Hello everyone from the beautiful Aurora!!! We are having a great time so far. Here is a bit of our story so far. We had a good run to the airport and we arrived too early to check in. No choice but to go and have our first holiday drinkies, they cost almost as much as the holiday. We saw Colin Jackson at the airport and you can tell he is an athlete as he past us 3 times before we got to the pub. After a couple of very expensive drinks we went to check in. T5 is dedicated to Iberia and BA so we could just go to any desk, there were loads of them! So simple and quick. They didn't even weigh the cases. Got our boarding cards then headed to the vodafone shop (long story for another time) through the fast track security. Had a mooch about and bought a few bits, I do like a good airport but wasn't overly impressed with T5 Apart from the fact that you can use your e ciggies all over. Galleries lounge was a nice place to enjoy a few drinkies and a bit of food. Had sarnies and crisps then chilli, Matt washed his down with help yourself Grey goose voddy and I indulged in some rather nice vino. First flight to Madrid was easy, seats comfy and we had a spare seat between uz for extra space. service and food all good. Three course dinner and plenty of wine! Soon time to get off and get the shuttle to the next terminal to catch our main flight to Chile. At check in they scribbled new seat numbers on our boarding cards. As soon as we boarded we could see why. The plane was an older type and the business seats were the old style positions next to each other as apposed to opposite each other, the space was unbelievable. The seats were so comfortable, the service was excellent. The menu was amazing but we had just eaten a 3 course meal and by this time it was gone 1am so we opted out (such a waste) We did how ever have a drink or two. One of the attendants Miguel insisted I try all the red wines in the cellar. Met a wonderful elderly couple who were joining Aurora too, they have been spending the last few years travelling here there and every where. Ann said they were creating memories and spending all their childrens inheritance (Ann told me later that they hardly ever hear from there kids, so good on em) , they are like a couple of Duracell bunnies and enjoy every single moment of everything. I do think Adrian turns his hearing aid off sometimes though :) The lay down seats are the best invension ever. There is a control panel so you can choose allsorts of positions and even choose different massage settings too. They really do lay do lay down completely flat. All tucked up with my jarmies on and a nice duvet and comfy pillow I actually managed to get some sleep. Matt had plenty of sleep too, Sid was too excited and didn't close his eyes once. Breakfast was plentiful, too much for us 4 coffees is all I need. Flying over the Chilean Alps was a spectacular sight. I enjoyed the flight so much I didn't want to get off! Went through Chilean immigration and our cases arrived all safe and sound. We found the P & O rep quickly and were soon on a coach to the ship. From our front door to getting on board was 27 hours, not bad at all considering the major journey, everything went so well and seemless.
First thought of the new shiney layout of Aurora was WOW! Cabin is really spacious and has a large sofa area which is separated from the bedroom by curtains. The bathroom has plenty of room too with a full size bath. We have a funny little Cabin steward called Ernest who is very new to the job but very good. He even left a choclit last night for Sid :) loads of my favourite shows are coming up on the in cabin telly, Matts chuffed about that. It took a while to unpack all the cases as we kept popping out for drinkies! Also got hampered by a damaged lock on one of them, Matt used his engineering skills though and managed to romove said lock with a spoon and a crochet hook :) Had a late 'grab and go' lunch in between too. Lots of choice from burgers to salads and sarnies pre made and wrapped for take out. We didn't have any dinner as we were too shattered! First full day on board was an easy day chatting drinking and relaxing, even had a nice brekkie which is unheard of for us on a first day. We actually played the bingo too. Lots of nice people onboard and the crew are great. Champions bar is the social hub it seems. Second day was another chilled day. Pottering around the ship. Playing roulette (up £15 so far) There is a great programme of things to do in the daytime if you so wish, everything from painting classes to talks on arsenic poisoning (always handy to know) Third day was sunbathing, grab and go brekkie and lunch and a few Madras sunset cocktails. Formal night last night and we actually made it to dinner for the first time! It was delicious and the service super efficient and the food was pipping hot. Made the effort to go to see an act tonight. Comedian who was quite funny, he has a different show next week so we might go to see that. Our fourth day has been a fairly lazy one so far Been for brekkie and to the shops and thats about it. Oh and went reception to get Matt a new cruise card as it stopped working, over used already no doubt. Ernest had a panic as he thought one of our cushions had gone awol, Matt explained that is still here but just covered in a new case with Eddie pig on it, poor boy has been looking for it for days :)
Good morning from somewhere between Easter Island and Pitcairn Island. Clocks changed again last night and so we are now GMT-7 only we didn't realise so we were up and ready for our room service coffee an hour and a half before it was due to be delivered. So for the first time in all our cruises we found ourselves having brekkie and coffee in the buffet at 7am!
Hard trying to remember everything we have done in the last few days. Must be due to the sea air and absolutely nothing to do with the fact that Avalon introduced us to Martini Royales (Vodka and prosecco mmmmmm)
We managed to miss dinner again the other day due to chit chatting and messing about so we had pizza and chippies at 10.30pm :) Not a massive pizza fan but it was lovely. Had the great british buffet the night before last which was ok but not the best. Days have been spent in the sun, we have found a lovely spot at the back of the ship which is a stones throw from our cabin, the bar and the buffet :)
We enjoyed watching the crew Tug of war competion. They had teams from various departments battling against each other. As the teams were coming out on to the deck one by one they all got a good cheer (specially the bar team led by Avalon) The teams were made up of other groups like Techs, dancers, shop assistants, and other below deck staff. The funniest intro by far was when after the groups of, lets say, vertically challenged members were called (tiny Phillapeno techs, Indian Seaman, Dancers) they then called for the engineers. Those guys were huge. Obviously these guys are below deck making our ship work and don't get to see the sun very often as they were white as a sheet but had arm muscles the size of my thighs or bigger and were all about six or so feet tall. They might as well have just passed them the trophy there and then. It was a good competition, with plenty of laughs and falling over etc. The engineers won but the Bar team were just behind them.
