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Aurora refit

TOMOGP

By TOMOGP,
in P&O Cruises ( UK )

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TOMOGP

TOMOGP

Posted
Posted

Going on her in December just after her refit, has anybody got any idea of what is being done - apart from the obvious garish painting of the Bow, have heard the Library is becoming a select dining venue?

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PRINCESSTHE BEST

PRINCESSTHE BEST

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Posted

P&O Cruises’ Aurora will be the first ship in the fleet to receive the new Union Flag livery when it receives a £26 million makeover later this year.

 

The ship was last refit in 2009 after launching in 2000, but will enter drydock again in Hamburg for a refurbishment between November 29 and December 18. The ship will then sail on a Christmas and New Year sailing before the South America and Pacific Adventure world cruise, departing on January 8 next year.

 

The refit will include the introduction of the Sindhu restaurant, designed by Michelin star chef Atul Kochhar.

 

The Glass House is replacing Café Bordeaux on deck eight, while the buffet area is also to undergo a complete revamp.

 

Children’s club area The Reef will have a complete refurbishment and freedom dining is being introduced to Medina Restaurant, with more tables of two being added as well as dishes by Marco Pierre White on gala nights.

 

Other aspects of the refit include a revamp for the Sidewalk Café and the introduction of Costa Coffee, the relocation of the library to be near the Crow’s Nest and a new look casino.

 

The spa will also receive a refit during the ship’s time in drydock.

 

P&O Cruises marketing director Christopher Edgington said: “This is a massive investment. It’s all part of our ongoing commitment to ensure continuous improvement of our ships and consistency across the fleet.

 

“Both Ventura and Arcadia underwent huge multi-million pound refits last year and Aurora is the next in line, with Azura planned for 2015.

 

“Not only will Aurora feature firm favourites from Azura and Ventura, such as Sindhu and The Glass House restaurant and wine bar, but we will also see brand new initiatives as well as the distinctive new livery.

 

“As the very first ship to display our new livery, we have big plans to welcome Aurora back in to Southampton. We can’t wait to see her.”

 

 

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AchileLauro

AchileLauro

Posted
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Hi Besberry

I think she looks really good.I'm quite excited about the changes. It will be a different experience to 2013 I think.:)

 

I feel quite the opposite. While I appreciate that things can't stand still and have to change my thoughts are that they are spoiling the character of the ship and making it too much like the other ships. It's bit like themed pubs or most high streets with everything looking the same. I can't say that it excites me in fact it rather puts me off. There doesn't seem to be any individuality any more, it's all about collective corporate image.

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AchileLauro

AchileLauro

Posted
Posted (edited)

I should also have added that I don't mind the paint job on the front end of the ship but repainting the funnels blue really is taking it too far. While I never did like the mustard coloured funnels they were the house colours and painting them out is obviously Carnival's way of severing all links with P&O and their tradittional values.

 

Seems a bit of a sad end to a long distinguished British company in a way. Painting out the past perhaps?

 

Oh Lord Stirling what did you do when you sold out to Carnival. Would have been any different under the Celebrity banner I wonder?

Edited by AchileLauro
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Sealoveragain

Sealoveragain

Posted
Posted
I should also have added that I don't mind the paint job on the front end of the ship but repainting the funnels blue really is taking it too far. While I never did like the mustard coloured funnels they were the house colours and painting them out is obviously Carnival's way of severing all links with P&O and their tradittional values.

 

Seems a bit of a sad end to a long distinguished British company in a way. Painting out the past perhaps?

 

Oh Lord Stirling what did you do when you sold out to Carnival. Would have been any different under the Celebrity banner I wonder?

 

I'm a fairly new cruiser, but decided to take our first cruise on P&O because of it's 'Britishness'. I can sympathies with your feelings as it's obvious P&O are no longer the company it was. I haven't been on the larger ships so I don't really know what they are like. Having spent almost 4 months on the Aurora World cruise in 2013, I did feel she was looking very shabby and in need of a refurbishment so I'm excited about the new look.

