Aurora 2006 Cruise Review

P&O Cruises UK

A Carnival Corp Company

Aurora

2006 World Cruise Review with Cruise’n’Travel Journalist - Reuben Goossens

MS Aurora – Ships Photographer - Used with permission

Photographs throughout this review are by the author and Mr. Hun-Eng Tan. There are several images obtained from the ships photographer and these will be noted below the image, as seen above.

This cruise review of Aurora has replaced my earlier review of my experience on Aurora’s maiden Round the World Cruise in 2001. This time I enjoyed the San Francisco to Sydney sector, thus this review related to my cruise experience five years after my first experience on Aurora. During these five years I have to say, there have been many changes, most of which are sadly due to Carnival Corp’s influence on P&O Cruises UK.

Introduction - Does size matter?

Cruising is the fastest growing sector in the travel and leisure market around the world. In order to compete with one another, cruise companies are building larger ships than their rivals. Cunard Line, another Carnival Corp company, up to 2005 had the largest passenger liner ever built, the Queen Mary II which is a massive 150,000 GRT (gross registered tons). However, Royal Caribbean International Cruises have now launched their new mega cruise ship, being the 158,000 ton MV Freedom of the Seas, which has now become the largest passenger ship ever built. But, the question begs, when will the competition, or better said the madness of “mine is bigger than yours” mentality stop. Some of these massive ships accommodate over 4,000 passengers, which means you may well be going on a holiday with the very crowd, you might be escaping from. Are bigger ships really the way of the future, or an improvement of a cruise vacation? Personally, I say NO! The size of today’s bigger than big ships stem from the American (Carnival Cruises) psyche, which really says it all!

During the great days of passenger liners, a ship was considered large between 20,000 to 40,000 GRT, whilst Cunard’s SS Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth, the American SS United States and other great ships of their day were considered as huge. Today a ship of 40,000 GRT is spoken of as being small, those between 60,000 to 80,000 are a medium size, and so on.

The Australian P&O cruise ships, such as Pacific Star is 35,000 GRT and Pacific Sun 46,000 GRT. They carry respectively 1,800 & 1,400 passengers, which is a crowd for their size to say the least. However, Australia’s favourite cruise ship is the Pacific Princess, which is considered a small ship at 40,000 GRT, but she accommodates just 600 passengers, making her one of the finest cruise ships around..

Many regular cruise passengers prefer to sail on today’s medium sized ships, ranging from 60,000 to 80,000 tons. Two of these are P&O’s 1995 built 69,153 GRT MV Oriana, and the 2000 built 76,000 GRT MV Aurora. These two ships offer the best in British style cruising! For their size, they have an intimate feel which combined with their elegant classic and modern interiors a style that English ships are famous for. Without doubt, I consider both Oriana and Aurora as the finest cruise ships around today, perfect in size and both retain ocean going traditions, which, sadly is lost with the mega ships (floating hotels) built today.

The author in Crows Nest – photograph by Mr Hun-Eng Tan

Oriana 2005 to Aurora 2006

It stands to reason, that a comparison will be made between my two cruises on Oriana and Aurora. On Oriana I sailed from Brisbane to Southampton, whilst on Aurora I sailed from San Francisco to Sydney. Both ships have heir own special features. Without doubt, Oriana is a smart, casual ship, with bright yet elegant interiors. Aurora is more formal with its classic interiors. Which ship is the better? It is simply a matter of choice. For further details read my Final Comments (another link located at bottom of the page).

Boarding Aurora

Aurora berthed in San Francisco – February 26, 2005

Boarding in San Francisco was from the wharf Having to walk up via a traditional metal gangplank entering the ship at reception on Formosa Deck (Deck 5) being the lower level of the Atrium. Having found my own way to my cabin on Formosa Deck #F215, being an outside cabin located portside and amidships, which proved ideal in many ways. I the past, as I did on Oriana last year, I always book LG grade, which is an outside cabin on Devanha Deck (Deck 8). Soon enough, our Indian cabin steward, Mineer, knocked on the door smiling ear to ear and showed me and my travelling companion, Mr. Hun-Eng Tan, where everything was located.

As on my first cruise on her back in 2001, I remember that her interiors are as you would expect from a P&O ship, having a pleasant décor and is generally well maintained.

Aurora has a vast array of lounges, bars and other facilities, all of which are described below and the photo pages. This teview contains 145 photographs, 99% of these were taken by myself.

Please Note: There is an INDEX at the bottom of each page, that will take you to the Photo Album of each deck. These will commence topside with Navigation Deck (14) and conclude on Formosa Deck (5). In addition the accommodation page describes accommodations onboard as well as the cabin I occupied.

