Sue and Garry Aurora Med cruise Oct 25

[Suekersh]

Sunday 12 October 2025 - Dubrovnik

Another glorious day, a little chilly first thing, but warmed up very quickly as the sun rose over the mountain.

We had already decided to stay on board as the continuous port days take their toll.

We have been here so many times and it is a favourite but can be a bun fight getting through the gate into the centre.

We had invites delivered for the most travelled 50 passengers in Carmens tomorrow.

They had been left by our cabin steward and Garry had read them. When we returned to the cabin they couldn’t be found. We looked everywhere but no sign of them.

Lots of fellow passengers we spoke to still had theirs. The mystery was solved at dinner when an officer told us it had been postponed until Thursday and housekeeping must have collected them from the cabin.

There is a supermarket close to where the ship docks and our friends decided they needed cabin supplies and offered to pick up some items for us. They were off ship for ages and all the supermarkets were closed on a Sunday. I presume in the town the bars and cafes will be open.

About 3 years ago we did a trip here on a small boat which visited the different islands around Dubrovnik which included some local alcohol and a bbq lunch. It. Was a fabulous trip but not one that Garry could manage now.

I set up in my favourite spot on the aft deck and passed the day away, Reading, chatting and admiring the fabulous scenery.

I kept applying sun lotion as although mid October the rays are very strong.

The days seem to be slipping by very quickly now.

As I post this we are just arriving in Split - Croatia.

[Suekersh]

Monday, 13 October 2025 - Split Croatia

A Celebrity ship followed us into dock and for a change Aurora got the prime berth with less distance to walk off the ship. Or so we thought.

The full mystery of the vanishing invite cards was solved when a letter was received from the loyalty team. The new venue is now Carmens which can hold more passengers and is on the 17 th October. It is now open to all Ligurian tier rather than the top 50 guests.

We have visited this port a few times but always by tender into the area near to the little marina. Lovely flat area near a park and some fabulous bars.

Where we were dumped today was the pits. Filthy, train station, ferry station, so busy, smoking everywhere, trash everywhere. Lots of vendors trying to sell their tat as well as taxis, tuk Tuks and Ho Ho bus. It was such a long walk with uneven pavements and after an hour we decided to just return to the ship.

Pedestrian crossings were either non existent or ignored. Eventually we tagged onto the back of some locals crossing the road and amazingly the traffic stopped for them.

I so wished we had booked a trip but as we had just expected a nice walk into the park and a cold drink we hadn’t bothered.

We eventually got back to the ship and there was a long queue to embark and everyone had similar stories to tell. One man had argued for half his money back as he had booked the Ho Ho bus and they told everyone they had to get off and wait an hour for the next bus. It was scorching hot and he was determined he was either getting his money back or staying on the bus. Reluctantly he agreed at 50% and then walked back to the ship.

In all of our many years of cruising I think this must be the worst port experience ever.

I look forward to listening to all the different tours that had been booked and how disabled friendly they were. We will then book a tour for next April when we call here again.

On the way back we found the supermarket that apparently sold everything but It didn’t sell what we wanted to buy.

Once back on ship I set up on the aft deck which had the best views I had seen all morning.

We had a lovely afternoon on deck. The sun was out and the ship was so quiet with the majority of passengers on tours.

When we returned to the cabin after dinner the brochures for 2027/ 2028 had arrived with a sheet showing the family friendly ones. We didn’t need to peruse them for very long as there wasn’t anything of interest to us. The cruises that had the best itineraries were too long for us to consider them.

Tomorrow we have a sea day to Messina.

[oldbluefox]

Friends of ours had walked in. First time there for them. They said it was very busy but had enjoyed the Diocletian Palace along with Roman soldiers and had also found Gregory of Nin.....rub his toe for good luck!

[Onelife]

Friends of ours had walked in. First time there for them. They said it was very busy but had enjoyed the Diocletian Palace along with Roman soldiers and had also found Gregory of Nin.....rub his toe for good luck!

Oh! that's where I' went wrong ..I must have rubbed him in the wrong place

[oldbluefox]

Too much information

[Mervyn and Trish]

Friends of ours had walked in. First time there for them. They said it was very busy but had enjoyed the Diocletian Palace along with Roman soldiers and had also found Gregory of Nin.....rub his toe for good luck!

Oh! that's where I' went wrong ..I must have rubbed him in the wrong place

What? You mean Croydon instead of Croatia?

[Suekersh]

Tuesday 14 October 2025 - Sea Day to Messina.

Another good start to the day with an amazing sunrise but when I went out it was chilly out of the sun. The sun was rising at the front of the ship but I had picked the perfect spot again and it wasn’t long before I was full in it.

It was the launch of the new seasons brochure and although I never ventured near the loyalty desk reports were coming back that it was rammed all day. Numbered tickets were being given out so that everyone was seen in order.

The third of four formal nights on this cruise and another fabulous meal. Salmon with a wonderful lobster sauce was my choice.

Tomorrow we arrive in Messina. I am planning a lazy day on ship with maybe a walk out to the Ice cream shop.

[Suekersh]

Wednesday 15 October 2025 - Messina

Oh no Messina, the cloud is covering the sun and the clouds are dark and threatening. Will the sun manage to burn them off or are we in for a Rainy day.

We have nothing planned here as we have been here so many times. This is the port to see the magnificent astronomical clock which provides a great show at noon every day when the square is full of sightseers and unfortunately pick pockets.

Lots of trips today to Taormina and Mount Etna so really hope the weather improves for them.

