Aurora

Advantages: full board, see lots of places, entertainment included
Disadvantages: herded about like cattle, overpriced

...We went on a weeks cuise on the Aurora in June, "the Gallic Getaway" leaving from Southampton. We had booked an inside cabin, which is the cheapest and is usually quite comfortable. This one STUNK of cigarette smoke. We reported it and the cabin was re cleaned but still it smelt. It took the staff 3 days to sort it out, no alternative cabin was offered, I hated every second of being in that stinking cell. The bedding reeked of smoke and was eventually replaced plus they fully sanitized the cabin, but I spent the first 3 days of my 7 day holiday chasing up this problem. THe buffet which is served when one boards had only one vegetarian choice of sandwhich , in this case a soft cheese (not suitable for pregnant women) . I had requested a table for 2 at dinner months before when I booked and this request was not met. As I am a strict... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Comfortable, central, friendly, professional
Disadvantages: Expensive, questionable problem handling

...I stayed at this very central hotel in Tverskaya for a long weekend and really liked it. All the public areas as well as bedrooms are well kept, modern and clean. There are constantly housekeepers pottering about with dusters. The lobby is vast and marbled, with a stained glass ceiling surrounding a picture of the Godess Aurora. The food is superb if a little expensive (but that should be expected). The staff are attentive, helpful and friendly, and they do not seem stressed. The bedrooms, although very tidy, in good condition and fitted with all the mod cons, are not very luxurious. The word basic springs to mind but does not really suit, maybe simple design is more like it. The bathrooms are nice and big, with separate bath and shower, floors and fixtures in marble and with a large mirror and sink / vanity area. The security... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: It's another world
Disadvantages: Waistline suffers!

...Cruises are brilliant, there is nothing like it. So far I have now been on the Aurora, the Oriana and the QE2 (yes, I know that's not a P & O ship!). All amazing but quite different in some ways. If you are planning a cruise, book early. They do 30% discount if you book just after the next years' brochure comes out. I'm going again in July and we booked last July - saving around £500 each. Another way to get the cost down is to get 4 people together and book a 4-berth cabin. No good for couples really but great for friends! The cabins look small on the website but they are not too bad actually and yet get quite a bit of wardrobe space for all those ball gowns! If you don't want to fly then you will go from Southampton. This is great as you get a 'champagne (not free alas) and streamers' departure with a brass band and everything. Last... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful