Sue and Garry Aurora Med cruise Oct 25

[Suekersh]

Hi all.

Sue and Garry are off on their travels again.
Herewith the first cruise report.
Lindsey

Aurora to the Mediterranean 2 October 2025

We travelled down to Southampton on the 1 st October and stayed overnight in the Elizabeth House Hotel. Not the best journey with long delays at both the start and end of the journey.

We both just zonked on the bed and couldn’t even be bothered with dinner.

We woke refreshed ready for boarding day and the challenges that lay ahead.

An enormous taxi arrived that would have seated 10 people just for the 2 of us and the mountain of luggage and other equipment.

Embarking the ship was very easy as they opened check in early and after a short wait in the terminal we boarded the ship.

Lunch was a served menu with various choices, champagne and wine flowed well but I was sensible knowing that the dreaded unpacking had to be done.

We know so many other passengers on this cruise and great to meet up with them once again.

The cabin we are in is a mirror image to another cabin we have been in but somehow I feel disorientated.

I got everything stowed away but cannot remember where I have put things. They will all turn up eventually.

Just before dinner a beautiful flower display was delivered from an officer friend.

We are on fixed dining and have our usual table for 4 which we are sharing with our cruising friends. When we last left the ship in June we half jokingly asked if we could keep our waiter Abdul when we returned for this cruise. Our wish had been granted and we have the very friendly and efficient Abdul once again and his new second waiter is Hari who is also very friendly and efficient.

After dinner we didn’t go to the theatre and headed back to the cabin to attempt to find where I had stored everything.

A very tiring couple of days but we are both so happy to be back on board our favourite ship.

[cruisin_duo]

Thank you for posting Lindsey. Looking forward to reading more about Sue’s cruise.

[Onelife]

Won’t be long before I’m enjoying the lovely Aurora again…only 79 weeks to go

[Happydays]

Sue and Gary I shall enjoy reading about your cruise, have a lovely time as I will be experiencing 2nd hand through you

[Suekersh]

Friday 3 rd October 2025 - 1 st Sea Day to Cartagena Spain.

It is Garrys birthday today and we woke to a murky misley day and were surprised that we had already started going through the Bay of Biscay.

Storms were forecast and the Bridge team had got the speed up to try to beat the storm.

The poltergeist had found us again as a few things on the dressing table had moved around during the night but I had slept through it.

Garry opened his cards and we went to breakfast in the buffet before the crowds arrived.

A positive post about the reception desk on Aurora. We had noticed that the extra OBC for the share benefit hadn’t been added onto our account. Luckily we had brought the paperwork with us and it was all sorted very quickly. They had to contact Head Office but by 10 am we got the phone call that it was sorted.

We spent most of the day wandering around the ship and chatting to passengers we had met on previous cruises. More cards arrived at the cabin during the day.

He had chosen the Glass House for his Birthday meal and it didn’t disappoint. A huge chocolate cake arrived at the end of the meal which was delicious. Room service delivered the remainder of it to our cabin. Hopefully it is just as good tomorrow.

The clocks go forward an hour in the early hours to put the ship on Spanish time ready for our first port of call Cartagena on Monday.

[CaroleF]

So pleased to see you back at sea Sue and on your and my favourite ship. I'm so pleased you are posting on here again, thank you Lindsey, as I love following your adventures. A very happy belated birthday to Garry. Have a great cruise.

Carole

[cruisin_duo]

Belated happy birthday to Garry.

[Onelife]

Friday 3 rd October 2025 - 1 st Sea Day to Cartagena Spain.

It is Garrys birthday today and we woke to a murky misley day and were surprised that we had already started going through the Bay of Biscay.

Storms were forecast and the Bridge team had got the speed up to try to beat the storm.

The poltergeist had found us again as a few things on the dressing table had moved around during the night but I had slept through it.

Garry opened his cards and we went to breakfast in the buffet before the crowds arrived.

A positive post about the reception desk on Aurora. We had noticed that the extra OBC for the share benefit hadn’t been added onto our account. Luckily we had brought the paperwork with us and it was all sorted very quickly. They had to contact Head Office but by 10 am we got the phone call that it was sorted.

We spent most of the day wandering around the ship and chatting to passengers we had met on previous cruises. More cards arrived at the cabin during the day.

He had chosen the Glass House for his Birthday meal and it didn’t disappoint. A huge chocolate cake arrived at the end of the meal which was delicious. Room service delivered the remainder of it to our cabin. Hopefully it is just as good tomorrow.