Accommodation

The author’s cabin F218

The author’s was accommodated in cabin F218 on Formosa Deck (5), this cabin is like most on Aurora, all having the comforts of a home away from home, especially on long voyages. Both on Oriana and Aurora cabins have four wardrobes; and up to eleven drawers. Cabins on Aurora are similar to those on Oriana, with a few minor differences. Accommodation link located at bottom of the page.

Navigation Deck

(Deck 14)

Aurora has a unusual mast

Navigation Deck is the highest Deck accessible to passengers. It is located directly above Crows Nest, it has a wonderful view, both forward over the bow and back over the pool Decks and the ships stately funnel. This Deck is surrounded by windows protecting sun bathers from the wind. There is no shade available on this Deck.

Sun Deck

(Deck 13)

Crows Nest

Crows Nest is known as the “Room with a View.” This large room has three layers, the highest being at the bar on the aft wall of the room, which features a fine model of the Peninsular Line (P&O) liner RMS Strathaird. This room surrounded by floor to ceiling windows providing a 180 degree view of the ocean. Furnishings are upholstered in blues, dark greens and beige, providing a pleasing atmosphere. Some chairs on the upper level have fine mahogany curved arm rests, although for some reason they are not included in any photographs taken. Walls are clad in teak, with the portside featuring two paintings of SS oriana and the other of SS Canberra.

In the centre of the room is the Band Stand that is topped with an alcove in the ceiling with its ever changing stars. Each night a band performs pre dinner music and a concert performance commencing at 9.30pm to Midnight. A small dance floor is located aft on starboard side. On both sides of the bandstand are two large brass surrounded globes of the world, whereas a compass is located centre forward.

Just aft of Crows Nest, on the portside is Cyb@Study. On this cruise the only use for this venue was providing computer classes, as the internet was out of order. Apparently the system was overhauled to provide a better and faster service, which obviously failed. In addition in-cabin TV entertainment and international phone calls was out of order. According to the staff, the failure was due to a satellite malfunction; however, it seemed to work quite well at reception.

Starboard aft of Crows Nest is the Uganda Room. This room has a fine model of the ship this room is named after. The Uganda Room, like Crows Nest has floor to ceiling windows, but here they are framed by golden drapes. Furnishing in this room contains several blue sofas as well as brown clad chairs with polished teak armrests. The Uganda Room is used for private parties, as well as for Church services on Sundays, and Jewish Sabbath service Friday evening at 5.30 pm.

Sun Deck has ample Deck space for sun baking (forward port and starboard), a jogging track, tennis court and other sport facilities including a gold simulator. Navigation & Sun Deck - link located at bottom of the page.

Lido Deck

(Deck 12)

Crystal Pool

Aurora is blessed with three fine pools. Forward on Lido Deck is the Riviera pool which is set low and surrounded by layers of Deck space ideal for sunning. The design is based on Canberra’s first class pool. The pool together with the bar located forward, makes it an attractive facility. The Riviera pool has one Jacuzzi. Just aft is the magnificent Crystal pool with its two Jacuzzis and a statue of the “diver.” The Crystal Pool has a huge retractable glass roof, which is in use during cold and rainy days. On both sides of the pool, and up on Sun Deck (the gallery), are tables and chairs for outdoor dinning for the Orangery Buffet.

Lido Deck is blessed with three Bars, two pools, three Jacuzzis and two casual dinning venues.

1… Sidewalk Café. This casual dining venue is located between the two pools on the starboard side. On offer are typical snack foods such as a variety of delicious hamburgers, including a vegetarian option, hot dogs with variety of sauces. But the best meal on offer is the traditional beer battered fish and chips, which became a favourite with many passengers, including myself. Seating is beside the floor to ceiling windows and poolside. Sidewalk Café is a highly recommended alternative to the other lunch options available.

2… The Orangery is one of the most colourful buffets I have encountered. Many of its walls are covered in colourful murals; the buffet is well arranged and all foods are easily accessible. The entire room has a circular feel, which is achieved by the colourful curved walls and the ceiling which has been cleverly deigned. Hats off to the interior decorators! Meals can also be enjoyed around the Pennant Bar, with its timber tables and chairs on the aft Deck, as well as by the Crystal pool that has marble like table with steel and cool hessian chairs in both these areas.

Aft of the Orangery is the delightful Pennant Bar surrounded by timbered seating, both under cover and out in the sun. From here is a stunning view of the aft Decks that are tiered down to the Lido Pool down on Devanha Deck (8). The Lido Pool has one Jacuzzi and an enclosed wading pool for the little ones. Lido Deck link located at bottom of the page.

Accommodation Decks

Arcadia Deck (11), Britannia Deck (10), Canberra Deck (9)

These decks are occupied by cabins and suites only. Aft of each deck is one of the layered Decks (9 to 11) having ample sun lounges and deck chairs, which can be used under cover or out in the sun, again the views over the ships wake is magnificent.

