R301 on P&O Aurora. the friendliest Cruise ship ever

Aurora Cruise Review to South America

Cruises: 7+ cruises
Reviews: 4
Helpful Votes: 98

Overall rating:

4.5 out of 5
Aurora

South America

Sail date: January 06, 2023

Ship: Aurora

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 1 year ago

Review summary

Good Cruise, would love to go to most places again. met some lovely people and made friends. A cruise that was amazing made even better by everyone wanting the same thing, what you put in, you get out. Argentina refused entry to P&O because of the Union Jack Flag painted on its Bow.

Embarkation

5 out of 5
As long as you follow the guidance set out, everything works in your favour

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5
mainly used the mdr and the buffet food was good and plentiful, I am not a fussy eater

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5
I spent everyday on deck, walking around with a camera in hand.

Entertainment

5 out of 5
To be honest only my wife went to the shows, mostly enjoyed, I did not go to any of the ships concerts or shows except for 1, that was a rushed showing in the Curzon theater, of the photos taken by a small group of photographers on deck7 (I was one of the photographers) capturing all the wildlife that was seen during the South American Cruise. and was well received by the 500 who turned up to watch it. the video is now on YouTube, with the help of Nigel Trafford for putting all together in four days.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5
Outstanding, Good service through out the whole cruise.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5
Has to be the best ship Aurora, just the right size, you meet people and you see them again. Not a fan of Tower block ships.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5
No complaints the Stewardess was amazing, definitely the hardest working people on the ship.

Ship tip

Enjoy the experience,What you put in you get back in bundles

Ports of call

Southampton (London), England

5 out of 5
Embarking was easy, was frustrating with people who didn't follow the guidance said they didn't know and were turned away. Making the queues longer

Tenerife, Canary Islands

3 out of 5
excursion - over crowded, dolphin watch, not what I expected and not one I would recommend.

Salvador De Bahia, Brazil Did not visit port

Cancelled Port

Buzios, Brazil Did not visit port

Cancelled Port

Rio De Janeiro, Brazil

2 out of 5
I have been now, If I never return, it wont be a loss. Not a Fan excursion - Best of Rio and Sugarloaf. Tijuca Rain Forest by 4X4 - Not what you might think, a little walk in a touristy park, saw no wildlife, the jeeps drive very quickly ( they couldn't carry eggs without damaging them ALL)

Montevideo, Uruguay

5 out of 5
excursion - Day in the Countryside - Recommend well worth it excursion - Montevideo City Tour, short stops, a little walk through a church

Port Stanley, Falkland Islands

5 out of 5
Fantastic island with very friendly islanders and beautiful scenery, excursion - Falklands Flora & Fauna Trek. Cruises should stay here for a week and forget Brazil and Argentina.

Punta Arenas, Chile

3 out of 5
excursion - Magdalena Island by RIB, (tightly packed sardines)

Valparaiso (Santiago), Chile

3 out of 5
Santiago Highlights Casablanca Winery & Scenic Drive.

Coquimbo (La Serena), Chile

5 out of 5
Coquimbo & La Serena

Arica, Chile

3 out of 5
excursion - Off the Beaten Track to Codpa Village

Callao (Lima), Peru Did not visit port

Technical stop overnight Cancelled Port, not allowed to leave the dock space at side of the ship, the did arrange a bazar market, with no pickpockets.

Fort Amador

3 out of 5
Excursion - Best of Panama

Cartagena, Colombia

5 out of 5
Excursion to the National Avery, fantastic, should be a longer tour, also the Dockside Avery.

Oranjestad, Aruba

4 out of 5
Excursion - Butterflies & Island Sights

Bridgetown, Barbados

3 out of 5
Excursion - Coast to Coast

Castries, St. Lucia

3 out of 5
Excursion - Nelsons Boatyard

St. John's, Antigua

3 out of 5
Excursion - Antigua Island Sights

Philipsburg, St. Maarten

4 out of 5
excursion - Explorer Cruise & Island

Ponta Delgada, Azores Did not visit port

Rough Sea, Advised not to Enter by the Pilot

Disembarkation

5 out of 5
Off very smoothly, being in Stowage last to get off.

Traveler Photos

1 Sunrise  and Sunsets on R301 from P&O Aurora
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5 Comments

javawoody    1 year ago

Thanks for sharing this amazing itinerary

AuntPinkie    1 year ago

Amazing itinerary. Appreciate your detailed and informative review. Glad you enjoyed your cruise.

Gwbigdog    1 year ago

Thanks for sharing

cruising2004    1 year ago

Thank you for sharing your cruising experience. Glad you had a good time!

somersetmum    1 year ago

My husband and I have always wanted to do that cruise. Thanks to your review, we've got a better insight to the destinations.