The clocks go forward an hour in the early hours to put the ship on Spanish time ready for our first port of call Cartagena on Monday.

Hi Sue, the last time we cruised it was my Birthday and we used the same Birthday card ploy as you…however, as well as going around mentioning it was my Birthday I got my wife to go round telling everyone that the poor sod didn’t get one present…people can be so kind, can’t they?

[Suekersh]

Saturday 4 October sea day .

We both needed a quiet day after the excesses of last night.

The weather was still murky but our Captain forecast a much better day tomorrow.

Garry found the laundry and although there was a queue he managed to get a machine.

We caught up with friends for a chat and finished off the birthday cake sat under cover by the Pennant bar with our mid morning coffee.

Our first formal night and as my hairdresser had gone on holiday the 2 weeks before we left my hair was desperate for a colour, so that took up most of the afternoon along with the pampering for formal night.

We had tickets for Carmens for a glass or two of fizz before we went into dinner.

Captain Simon welcomed everyone on board and gave a few facts & figures regarding the weather but the only bit that I remember is that we pass GiB mid-afternoon and it should be hot and sunny.

The food so far has been outstanding and our waiters Abdul and Hari are excellent.

Sunday 5 th October - final sea day

As Captain Simon promised the sun found Aurora or Aurora found the sun and I spent all day on the aft deck soaking up the rays.

We could clearly see the African coast line on the Starboard of the ship and passed Gibraltar early in the afternoon on the port side and suddenly our mobiles found a perfect signal.

Dolphins were spotted whilst we were in dinner. The first ones this cruise.

After another excellent dinner with friends, they went to the theatre and we went onto deck to watch the sun setting.

Tomorrow we arrive in our first port of call Cartegena

[Ray B]

Sounds like the cruise is going well, so pleased Garry found the laundry

[Mervyn and Trish]

He's been to the laundry on that ship so often he can find it blindfold.

[oldbluefox]

Got his own ironing board

[Ray B]

Nice place Cartegeney with a roman amphitheater and a 20/21st modern amphitheater next door. If I remember correctly, it is easy walking for those less able from the ship to the town, just a 10 15 minute walk.

[CaroleF]

I assume the passengers on Aurora have now heard of the new plans to take children on some cruises on Aurora and Arcadia. I'd be interested in hearing what they think and what Sue and Garry's thoughts are.

Carole

[Suekersh]

Carol I think you might have your answer !!!

Here is the latest from Sue and Garry.
Lindsey

Cartagena - Spain

We woke to cloudy skies and rain was in the air. Not what we were hoping for but it did clear up mid morning.

We left the ship and walked into the town. In the past it had never seemed very far but today it seemed miles. Not very disabled friendly in parts with lots of cobbled areas.

It was a flat walk and the temperature was just right for walking. We picked up some cabin essentials from the Carrefour which was exceptionally busy mainly with fellow cruisers.

We found our favourite tapas bar and settled down with a drink intending to order tapas later on. The plan changed as it started raining again. I was undercover but Garry was only partly under cover. It soon stopped raining but it was due to start again and the forecast was for more of the wet stuff. We drank up and decided not to bother with tapas as the skies looked threatening and the wind was getting up. We made it back to the ship without getting wet and opted for the Medina for lunch.

The weather stayed dry but cool and overcast and certainly not sunbathing weather.

It is due to improve the further East we sail.

Another excellent dinner in the Alexander and I can feel the pounds going on.

For some reason our lovely waiter Abdul thinks I need feeding up and keeps bringing extras out.

Tomorrow is a sea day before reach Cagliari in Sardinia.

Tuesday 7 th October 2025. Sea Day to Cagliari.

Our Ligurian lunch day. We were out early but the sun took its time to reach my sunbed.

A lovely meal and Captain Simon visited every table as usual. We thought he was taking his time but only when we returned to the cabin did we find out why. He was getting his ear bent by passengers but at that stage we hadn’t received the information.

A letter informing us that the lovely Aurora adult only ship was no longer and it would be come a child friendly ship from December 2026 but only on certain cruises in school holidays. This also affects the adult only Arcadia.

No child facilities. Why would anyone with children want to book on Aurora without child facilities? There are only 2 adult only ships and five huge child friendly ships with facilities. Have P & O lost the plot?

Hey Ho we are obviously a dying breed and in their eyes ‘has beens’ They have had our money for years. I actually feel sorry for the children as there are absolutely no facilities for them and as Aurora has just had a refit they won’t be doing another one anytime soon.

