It has been just over a year since we were last on Aurora and we can fairly say that the quality of the food has improved (it needed to).
We went on the Christmas cruise (R425) to the Canaries returning via Madeira for the New Year’s fireworks, which were spectacular.
As usual the most positive feature about a P & O cruise was the staff, who were excellent throughout, in the cabin, the dining room and the bars.
Some sunshine thrown in made for a pleasant break, especially on the way back when the Captain steered further into the Bay of Biscay than normal in order to avoid some rough weather.
The Baltic and Ligurian lunch was very good and it was pleasing that Captain Love took the time to wander round the restaurant having a brief word with each table, somthing other captains don’t often do (in our experience).
Now for the not so good parts.
Aurora really does need her refit (due in April I believe) but many of the faults we noticed last year with the lifts and the Horizon restaurant doors (deck 12) have still not been fixed.
It shouldn’t need a refit to deal with these issues.
One particular gripe was that as this was our first Christmas cruise we weren’t aware that on the two special dinners free wine is served (and regularly topped up).
This was particularly galling as we were encouraged to order wine in advance especially for those days.
One final issue which rather spoilt our homecoming.
Instead of starting to disembark into the luggage hall at 8.30 there was a 75 minute delay with renewed apologies that the luggage was still being transferred to the luggage hall but NO explanation as to why the issue had arisen.
Consequently the coaches didn’t start leaving until after 11 am.
Communications need to be better P & O! Overall though, an enjoyable and pleasant cruise – our 30th and very likely last with P & O.