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{{Short description|Cruise ship}}
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{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2019}}
{{Other ships|MV Aurora}}
{{Other ships|MV Aurora}}
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{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2024}}
{|{{Infobox ship begin}}
{|{{Infobox ship begin}}
{{Infobox ship image
{{Infobox ship image
|Ship image=MV Aurora 2015-08-24 - Side.JPG
| Ship image = MV Aurora 2015-08-24 - Side.JPG
|Ship caption=''Aurora'' at anchor in the Santorini basin, showing post 2014 livery.
| Ship caption = ''Aurora'' at anchor in the Santorini basin, showing post 2014 livery.
}}
}}
{{Infobox ship career
{{Infobox ship career
|Hide header=
| Hide header =
|Ship name=''Aurora''
| Ship name = ''Aurora''
|Ship flag=
| Ship flag = {{shipboxflag|Bermuda|civil}}
|Ship owner=[[File:Carnival Corporation house flag.svg|border|20px]] [[Carnival plc]]
| Ship owner = [[File:Carnival Corporation house flag.svg|border|20px]] [[Carnival plc]]
|Ship operator= [[File:P&O-house flag.svg|border|20px]] [[P&O Cruises]]
| Ship operator = [[File:P&O-house flag.svg|border|20px]] [[P&O Cruises]]
|Ship registry=*{{flagicon|Great Britain}} [[London, U.K.]] (2000–2007)
| Ship registry = *{{flagicon|Great Britain}} [[London, U.K.]] (2000–2007)
*{{flagicon|Bermuda}} [[Hamilton, Bermuda]] (2007–present)
*{{flagicon|Bermuda}} [[Hamilton, Bermuda]] (2007–present)
|Ship route=
| Ship route =
|Ship ordered=
| Ship ordered =
|Ship builder=[[Meyer Werft]], [[Papenburg|Papenburg, Germany]]
| Ship builder = [[Meyer Werft]], [[Papenburg|Papenburg, Germany]]
|Ship original cost=$375 million
| Ship original cost = $375 million
|Ship yard number=640
| Ship yard number = 640
|Ship way number=
| Ship way number =
|Ship laid down=15 December 1998
| Ship laid down = 15 December 1998
|Ship launched=18 January 2000
| Ship launched = 18 January 2000
|Ship completed=
| Ship completed =
|Ship christened=27 April 2000
| Ship christened = 27 April 2000
|Ship acquired=
| Ship acquired =
|Ship maiden voyage=1 May 2000
| Ship maiden voyage = 1 May 2000
|Ship in service=
| Ship in service = 2000–present
|Ship out of service=
| Ship out of service =
|Ship identification=*[[Call sign]]: ZCDW9
| Ship identification = *[[Maritime call sign|Call sign]]: ZCDW9
*{{IMO Number|9169524}}
*{{IMO Number|9169524}}
*{{MMSI|310556000}}
*{{MMSI|310556000}}
|Ship fate=
| Ship fate =
|Ship status=In service
| Ship status = In service
|Ship notes=
| Ship notes =
| Ship country = [[Bermuda]]
}}
}}
{{Infobox ship characteristics
{{Infobox ship characteristics
|Hide header=
| Hide header =
|Header caption=
| Header caption =
|Ship class=
| Ship class =
|Ship tonnage=*{{GT|76,152}}
| Ship tonnage = *{{GT|76,152}}
*{{DWT|8,486}}
*{{DWT|8,486}}
|Ship displacement=
| Ship displacement =
|Ship length={{convert|270.0|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
| Ship length = {{convert|270.0|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
|Ship beam={{convert|32.2|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
| Ship beam = {{convert|32.2|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
|Ship height=
| Ship height =
|Ship draught={{convert|25.9|ft|m|abbr=on}}
| Ship draught = {{convert|7.9|m|ft|abbr=on}}
|Ship draft=
| Ship draft =
|Ship depth=
| Ship depth =
|Ship decks=10
| Ship decks = 10
|Ship deck clearance=
| Ship deck clearance =
|Ship ramps=
| Ship ramps =
|Ship ice class=
| Ship ice class =
|Ship sail plan=
| Ship sail plan =
|Ship power=4[[MAN SE|MAN]] B&W 14V48/60 14-cyl diesels 19,710bhp each. Approximate fuel consumption 300 litres per nautical mile at 24 knots.
