Is This P&O Cruises' Finest Classic Ship? Our Honest P&O Aurora Review

By Tom and Dom Travel | Updated:

14/07/26

Tom and Dom Travel in Hamburg on P&O Aurora

P&O Cruises’ Aurora is one of the most beloved ships in the fleet, offering a traditional cruise experience that many passengers feel is becoming increasingly rare. Launched in April 2000, Aurora combines elegant interiors, classic cruising traditions, and a relaxed atmosphere that continues to attract loyal guests year after year. Crucially, while she has long been known as an exclusively adults-only vessel, P&O Cruises is introducing a major shift starting in December 2026: opening up a select handful of designated dates to families and under-18s, while keeping the rest of the year strictly for the grown-ups.

During our recent five-night New Year cruise, we had the opportunity to experience everything Aurora has to offer, from her iconic promenade deck and stylish lounges to her dining venues and entertainment programme. While our sailing wasn't without a few challenges, particularly regarding our cabin, Aurora still managed to leave a lasting impression.

So, does this much-loved ship still deserve her stellar reputation? Here is our full, honest review.

First Impressions: An Intimate Escape

Aurora immediately feels different from newer, larger fleetmates like Arvia and Iona. At 76,152 gross tons and carrying up to 1,874 passengers, she offers a much more intimate cruising experience compared to the mega-ships dominating the industry today.

Stepping onboard, we were greeted by a beautifully decorated atrium, complete with festive New Year decorations and the ship's signature 35-foot sculpture. The ship has a timeless elegance throughout. Following her major 2025 refurbishment, she looks remarkably fresh, boasting sophisticated new colour palettes ad updated furnishings while retaining the classic layout that reminders you of what cruising used to be like.

One of the biggest advantages of Aurora's size is how easy she is to navigate. Everything feels conveniently located, and it is possible to move from venue to venue without the long, tiring walks associated with giant resort-style vessels.

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Our P&O Aurora FULL REVIEW - Would We Sail Again?

We sailed on P&O Aurora for 5 nights over New Years Eve to Northern Europe. We have put together this review of our experiences onboard P&O Aurora so that may give you a better insight. If you find any of the information useful please like, subscribe and comment.

P&O Aurora's classic Tiered Aft

A Ship Designed for Traditional Cruising

One feature we absolutely loved was Aurora's wraparound promenade deck. Sadly, full promenade decks are becoming a rarity on modern cruise ships, so it is wonderful to see Aurora retaining this classic feature. Whether you are enjoying a morning stroll, taking in the sea views, or simply relaxing with a coffee, the promenade provides one of the most authentic cruising experiences available today.

Another standout area is the tiered aft deck. During our New Year's Eve visit to Hamburg, this became one of the absolute best places onboard to watch the celebrations and fireworks. We can only imagine how spectacular this space would be during a sunny Mediterranean or Caribbean sailing.

Despite being over 25 years old, Aurora remains in excellent condition. Public spaces, corridors, and lounges are all beautifully maintained, benefiting greatly from the recent investments by the cruise line.

Our Favourite Bars and Lounges

When it comes to onboard venues, Aurora offers a fantastic variety of spaces to unwind, each with a freshly updated look.

The Crow's Nest

Without question, The Crow's Nest was our favourite venue onboard. Located high on the ship with panoramic windows, it provides stunning views throughout the day and creates a wonderfully sophisticated atmosphere in the evenings. Live piano music, comfortable seating, and attentive service combine to make this one of the finest venues in the entire P&O Cruises fleet. If you are looking for somewhere to enjoy a cocktail while watching the sunset, this should be at the very top of your list.

The Glass House

Wine lovers will feel right at home in The Glass House. The extensive wine menu curated by Olly Smith is impressive, and the venue maintains a relaxed yet stylish atmosphere throughout the day and evening. Whether you are stopping by for a vintage glass or dining from the delicious speciality tapas menu, it remains an essential Aurora experience.

Anderson's Bar

For guests seeking a quieter experience, Anderson's offers a peaceful and refined setting. Without live entertainment or loud music, it is the perfect location for great conversation, deep relaxation, and enjoying a carefully selected drink from the dedicated menu.

Entertainment Onboard

Aurora may be smaller than some of her fleetmates, but she certainly does not fall short when it comes to entertainment.

The Curzon Theatre is a beautiful venue with classic styling and excellent sightlines. Throughout our cruise, we enjoyed a range of performances from both the resident production cast and guest entertainers. One production in particular, Applause, stood out as one of the best theatre shows we have seen across the entire P&O Cruises fleet. The talented cast delivered outstanding vocals and performances that genuinely exceeded our expectations.

Beyond the theatre, the ship is packed with activity. You will find live music venues, quizzes, game shows, and even silent discos. Masquerades serves as the late-night entertainment and dancing hub, sporting a glamorous post-refit look inspired by peacock feathers, while Carmen's hosts live music and dancing in a spacious, vibrant setting.

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Tom and Dom Travel in the Crow's Nest on P&O Aurora on New Years Eve

Dining on Aurora

Dining is always a massive part of any cruise holiday, and Aurora offers a great balance of traditional and casual options.

