The P&O Aurora is a popular floating resort. The waters are crowded with sea-worthy vessels, so to make planning easier, we've done all the prep work for a cruise vacation. As part of a Huffington Post Travel series on cruise ships, here is a tip sheet offering all the key information one could ever need to know about the P&O Aurora.
Destination
The P&O Aurora sails to destinations in the United States, Caribbean, Canary Islands, Canada, Eastern Mediterranean and Western Mediterranean on cruises that last from two to 98 nights.
Upscale Cruise
The P&O Aurora is a midsize ship at 885 feet long and 105 feet wide. It can carry nearly 2,000 passengers and a crew of 850 on its 10 decks. The Aurora is popular with upscale cruisers.
Special Features
The
has a teen center offering supervised activities for 13 to 17-year-olds, as well as a pool, hot tub and table tennis designated specifically for families -- each cabin even has a baby monitor. The ship has three pools, four hot tubs and a spa for relaxation; other amenities include a four-deck-high atrium, a theater, a casino, a show lounge and bar, a nightclub, a sports bar and a golf simulator. It even has a waterfall.
Accommodations
The P&O Aurora boasts
for almost any budget. The ship offers a variety of cabin categories, including interior, with views and with balconies, and a variety of suites. All staterooms are equipped with a shower, refrigerator, telephone, hair dryer and TV. Cabin sizes range from 150 square feet to 575 square feet (including balcony).
Cost
depending on itinerary, cabin selection and date of travel. On the P&O Aurora, take a two-night party cruise to Belgium and back for as little as $536 or a 98-night world cruise for $14,356.
Excursions
One P&O Aurora passenger
the tour of St. Petersburg, Russia, which was described as "the jewel of our trip." This passenger praised the tour guide, Ekaterina, and the driver and said the process of getting through customs was smooth and efficient. The excursion was enhanced by the fact that passengers were driven around St. Petersburg in "the most comfortable air-conditioned Mercedes" and that the Russian driver was able to avoid the city's traffic jams. Food on the excursion was described as "delicious," and Ekaterina was cited for her "amazing" knowledge of the city.
Dining Experience
Passengers on the
can enjoy breakfast and lunch in the ship's two main dining rooms, with open seating. For dinner, passengers get assigned meal times and tables. A bistro-style restaurant that serves Mediterranean dishes also is open for dinner, but it costs extra. There is also a casual buffet, an outdoor cafe and room service.
Maiden Voyage
The P&O Aurora made its
on May 1, 2000. It was built by the German firm Meyer Werft for P&O Cruises.
In The News
The P&O Aurora suffered a
on its maiden voyage, cutting short the inaugural 14-day cruise.
WATCH:
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A passenger video of the P&O Aurora's visit to Iceland and the fjords.
What's your favorite cruise memory?
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