P&O Aurora: Southampton, Hamburg and Bruges

I recently had the chance to spend a few days aboard P&O Cruises’ Aurora on a training trip, sailing from Southampton to Hamburg and Bruges. It was an opportunity to see the ship for myself, experience life on board and explore two very different destinations along the way.

There is something lovely about arriving in Southampton and seeing your ship waiting at the terminal.

The staff were lovely from the moment we arrived at the dockside, and that warm welcome continued once we were on board. Everyone was so friendly and helpful, and they really couldn’t do enough for us.

Once aboard Aurora, I spent some time finding my way around and getting a feel for her.

She is one of P&O’s smaller, more traditional ships and was sailing as an adults-only ship on our trip, although she will have some multigenerational sailings in the future. There is an easy, relaxed atmosphere that makes it quite simple to settle in.

The trip was a mix of training and time to experience what guests actually enjoy on board. Between sessions, I had a chance to explore the ship, visit the spa and try some of the dining and entertainment. It is one thing to read about a cruise ship; it is much more useful to walk around it and discover which spaces you would recommend to different clients.

Aurora has a cinema and a range of daytime activities, with the programme varying from one sailing to another. I also enjoyed finding a quiet spot and simply relaxing.

My favourite meal of the trip was at the Beach Club. I also tried Sindhu, Aurora’s speciality Indian restaurant, and visited the Glass House. We dined in the Medina Restaurant too, while Celebration Night gave us a reason to dress up for dinner in Alexandria. It was lovely to see that traditional cruise evening as part of the experience.

There was plenty happening after dinner too, including a silent disco, which brought a very different sort of evening! When I wanted somewhere quieter, Charlie’s and Anderson’s were lovely places to sit and take a break. Those quieter corners were one of the things I appreciated about Aurora.

Hamburg was a chance to get off the ship and see a little of the city. As we travelled around on our coach tour, our guide shared insights into Hamburg and its history, which helped bring the places we passed to life.

We also visited Miniatur Wunderland. The displays are incredibly detailed, with so much to see that you keep spotting something new. If you enjoy model worlds and intricate displays, it’s well worth a visit.

Port days are always a reminder that a cruise can give you a taste of a place you might want to return to. Even with limited time, Hamburg offered plenty to see and made for a memorable day ashore.

Our other stop took us to Bruges, and I was surprised by just how much I loved it. The history and architecture are absolutely amazing.

We explored its beautiful streets on a walking tour, with our guide stopping at various places to share some of the city’s history. There is so much more I would like to discover, and it is definitely somewhere I would love to revisit.

We then enjoyed a chocolate demonstration — a fitting way to round off our visit..

After time ashore, it was back to Aurora for our sail away. I always enjoy that moment when everyone returns on board, the ship begins to move and you can look back on the day while thinking about the evening ahead.

Aurora has a traditional feel, with a good mix of places to socialise and quieter spaces when you want to slow down. Our sailing was adults only, and I enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere, particularly the quieter spots around the ship. Although some future sailings will welcome families, I came away with a much clearer sense of Aurora’s character and the sort of holiday she offers.

Southampton, Hamburg and Bruges made a lovely short itinerary, but it was the time aboard that helped me understand Aurora best. That firsthand knowledge is what I value most about these trips: I can come back and share an honest picture of what a holiday on board is really like.