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P&O Cruises reveals plans for Aurora makeover
P&O Cruises has unveiled its plans for a £26 million pound facelift for Aurora, which will become the first ship to sport its new livery.
The refurbishment will take place from November 29 to December 18 in Hamburg, ahead of its Christmas and New Year cruise and before the South America & Pacific Adventure world cruise itinerary departing January 8, 2015.
Launched in 2000, Aurora’s last refit was in 2009. The planned changes for 2014 include:
· A new look livery with a contemporary version of the Union Flag on its bow and new blue funnels with illuminated rising sun designs.
· The introduction of Sindhu restaurant for evening fine dining with an Indian fusion menu designed by Michelin-star celebrity chef Atul Kochha.
· The Glass House restaurant and wine bar is replacing Café Bordeaux on deck 8 with wines selected by expert and TV presenter Olly Smith. There will also be a private room for wine tastings and dinners.
· A complete refurbishment of the buffet restaurant.
· A complete refurbishment of The Reef children’s clubs with room names changed to reflect Reef club names across the rest of the fleet .
· A refurbishment of the Sidewalk Café and the introduction of Costa Coffee and new "Grab and Go" counter.
· Refurbishment of Oasis Spa.
· Upgrade of all sound and light equipment in the theatre and show lounge
· New soft furnishings for all cabins with flat-screen TVs
P&O Cruises marketing director Christopher Edgington said: "This is a massive investment. It’s all part of our ongoing commitment to ensure continuous improvement of our ships and consistency across the fleet.
"Both Ventura and Arcadia underwent huge multi-million pound refits last year and Aurora is the next in line with Azura planned for 2015."
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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