Yesterday was our day to see a bit of land. We were to call/cruise by Easter Island. You know you haven't seen anything but sea for a while when you hear your self say 'ooo look a birdie, ooo look a boat' We were having a bathe when the captain came over the tannoy with an announcement. Anyone who has cruised before knows that when you hear the captain start an unexpected announcement its either good or bad news, usually the latter. And the latter it was. It seems the night before had seen a wheelchair bound passenger recieved a serious head injury from a fall and was only just about being kept alive by the medical team. Now bearing in mind we were about to visit the most inexcessable island in the world and were 5 days away from any mainland, its was a massive deal. Over night the captain had been hard at work trying to organise some help. So the announcement was that we were were not to cruise by the side of Easter Island where all the Moai statues were but to head near the tiny port area to try and disembark the poorly passenger in a tender. The captain had organised a plane to fly over from Chile to collect him and take him back to a main hospital in santiago. All of this would take time so we would not see the Island ourselves. As it turned out the whole thing was perfectly executed in quick time and so another announcement was made to say we would indeed have some time to go to the other side! We came back to the cabin balcony poured a glass of wine and leisurely enjoyed the sights that so many people will never ever see. And no doubt we never will again. We are truly lucky. We can't help but think of the poorly passenger though, being stranded so far from home. That said he couldn't have been in better hands.
Last night we had a nice chat with a Kiwi couple. As soon as we sat down and introduced ourselves they said 'are you from Essex?' seems they watch TOWIE in New Zealand too :) Turns out the guy was a seaman before retiring and had gone back and forth from New Zealand to Tilbury for a few years and knew Essex quite well. It was Indian buffet last night. Yum. Tried a few different curries there. Used the new wine dispenser machine for the first time too. Dangerous.
No plans yet for the rest of today, we will give the sun a miss I think as we have spent more time in it so far than we normally would on a regular cruise. The man from Antiques Road Show is giving a talk today. Matt said there are plenty of antiques on board to value so he should be busy :)
Having to try and think what we have been doing the last few days once again! We went to see the mind reader show and although most of it was obviously just persuasion and body language, some of what he did was a bit, how the hell could he do that???? We have had a couple of nice meals in the main dining room including a rather lush lamb shank :) Had tropical night and most people made a good effort with the outfits. Matt looked dazzling in his plain white shirt :) party was OK but still so hot outside. We are hitting ridiculous temperatures now and can be a bit much outside at times.
Outside Champions bar they now have some table and chairs set up. As its located on the promenade deck its a good place to chill in the shade and watch the loonies power walk around while you are boozing. In the afternoon they bring trollies around with afternoon tea. Very popular as most most peeps haven't eaten for an hour or so.
We sailed around (twice) The very nice but equally strange Pitcairn Island. This Island is where the mutineers that took over the Bounty tried to hide all those centuries ago. It has a population of 48, all inbreds from the few seamen that commandeered the Bounty and a few Tahitian women they kidnapped from Papeete. They don't like visitors and new comers, thankfully. The lovely scenery was enjoyed whilst having a rather nice deck barbie :) By this time we were 8 hours behind the UK and so far every day a small miracle has occurred. We have both been up and out on sunbeds before 8am and breakfasted every day. Must be the air? Never ever happened before though. We have been shocked by thelack of rushing for sun loungers, there are plenty on board but have had the same two for the last few days. Sitting in the sun watching the wake :) Watched the passenger talent show and to be fair there is no reason for Simon Cowell to get excited bless em
Yesterday was Valentines and there were lots of things to do. We spent our usual day of sunning, swimming, drinking, chit chatting etc then went to the Beach House for dinner. For the first time I've in all out cruises we did not dress for the formal night, it was just too hot. The first table we were seated at was outside, all very nice but after 5 mins we were melting and much to mister grumpy maitre de's annoyance we asked to go to a table inside. The food was delish and apartfrom the grump the staff were were excellent. We then dragged Matt's new bestie Raymondo (retired welsh postie) up to the Valentines disco. Again a really humid place but we cooled down with a few drinkies. Chatted to others there including the biggest American ever and his recently purchased Russian wife (anyone who has seen Little Britain, Ting Tong springs to mind) Tomorrow we finally get to see if our legs still work and will also see if we can interact with the real world after spending 10 days in our little Aurora bubble. We are in love with this ship and every day has been like a dreamlike state. It will be a bit strange getting off for a bit. We are staying all day and all evening so as wellas a mountain safari trip we have lots of time if we choose to spend ashore. As a quick note for P and O cruisers, Avalon told us about a change in pool towel policy as from March. You will have to make sure you always bring back your towels to the cabin in order to get a fresh one. No more leaving them ashore etc or you will be charged :) Apparently they are losing 500 a month!
Today we had brekkie, lunch and afternoon tea (crumpets!) so we are having drinkies on the balcony and for going dinner tonight Well what a day we had in Papeete (pronounced Pappy ete) started the day with are usual coffee delivery. Matt wanted brekkie AGAIN, I am going to get get so fat. We then went on our jeep safari trip, so weird seeing new people and trees etc :) trip was great and we saw so much off the island that you just wouldn't see if you travelled any other way. Got bitten to death by mosies though. It was so sorching hot that we retired to the promenade deck to have a quick drink after lunch. About 5 hours later (people really are a bad influence on this ship) we wobbled up to our cabin. We could have gone ashore again if we chose to but it was twot and we were a bit phished so we had a cooling/slightly sobering shower and got our selves ready to continue the evening in doors. They had organised for a Tahitian troupe to come a board and perform a show for us so we went along and Avalon showed us a good place to stand and watch as the placed was rammed and not an empty seat in the whole theatre. It was a bloody brill show, Matt's eyes were on stalks watching the beautiful girls shake their stuff. I say it was brill, it was until I got grabbed and taken up onto the stage to dance. Their jobs are safe to be honest though and I am now quite famous :) We then took our drunken selves to the deck party where we carried on. The Tahitians joined in too. It was then we realised we had missed dinner again so midnight buffet it was.
It was a great idea to have all those drinks when we had an 8.30 4 x 4 trip the following morning.