If we all book with our feet how are they going to fill the ship in term time.

Yes we are disappointed but will we be cancelling or transferring our cruises - we are awaiting more information. The very first time we cruised on Aurora I hated it as the aft pool was for families only and the aft deck is where I like to be.

To say that regular Aurora cruisers on board now are extremely unhappy is an understatement. No warning, no announcement just a letter delivered to our cabin.

Are Saga Cruises the future? After being loyal to P & O for many years and in their Ligurian tier since it was first announced we are very disappointed in P & O.

With new cruises due to be available to book this month then that should have been the time P & O announced this change going forward instead of it affecting cruises already booked.

Another great meal in the dining room but I really need to stop our fabulous waiter bringing me extra food.

Tomorrow we arrive in Cagliari, Sardinia.

[david63]

If we all book with our feet how are they going to fill the ship in term time.

It will just speed up the demise of those two ships which P&O (or more likely Carnival Corp) are looking to offload.

[Ranchi]

On our recent cruise the tannoy announcements started with ‘Captain James with your mid day etc.’ That was James Brown. Is this the new way for captains to introduce themselves? American style, perhaps?
Whatever happened to that great old salt Captain Speaking?

[david63]

Whatever happened to that great old salt Captain Speaking?

I think he retired

[Suekersh]

Wednesday, 8;October 2025 - Cagliari

A lovely sunny day. We waited for the rush to disembark to clear before setting off. We have been here many times and not a favourite port as it is very steep to get to many of the places of interest. There is a small train that goes around but the rollator wouldn’t fit on. There is a Ho Ho bus and we have used that in the past, and another bus that goes to Poetta beach.

A shuttle is used to get passengers the short distance through the port area but then there is a straight flat walk into the lower part of town. There are many zebra crossings but not one that takes you straight across the main road. Instead we had to use 4 different crossing to get to where the shops and bars were. Very well organised and easy walking through a small park area.

We took our time and found a small supermarket to pick up some soft drinks before heading for the best ice cream shop in Cagliari. Omg. The choice was immense and they had my favourite liquorice ice cream. We both had three different scoops in a tub We certainly didn’t need any lunch after that.

We headed back towards the park and I sat in the sun and people watched for a while whilst Garry rested in the shade. It is probably the furthest he has walked for a long time and without the rollator he wouldn’t have managed it.

The sun was on the aft deck and I caught a few rays and had the first ginger Crabbies of the cruise.

Dinner was excellent again and our lovely waiter brought us extras again. We all refused desert.

Tomorrow we have a relaxing Sea day cruising up the coast of Sicily before we start the run of 4 ports.

[Onelife]

Hi Sue..any chance of asking if Abdul could be Onelife’s waiter April 2027

[Suekersh]

Thursday 9 th October 2025 - Sea day to Katakolon- Greece

It took a while for the sun to get up and strong enough to warm up the cool wind.

Lots out on deck persevering with fleeces and towels wrapped around them.

I had chosen a good spot and the sun reached this area the first.

There is still a lot of discontented passengers on board regarding the change of policy to allow children on board the adult only ship. I don’t see the point of letting it spoil our cruise as there is nothing anyone can do about it.

I stayed in the sun until it was time to get ready for dinner. It was our 2 nd formal night and the Peninsular party in Carmens. For our friends it is also their Ligurian lunch. Not great planning as it’s not a short cruise but there are a lot of high tier loyalty on board.

I am so pleased ours was two days ago and didn’t clash with anything.

We went into Carmens for the Peninsular party although for some reason our invite was for the Crows Nest. Our cabin is aft, our restaurant is aft why on earth would we want to go all the way forward to the Crows nest to have a drink and walk all the way back again.

The party was not as busy and the waiters were very quick to refill glasses. The table next to us was certainly making the most of it.

Our friends were the most travelled passenger and June looked fabulous collecting her bottle of champers. Sam sat it out but looked handsome in his Rangers kilt. I took a photo for them.

Garry had ordered me the speciality sea food in the dining room. It was delicious and well worth the extra charge.

We had a wander after dinner but it was too chilly to be comfortable outside.

Tomorrow we arrive in Katakolon, I don’t think we have been to this port previously.

[Suekersh]

Another fabulous sunny day which heated up very quickly. Lots of trips going off early to various places and many coaches going to Olympia. Not sure what the ticket price was to go there but once we walked off the ship into town tickets to Olympia were being sold at 15 Euros return.