I think for people like you who want P&O to remain the company it was, keeping the funnels mustard colour is probably the least of your worries.

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majortom10

majortom10

Posted
Posted
I should also have added that I don't mind the paint job on the front end of the ship but repainting the funnels blue really is taking it too far. While I never did like the mustard coloured funnels they were the house colours and painting them out is obviously Carnival's way of severing all links with P&O and their tradittional values.

 

Seems a bit of a sad end to a long distinguished British company in a way. Painting out the past perhaps?

 

Oh Lord Stirling what did you do when you sold out to Carnival. Would have been any different under the Celebrity banner I wonder?

 

You talk about ending a long and distinguished British company and Carnival's way of severing all links with P&Os traditional values but as we alll know P&O have been cruising for 177years and the funnells in the early days were black so its not getting rid of tradition just another company change. I am sure when they decided to change from black to mucky yellow there was similar outcries.

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top golfer

top golfer

Posted
Posted

so are they are taking away cafe Bourdeaux, a place were you can have breakfast lunch and a late evening snack at no extra cost and replacing it with the Glass House were they charge you for that option ?

and they are also taking away the seaside grill were you get your burgers and wraps at no extra cost and replacing it with Costa coffee ?

 

not liking that at all.

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NSWP

NSWP

Posted
Posted (edited)

We have just booked on Aurora, Canada/New England, September next year. First time on her, been on Arcadia a couple of times, 2012/2014.

 

So, you experienced Aurora cruisers, do you think the refit/changes are for the good? OR will they detract from the appearance and comfort of the ship? I must say I do like the new livery, not sure about the other changes, as I have not experienced her as she is now.

 

I trust they are not putting in additional cabins, a'la Arcadia.

Edited by NSWP
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Sealoveragain

Sealoveragain

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Posted

Hi Les

Well all I can say is that when I boarded Aurora for the first time, I thought it was just as I imagined a traditional cruise ship to look like. That was a few years ago. I spent almost 4 months on her last year and I did think she was starting to look a little shabby. I still think she is a lovely ship. She has a lovely Prom deck and I love the Crow's nest. I have no idea what the changes will be like until we cruise on her in January 2015. I think although there will be changes, essentially the ship will remain as she was a lovely ship which I'm sure you will enjoy. I am looking forward to some of the changes although I do wish they weren't making the Medina restaurant freedom dining. This won't affect us though as we prefer club dining.

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NSWP

NSWP

Posted
Posted
Hi Les

Well all I can say is that when I boarded Aurora for the first time, I thought it was just as I imagined a traditional cruise ship to look like. That was a few years ago. I spent almost 4 months on her last year and I did think she was starting to look a little shabby. I still think she is a lovely ship. She has a lovely Prom deck and I love the Crow's nest. I have no idea what the changes will be like until we cruise on her in January 2015. I think although there will be changes, essentially the ship will remain as she was a lovely ship which I'm sure you will enjoy. I am looking forward to some of the changes although I do wish they weren't making the Medina restaurant freedom dining. This won't affect us though as we prefer club dining.

 

I appreciate your comments re Aurora, I am sure she will be fine allround after refit. We are also Club diners.

 

Thanks and happy cruising, enjoy the next one in January.

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Brayman

Brayman

Posted
Posted
I have searched the Aurora refurb posts and pics but I haven't found anything about the depressing "Masquerades Bar"

Does anyone know what they are doing with it?

 

I haven;t heard or read anything about Masquerades in the refit. It is the ONLY bar that we didn't spend any money in while on Aurora last month!

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jolly1

jolly1

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Posted
I haven;t heard or read anything about Masquerades in the refit. It is the ONLY bar that we didn't spend any money in while on Aurora last month!

Same here! To me it just a total waste of a good sized Bar. Dark, dismal and depressing.

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