Happy birthday too me! Had a our morning coffee delivery and I opened all my lovely cards :) had a card and choclits from the captain too. Matts new besty Raymondo bought me a bottle of smirnoff bless him. Then it was off to get the tenderboat to shore. Another great trip it was too, stunning island it is too. Some crazy woman in our jeep, must have escaped from some asylum I recon. Back to the ship and we decided not go a shore again as the heat was too much. So lunch of delish chicken noodles. A couple of chats and drinkies on the prom then a bit of afternoon tea :) now having a little rest before I have a nice soak in the bath and ready myself for our dinner in Sindhu. Part 6 Dinner was good in Sindhu, but we were the only ones in there! Seems peeps on here dont like to spend their cash on select dining. We felt a bit uncomfortable to be honest so I doubt we will go again this trip. Spent the next day (I am losing track of the days) we had our morning coffee and were on the loungers sunbathing by 8.15. After a few ours of bathing and a bit of pool time we retired for a rest after lunch. I woke up with a swollen lip, not sure why, parhaps an allergic reaction, but I look like a dodgy Elvis impersonator. Had a lovely dinner in the restaurant and drinkies on the prom deck, its a really popular place to catch up day and night. Won £52 on the roulette :)
Next was the gorgeous Island of Rarotonga. P&O's first ever visit there. Stunning place. Too deep for the captain to anchor so Aurora was just floating about then being reversed back all day, tender boats were a bit rocky as the sea was quite lumpy. Had lunch on the island and enjoyed a stroll on an almost dessered perfect coral beach. There is a bus s ervice that runs around, no numbers just anticlockwise and clockwise. You can get on and off where ever you like and the whole Island only takes 45 mins tops to go round. Had Indian buffet again but this time it was fab, best we have had by far. Woke the next day to rain and through out the day it got worse. We have now been 3 days in the storm now the seas are very rough and the wind is so strong its pushing the rain through the balcony doors! Have got plenty of extra towels though to keep soaking it up. The carpet is a bit wet but not as bad as some cabins, next door but one was completely flooded. Captain keeps reassuring us that its all ok and the ship is holding her own. Good job as we are a few days from anywhere. Wind is blowing us about at approximately 70 knots at the moment :O all good fun :) everyone walking around like they are phished, probly are. We were in Champions bar the night before last and were stood there when all of a sudden water started poufing from the aircon ducts like a waterfall. The boys carried on serving until it was impossible! Had a bit of a hangover yesterday so while the outside was being battered by the storm we had a lazy cabin day popped out for grab and go burger and chippies for lunch and then popped up to the British buffet for a quick snack at dinner time, good job we were in really as we managed to stem the water coming in so tbe carpet isnt as wet as it couldhave been. Last night carmens venue was flooded and is out of action now for the forseable future. Sooooo much excitement!
We crossed the international date line last night so we completely missed Sunday and skipped from 11hrs behind the uk to 13 hrs ahead and its now 9.45am Monday. The daily horizon paper was funny, they did a fictional one for Sunday with really funny bits in it :) Not sure what today holds as the weather and flooding has changed a few things. Next stop on the 25th is The Bay of Islands which looks stunning What a truly great week we have had! Sorry not been in touch much but my phone is not working again and the time difference makes it hard too. Also, been busy bee's.
I am not quite sure where I left off or if I have remembered everything we have done.
The storm ended up 3 days long. Very bumpy ride. So much of the ship a bit damp. Big industrial driers all over trying to dry it out. Carmens was opened again as was champions bar.
After missing a whole day we had few more sea days. First was spent wandering about eating, playing in the casino etc. We had a lovely meal in the glasshouse. Then to Champions bar to meet some peeps. Lynn got rather sloshed and during the Poparoke (singing songs you know the words to and accompanied by caravan) and had a spectacular fall off stage and proper stacked it :) think we retired about 3am. Following day was a bit easy as we were all a bit fragile. Had wander about checking all the water damage, Aurora is a great ship in the storms so she fared quite well. Cabin carpet still a bit wet. Had lovely Spanish buffet, Matt polished off a couple of large plates of calamari. All washed down with a nice Rioja.
Pleased to say that our noisy drawer banging neighbours are off soon, wahoooo. Got a bit annoyed with em at one point and had a moan :) The weather picked up for us just before we reached New Zealand, lovely and sunny again. The bay of Islands was our first stop and it was my absolute favourite so far. Gorgeous islands that we grabbed the ferries to and from. Had a wander and few drinkies in Pathia before heading to Russell. Just lovely, very reasonable prices and the most friendly people. Had best fish and chippies :) The islands are like old time American towns and so clean. We walked a long stretch on the beach back to the dock. The ship was anchored and using the tenders. As so many peeps and anchored quite far away the local sightseeing company laid on a couple off extra ones. The tender was 20mins to the dock on the usual tenders but we were lucky to be ready to go back at the exact time a speed boat was leaving, got back in 3 mins, great fun too. We had a nice dinner in the main dining room and then a quick drink and early to bed as we had a big day coming up. It was announced today that the mahoosive press that irons all the things like table cloths and bedding was broken and couldn't be fixed. Everything is all a bit screwed up :) (not just my head)
The next day found us in Auckland and the first thing we did was meet Raymondo and head off for my skytower bungee. Matt and Ray stood watching me throw my self off the tower. It was excellent experience, if it wasn't so dear I would have gone straight back up and do it again. We stopped for a little calming drinkie and a wander before returning to the ship for a quick change and bite to eat. The day flew by with us meeting with lots of other passengers and having major pub crawl along the marina and in town, for an old boy Ray can certainly keep up! Had a delish late lunch of sharing food in some bar or another. A lovely place again and we didn't have to be back on board until 8.30pm which was excellent. Lynn was bladdered again, she is so funny as one minute she is compas mentis and the next minute her head bashes down on the table and she is gone! Her hubby Paul just carries on as its quite normal apparently :) had a nice evening chatting outside champions then a late snack in the buffet. Our nice neighbours on the other side left today as well as the noisies. shame as they were lovely. Christine gave me lots of bits and bobs that she couldn't be bothered to take home. Bless her. Lots of new people joined the ship today which seems strange to us but not to those who we have met that are doing the full world cruise
