Accessibility Friendly

We cruised on the Aurora at the end of July and the beginning of August on a sailing to the Norwegian Fjords. We have sailed with P&O several times, and Aurora is our favourite vessel of the line. We had an accessible, inside cabin on this journey. It was spacious for an inside stateroom. It had an electric, self-opening door which made entry with a wheelchair very easy. The cabin was near the forward lifts, which proved not only a convenient location, but was far quieter than one might imagine. The room itself had an alcove with a desk, which made it easy to move about the main area with the chair easy. There was a British plugpoint next to the desk, and another next to the kettle. There was also an extra USB plugpoint on the television. There was plenty of wardrobe and drawer space, and a glassed-in bookcase type cupboard above the tv. The accessible shower-room had a wide door and plenty of turning room inside. Ther was a fixed place shower stool, and there was loads of hot water and good drainage. There was a slight ramp into the toilet area, and a tiny lip at the cabin door. Both were small but noticeable. The only concern for me was that the automatic switch for opening the cabin door was next to the bathroom door just under the light switch for the toilet area. While we never accidentally opened our front door at night, it was still a concern. The cabin was very clean, and well maintained. There was a brief issue however, when there was a changing of the cabin lock mechanisms during the sailing. They replaced card insertion locks, with card contact “tapping” readers. This was in the end a more convenient system, but in our case had a brief glitch in that the new lock system shorted out the auto door for an hour or so. The crew was quick to take care of it however. The ship as a whole is accessible, with a number of lifts (elevators) and fairly wide public spaces. The main pool had a hoist for disabled guests to gain access. A couple of the hot tubs also were fairly flush with the deck, though one still had to step down into them. There were ramps to the Promenade allowing access the the ourdoor space. These were variable in steepness depending on where on the ship you were seeking access. The disabled toilets in public areas had automatic doors, and a separate switch for locking the door once inside. Sinks were at a good level and there were grab bars and rails available. In the buffet area, there was a crew member in a yellow apron (for identification) that was dedicated to assist passengers with plates and refills. The main dining room had an officer who monitored and assisted with special diet needs. He would provide menus a day in advance to those with allergies, etc. in order to pre-order and adapt meals. There was one tender port on the sailing, and a “step test” needed to be passed before trying to board one. Other ports had ramps and crew members to assist those with mobility issues. This was a good cruise, with an excellent company. The Aurora is a very disabilities friendly ship and one worth giving a try.

Excellent First Cruise

This was our first ever cruise (OAP age) and we loved it. My wife has mobility issues and the coach travel, embarkation and disembarkation were as smooth as they could make it - just need warning about the walk from the coach to on board and return. The cabin was clean and spacious and although dated it didn't bother us a bit. Only difficulty was getting in and out of the bath/shower. We generally had breakfast brought to the cabin and it was very fresh and tasty. The Horizon Buffet was as expected. The cold dishes and patisserie were particularly good but the hot dishes di vary a bit. We had evening meals in the Alexandria Restaurant at a set time and they were very good. The waiters were very friendly and attentive and we had the same two throughout the voyage who were excellent. We didn't do a lot of the activities on offer but the entertainment was good, and we enjoyed the late night quizzes in the buffet. Nice range of bars to relax in and enjoy the view. We would not consider going on a larger ship and we enjoyed the ambience of this one. Yes it is a bit dated and could do with a spruce up in places - which is starting as we speak - but that didn't reduce our enjoyment of the cruise. Minor niggles - the small bath was difficult to get into, even to shower. The cost of the wi-fi package was expensive. The shore excursions we went on were good but perhaps a little overpriced. The quality of the TV picture was a bit variable.

Norway/fjords 12 nights

The smallest but friendliest ship I have cruised on. Embarkation was an absolute breeze. Cabins ready early. Bags at room before us! NEVER short of seats or sun beds. Always got a seat in theatre even at 5 mins to go. Theatre company the best I have experienced. Dining in MDR was a little disappointing. Portion size - tiny. 3 out of 7 main menu dishes vegetarian and usually 2 fish/seafood so not much choice. Even less on formal nights. The food we got was nice but so limited in choice. MDR Alexandra’s was a little cramped and often very warm. Cabin absolutely fine if a little dated. Bathrooms need updating. I was in an accessible cabin and the automatic doors took so long to close anyone could have entered so had to wait until closed before heading off. Adult only always a bonus!! Friendliness of staff was the best thing. Disembarkation also a breeze. Have booked again!