With
Reuben Goossens
Cruise’n’Travel
Journalist / Cruise Reviewer
P&O
Cruises
A
Carnival Corp Company
MV
Aurora
2006
World Cruise Review
MS
Aurora – Ships Photographer
Photographs
throughout this review are © copyright 2006 - Nautilus Media and
were taken by the author
This
cruise review of
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
During
the great days of passenger liners, a ship was considered large
between 20,000 to 40,000
The
Australian P&O cruise ships, such as Pacific Sun and the
Pacific Dawn is a delightful 46,000 and 70,000
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
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 which resemble giant shopping centres and
apartment blocks rather that a great ocean liner. In addition
certain of these mega ships have poor sea capabilities, as many
past passengers of certain ships have told me! My advice is
simple, if a ship has a Carnival Vista Class Hull, such as
certain Carnival,
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
Boarding
Boarding
in
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.
Please
Note: There is an INDEX at the bottom of each page, which will
take you to the Photo Album of each deck. These will commence
topside with Navigation Deck (14) and concludes on Formosa Deck (5).
In addition the accommodation page describes the various
accommodations onboard as well as the cabin we 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
Navigation
Deck
(Deck
14)
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.
(Deck
12)
Crystal
Pool
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
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.
Accommodation
Decks
These
decks are occupied by cabins and suites only.
Devanha
Deck
(Deck
8)
Raffles
on the Atrium
The
forward section is dedicated by cabins. At
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
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.
Promenade
Deck
(Deck
7
Curzon
Theatre
Just
aft port on
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
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
Ellora
Deck
(Deck
6)
The
Medina
Restaurant
Just
aft of
(Decks
5, 6, 7 & 8)
The
Atrium
I
have kept the Atrium to the last. The four level Atrium towers
above “
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.
Conclusion
The
author and Captain Alistar Clark
Ships
Photographer
As
the photographs that accompany this page will show,
INDEX
Page
1 - Main page
Page
2 – Accommodation
Page
3 – Navigation and Sun decks
Page
4 – Lido deck
Page
5 – Devanha deck
Page
6 – Promenade deck
Page
7 – Ellora deck
Page
8 – Formosa Deck &
the Atrium
Page
9 – Final comments
Visit
my many features on the following Carnival Corp Cruise Companies
These include Cruise reviews and photo pages
Cunard:
Queen Mary 2 / Queen Victoria / Queen Elizabeth
P&O
Cruises
Seabourn:
Seabourn Yachts
Princess
Cruises Australia: Sun Princess / Dawn Princess
P&O
Cruises
******************************************
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Commenced
in the Passenger Shipping Industry in May 1960
Contact
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those intending a cruise in the future.
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