Docked the following day inTauranga. Had a trip this morning which wasn't great to be honest. Supposed to be a traditional Maori Village with Haka dances etc, the reality was a bit of green in the middle of a housing estate with some teenage school kids in boxers with feathers on them doing the dance. That was the best bit. I shall have a word when I get a spare minute. We got off the coach at the ship after and walked straight into town. Another lovely town and very friendly and quaint. We weren't there 10 mins before bumping into 'not really aussie' John and Adrian. Sat to have a chat and a drinkie with them when the usual crowd turned up too so another afternoon with great peeps and enjoying more delish new zealand wine :) We came upon and park fesival thingy near the ship on the way back and got a bit distracted with the pies and music and only just made it back for the 8.30pm departure. Quiet night onboard as everyone had slightly over done it. Next day was the Aussie immigration, as we (me) had filled in the mountains of papers it was quick and painless. Day was then brekkie, sunbathing and pool time. It was black and white night and I was shocked that my dress still fitted but it felt all nice so I sauntered along the prom feeling all splendid promenading with Matt in his Tux. 2 mins later the drunken entertainer Saxophonist had spilt a glass of rose wine all down my front :( got most of it off but I wasnt best pleased as I smelt more like a brewery than usual. Had Marco's Gala menu including a very good beef wellington. We drank a fair bit with old and new friends and I sang a bit of really bad karaoke, lots of peeps down at the medical centre with bleeding ears that night. ended after lots of sambuca about 4am. Oops
Next day was spent recovering, eating and sitting in the sun British buffet and early night. Had another busy day packing, sunbathing etc then had dinner in the glasshouse with Avalon before The Great British Pub night in Champions which was lots of fun with quizzes oldie sing songs etc. Another knees up and a late night. Woke up very hungover and docking in Melbourne. Watched a bunch of hot air balloons going up while having coffee on the balcony. We took a stroll along the beach and then headed into the city. It didn't look that far really but walked for miles, turned out the shuttle bus takes 30 mins :O after finally getting to the river (got a tad lost) we found it was really nice on the southbank so stopped for late lunch. Had another walk to federation square where we had a good look about and I found a camera that projected me on to a great big tv screen :) took the shuttle bus back as poor matt said he was knackered (not 'bloody walking any more' he actually said) . Had usual pre dinner drinkies with the crowd and some new peeps too then off for an indian buffet which matt certainly made the most of with 3 servings of galab jamon for afters. No surprise that he felt a tad full so we went back to the cabin for an early night. Tasmania today. We went on a trip to a wildlife park. Saw so many animals! Stroked a baby tasmanian devil, and a baby wombat AND a koala bear! and fed the kangeroos in their inclosure. Watched the devils fighting over food and playing. They reminded us so much of Eddie pig. Emu's are crazy. Saw lots of birdies like kookaburras. Fantastic time we had. Back to the ship for lunch and as the weather is a bit chillier here I got on with some packing. Was just this minute leaving port when we spotted some penguins! Excellent
After leaving Tasmania we sailed into Bass Straight and into some rather high seas! Some lovely 6 metre waves and mahoosive swells. The ship again handled it well and once again the captain was on the tannoy to re assure us that all would be well but to take care. All the outside was completely closed off. Made it a bit tricky packing while falling all over the cabin. Luckily by the evening before Sydney it calmed slightly and the force 12 winds were down a little bit and pushing behind the ship. Had a lovely dinner and retired early ready for our sail in the next day. Our alarms woke our for once clear(ish) heads and we went up to the top deck to see, well, nothing much. Only then we realised we must be sailing in a little late. So many people told us not to miss the twilight sail in to Sydney seems they should have told the captain ;) . Unfortunately thanks to the storm we were stuck in ‘traffic’ and were slightly delayed. We eventually sailed through the Heads and arrived in spectacular Sydney. What a sight it was too. With no available berth we anchored off (until 7pm when the ship would move) Tender boats from the ship and some local ones made sure we were all off the ship quickly. We had a wander to the opera house and then met matt’s cousin Sue who has lived in Sydney for 16 years now. Such a lovely lady and wonderful catch up. We then had another meander and found ourselves in a bar (shocker) we got chatting to a couple Tim and Jodie, very random meeting as it turned out Tim used to work in Basildon :O We had a lovely chat with them over 4 more drinks and then took ourselves on the ferry with them to Manly (where he now lives) a lovely time we had there. Back to the main harbour to watch Aurora berth. Once berthed we fetched Ray from champions and went for an evening ashore. The first pub we went in we found Bill, Not really Aussie John and Adrian. Soon there were a whole bunch of us. We all then headed back on board to champions A strange evening on board as we said lots of emotional goodbyes to some amazing people. a few more in Champions, Ok quite a few, before having a slight panic as we had forgotten to put our cases out for collection. All the cases out and alarms set for 5am sail in.
Great idea that was last night. Woke up feeling a tad blurry and had to get sorted for leaving the ship. Boo. We had a bit of a result there though. We had been somehow accidently been put on a scenic tour to the airport instead of basic transfer (costs £70 normally) the tour took us to some great viewing points and we had a very informative guide/driver from Northampton. We also got 40 minutes at Bondi beach which was amazing, the waves looked ferocious! Matt didn’t notice though as Nike Women had an exercise promo so there were lots and lots of very fit ladies jumping about in lycra. Airport was seemless (apart from the food in the lounge-Matt said) and flights too.I Loved the upstairs of the plane from Singapore to Heathrow, Matt loved the Smoking area in Singapore airport. We were thoroughly spoilt by great crew on the flights I can’t believe how much food and drink they force on you. TV on there was good too, didn’t get enough time to watch Birdman though. Full English on board before landing and being ‘home’. John the Taxi pulled up just as we came out of the airport. Surprised the life of me when Dad jumped out. Shocked the life out of me when Mum was there too (Mum never sees before 8am) Lovely surprise So that’s it. Our epic and truly wonderful cruise over I will have a little say about the ship in general soon but I am still on Aussie time and its drink o clock so best wait x
Hello everyone from the beautiful Aurora!!! We are having a great time so far. Here is a bit of our story so far.
