|
 |
|
Place the cursor over the photos to read the
descriptions; if you click on any of the thumbnail pictures,
the full-sized photo will open in a pop up screen. Please note
full sized photos may take a moment to load. |
|
 |
 |
|
Page 2 of 8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Page 2 of 8 |
|
|
 |
|
In our stateroom, there are key cards and table
reservation cards for Ilona and Lucy only, there are towels
for two and the third upper berth is under lock and key. With
no room steward in sight, we report to the Reception Desk
where we are reluctantly given a third room key and are told
we should contact our room steward ourselves to arrange for
extra towels. Later, a visit to the Maitre d' reveals that my request for a
table for three in second seating has materialized as a table for
twelve for Lucy and Ilona only in first seating. Apparently I
have been allocated a table at the far end of the dining room!
Fortunately, the friendly Goanese Maitre d' quickly pulls some
ropes and finds us a table for three in second seating,
bypassing a wait list of 200. |
|
|
|
|
Like so many
modern cruise ships, Aurora has a soaring multi deck atrium
which serves as the heart of the vessel. Windowless and
completely rectangular, Aurora's atrium is quite different,
though. Rising up four decks is a gigantic Lalique sculpture.
Depicting two mythical figures behind a veil of water, this is one of the most stunning
backdrops of any seagoing atrium. A beautiful grand staircase leads up
from the 24-hour Reception Desk to E Deck, where you will
find Piccadilly Court with Explorer's (Shore Excursion Desk) and the
Emporium and Piccadilly shops.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
One odd thing in these days of 24/7
service is the fact that the Reception Desk on deck 6 is only manned from 7:00
am to 9:00 pm. The currency on board Aurora is the British Pound
and it so happens all officers are British. In a longstanding P&O tradition,
most
service staff hail from the Indian region of Goa. But more about the staff
later. |
|
|
|
|
One deck up is
another, larger shop called Mayfair. Where the Piccadilly Shop
downstairs is catering to formal wear and glittering objects,
Mayfair caters to the t-shirt and key ring enthusiasts. Just
like on many other cruise lines, the rather narrow passageway
around the atrium is frequently blocked by tables showcasing
the ugliest watches and jewelry at bargain prices. Not very
classy if you ask me, but I guess it brings in money for the
concession company that runs the shops on board. |
|
|
|
|
Taking a break from the
Atrium Action we make a quick stop at our home away from home; cabin F212 on
deck 5. Aurora boasts cabins in no less than 26 grades, ranging from
inside twins with shower to split level Penthouse Suites with two balconies and
bath. Incidentally, a large percentage of standard cabins has a tub in keeping
with British tradition. |
|
|
|
|
Our standard
outside twin with large window is kept spotlessly clean by our
Goan steward Mineer, who is all but invisible during our time
on board. Looking remarkably like the accommodations on Royal
Caribbean's Vision Class ships, our cabin is decorated in nice
fresh pastel colors and features two lower beds and two
foldaway upper berths that disappear into the ceiling during
the day. There is a tiny sitting area complete with another
typically British touch: coffee and tea making facilities! The
roomy wood trimmed wardrobe will come in handy on any of
Aurora's longer voyages and the bathroom looks like we
are the first ones using it. A nice touch: P&O packs some of its toiletries
in a small leather pouch that awaits us in the bathroom.
Despite its aft location, the cabin is remarkably quiet,
especially considering the fact that Aurora has to maintain a
brisk speed to reach Zeebrugge on time in the morning.
Yes, we
do like our home away from home! |
|
|
|
|
|
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