The weather did improve and in Messina the sun shone. We were not docked in the usual spot and it was further to walk than usual. Garry decided he really didn’t want to get off and as I was happy on board in the sun I set up on the aft deck for the day.

Mount Etna was covered in mist and dark cloud which was such a shame as so many trips booked for today.

We had booked for the scenic sailaway on deck 9. Garry decided not to go as he couldn’t drink the cocktails anyway. I went with friends and luckily we were under cover as the rain started as the party started. The crew worked really hard bringing round drinks and canapés so that the passengers could stay seated and undercover.

It was a lovely way to spend an hour pre dinner even though the weather did its best to spoil the party.

I met Garry for dinner but after all the canapés I didn’t really need more food.

We now have two sea days to Gibraltar our final port for this cruise.

[Suekersh]

Thursday, 16 October 2025 - 1 st Sea day to Gibraltar

A very mixed day. Very windy on decks and the wind was cold. I moved from my normal spot on the wing of A deck and found a spot out of the wind but once the sun moved round I gave up.

I had a wander around the shops on board but nothing shouted ‘buy me’ I could do with a new leather wallet to carry my cruise card etc as the one I bought on Iona 5 years ago is fraying at the edges. The prices have almost doubled since I bought it.

It was the Chocoholics buffet event in the Alexander restaurant. Wow so many chocolate treats all in one place. I put some on a plate and took it back to the cabin for Garry to share.

I still had enough time to let the chocs settle before it was time for dinner which once again surpassed expectations.

Tomorrow we have another sea day before we reach Gibraltar. Apparently we are docking at a different berth than usual but still close to the duty free shop.

[Suekersh]

Friday, 19 October 2025 - 2 nd sea day to Gibraltar

A much better day with a fabulous sun rise and hardly a breath of wind. I got my spot in the sun and didn’t move until lunch time.

There was a party organised for all Ligurian tier members. approx 140 passengers and many officers in Carmens . It was at 19:30 which was after our dinner and before 2 nd sitting dinner.

There were lots of Canapés being served but having just finished dinner we didn’t partake.

The drink flowed well and it was anything we requested rather than just bubbles. It was hosted by the loyalty team to thank everyone for their loyalty to P & O cruises.

There were many canapés on offer both hot and cold and the drinks kept on arriving.

Pulse were performing on the stage but they were far too loud and we moved toward the back of Carmens where we could hear ourselves think and chat to friends and officers.

It was a lovely evening and very well organised.

Tomorrow we arrive in Gibraltar our final port of call for this cruise.

[Suekersh]

Sat 18 October - Gibraltar

A very cloudy day and the top of the rock was encased in dark threatening cloud. We had already made the decision that we didn’t need to go into the town as we are departing early afternoon.

It seemed pointless us both getting off and I just went into the duty free shop to pick up a couple of bottles.

Back on ship and the weather was picking up at sea level although the Rock was still covered in black cloud.

We were in the inside berth as the humongous Star Princess was docked across from us. It made Aurora look like a toy ship but I know which one I preferred to be on.

A BBQ on deck had been organised and I had a look in there but the only thing that tempted me was the spicy rum cake and of course I had to sample a Sangria.

The food all looked lovely and smelt delicious but for me the queues were off putting.

We spent the afternoon on the aft deck where the final sailaway party was planned. The entertainment hosts put their all into the party and the Aurora aft deck was full of passengers joining in the dancing and singing.

Unfortunately the fuel barge was late and by the time we did sail away the party was well and truly over.

Dinner tonight was just the two of us as our table companions had made other arrangements.

I called into Carmens after dinner to catch up with a few friends.

We now have two sea days before we reach Southampton.

[Suekersh]

Monday 20 th October final sea day and Tuesday 21 st October Disembarkation day.

Boy were we pleased we packed the majority of the cabin up yesterday.

It was very wobbly and we both spent a lot of time led on the bed whilst gaining courage to finish the packing. We decided to leave it until after dinner and by then it was much calmer.

We said goodbye to our fabulous waiters and dietary waiter in the usual P & O fashion. We couldn’t have been served by more competent or happy people.

Friends called at our table to say goodbyes and it all got very emotional. We will keep in touch with them over the coming months as they set off on their Grand Voyages and World cruises.

Back at the cabin we finished the final bits of packing and put the cases out making sure twice over that we had both left clothes out to travel home in. We both slept surprisingly well.

Tuesday 21 st October Disembarkation day.

A sad day and we were up early and into the buffet for breakfast before making our way to the disembarkation area. We had a coffee whilst waiting and once all the luggage had been put in deck order we had the goahead to disembark. More goodbyes but too busy to get emotional and once in the luggage area the usual scramble to find our cases. It didn’t take long as ours have straps marked with our name. I was the finder and Garry stayed with the bags and loaded up the trolley.

More goodbyes in the luggage area, no security on and straight through to the waiting taxis. My face fell as we directed to a small taxi which was the next in line. I asked him if he was joking, 2 large cases, 2 large holdalls, 2 carry on bags with 2 more bags that fit over the handles and a rollator would not fit in Ford fiesta size car. Luckily the driver saw sense and gave way to the much larger taxi behind him.

A busy drive to the Elizabeth House Hotel but we were on our way home just after 9am.

Another fabulous cruise with mainly fabulous weather until the last 2 days, and a new port of call Katakolon.

[Happydays]

Thank you for posting about your cruise. I have enjoy reading all about it, I had a lovely holiday with you both

[LadyPCruiser]

Thank you for all the reports - love hearing about your travels