Aurora Cruise: Expert Review (2023) (2024)

One of two adults-only ships in the P&O Cruises’ fleet (the other is Arcadia), Aurora is now approaching its 25th year of service. Yet despite the advanced years, Aurora is consistently the most popular of the line’s seven vessels, attracting a die-hard crowd of P&O Cruises’ loyalists who won’t go on any other.

At a manageable size (compared to today’s gigantic cruise ships), with just 1,910 passengers, Aurora is a ship you won’t get lost on. Deck Plans are simple to navigate, and despite sailing full, flows are such that it never felt crowded onboard, even on a sea day.

Aurora has just two specialty restaurants – the Glass House and Sindhu, both of which are excellent value (note The Beach House has an upcharge, but it’s not a restaurant, rather a space at the back of the buffet); 10 bars, again all offering great value drinks, certainly compared to land prices; and a variety of room choices, many quirky and unusual (rather than most of today’s “cookie-cutter” offerings).

Aurora’s age does show in some aspects, however, with rust patches on balconies and some decidedly dated décor, particularly in the cabin bathrooms (we’re not sure who thought sparkly salmon pink was the best color to choose, even back in 2000). And you also won’t find many of the modern fittings you get on newer ships such as USB ports or charging points by the bed.

But none of that matters when you’re on a ship with this much character, where the crew are happy, the vibe if positive and the guests are made to feel special.

It’s no wonder Aurora is the most popular ship in the P&O Cruises fleet.

Aurora’s Deck Plan is Simple to Navigate

Aurora’s deck plan is simple to navigate and is designed in such a way that even when the ship is sailing full it never feels crowded – another plus compared to some of today’s megaships, which can feel crowded even when not completely full.

Passengers sailing aboard Aurora will find a wealth of outdoor sports – quoits, archery, golf, basketball, shuffleboard and pickle ball – in the Sports Courts on the Sun Deck (Deck 13), as well as plenty of loungers.

Deck 12 is given over to two swimming pools – the outdoor Crystal Pool and Crystal Bar which adjoins the spa; and the indoor Riviera Pool, with bar. You’ll also find the Horizon Restaurant buffet up here, which includes both indoor and outdoor seating.

Decks 11-9 are given over to cabins (and the ship’s gymnasium). Deck 8 includes a clutch of new cabins which replaced the kids club during Aurora’s 2019 refit and the Lido Pool all the way aft, which is a good size and offers wake views. It’s surrounded by three deck terraces which curve round and look down to the pool, all with loungers.

The shops, the two specialty restaurants – Sindhu and The Glass House – and bars all lead off the main atrium, a gorgeous 4-deck high space with a stunning central sculpture. This is the main area for drinks, shows, live music and late-night dancing, and the deck plan is designed as such as none of these spots create noise in cabins (even in the new rooms above Carmen’s).

Aurora also has rooms such as the Uganda Room, the Library and Vanderbilt’s that are specifically designed for quiet pursuits such as cards, painting or simply curling up with a book.

There are two dining rooms – Medina, which is anytime dining; and Alexandria, which is for fixed time dining at the same table, both on Deck 6, one down from The Curzon theatre.

P&O Cruises Aurora’s Cabins Are Comfortable But Lack Mod Cons

There are 934 cabins in ten different categories, including six new(-ish) solo balcony cabins, 16 accessible cabins and a number of interconnecting cabins, as well as mini-suites and suites, including one with a baby grand piano.

The ship is approaching its 25th year, so don’t expect modern amenities like LED lights, USB ports by the bed or motion-detecting lighting, even after the 2019 refurb. What you will find however, is functional furniture and fittings, that despite their age, only show minimal wear and tear. Bed, sofas and chairs are comfortable, and as we find with older ships, wardrobe space is often more generous.

And, being an older ship, you’ll also find unusual cabins, such as insides with a living area; standard balcony with half-size bathtubs and even ocean views which look out onto passenger decks.

The balcony cabins tend to be the most popular, as well as the newer cabins added to the aft of Deck 8 where the kids club once was; cabins to avoid are the aforementioned ocean views with deck views and lower insides near public areas.

Food on P&O Cruises Aurora is of a Consistently High Quality

It’s relatively easy – and expected, as you are paying premium – to get specialty dining right on a cruise ship, but the real test is getting food in the main dining room (MDR) and buffet right and in this respect P&O Cruises Aurora succeeds – and then some. We had some of the best pies we’ve ever tasted on a ship – fabulous curries, delicious bacon, runny rather than dry poached eggs – and this is all in the buffet.

We ate in both main dining rooms during our voyage, and were very impressed with the quality, variety and generosity of cuisine aboard Aurora.

Sindhu, the specialty Indian restaurant onboard, as well as being extraordinary value for money, retains its accolade as the best Indian restaurant at sea, with a wonderful array of dishes including hand-dived scallops and spice-crusted haddock, followed by coconut prawn masala and South Indian style duck (pictured above).