Why This Cruise Ship Still Charms After 25 Years At Sea
The best feature of 'Aurora'? This wonderful tiered space at the back of the ship.
David Nikel
Step aboard P&O Cruises' Aurora and you'll quickly sense you're on a different kind of cruise ship.
Launched in 2000 and now the smallest vessel in the fleet, this 1,874-passenger ship may not offer robotic bartenders or water slides, but it makes up for it with elegant design, tiered aft decks perfect for sailaways, and a calm, grown-up atmosphere you won't find on the newest megaships.
A scheduled dry dock in April 2025 will bring refreshed interiors and modern touches, but the heart of Aurora—its spacious outdoor areas, distinctive design, and adults-only ambience—will remain unchanged.
In fact, it's these very features that make the ship so well-suited to scenic itineraries like the Norwegian fjords, Mediterranean escapes, and winter sailings in search of the northern lights.
Aurora offers something increasingly rare in the cruise world: space to breathe. Yet to call Aurora a small ship isn't entirely fair.
When she first launched in 2000, her 76,000-ton size and capacity for around 1,874 guests placed her firmly in the 'large ship' category. But fast forward 25 years and the cruise industry has changed dramatically.
The relatively small size of 'Aurora' means it can dock in Alta, Norway.
P&O Cruises
Today, ships like Arvia and Iona regularly carry more than 5,000 passengers each, complete with high-tech entertainment, vast atriums, and onboard attractions that rival theme parks.
Against that backdrop, Aurora feels delightfully different. Once you've figured out some of the quirks such as how to reach the main dining rooms, you'll rarely need to consult a map to find your way around.
It rarely takes more than a few minutes to get from one end of the ship to the other, and long lines are few and far between—even on busy sea days.
There are a few compromises, of course. Cabins are more compact than those on today's newer ships, though they still offer ample storage. But with so much to enjoy elsewhere on board, it's easy to overlook a slightly snugger stateroom.
For those who find the size and crowds of modern megaships overwhelming, Aurora offers a welcome return to a more relaxed, human-scale cruising experience.
There's a clear design shift in today's cruise ships: more emphasis on interior space, less on connecting with the sea.
On many newer vessels, it's possible to spend days on board without catching more than a glimpse of the ocean. Aurora, on the other hand, was built for looking outwards.
There is a wraparound promenade deck on 'Aurora' popular with guests when the weather allows.
David Nikel
One of her standout features is the traditional wraparound promenade deck—an increasingly rare find in modern shipbuilding.
It's not just a charming nod to classic ocean liners; it's a practical feature too. Three and a bit laps make up a mile, making it ideal for a morning stroll or logging some steps when the weather allows.
Then there's the tiered aft, a beautifully designed cascade of open decks that creates the perfect setting for sailaways, sunset watching, or simply soaking up the view.
Up top, the sports court and generous sundecks offer plenty of space to unwind, without the bustle of splash zones or family-focused attractions.
You won't find water slides, climbing walls, or kids' clubs on Aurora—and that's exactly the point.
As an adults-only ship, Aurora caters to a different kind of cruise experience, where the focus is on relaxation, enrichment-focused entertainment, and quiet moments with a sea view.
That's not to say it's all peace and quiet. The pub—arguably the beating heart of any British cruise ship—is rarely still. Whether it's live music, a soccer game on the big screen, or a lively trivia contest, there's always something happening.
Enrichment talks fill the theater on 'Aurora'.
David Nikel
For night owls, the Masquerade lounge transforms into the go-to late night venue, with everything from karaoke to silent discos keeping the dance floor busy into the early hours.
With no need to cater to children, public spaces like lounges, bars, and sun decks tend to feel more spacious.
Perhaps the only exception was the coffee shop, where tables were often full by mid-morning as guests awaited their caffeine fix. But as many soon discovered, the same barista-made coffee is available at all of the ship's bars—usually without the wait.
Dry docks are essential for keeping ships running smoothly, from technical maintenance in the engine room to replacing worn-out fittings. But they're also a chance to give older vessels a fresh lease of life—and Aurora's upcoming dry dock in April 2025 will do just that.
The ship will be out of service for just over two weeks while work is carried out in Rotterdam.
Alongside the usual behind-the-scenes upkeep, many of Aurora's bars, restaurants, and public areas will receive updated décor, new furniture, and refreshed colour schemes.
Cabins will be spruced up with new soft furnishings and mattresses, while poolside areas and sun decks are getting new furniture and finishes too.
The aim isn't to reinvent Aurora, but to keep her feeling fresh for the years ahead—without losing the character that makes the traditional cruise ship so well loved.
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