Aurora Review
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Recommended by friends to try the 'Aurora'. having experienced Adonia, Arcadia and Oceania. Aurora is a mid-sized ship, just how we like it not to small or large. We did know it was a 'Strictly' cruise but we chose this cruise for the destinations as we had not previously visited the Canaries.
Embarkation at Southampton very smooth including free parking and we in our cabin by 2.00pm. At 4.00pm we were required to attend life-boat drill, very informative and professionally organised. The ship is about 14 years old and will undergo a refit in November .Only 'tired' areas were noted in our cabin/balcony.
Soon exited Southampton, rounded Isle of Wight and proceeded across the Channel for our first destination Lisbon. Our cabin steward was excellent and nearly always in the corridor and able to help with any issues or concerns. We did note on embarkation that the electric hand-dryers in the public toilets had been switched off (no explanation) but see below regarding the dreaded 'novovirus'.
Cabin Review
Balcony Stateroom with Bath/Shower
Quite adequate. Furniture bit dated, scratched in places. Old style TV, lousy receptions even in Port. Clean and adequately furnished. Balcony small but ok (enclosed) ceiling had white-paint peeling, 2 chairs and little table ready for either re-paint or the tip, Bed comfy, rounded edges, shower over bath, perfectly adequate BUT on 2 occasions the toilets did not work (plumbing or novo - we did not know which). When the toilets are not working do NOT keep pressing the flush. The water-level rises each time and you know what will happen if you keep flushing. Problems rectified quickly. Had one sea-state 'rough' night but please to rock and roll gently and had a good night's sleep actually.