P&O Cruises, Aurora Review

This was a cheap additional cruise to the Canaries, slotted in when Aurora returned to cruising early. As per the current Covid Regs, at the terminal my luggage was taken up to the hole in the wall while my taxi driver fetched me an assistance helper. He wheeled me across the road for a lateral flow test and for my documents to be checked – vaccination certificate, insurance, boarding pass and health clearance. Then I went back to the assistance waiting are for a text with my results. Once I was cleared to embark there was another short wait for security to open and then I was wheeled on board. The new procedure is to go straight to your muster station and have your card scanned so they know you know where it is, then to collect a cruise card from your cabin. To go to the Loyalty Lunch, I was also supposed to collect my invitation from the cabin. It soon became clear, I was the first to board and on the ship, no-one was ready! After waiting at Masquerade for ages, I was taken to my cabin to leave my hand luggage and collect my cruise card etc. Finally, my card was scanned and I could go to the Alexandria Restaurant. It was back to being a buffet meal, but with very free-flowing alcohol. Luggage took a long time to arrive and, more worryingly, my rollator didn’t appear, but made it before dinner.
Our dining allocation was for club dining on a table for 8. In the event, two ladies turned up, saw the table size and asked to move, leaving us with one other couple. We had great conversations and fun for the duration of the cruise. A word about dinner – the always available options have gone. Steak and salmon are always on every dinner menu but very little chicken and no melon starter. Instead, there are three plant-based options – two veggie, and one vegan, two meat and two fish.
One positive aspect of reducing numbers in the theatre to maintain social distancing, is having 3 shows a night. This means you can go to the early show, have a drink, dinner and then maybe a different show at 10.30pm or the syndicate quiz. The thirds day was the first of three Gala or Celebration Nights, although no cocktail party due to Covid. Instead, we were given vouchers for a glass of champagne, red or white wine, beer or a soft drink. This we drank in the Crows Next where the captain came round and chatted to everyone.
On port days we had cabin breakfast, as the £2.50 delivery charge is suspended while Covid regs are in place I suppose.
I was very impressed with the new Headliners shows. The only one on this cruise I have seen before is Destination Dance (delayed until final day).

In conclusion – cruising post Covid
Pros: I really like 3 shows a night as you can see 2 every evening, or go to the syndicate quiz, even if on second sitting.

Cons: Why was there piped music everywhere on deck now, even on the promenade deck! No voyage log, no evening turndown, no port guides or presenter. Solos meet unhosted, deck games unhosted. Mainly, though I am not keen on the new dinner menus. The ‘always available’ options have gone. I eat largely vegetarian at home but I missed chicken, which we only had one night. However, I really enjoyed the cruise. The crew were lovely and so pleased to be back at work. The weather was perfect – warm, sunny and the seas mostly flat calm.