New refits for P&O

Following on from other cruise lines and perhaps more so Royal Caribbeans recent fleet wide refit program P&O have just announced that the Aurora will be undergoing a 26 million pound refit. A huge amount of money for a ship last refitted in 2009 and went into service in 2000.

Steven Gerrard after signing his £26 million pound contract.

The refit will start on November 29th and will be completed by the 18th December, that is a short duration to spend £26,000,000, my better half would struggle at that.

Ventura and the Arcadia had refits last year but with Aurora it will feature new to P&O a Livery design.

The Aurora is classed as a ‘Classic Vessell’ and holds 1874 passengers.

Below is what can be found on the ship after the refit.

• A new look livery design, which celebrates P&O Cruises heritage and its place as Britain’s favourite cruise company. It features a contemporary version of the Union Flag on its bow and new blue funnels with illuminated rising sun designs
• The introduction of Sindhu restaurant for evening fine dining (replacing the library on deck 8) with an Indian fusion menu designed by Michelin-star celebrity chef Atul Kochhar
• The Glass House restaurant and wine bar is replacing Café Bordeaux on deck 8. Available for brunch, lunch and dinner it will house wine displays and wines selected by expert and TV presenter Olly Smith. Enomatic wine systems allow passengers to buy premium wines by the glass. There will also be a private room for wine tastings and dinners
• A complete refurbishment of the buffet restaurant (Lido deck, deck 12) with new décor
• In the evening, The Beach House menu replaces the Pennant Grill menu to include family favourites such as Fillet of Beef on Lava Rock
• A complete refurbishment of The Reef children’s clubs with room names changed to reflect Reef club names across the rest of the fleet
• The introduction of Freedom Dining to Medina Restaurant with more tables for two and Marco Pierre White dishes on gala evenings
• A refurbishment of the Sidewalk Café and the introduction of Costa Coffee and brand new “Grab and Go” counter, a great option for breakfast and lunch on the go
• The library relocates to the current cyb@study space adjacent to the Crow’s Nest on deck 13
• Casino and Champions refurbishment with new open-plan design, new furniture and improved stage area for entertainment, live music and quizzes
• Photography gallery upgrade to include more touch screen technology
• An extensive shop refurbishment
• Refurbishment of Oasis Spa
• Upgrade of all sound and light equipment in the theatre and show lounge
• New soft furnishings for all cabins with flat-screen TVs.

This will excite many of those P&O faithful that feel some of the ships are looking and feeling a bit dated.

I look forward to seeing some designs and artist impressions, as soon as I get my hands on them I will post on here.

All going to plan the ship will be ready for its Christmas and New Year cruise and then the World voyage later in January.

She will then be back in Southampton in April ready for her Summer season.