My first ever cruise ship is being refurbished.

Back in the year 2000 I was introduced to the world of cruising with my first ever cruise ship launch on board P&O’s Aurora.  I thought she was glitzy and glamorous and I had a fantastic time. I have returned on board in recent years and having now experienced many more ships I can see that she is in need of modernizing and it’s great news that P&O are spending £26m on her at the end of this year.

Aurora will be the first of the fleet to bear the Union Flag design, which has been very much publicised in recent months and will enhance P&O’s Britishness in the face of American competition.

Her restaurants are being updated with the introduction of Sindhu, the Indian fusion restaurant serving the food of of Michelin stared celebrity chef Atul Kochhar and the Glass House which presents Olly Smith’s fine wines.The Pennant Grill will be serving contemporary food on lava rocks and the buffet restaurant is being fully refitted.  

The seating arrangements are also being rearranged with the Medina restaurant being given over to Freedom dining and an increase in the number of tables for 2 and Marco Pierre White dishes will feature on gala evenings – both of which should please customers who have criticised P&O and their food in recent years.   Costa Coffee, who are already on some of the fleet will now feature on the ship along with a ‘Grab and Go’ counter which will be great if you’re in a rush for an excursion or to get by the pool.

P&O are also enhancing the children’s facilities and renaming the kids clubs and the casino and Champions will receive new furniture, a more open plan layout and improved stage area for entertainment and quizzes and live music and the theatre and show lounge are having their lighting equipment enhanced. The other public areas such as the shops, photo gallery and spa will all be upgraded and then at the end of the day as you enter your cabin you’ll find new soft furnishings and flat screen TV’s to relax with.  

With the introduction of new ships to Southampton next year there is strong competition, however not everybody wants a large ship with lots of facilities and for cruise lines to keep loyal customers happy they have to continue to invest in existing ships.  I think that it’s great that P&O are keeping their midsized vessels up to date and I look forward to seeing the new style Aurora after her refit in December of this year.