ReplyDeleteWe had a good run to the airport and we arrived too early to check in. No choice but to go and have our first holiday drinkies, they cost almost as much as the holiday. We saw Colin Jackson at the airport and you can tell he is an athlete as he past us 3 times before we got to the pub. After a couple of very expensive drinks we went to check in. T5 is dedicated to Iberia and BA so we could just go to any desk, there were loads of them! So simple and quick. They didn't even weigh the cases. Got our boarding cards then headed to the vodafone shop (long story for another time) through the fast track security. Had a mooch about and bought a few bits, I do like a good airport but wasn't overly impressed with T5 Apart from the fact that you can use your e ciggies all over. Galleries lounge was a nice place to enjoy a few drinkies and a bit of food. Had sarnies and crisps then chilli, Matt washed his down with help yourself Grey goose voddy and I indulged in some rather nice vino.
First flight to Madrid was easy, seats comfy and we had a spare seat between uz for extra space. service and food all good. Three course dinner and plenty of wine! Soon time to get off and get the shuttle to the next terminal to catch our main flight to Chile.
At check in they scribbled new seat numbers on our boarding cards. As soon as we boarded we could see why. The plane was an older type and the business seats were the old style positions next to each other as apposed to opposite each other, the space was unbelievable. The seats were so comfortable, the service was excellent. The menu was amazing but we had just eaten a 3 course meal and by this time it was gone 1am so we opted out (such a waste) We did how ever have a drink or two. One of the attendants Miguel insisted I try all the red wines in the cellar. Met a wonderful elderly couple who were joining Aurora too, they have been spending the last few years travelling here there and every where. Ann said they were creating memories and spending all their childrens inheritance (Ann told me later that they hardly ever hear from there kids, so good on em) , they are like a couple of Duracell bunnies and enjoy every single moment of everything. I do think Adrian turns his hearing aid off sometimes though :) The lay down seats are the best invension ever. There is a control panel so you can choose allsorts of positions and even choose different massage settings too. They really do lay do lay down completely flat. All tucked up with my jarmies on and a nice duvet and comfy pillow I actually managed to get some sleep. Matt had plenty of sleep too, Sid was too excited and didn't close his eyes once. Breakfast was plentiful, too much for us 4 coffees is all I need. Flying over the Chilean Alps was a spectacular sight. I enjoyed the flight so much I didn't want to get off! Went through Chilean immigration and our cases arrived all safe and sound. We found the P & O rep quickly and were soon on a coach to the ship. From our front door to getting on board was 27 hours, not bad at all considering the major journey, everything went so well and seemless.
First thought of the new shiney layout of Aurora was WOW! Cabin is really spacious and has a large sofa area which is separated from the bedroom by curtains. The bathroom has plenty of room too with a full size bath. We have a funny little Cabin steward called Ernest who is very new to the job but very good. He even left a choclit last night for Sid :) loads of my favourite shows are coming up on the in cabin telly, Matts chuffed about that.
ReplyDeleteIt took a while to unpack all the cases as we kept popping out for drinkies! Also got hampered by a damaged lock on one of them, Matt used his engineering skills though and managed to romove said lock with a spoon and a crochet hook :) Had a late 'grab and go' lunch in between too. Lots of choice from burgers to salads and sarnies pre made and wrapped for take out. We didn't have any dinner as we were too shattered!
First full day on board was an easy day chatting drinking and relaxing, even had a nice brekkie which is unheard of for us on a first day. We actually played the bingo too. Lots of nice people onboard and the crew are great. Champions bar is the social hub it seems.
Second day was another chilled day. Pottering around the ship. Playing roulette (up £15 so far) There is a great programme of things to do in the daytime if you so wish, everything from painting classes to talks on arsenic poisoning (always handy to know)
Third day was sunbathing, grab and go brekkie and lunch and a few Madras sunset cocktails. Formal night last night and we actually made it to dinner for the first time! It was delicious and the service super efficient and the food was pipping hot. Made the effort to go to see an act tonight. Comedian who was quite funny, he has a different show next week so we might go to see that.
Our fourth day has been a fairly lazy one so far Been for brekkie and to the shops and thats about it. Oh and went reception to get Matt a new cruise card as it stopped working, over used already no doubt. Ernest had a panic as he thought one of our cushions had gone awol, Matt explained that is still here but just covered in a new case with Eddie pig on it, poor boy has been looking for it for days :)
Good morning from somewhere between Easter Island and Pitcairn Island. Clocks changed again last night and so we are now GMT-7 only we didn't realise so we were up and ready for our room service coffee an hour and a half before it was due to be delivered. So for the first time in all our cruises we found ourselves having brekkie and coffee in the buffet at 7am!
ReplyDeleteHard trying to remember everything we have done in the last few days. Must be due to the sea air and absolutely nothing to do with the fact that Avalon introduced us to Martini Royales (Vodka and prosecco mmmmmm)
We managed to miss dinner again the other day due to chit chatting and messing about so we had pizza and chippies at 10.30pm :) Not a massive pizza fan but it was lovely. Had the great british buffet the night before last which was ok but not the best. Days have been spent in the sun, we have found a lovely spot at the back of the ship which is a stones throw from our cabin, the bar and the buffet :)
We enjoyed watching the crew Tug of war competion. They had teams from various departments battling against each other. As the teams were coming out on to the deck one by one they all got a good cheer (specially the bar team led by Avalon) The teams were made up of other groups like Techs, dancers, shop assistants, and other below deck staff.
The funniest intro by far was when after the groups of, lets say, vertically challenged members were called (tiny Phillapeno techs, Indian Seaman, Dancers) they then called for the engineers. Those guys were huge. Obviously these guys are below deck making our ship work and don't get to see the sun very often as they were white as a sheet but had arm muscles the size of my thighs or bigger and were all about six or so feet tall. They might as well have just passed them the trophy there and then. It was a good competition, with plenty of laughs and falling over etc. The engineers won but the Bar team were just behind them.
