Aurora
Chase the horizon aboard Aurora
Aurora is a timeless, adults-only ship offering an elegant and intimate way to see the world. With her tiered stern, wide open decks, and refined interiors, she’s perfect for cruisers who value tradition, personal service, and peaceful, scenic sailing.
Whether you’re relaxing beneath the retractable Skydome, enjoying afternoon tea in the elegant Crow’s Nest, or embarking on a world cruise, Aurora is built for slow travel, unforgettable destinations, and grown-up sophistication.
Aurora Cruise Ship Overview
Aurora is a mid-sized ship operated by P&O Cruises, celebrated for her elegant design, classic ambience, and dedication to adult-only voyages. Originally launched in 2000 and lovingly refurbished in 2019, Aurora exudes understated British charm with traditional styling and a calm, refined atmosphere. With a guest capacity of around 1,870, she offers a more intimate experience compared to larger ships, making her a favourite among seasoned cruisers who appreciate quieter sailing, well-crafted itineraries, and personalised service.
What Makes Aurora Distinctive?
Aurora is tailored for adults seeking a traditional cruise experience focused on comfort, exploration, and sophistication. The ship features expansive teak decks, tiered stern terraces, and a graceful silhouette that nods to ocean liners of the past. Guests onboard enjoy a slower pace, with enriching daytime activities, elegant formal nights, and a choice of serene spaces to relax. Aurora's world cruise credentials speak to her ability to deliver longer, more immersive itineraries, often departing from and returning to Southampton.
Stateroom Options Aboard Aurora
Aurora features a wide range of well-appointed accommodation options. Inside cabins offer smart use of space and great value, while Oceanview and Balcony staterooms provide added natural light and a sense of openness. Each room includes comfortable furnishings, tea and coffee making facilities, air conditioning, and dedicated steward service. For a premium experience, guests can opt for Mini-Suites or Suites, which include separate seating areas, walk-in wardrobes, and priority perks.
Balcony Cabins and Suite Upgrades
Balcony cabins on Aurora are an excellent choice for guests who enjoy private access to the outdoors. These staterooms feature glass sliding doors, teak-style decking, and chairs for lounging at sea. Mini-Suites and Suites add a touch of indulgence, with expanded interiors, luxury bathrooms, and priority boarding and dining arrangements. Butler service and extra space make Suites ideal for longer voyages or special occasions.
Where You Can Cruise on Aurora
World Voyages and Grand Tours
Aurora is a true world cruiser, often undertaking full circumnavigation itineraries. These globe-spanning journeys visit Asia, Australasia, Africa, and the Americas, offering guests the chance to experience dozens of countries in a single sailing.
Scandinavia and the Baltics
Popular summer itineraries include stops in Stockholm, Tallinn, and Copenhagen. These cruises offer a mix of imperial grandeur, artistic heritage, and vibrant Nordic culture.
Iberia and the Canary Islands
Guests can soak up winter sun and mild climates with cruises to Spain, Portugal, and the Canary Islands. These itineraries typically feature leisurely sea days and time in ports like Lisbon, Lanzarote, and Tenerife.
Norwegian Fjords and Arctic Circle
For nature lovers, Aurora offers unforgettable journeys through Norway’s fjords and up to the Arctic Circle. Ports such as Geiranger, Tromsø, and Honningsvåg offer majestic landscapes and wildlife encounters.
Dining on Aurora: Variety with a Touch of Tradition
Classic Dining Options
Aurora offers both Club Dining with fixed sittings and Freedom Dining for flexible meal times in the main restaurants. Menus highlight British favourites and international dishes, served with attentive white-tablecloth service.
Specialty and Casual Choices
The Glass House by Olly Smith offers expertly paired wine and small plates, while Sindhu brings bold Indian fusion cuisine in an intimate setting. The Horizon buffet provides informal dining with sea views, and casual spots like Sidewalk Café and Lido Grill cater to relaxed cravings.
Bars and Lounges
Aurora’s social scene centres around classic venues like the Crow’s Nest for evening cocktails, the Anderson’s Bar for whisky and conversation, and the Crystal Bar near the Atrium for pre-dinner drinks. Quiet lounges and the Curzon Theatre add to the ship’s elegant evening offerings.
Things to Do: Onboard Life on Aurora
Entertainment & Nightlife
The Curzon Theatre hosts guest performers, classical concerts, and West End-style shows. Carmens lounge provides late-night dancing, tribute acts, and themed events, while the Playhouse Cinema screens films daily.
Wellbeing and Leisure
Guests can unwind at the Oasis Spa, complete with treatment rooms, a sauna, and a salon. There are two swimming pools, one with a retractable roof for all-weather enjoyment, and a fully equipped gym for staying active.
Activities and Enrichment
Aurora’s daytime programme includes enrichment talks, book clubs, craft sessions, and deck games. Quizzes, dance classes, and bridge tournaments add to the leisurely atmosphere, while a well-stocked library invites quiet reflection.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, Aurora is popular with solo cruisers thanks to dedicated single cabins and a sociable onboard community.
Yes, Wi-Fi is available for purchase with different packages based on usage needs.
Yes, guests can pre-purchase a range of drinks packages including soft drinks, hot beverages, and alcohol options.
Yes, the ship includes accessible cabins and facilities for guests with mobility issues. Pre-booking assistance is recommended.
Accommodation, main dining, entertainment, activities, and gratuities are included. Specialty dining, drinks, excursions, and spa treatments are extra.
Yes, Aurora upholds a traditional cruise dress code with smart-casual attire by day and formalwear encouraged on Gala Evenings.
Ship facts
Aurora
Entertainment
Entertainment
Shows, stand-up comedy and artist performances in the theatre
Entertainment
Listen to piano music and enjoy the panorama views at the Crow's Nest, located 30 meters over the ocean
Entertainment
Carmen's
Entertainment
The Playhouse Cinema
Entertainment
Masquerade
Entertainment
Raffles Court
Activities
Activities
The sport & activity deck
Activities
Activities
The Crystal Pool
Activities
The Terrace Pool
Food & Drink
Food & Drink
Enjoy genuine Indian food with a British twist at speciality restaurant Sindhu
Food & Drink
The main dining restaurant
Food & Drink
The Beach House
Food & Drink
The Lido Grill
Body & Soul
Body & Soul
Thermal beds in the Oasis Spa
Body & Soul
Work out with ocean views in a well-equipped gym
Body & Soul
The Terrace Pool
Body & Soul
The Riviera Pool