P&O Cruises World Cruising has unveiled plans for a £26 million make-over for Aurora this year, making it the first ship in its fleet to receive the bold new livery design.
The refurbishment will take place over three weeks starting November 29 in Hamburg, ahead of Aurora’s Christmas New Year cruise and its South America & Pacific Adventure world cruise departing Southampton on January 8, 2015.
Aurora was launched in 2000, and was last refit in 2009. The planned changes for 2014 include:
A new-look livery design, which celebrates P&O Cruises World Cruising’s heritage and its place as Britain’s favourite cruise company. It features a contemporary version of the Union Jack on its bow as well as new blue funnels with illuminated ‘rising sun’ brand designs
- The introduction of Sindhu restaurant for evening fine dining with an Indian fusion menu designed by Michelin-star celebrity chef Atul Kochhar
- The Glass House restaurant and wine bar will replace Café Bordeaux on Deck 8. Open for brunch, lunch and dinner, it will feature wines selected by TV presenter Olly Smith with the option for passengers to buy premium wines by the glass. There will also be a private room for wine tastings and dinners
- A complete refurbishment of The Orangery buffet restaurant
- The Beach House alfresco dining replaces the Pennant Grill on Lido Deck 12 to include family favourites
- A complete refurbishment of The Reef children’s clubs with room names changed to reflect Reef club names across the fleet
- The introduction of Freedom Dining to Medina Restaurant with more tables for two and Marco Pierre White dishes on gala evenings
- A refurbishment of the Sidewalk Café and the introduction of Costa Coffee
- The introduction of a brand new “Grab and Go” counter, for breakfast and lunch on the go
- The library will relocate to the current cyb@study space on Deck 13
- A refurbishment of the Casino and Champions Sports Bar with new open-plan design, new furniture and improved stage area for entertainment, live music and quizzes
- Photography gallery upgrade to include improved touch screen technology
- An extensive refurbishment of onboard shops
- Refurbishment of Oasis Spa
- New soft furnishings for all cabins as well as new flat-screen TVs.
- Upgrade of all sound and light equipment in the theatre and show lounge
P&O Cruises World Cruising Marketing Director Christopher Edgington said the refit was part of the cruise line’s commitment to ensure continuous improvement of its 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,” Mr Edgington said.
“Aurora will feature firm favourites from Azura and Ventura, such as Sindhu and The Glass House restaurant, and 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.”
For more information and bookings please see a travel agent, call 132 428 or visit www.pocruises.com.
Source: P&O