By
Rebecca Gibson |
P&O Cruises’ Aurora is to be the first ship to receive the line’s new livery when she undergoes an extensive £26 million refurbishment this winter.
Following her refit, which will take place between 29 November and 18 December in Hamburg, Germany, Aurora will be given the new livery. Designed to celebrate the operator’s British heritage and pay homage to the oriental influence in the Peninsular and Oriental (P&O) name on the company’s coat of arms, the livery features a contemporary version of the Union Flag on her bow and new blue funnels with an illuminated rising sun motif. It will be added to all P&O ships by the end of 2016.
“This is a massive investment and it’s all part of our ongoing commitment to ensure continuous improvement of our ships and consistency across the fleet,” said Christopher Edginton, P&O Cruises’ marketing director. “Both Ventura and Arcadia underwent huge multi-million pound refits last year and Aurora is the next in line with Azura planned for 2015.”
Aurora, which was launched in 2000 and last refitted in 2009, will also have a range of other new features. The ship’s the library will be replaced with Sindhu restaurant, which offers an Indian fusion menu designed by Michelin-star celebrity chef Atul Kochhar, while Café Bordeaux will be replaced by the Glass House restaurant and wine bar. Available for brunch, lunch and dinner the restaurant will house wines selected by expert and TV presenter Olly Smith and will feature enomatic wine systems to allow passengers to buy premium wines by the glass, as well as a private room for wine tastings and dinners. Other changes to ship’s dining areas include the introduction of Freedom Dining to Medina Restaurant with more tables for two and Marco Pierre White dishes on gala evenings and a new ‘Grab and Go’ counter in the Sidewalk Café.
In addition, the library will be relocated to the current cyb@study space, while The Reef’s children’s clubs, the shopping area, the Oasis Spa and the buffet restaurant will all be refurbished. The Casino and Champions venues will also be reconfigured with a new open-plan design, furniture and improved stage area for entertainment, live music and quizzes. Meanwhile, the line will upgrade of all sound and light equipment in the theatre and show lounge, replace the soft furnishings for all cabins with flat-screen TVs, install touchscreen technology in the photography gallery.
“Not only will Aurora feature firm favourites from Azura and Ventura, such as Sindhu and The Glass House restaurant and wine bar, but we will also see brand new initiatives as well as the distinctive new livery,” said Edgington. “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.”
Aurora will resume service for her Christmas and New Year cruise and will then sail a ‘South America & Pacific Adventure’ world cruise itinerary departing 8 January 2015.