Yesterday was our day to see a bit of land. We were to call/cruise by Easter Island. You know you haven't seen anything but sea for a while when you hear your self say 'ooo look a birdie, ooo look a boat' We were having a bathe when the captain came over the tannoy with an announcement. Anyone who has cruised before knows that when you hear the captain start an unexpected announcement its either good or bad news, usually the latter. And the latter it was. It seems the night before had seen a wheelchair bound passenger recieved a serious head injury from a fall and was only just about being kept alive by the medical team. Now bearing in mind we were about to visit the most inexcessable island in the world and were 5 days away from any mainland, its was a massive deal. Over night the captain had been hard at work trying to organise some help. So the announcement was that we were were not to cruise by the side of Easter Island where all the Moai statues were but to head near the tiny port area to try and disembark the poorly passenger in a tender. The captain had organised a plane to fly over from Chile to collect him and take him back to a main hospital in santiago. All of this would take time so we would not see the Island ourselves.
ReplyDeleteAs it turned out the whole thing was perfectly executed in quick time and so another announcement was made to say we would indeed have some time to go to the other side! We came back to the cabin balcony poured a glass of wine and leisurely enjoyed the sights that so many people will never ever see. And no doubt we never will again. We are truly lucky. We can't help but think of the poorly passenger though, being stranded so far from home. That said he couldn't have been in better hands.
Last night we had a nice chat with a Kiwi couple. As soon as we sat down and introduced ourselves they said 'are you from Essex?' seems they watch TOWIE in New Zealand too :) Turns out the guy was a seaman before retiring and had gone back and forth from New Zealand to Tilbury for a few years and knew Essex quite well.
ReplyDeleteIt was Indian buffet last night. Yum. Tried a few different curries there. Used the new wine dispenser machine for the first time too. Dangerous.
No plans yet for the rest of today, we will give the sun a miss I think as we have spent more time in it so far than we normally would on a regular cruise.
The man from Antiques Road Show is giving a talk today. Matt said there are plenty of
antiques on board to value so he should be busy :)
Having to try and think what we have been doing the last few days once again! We went to see the mind reader show and although most of it was obviously just persuasion and body language, some of what he did was a bit, how the hell could he do that????
ReplyDeleteWe have had a couple of nice meals in the main dining room including a rather lush lamb shank :) Had tropical night and most people made a good effort with the outfits. Matt looked dazzling in his plain white shirt :) party was OK but still so hot outside. We are hitting ridiculous temperatures now and can be a bit much outside at times.
Outside Champions bar they now have some table and chairs set up. As its located on the promenade deck its a good place to chill in the shade and watch the loonies power walk around while you are boozing. In the afternoon they bring trollies around with afternoon tea. Very popular as most most peeps haven't eaten for an hour or so.
We sailed around (twice) The very nice but equally strange Pitcairn Island. This Island is where the mutineers that took over the Bounty tried to hide all those centuries ago. It has a population of 48, all inbreds from the few seamen that commandeered the Bounty and a few Tahitian women they kidnapped from Papeete. They don't like visitors and new comers, thankfully. The lovely scenery was enjoyed whilst having a rather nice deck barbie :)
By this time we were 8 hours behind the UK and so far every day a small miracle has occurred. We have both been up and out on sunbeds before 8am and breakfasted every day. Must be the air? Never ever happened before though.
We have been shocked by thelack of rushing for sun loungers, there are plenty on board but have had the same two for the last few days. Sitting in the sun watching the wake :) Watched the passenger talent show and to be fair there is no reason for Simon Cowell to get excited bless em
Yesterday was Valentines and there were lots of things to do. We spent our usual day of sunning, swimming, drinking, chit chatting etc then went to the Beach House for dinner. For the first time I've in all out cruises we did not dress for the formal night, it was just too hot. The first table we were seated at was outside, all very nice but after 5 mins we were melting and much to mister grumpy maitre de's annoyance we asked to go to a table inside. The food was delish and apartfrom the grump the staff were were excellent. We then dragged Matt's new bestie Raymondo (retired welsh postie) up to the Valentines disco. Again a really humid place but we cooled down with a few drinkies. Chatted to others there including the biggest American ever and his recently
ReplyDeletepurchased Russian wife (anyone who has seen Little Britain, Ting Tong springs to mind)
Tomorrow we finally get to see if our legs still work and will also see if we can interact with the real world after spending 10 days in our little Aurora bubble. We are in love with this ship and every day has been like a dreamlike state. It will be a bit strange getting off for a bit. We are staying all day and all evening so as wellas a mountain safari trip we have lots of time if we choose to spend ashore.
As a quick note for P and O cruisers, Avalon told us about a change in pool towel policy as from March. You will have to make sure you always bring back your towels to the cabin in order to get a fresh one. No more leaving them ashore etc or you will be charged :) Apparently they are losing 500 a month!
Today we had brekkie, lunch and afternoon tea (crumpets!) so we are having drinkies on the balcony and for going dinner tonight
ReplyDeleteWell what a day we had in Papeete (pronounced Pappy ete) started the day with are usual coffee delivery. Matt wanted brekkie AGAIN, I am going to get get so fat. We then went on our jeep safari trip, so weird seeing new people and trees etc :) trip was great and we saw so much off the island that you just wouldn't see if you travelled any other way. Got bitten to death by mosies though. It was so sorching hot that we retired to the promenade deck to have a quick drink after lunch. About 5 hours later (people really are a bad influence on this ship) we wobbled up to our cabin. We could have gone ashore again if we chose to but it was twot and we were a bit phished so we had a cooling/slightly sobering shower and got our selves ready to continue the evening in doors. They had organised for a Tahitian troupe to come a board and perform a show for us so we went along and Avalon showed us a good place to stand and watch as the placed was rammed and not an empty seat in the whole theatre. It was a bloody brill show, Matt's eyes were on stalks watching the beautiful girls shake their stuff. I say it was brill, it was until I got grabbed and taken up onto the stage to dance. Their jobs are safe to be honest though and I am now quite famous :) We then took our drunken selves to the deck party where we carried on. The Tahitians joined in too. It was then we realised we had missed dinner again so midnight buffet it was.
It was a great idea to have all those drinks when we had an 8.30 4 x 4 trip the following morning.
