Virtuosa UK - Aurea with Kids

[annarack]

We have been upgraded from Fantastica to Aurea balcony (with perks, due to an issue) and I just wanted to check what is included please?  I know there is a free massage plus access to the thermal suite, and free drinks, but we already have Premium drinks like everyone else on board.  Does anyone know what facilities are open within the wellness area for Aurea guests under Covid rules, and what needs booking in advance?  Is this via the app onboard?  I also saw there is access to a special sun deck, is this adult only or can our children come here with us?  Are we likely to be able to get them into kids club, so we can actually use these nice perks?  Thanks in advance for any info/advice from those who have already done the seacation in an Aurea cabin.

[wirral36]

Hi, I can help with some of your queries but not all unfortunately. The special sun deck has a hot tub and sun beds. It gets quite windy up there but is nice to get away from the masses. Children are allowed up there and in that hot tub. 
 

kids club is 1 hr for each child twice a day max. There are 3 sessions a day to choose from. You have to queue up to get in and the queues can get big quickly. You may have to go back in 30 mins once a child has left.  
 

the arcades are open some days 2pm-12pm, 6pm-12pm, 4pm-12pm. 1 of the bowling lanes is broken, 1 of the F1 cars is broken, some of the arcade machines are broken. The prize machine that you are meant to put tickets into doesn’t have any prizes so just be mindful before trying to earn tickets. Also be mindful that some of the arcade machines will take the money off the card but won’t work, the arcade isn’t manned out of the limited hours but if you tell customer services they will help. 
 

as soon as you get on the ship, book bowling because the way it’s set up is you queue for a long time to get a time slot and date for bowling, F1 and VR. Some times you will have a 2 day wait before you can play. Just keep it in mind and book as much as you can when you get there as you can’t prebook anything apart from some spa. If slots are booked you will have to queue again the next day on the off chance.  The VR keeps breaking down and going blank so make sure you tell the man if it happens to you. The bowling is timed so if you don’t have all your goes in 30 mins nothing can be done. You don’t need bowling shoes. 
 

how old are your children ? The reports are true, daytime is all about swimming. They have some family quizzes and games round the main pool. But other than swimming there’s not much else in the day especially if you’re in port. Shops won’t open until late either in port.  
 

the shops are open limited hours and any medication is ridiculously expensive. Rennies for heart burn were £18. 
 

if anyone gets seasick, the crew are great. The shop sells wrist bands for £11 and the crew will hand out seasickness tablets if you ask.  Get some from boots before you go if you have a preferred brand. 

take your own hand sanatiser as the ship has lots of machines but you may prefer your own brand. 
 

the ship had 3800 passengers when I was on board but it felt a lot more. We didnt have any unruly passengers but as daytime is limited on things to do, the indoor pool especially gets packed and it is a booze cruise in places. 
 

if you want to do the Himalayan bridge or water park, do it as soon as possible. It’s open times are limited in the day and will close again in bad weather also. The numbers allowed in are limited but you get a wristband and sign a waiver by the waterslides. 
 

The sportsplex isn’t open unless it’s for Covid testing or a kids club event then it closes straight after. They won’t allow anyone to go in there otherwise. 
 

the buffet is back to self service but is only half open. There are lots of places to sit though and if you walk round there will be whole sections empty. 
 

they have bingo twice a week and children can go. It’s £40 for 4 cards. 
children can also go to all shows and I saw children in the gym. 

The casino is open limited hours like everything else. As soon as you get on board, just make yourself aware of the timings of everything otherwise it’s hard to make sure you can do the things you want to do without missing out. 
 

Children have to wear masks in kids club from age 4 I believe and everyone not double vaccinated has 2 Covid lateral flow tests done, 1 before the cruise and 1 half way through. 

[annarack]

Thank you so much for all this valuable information, there is a lot to digest here so I will try to absorb it and then ask any further questions if that is OK.  Very much appreciated.

[sidari]

Be aware that kids are not allowed into the Thermal suite and only Adults qualify for the massage, be sure to go to the booking area after you board or the best times will be booked up.

[CruisingFox27]

The Aurea sundeck isn't adults only, however, all that is there are sun loungers and a whirl pool so unless your kids like to sit and sunbathe there's little attraction. Lovely for you if you do get them into the kids club though.