Medina Restaurant: As Freedom Dining guests, we primarily used the Medina Restaurant, which features a dramatic Aztec-inspired design. The flexibility of turning up when you choose is always welcome, though we did miss the virtual queuing systems found on P&O's newer ships. Instead, guests receive a traditional pager when the restaurant is busy. Food quality was generally good, and the service remained consistently excellent.
The Beach House: If there is one dining venue we recommend above all others, it is The Beach House. The quality of food, generous portions, and outstanding service made this our favourite dining experience onboard. This speciality restaurant offers incredible value for money, delivering a premium experience without the hefty price tag. From perfectly cooked steaks served on hot lava rocks to delicious ribs, it exceeded expectations.
Horizon Buffet: Aurora's Horizon Restaurant features a fresh layout and earth-toned flooring. While smaller than buffets found on larger ships, we were impressed by both the variety and quality of food available. The late-night buffet selection was particularly strong, offering freshly prepared dishes. Seating can become limited during peak periods, so visiting slightly earlier or later helps avoid the crowds.

Facilities and Practical Features

Aurora includes an excellent selection of facilities considering her size. Guests can enjoy a well-equipped gym, the refreshed Oasis Spa, sports courts, and classic deck games.

One practical feature we particularly appreciate is the availability of complimentary self-service laundries throughout the ship. Unlike many cruise lines that charge premium rates for laundry services, Aurora provides free access to washing machines, dryers, irons, and ironing boards, which is an absolute lifesaver on longer itineraries. We were also surprised by the size of the onboard shops, which offered a wide range of products and regular promotional events.

Our Ocean View Cabin on P&O Aurora

Our Cabin Experience: A Minor Bump in the Road

Unfortunately, our cabin experience was the biggest disappointment of the sailing. We booked and paid for a sea-view cabin but found the view significantly restricted by the ship's infrastructure. Later in the cruise, noise bleed from a nearby venue also impacted our comfort and sleep.

Following discussions onboard and a formal complaint after returning home, P&O Cruises acknowledged our concerns. The company ultimately agreed to compensate us through Future Cruise Credit and confirmed that the specific issues we raised would be looked at during future maintenance schedules.

While this experience was disappointing, it is important to note that we believe we were particularly unlucky with our specific cabin allocation. Most cabins onboard have recently been updated with beautiful new sage green and neutral soft furnishings, and the vast majority of guests onboard appeared perfectly satisfied with their accommodation.

Tom and Dom Travel at the Silent Disco onboard P&O Aurora

Final Verdict: Would We Sail on Aurora Again?

Absolutely. However, next time we will spend a little more time selecting the right cabin to ensure we avoid the issues we experienced on this voyage. We will also be keeping a close eye on the calendar; whether you are looking for a completely child-free escape or a traditional multi-generational family getaway on a mid-sized ship, checking the specific sailing status is now a must before you book. For cruisers seeking a classic ship with character, charm, and a distinctly British feel, Aurora remains one of the finest choices in the fleet.

Although our cabin issues prevented the cruise from being perfect, they did not overshadow everything Aurora does exceptionally well. Next time, we will simply spend a little more time selecting the perfect cabin location to ensure a flawless trip. For cruisers seeking a classic ship with character, charm, and a distinctly British feel, Aurora remains one of the finest choices in the P&O Cruises fleet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is P&O Aurora an adults-only ship?

Aurora operates primarily as an adults-only ship for the majority of the year. However, starting in December 2026, P&O Cruises is introducing select "all-ages" family sailings during peak holiday periods and school breaks. If you are looking for a strictly child-free environment, just be sure to verify the status of your specific itinerary before booking!

Do the family-friendly sailings on Aurora include kids' clubs?

No. Unlike P&O's larger family ships like Iona or Arvia, Aurora does not feature dedicated children's clubs or babysitting services on her all-ages sailings. Instead, these specific cruises are geared toward multi-generational travel, offering tailored family activities, special events, children's menus, and basic amenities like bottle-warming stations.

When was P&O Aurora last refurbished?

Aurora underwent a significant dry-dock refurbishment in April 2025. This major update refreshed her public spaces, bars, lounges, and restaurants with contemporary designs, as well as updating the soft furnishings and decor across her cabins and suites.

Does P&O Aurora have self-service laundry?

Yes! Aurora features complimentary self-service launderettes located throughout the accommodation decks. Washing machines, tumble dryers, irons, and ironing boards are completely free for guests to use, though you will need to bring or purchase your own washing powder.

What is the dining style in the main restaurant on Aurora?

Aurora offers Freedom Dining in the Medina Restaurant. This allows you the flexibility to dine at a time that suits you each evening, rather than being tied to a fixed seating time. Fixed time dining is also available. On Aurora it is called Club Dining and has two set seatings at 6:30 PM and 8:30 PM. You will be assigned the same table, table-mates, and waiters each evening. Club Dining takes place in the Alexandria Restaurant on Deck 6.

About the Authors

We’re Tom and Dom, the creators behind Tom and Dom Travel. Through our ship reviews, cabin tours, port guides, and cruise tips, we share honest, experience-led advice from our travels around the world. Everything we publish is designed to help you cruise with confidence.

Thanks for reading, and happy cruising.