The Cunard Queen Vic was in port with us and they had the nearest Berth to town.

It was about a mile walk for Aurora passengers but it was flat and by the sea with lots of benches to rest on for those that needed them.

The town was lovely and very typically Greek. It was bustling and bars and shops were doing a good trade. I looked in a few shops and I was tempted to buy a sun dress but at 55 Euros it did seem a bit steep compared to the 15 dollars I usually pay in the Caribbean, and did I really need another sun dress.

We had a drink at a bar with a view of the sea whilst I thought it over and decided against. We are in Corfu tomorrow so there will be lots of shops there.

We took it easy on the walk back to the ship, the sun was very hot and there was no shade.

After a light lunch I found a bed in the sun and relaxed for the rest of the afternoon.

The ship was very quiet as we had seen a lot of coaches setting off on tours this morning.

Another excellent dinner where once again I ate far too much. I have given up now and will worry about the added weight gain when I get home.

Next port of call is Corfu. It is a few years since we have been here.

[CaroleF]

I remember our visit to Katakolon. As Sue says there were lots of trips to Olympia. John and I did think about going there to see the historic place but eventually we decided we'd go on a trip to a Vineyard. It was one of the best trips we went on. It wasn't a huge business but it had very modern equipment. First we were shown the old method of wine making with all the old equipment still in place, then to the very modern area. All was very interesting but then after that we were taken to an area under trees where long tables were set out. Then we were brought plates of cheeses, breads, ham and other cold meats, some sort of pickle and these kept being replenished. We also then were able to sample the different wines that the vineyard produced. I'll always remember that lunchtime sat under those trees with the sun shining through the leaves and enjoying the amazing spread with various wines. Needless to say the vineyard did a good trade in selling bottles of wine, and I think of Olive oil too! When we returned to the ship other passengers chatted about their trip to Olympia, did we regret not going there? Well I know it would have been interesting but that afternoon at the vineyard remains in my memory.

[Meg 50]

there was a beer train in Katakolon when we were there

[Suekersh]

Saturday, 11 October 2025

Corfu Greece - Another hot sunny day. It’s a good few years since we were last in Corfu but remembered it was a nice walk through the alleyways of shops up to the cricket ground.

We set off early before the crowds and the port had put on a shuttle to the terminal building for the passengers with walking difficulties.

There was another ship in dock Aida ?? Some passengers were on change around day and were also using the bus to get their luggage to the terminal building. As we were early there was plenty of room and Garry used his rollator as a seat on the shuttle.

At the terminal building another shuttle bus was waiting to take us into town. This was purely for Aurora passengers and chargeable for saver fare passengers.

Getting the drivers attention off his mobile to open the luggage space at the side of the bus took time and once he had opened it he offered no assistance to get the rollator into the hold.

We managed it between us and although the bus was filling quickly the front seat was designated for disabled passengers and had been left vacant.

Corfu town was exactly as we remembered and we ambled slowly up the Main Street towards the cricket ground. The road was paved rather than cobbled which made the walk much easier, however early morning there were many vans around to dodge. Later on it became pedestrianised.

We found the cricket ground and chose seats with sun for me and shade for Garry.

The local non alcoholic drink is ginger beer and it was superb just as I remembered it.

A fellow cruiser, Tess joined us for a chat. It was so lovely sat in the sun before it got too hot. Eventually we made a move and walked back down, stopping to sample the Kumquat liquor which tasted like sweet cough medicine. Yuk.

After the awful liquor I needed to get rid of the taste so what better than a gelato.

No liquorice flavour today but dark chocolate laced with rum was almost as good and came as a recommendation from the young lady serving.

We found a traditional local shop and purchased honey and the local Baklava’s for friends before heading back to the shuttle. This time there was a young driver who was eager to help safely store the rollator.

I spent the afternoon on the aft deck in the sun until it was time to get ready for our evening meal.

We had booked the beach House before we left home and it was booked out very quickly for this port. Our friends joined us and we had a great meal. Some slight changes since last time we were on board not to the menu, but different chefs prepare the food differently. We all enjoyed the meal and the key lime sundae for desert got the thumbs up. In the past we had issues with this when a chef had changed the recipe. It took a while to get it reverted back to the original.

Tomorrow we dock in Dubrovnik. We will have a day on ship to relax after the busy port days. I do enjoy Dubrovnik around the harbour but it’s a long journey on the shuttle bus and always a bun fight to get on and off the bus at both ends.