anytime Dinning].

Like to escape the usual routine on holiday? Then you’ll love the flexibility of Freedom Dining. Opt for an early dinner one night and a late supper the next; you can shape each day as you please.

With Freedom Dining you'll still enjoy the special ambience and sociable atmosphere of a main dining room, with a five-course menu (six-course on Gala Nights). The difference from Club Dining is that this option allows you the flexibility to turn up at selected restaurants anytime you choose between 6pm and 9.30pm, with whom you like, and every effort will be made to accommodate you. Freedom Dining is included in your fare when you book a Select Price. Just opt for it when making your Select Price booking.

Alexandria Restaurant.

Club Dining at the Alexandria Restaurant. Similar to [Traditional Dinning].

Choose a particular Club Dining seating and you’ll dine at the same time and table each night and enjoy the same company. It’s the way many a friendship has been made on board.

With Club Dining you'll enjoy the special ambience and sociable atmosphere of the main dining room, and a five-course menu (six-course on Gala Nights). This style of dining is a wonderful way to share your holiday experiences and meet new friends.

By choosing Club Dining you’re opting for the cruising tradition of set sitting times. The same table will be reserved for you and your table companions every night for first or second sitting, at 6.30pm or 8.30pm. You can request your preferred sitting when you book a Select Price and P&O Cruises UK inform you of your table number and sitting with a card in your cabin when we welcome you on board.

Welcome To Your Home Away From Home With Stunning Accommodation Options On Board Aurora.

Aurora caters to everyone’s likes and tastes, especially if you’re from Brittan and looking for that slice of home that we all crave for when on a vacation or cruise. Aurora has inside cabins, balcony cabins and spacious and luxurious suites.

Whether you’re on a world cruise or just doing a sector of a world cruise, Aurora has a cabin to cater to anyone’s needs.

All the cabins on Aurora are air-conditioned and well thought-out and designed, it’s to give you as much space as possible and to help you unwind and relax for the long journey ahead.

All of the balcony cabins have a sitting area so you and your loved one can enjoy the fresh sea air and take in the spectacular views offered while cruising.

All cabins on board Aurora feature Egyptian cotton sheets, free tea & coffee making facilities, refrigerator, hairdryer, safe, in-cabin television and good sized en-suite bathrooms with toiletries pack.

As standard practice with many other cruise lines you will also have a personalized room steward who will be able to help you with anything you may require once you’re on board the ship.

There is no cost for this, as funny as it seems you will be surprised on how many people ask if there is a fee or not involved for their services.

This Review was written by: Brian Gaskin of www.australiancruisingnews.com.au The HOME Of Australian Cruising!

Photos credit: Brian Gaskin of www.australiancruisingnews.com.au The HOME Of Australian Cruising!