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday too me! Had a our morning coffee delivery and I opened all my lovely cards :) had a card and choclits from the captain too. Matts new besty Raymondo bought me a bottle of smirnoff bless him. Then it was off to get the tenderboat to shore. Another great trip it was too, stunning island it is too. Some crazy woman in our jeep, must have escaped from some asylum I recon. Back to the ship and we decided not go a shore again as the heat was too much. So lunch of delish chicken noodles. A couple of chats and drinkies on the prom then a bit of afternoon tea :) now having a little rest before I have a nice soak in the bath and ready myself for our dinner in Sindhu.
Part 6
Dinner was good in Sindhu, but we were the only ones in there! Seems peeps on here dont like to spend their cash on select dining. We felt a bit uncomfortable to be honest so I doubt we will go again this trip.
Spent the next day (I am losing track of the days) we had our morning coffee and were on the loungers sunbathing by 8.15. After a few ours of bathing and a bit of pool time we retired for a rest after lunch. I woke up with a swollen lip, not sure why, parhaps an allergic reaction, but I look like a dodgy Elvis impersonator.
Had a lovely dinner in the restaurant and drinkies on the prom deck, its a really popular place to catch up day and night. Won £52 on the roulette :)
Next was the gorgeous Island of Rarotonga. P&O's first ever visit there. Stunning place. Too deep for the captain to anchor so Aurora was just floating about then being reversed back all day, tender boats were a bit rocky as the sea was quite lumpy. Had lunch on the island and enjoyed a stroll on an almost dessered perfect coral beach. There is a bus s ervice that runs around, no numbers just anticlockwise and clockwise. You can get on and off where ever you like and the whole Island only takes 45 mins tops to go round. Had Indian buffet again but this time it was fab, best we have had by far.
ReplyDeleteWoke the next day to rain and through out the day it got worse. We have now been 3 days in the storm now the seas are very rough and the wind is so strong its pushing the rain through the balcony doors! Have got plenty of extra towels though to keep soaking it up. The carpet is a bit wet but not as bad as some cabins, next door but one was completely flooded. Captain keeps reassuring us that its all ok and the ship is holding her own. Good job as we are a few days from anywhere. Wind is blowing us about at approximately 70 knots at the moment :O all good fun :) everyone walking around like they are phished, probly are. We were in Champions bar the night before last and were stood there when all of a sudden water started poufing from the aircon ducts like a waterfall. The boys carried on serving until it was impossible! Had a bit of a hangover yesterday so while the outside was being battered by the storm we had a lazy cabin day popped out for grab and go burger and chippies for lunch and then popped up to the British buffet for a quick snack at dinner time, good job we were in really as we managed to stem the water coming in so tbe carpet isnt as wet as it couldhave been. Last night carmens venue was flooded and is out of action now for the forseable future. Sooooo much excitement!
We crossed the international date line last night so we completely missed Sunday and skipped from 11hrs behind the uk to 13 hrs ahead and its now 9.45am Monday. The daily horizon paper was funny, they did a fictional one for Sunday with really funny bits in it :) Not sure what today holds as the weather and flooding has changed a few things.
ReplyDeleteNext stop on the 25th is The Bay of Islands which looks stunning
What a truly great week we have had! Sorry not been in touch much but my phone is not working again and the time difference makes it hard too. Also, been busy bee's.
I am not quite sure where I left off or if I have remembered everything we have done.
The storm ended up 3 days long. Very bumpy ride. So much of the ship a bit damp. Big industrial driers all over trying to dry it out. Carmens was opened again as was champions bar.
After missing a whole day we had few more sea days. First was spent wandering about eating, playing in the casino etc. We had a lovely meal in the glasshouse. Then to Champions bar to meet some peeps. Lynn got rather sloshed and during the Poparoke (singing songs you know the words to and accompanied by caravan) and had a spectacular fall off stage and proper stacked it :) think we retired about 3am.
Following day was a bit easy as we were all a bit fragile. Had wander about checking all the water damage, Aurora is a great ship in the storms so she fared quite well. Cabin carpet still a bit wet. Had lovely Spanish buffet, Matt polished off a couple of large plates of calamari. All washed down with a nice Rioja.
Pleased to say that our noisy drawer banging neighbours are off soon, wahoooo. Got a bit annoyed with em at one point and had a moan :)
ReplyDeleteThe weather picked up for us just before we reached New Zealand, lovely and sunny again. The bay of Islands was our first stop and it was my absolute favourite so far. Gorgeous islands that we grabbed the ferries to and from. Had a wander and few drinkies in Pathia before heading to Russell. Just lovely, very reasonable prices and the most friendly people. Had best fish and chippies :) The islands are like old time American towns and so clean. We walked a long stretch on the beach back to the dock. The ship was anchored and using the tenders. As so many peeps and anchored quite far away the local sightseeing company laid on a couple off extra ones. The tender was 20mins to the dock on the usual tenders but we were lucky to be ready to go back at the exact time a speed boat was leaving, got back in 3 mins, great fun too.
We had a nice dinner in the main dining room and then a quick drink and early to bed as we had a big day coming up. It was announced today that the mahoosive press that irons all the things like table cloths and bedding was broken and couldn't be fixed. Everything is all a bit screwed up :) (not just my head)
The next day found us in Auckland and the first thing we did was meet Raymondo and head off for my skytower bungee. Matt and Ray stood watching me throw my self off the tower. It was excellent experience, if it wasn't so dear I would have gone straight back up and do it again. We stopped for a little calming drinkie and a wander before returning to the ship for a quick change and bite to eat. The day flew by with us meeting with lots of other passengers and having major pub crawl along the marina and in town, for an old boy Ray can certainly keep up! Had a delish late lunch of sharing food in some bar or another. A lovely place again and we didn't have to be back on board until 8.30pm which was excellent. Lynn was bladdered again, she is so funny as one minute she is compas mentis and the next minute her head bashes down on the table and she is gone! Her hubby Paul just carries on as its quite normal apparently :) had a nice evening chatting outside champions then a late snack in the buffet.
ReplyDeleteOur nice neighbours on the other side left today as well as the noisies. shame as they were lovely. Christine gave me lots of bits and bobs that she couldn't be bothered to take home. Bless her.