Devanha Deck

(Deck 8)

Raffles on the Atrium

The forward section is dedicated by cabins. At Raffles Court is the elegant Raffles Lounge, located on the top level of the Atrium. Raffles has a fine view down the decks below. Raffles bar offers the usual range of drinks, but it is knows for its coffee and Belgium chocolates.

The walls of Raffles are clad in fine timbers with a range of tropical paintings and two backlit stained glass features. Furnishings are in a period style with elegant upholsteries and scattered pillows. Large table lamps and fine shell like ceiling lights compliment this Lounge. It is a popular venue both during the day and at night.

On the starboard side is the Library. Undoubtedly a fine timbered facility, but the number of books do not compare with the vast range I found on Oriana last year. The reading Room is separated and is located along the windows. Aft of the Atrium is Vanderbilt’s Card Room. Filled with card tables with the balance of the rooms quietly decorated in soft blues.

The Playhouse has a number of functions. It serves as a cinema, lecture theatre and the venue for classical concerts.

The ships photographers and photo shop is next, it offers then usual snapshots taken during your cruise as well as a variety of services and DVD, discs and cameras and other photographic item for sale.

This brings us to Café Bordeaux the ships 24 hour dinning venue. Oriana has the Al Fresco Café located starboard on Lido Deck. The difference between these two venues is that Al Fresco’s is a relaxed casual dinning facility, with full length windows and outdoor seating beside the pool. Café Bordeaux is a formal venue and is located indoors with no exterior views. In order to have a coffee, snack or a light meal, you have to wait at the entrance for a waiter who takes you to a table. The only option here is a full, dinning room style service whilst Oriana’s Al Fresco’s is a semi self service venue with menu options can be ordered from a waiter or at the counter. All meals/snacks at Café Bordeaux are free, except for dinner which has to be pre booked and a small fee applies. In the middle of the Café, there is an elegant spiral staircase down to Promenade Deck. Personally I found Café Bordeaux an overly stuffy venue, and I used it just a couple of times. My opinion was shared by many passengers who have sailed on both Oriana and Aurora.

Aft is the superb children and teenage centre, offering a host of facilities, including, Decibel’s Disco, Intergalactica, the Toybox, Jumping Jacks, a pool, wading pool for the little ones, Jacuzzi and soda bar, with alcoholic drinks for the parents. Devanha Deck - link located at bottom of the page.

Promenade Deck

(Deck 7)

Curzon Theatre

Aurora like Oriana has a grand Theatre forward on Promenade Deck. The Curzon Theatre is able to stage large production style shows, with a computerised sound, lighting system. Sections of the stage can move up or down and circulate. Presentations range from musical productions, cabarets featuring guest artists and stage plays. Seating is in a rich red velvet, whilst the walls are covered in light and dark mahoganies. Each seat has an air-conditioning vent on the back, however, these seem to have little impact and the theatre frequently became hot and uncomfortable, especially on formal nights.

Andersons is the next lounge, and this is the most elegant venue on the ship. It is rich with dark timbers, tall bookcases, a fireplace, and superb paintings adorn the walls. Drapes and soft furnishings match the elegant surroundings. Andersons is a popular lounge and bar with those who prefer to lounge about in an elegant, very British, setting.

Just aft port on Mayfair Court (on the Atrium) is Charlies an extension of sorts to Andersons. This lounge can only be described as subtle elegance, yet modern in style. At night Charlies becomes the Champagne and Caviar lounge.

Masquerade Night Club/Disco is a modern colourful room with a bar on the forward wall and a band stand and dance floor aft. Décor is mostly in bright blues with large decorative glass panels with blue artist impressions of people walking and dancing. Seating varies from yellows, blues and light browns. The centre of the ceiling contains a circular dome and the room has a number of large TV screens and cameras, which show the dancers on the floor. However, this room only comes to life after 10.30pm and is not used what so ever during the day, except for the occasional art auction. Without doubt this is a wasted venue. Like on Oriana, this should be used as the Ballroom. I found that at night the staff and crew tend to be the only (or majority) party animals there.

In the Hall (portside) is the Art Gallery with paintings roughly scattered along the walls. Nothing much can be said regarding the art gallery. The auctioneer had great trouble getting anyone to view them prior the auction at Masquerade’s, even with the tempting offer of free champagne and the possibility of winning a painting.

The Casino has ample slot machines and tables to suit every type of gambler. Thankfully, unlike the American ships, P&O UK has opted for a smaller casino, but then again, a casino is a casino no matter the size.

