Holiday

Myself and friend had a lovely trip from 29th Aug. to 10th Sept.
The care from Southampton, speed and efficiency on boarding together with our luggage being at our Cabin Door was first class and really got us off to a good start.
We relaxed on the Balcony for sailing with a drink in our hands and unwound whilst we started to move slowly down the Solent.
First night – Table for 8 as requested – all nice and friendly and we got off to a good start, no doubt by my friend and I both recognizing Waiters from previous Cruises.
3 whole days sailing – we were lucky – the sun, sea and Bay were all kind to us and we were ready for our first Port – Madeira – the highlight being the evening trip to a local Bar with food and a local dance group who were very good.
A trip around the Island the next day and then off we went to La Palma, another lovely Island and very green. A very sociable Coach trip around the Island to local beauty spots and pleasant stopping places.
A short trip then to La Gomera, a small Island and the first time Aurora had berthed here, the highlight here was the local dance troop on board to entertain us in the evening, what a lovely, friendly group of people and how infectious they were.
Another short trip to Lanzarote – the windy Island, having been here before we did not venture too far just taking the Shuttle and having a quiet wander.
A day at Sea and recharge the batteries before we find we are slowly cruising up to Rio Tejo and under the Bridge to our Lisbon Berth.
We embarked on the organised Tram and Coach Trip – with Wine and Custard Tart – unfortunately we were disappointed with this trip, it was very slow (because of traffic, road works and other Trams) and we felt very expensive for what was offered.

I found the swimming pools on deck i.e. Cristal and Riveria, did not have sufficient water depth for enjoyable swimming, i.e. 42 inches in Cristal – I am not tall and that is the most comfortable pool for me to alight from as it has steps. The Riveria was not much deeper but has rails to climb up which a 82 years of age is not easy. It is appreciated they do not have life guards but more depth would have added to the enjoyment of my cruise as I only swam once, I do not like feeling the bottom of the pool especially if a wave moves the water level.

Food, attention, cleanliness were the usual P and O standard.

On arrival back in Southampton we were disembarked earlier than anticipated and had a good journey home.

Thank you Bolsover, you always come up “first class” for myself and friend and hope we can book again next year. I have also recommended friends to book through you.

Keep up the good work, Elsie M. Ball (Mrs Joyce Rees)