P&O Aurora

I'd been looking forward to visiting a P&O ship for a while. I've been on a Royal Caribbean ship, two Cunard ships, but had  yet to see any P&O ships, the most popular cruise line in the UK.

As you're reading the following review you may get the sense that I was slightly disappointed with the ship. This wasn't true at all, she was fantastic and delivered 'everything it said on the tin'. My disappointment, I think, was my own fault. My last two cruises had been on Cunard ships and I couldn't help but compare them; which isn't fair. They're two different brands offering completely two different things. So if you're looking for a recommendation for the Aurora I'm happy to give it. She did everything a cruise ship should do and whilst personally I prefer the bigger ships like Azura or Ventura I'm happy to say anyone booking aboard should have a great time.

My first view of the ship from the QE terminal. I was actually quite pleased with how she looked. The white hull was how I'd always imagined cruise ships back before my first cruise so it was nice to finally see.

Starting off with my cabin, there was a decent sized balcony; plenty of room for two, although a family may have felt a bit cramped all out there at the same time.

One of the bigger bathrooms I've seen at sea so thumbs up to P&O there.

I really liked my cabin. It was large, warm and tasteful. I know some people may have taken issue with the 'plastic' wood effect but I really did feel comfortable there.

I'll talk more about the pools in a bit, but just to say now I was genuinely impressed with the size and amount of pools the Aurora had. Even at maximum capacity I can't imagine them all being overcrowded.

Plenty of room to lounge around in the sun up on deck, (if it's not miserable weather like I had anyway).

That really is a big pool!

Another, indoor heated pool. Obviously this one saw a lot more action on my cruise than the outdoor ones, (I was cruising in December). There was also two Jacuzzis set just above it to enjoy.

The theatre was big, with plenty of room for everyone. The seats were very comfortable, it's just a pity that the only show I got to see, a comedian, was awful. Ah well, the theater was nice.

The central Atrium - with one of the best centre pieces I've seen at sea.

The night club. It really did look a lot better at night, full of people, but by day it was definitely looking a bit dated.

The casino wasn't huge, but again I've seen much smaller and they did have poker, black jack and roulette instead of just loads of one armed bandits.

The promenade deck was a big plus in P&O's favour. I don't care what you say, for me it's not a 'proper' cruise ship without real wooden decks.

I was really pleased to see the Highland band. I'd heard of bagpipes being played as you sailed out but I never seen it before, so another 10/10 to P&O for tradition.

Internal decor wasn't great, but not bad either, a solid 6 out of 10.

The Internet cafe.

A quick shot of The Crows Nest, my favourite bar on board for pre and post dinner drinks.

This was my balcony by daylight

And this was my first view of Zeebrugge

The spa.

See what I meant about loads of pools, these were scattered over two decks

Nope sorry, but if it's not red and black it's just not a proper funnel.

Gotta love real wooden floors. Always the first thing I look for on a cruise ship. 

The gym was really well equipped, even if it was nearly empty the entire cruise.

This was a big let down for me. I love a well stocked library on a cruise ship but the Auroras looked and felt more like a second hand book shop.

And that's me saying goodbye.

So who's sailed on the Aurora before? Was I fair or do you have anything to add? Feel free to post your comments or questions below, and as always

Happy Cruising