Lots of new people joined the ship today which seems strange to us but not to those who we have met that are doing the full world cruise
Docked the following day inTauranga. Had a trip this morning which wasn't great to be honest. Supposed to be a traditional Maori Village with Haka dances etc, the reality was a bit of green in the middle of a housing estate with some teenage school kids in boxers with feathers on them doing the dance. That was the best bit. I shall have a word when I get a spare minute. We got off the coach at the ship after and walked straight into town. Another lovely town and very friendly and quaint. We weren't there 10 mins before bumping into 'not really aussie' John and Adrian. Sat to have a chat and a drinkie with them when the usual crowd turned up too so another afternoon with great peeps and enjoying more delish new zealand wine :)
ReplyDeleteWe came upon and park fesival thingy near the ship on the way back and got a bit distracted with the pies and music and only just made it back for the 8.30pm departure. Quiet night onboard as everyone had slightly over done it.
Next day was the Aussie immigration, as we (me) had filled in the mountains of papers it was quick and painless. Day was then brekkie, sunbathing and pool time. It was black and white night and I was shocked that my dress still fitted but it felt all nice so I sauntered along the prom feeling all splendid promenading with Matt in his Tux. 2 mins later the drunken entertainer Saxophonist had spilt a glass of rose wine all down my front :( got most of it off but I wasnt best pleased as I smelt more like a brewery than usual. Had Marco's Gala menu including a very good beef wellington. We drank a fair bit with old and new friends and I sang a bit of really bad karaoke, lots of peeps down at the medical centre with bleeding ears that night. ended after lots of sambuca about 4am. Oops
Next day was spent recovering, eating and sitting in the sun British buffet and early night.
ReplyDeleteHad another busy day packing, sunbathing etc then had dinner in the glasshouse with Avalon before The Great British Pub night in Champions which was lots of fun with quizzes oldie sing songs etc. Another knees up and a late night.
Woke up very hungover and docking in Melbourne. Watched a bunch of hot air balloons going up while having coffee on the balcony. We took a stroll along the beach and then headed into the city. It didn't look that far really but walked for miles, turned out the shuttle bus takes 30 mins :O after finally getting to the river (got a tad lost) we found it was really nice on the southbank so stopped for late lunch. Had another walk to federation square where we had a good look about and I found a camera that projected me on to a great big tv screen :) took the shuttle bus back as poor matt said he was knackered (not 'bloody walking any more' he actually said) .
Had usual pre dinner drinkies with the crowd and some new peeps too then off for an indian buffet which matt certainly made the most of with 3 servings of galab jamon for afters. No surprise that he felt a tad full so we went back to the cabin for an early night.
Tasmania today. We went on a trip to a wildlife park. Saw so many animals! Stroked a baby tasmanian devil, and a baby wombat AND a koala bear! and fed the kangeroos in their inclosure. Watched the devils fighting over food and playing. They reminded us so much of Eddie pig. Emu's are crazy. Saw lots of birdies like kookaburras. Fantastic time we had. Back to the ship for lunch and as the weather is a bit chillier here I got on with some packing. Was just this minute leaving port when we spotted some penguins! Excellent
After leaving Tasmania we sailed into Bass Straight and into some rather high seas! Some lovely 6 metre waves and mahoosive swells. The ship again handled it well and once again the captain was on the tannoy to re assure us that all would be well but to take care. All the outside was completely closed off. Made it a bit tricky packing while falling all over the cabin. Luckily by the evening before Sydney it calmed slightly and the force 12 winds were down a little bit and pushing behind the ship. Had a lovely dinner and retired early ready for our sail in the next day.
ReplyDeleteOur alarms woke our for once clear(ish) heads and we went up to the top deck to see, well, nothing much. Only then we realised we must be sailing in a little late. So many people told us not to miss the twilight sail in to Sydney seems they should have told the captain ;) . Unfortunately thanks to the storm we were stuck in ‘traffic’ and were slightly delayed. We eventually sailed through the Heads and arrived in spectacular Sydney. What a sight it was too. With no available berth we anchored off (until 7pm when the ship would move) Tender boats from the ship and some local ones made sure we were all off the ship quickly. We had a wander to the opera house and then met matt’s cousin Sue who has lived in Sydney for 16 years now. Such a lovely lady and wonderful catch up. We then had another meander and found ourselves in a bar (shocker) we got chatting to a couple Tim and Jodie, very random meeting as it turned out Tim used to work in Basildon :O We had a lovely chat with them over 4 more drinks and then took ourselves on the ferry with them to Manly (where he now lives) a lovely time we had there. Back to the main harbour to watch Aurora berth. Once berthed we fetched Ray from champions and went for an evening ashore. The first pub we went in we found Bill, Not really Aussie John and Adrian. Soon there were a whole bunch of us. We all then headed back on board to champions A strange evening on board as we said lots of emotional goodbyes to some amazing people. a few more in Champions, Ok quite a few, before having a slight panic as we had forgotten to put our cases out for collection. All the cases out and alarms set for 5am sail in.
Great idea that was last night. Woke up feeling a tad blurry and had to get sorted for leaving the ship. Boo. We had a bit of a result there though. We had been somehow accidently been put on a scenic tour to the airport instead of basic transfer (costs £70 normally) the tour took us to some great viewing points and we had a very informative guide/driver from Northampton. We also got 40 minutes at Bondi beach which was amazing, the waves looked ferocious! Matt didn’t notice though as Nike Women had an exercise promo so there were lots and lots of very fit ladies jumping about in lycra. Airport was seemless (apart from the food in the lounge-Matt said) and flights too.I Loved the upstairs of the plane from Singapore to Heathrow, Matt loved the Smoking area in Singapore airport. We were thoroughly spoilt by great crew on the flights I can’t believe how much food and drink they force on you. TV on there was good too, didn’t get enough time to watch Birdman though. Full English on board before landing and being ‘home’.
ReplyDeleteJohn the Taxi pulled up just as we came out of the airport. Surprised the life of me when Dad jumped out. Shocked the life out of me when Mum was there too (Mum never sees before 8am) Lovely surprise
So that’s it. Our epic and truly wonderful cruise over
I will have a little say about the ship in general soon but I am still on Aussie time and its drink o clock so best wait x