Champions is a large lounge and bar with its décor highlighting a variety of sports, including cricket. Walls are covered in a variety f timbers with sport memorabilia scattered throughout. Top of the bar are many screens showing sports video’s. It has a band stand aft on the portside and regular entertainment is provided by the ships bands. Although this room has a relatively small smoking area, Champions is certainly not suitable for non smokers for, bluntly, it stinks.

The final lounge on Promenade Deck is the superbly designed Carmen’s Showroom. The dark red entrance features a bronze sculpture of two dancers in full embrace. Once inside you discover that seating surrounds the room and is unusual in style. It has a sculptured look with long curved sofas. The room is terraced and although the seating tends to suggest that the line of view to the stage and dance floor could be obstructed, it is not so. During the day, dance classes are held here, such as line dancing for beginners and those more advanced. In addition, ballroom dancing lessons prove to be ever popular. In the afternoon it is the venue for a weird form of English style Bingo, one that Americans, Canadians, New Zealanders and Australians did not understand, and frankly they hated it and stayed away in droves. Only the serious gamblers turned up. At night Carmen’s became a showroom with one excellent production, the brilliant “Blues Brothers.” On all other nights, it became the ballroom regulated by Freda the dance mistress, and I mean a mistress who took total charge of the room and the danced did as they were told, as did the band. Thankfully on some nights passengers were actually allowed to dance freestyle, with, thank God, no Freda in sight. These were the nights the bands could let their hair down and play the sort of music so many passengers craved for! Carmen’s is a fine room, far superior to the Pacific Lounge on Oriana,.

One of the popular features on both Oriana and Aurora is the covered walk around Promenade Deck which encircles the ship ideal for an evening stroll or early morning exercise. During the day sun lounges and chairs are filled with those who enjoy taking in the sun, or sit in the shade with a good book, or just relaxing. Promenade Deck - link located at bottom of the page.

Ellora Deck

(Deck 6)

The Medina – Alexander Restaurants

Medina Restaurant

Just aft of Piccadilly Court on the Atrium is the Medina restaurant, which has an exotic Middle Eastern décor. The walls feature many rectangular and circular Moorish ceramic tile features, as well as tent/umbrella like shades covering the ceiling. Portside there is a staircase, where an elegant entrance can be made as ladies in their fineries descend into the restaurant near the grand piano, which plays by itself upon entry. The stairwell is backed by modern semi sculptured stained glass panelling. My travelling companion MR. Hun-Eng Tan, myself and friends, George and Eileen from Wigan in the UK, shared table 31. We met last year on Oriana and shared a table for four. During that cruise we became the very best of friends and decided to relive our time dinning together. Unlike last year dinning experience in the Aft Peninsular Restaurant, we decided on the amidships (Medina) restaurant, which was delightfully quiet. Apart from the happy chatter, this room does not suffer the vibration we experienced on Oriana last year.

Alexander Restaurant is located aft and has windows on three sides. The design is more streamlined and has a lighter feel than that of the Medina. It is a pleasant venue, and whilst visiting this Restaurant, I did not detect any vibrations. Feature luncheons are held here as is the famed and delicious Chocoholics Afternoon Tea. Ellora Deck - link located at bottom of the page.

Formosa Deck & the Atrium

(Decks 5, 6, 7 & 8)

The Atrium

I have kept the Atrium to the last. The four level Atrium towers above “Palm Court” on Formosa Deck (5). Its four levels is highlighted by a full length waterfall on the forward wall, with the water flowing down nylon cords into a pool with large open shells. Directly in front of the waterfall is a jade coloured sculpture of Aurora and child. The sculpture itself has water gently flowing from a jar into her hand just above the child’s head. The grand staircase is also located on the forward side and it leads up to “Piccadilly” Court on Ellora Deck (6), which is the location of the Piccadilly Emporium and Explorers Tour Desk. Another staircase, now aft of the Atrium, leads up to “Mayfair Court” on Promenade Deck (7), which is surrounded by Charlies Champagne & Caviar Lounge and the Mayfair shopping gallery. Then it is up to “Raffles Court” on Devanha Deck (8) which is also the location of the Library and Raffles Lounge and Bar.

The Atrium is of a rectangular classic design, having four large beige marble like ionic square columns holding up a simple glass ceiling that has little colour. Dark marble, mahogany timber railings and the beige carpets with scrolling brown pattern down on Formosa Deck made this a stunning and an elegant venue. Formosa Deck & the Atrium - link located at bottom of the page.

Conclusion

The author and Captain Alistar Clark

Ships Photographer - Used with permission

As the photographs that accompany this page will show, Aurora is a magnificent ship, she and Oriana are my favoured ships as far as layout and design is concerned. However, there are matters I will address on my final comments page. These comments will be honest and will show the good and in some cases those things that are an annoyance, which I feel need addressing.