| Ship power = 4 [[MAN SE|MAN]] B&W 14V48/60 14-cyl diesels 19,710bhp each. Approximate fuel consumption 300 litres per nautical mile at 24 knots.
|Ship propulsion= Diesel-Electric
| Ship propulsion = Diesel-Electric
|Ship speed={{convert|24|kn}}
| Ship speed = {{convert|24|kn}}
|Ship capacity=*1,878 passengers (regular)
| Ship capacity = *1,878 passengers (regular)
*1,950 passengers (maximum)
*1,950 passengers (maximum)
|Ship crew=850
| Ship crew = 850
|Ship notes=
| Ship notes =
}}
}}
|}
|}
'''MV ''Aurora''''' is a [[cruise ship]] of the [[P&O Cruises]] fleet. The ship was built by [[Meyer Werft]] at their shipyard in [[Papenburg]], Germany. At over 76,000 tonnes, ''Aurora'' is the smallest and oldest of six ships currently in service with P&O Cruises. She officially entered service with the company in April 2000 and was [[Ship naming and launching|named]] by [[Anne, Princess Royal]] in [[Southampton]], United Kingdom. ''Aurora'' was refitted in 2014, during which the ship is the first of P&O's ships to receive an updated British [[Union flag]] design on her bow and her funnel repainted from yellow to blue.<ref>{{cite web|title=P&O Cruises Unveils New Look|url=http://www.cruisecritic.co.uk/news/news.cfm?ID=5686|publisher=Cruise Critic|accessdate=18 January 2014}}</ref>
'''MV ''Aurora''''' is a [[cruise ship]] of the [[P&O Cruises]] fleet. The ship was built by [[Meyer Werft]] at their shipyard in [[Papenburg]], Germany. At over 76,000 tonnes, ''Aurora'' is the smallest and oldest of seven ships currently in service with P&O Cruises. She officially entered service with the company in April 2000 and was [[Ship naming and launching|named]] by [[Anne, Princess Royal]] in [[Southampton]], United Kingdom. ''Aurora'' was refitted in 2014, during which the ship was the first of P&O's ships to receive an updated British [[Union flag]] design on her bow and her funnel repainted from yellow to blue.<ref>{{cite web|title=P&O Cruises Unveils New Look|url=http://www.cruisecritic.co.uk/news/news.cfm?ID=5686|publisher=Cruise Critic|access-date=18 January 2014}}</ref>


==Specifications==
==Specifications==
[[Image:P&O Cruises - MV Aurora - Atrium.JPG|thumb|145px|left|''Aurora''{{'}}s Atrium]]
[[Image:P&O Cruises - MV Aurora - Atrium.JPG|thumb|145px|left|''Aurora''{{'}}s Atrium]]
''Aurora'' is a mid-sized cruise ship, with an [[Length overall|overall length]] of {{convert|270.0|m|ftin}}, [[Beam (nautical)|moulded beam]] of {{convert|32.2|m|ftin}} and [[Draft (hull)|draught]] of {{convert|7.90|m|ftin}}. Her [[gross tonnage]] is 76,152 and her [[deadweight tonnage]] is 8,486 [[tonne]]s. The ship can accommodate up to 1,878 passengers in 939 cabins, with a maximum crew complement of 936.<ref name='P&O Aurora Overview'>{{cite web | url =http://www.pocruises.com/Cruise-Ships/Aurora/Ship-Overview/ | title = Aurora Overview |accessdate = 28 December 2010 | publisher = P&O Cruises}}</ref><ref name='Fakta om Fartyg'>{{cite web | url = http://www.faktaomfartyg.se/aurora_2000.htm | title = MS Aurora (2000) | accessdate = 28 December 2010 | last = Asklander | first = Micke | work = Fakta om Fartyg | language = Swedish}}</ref><ref name='Meyer Werft Info'>{{cite web | url = http://www.meyerwerft.eu/page.asp?lang=d&main=1&subs=0&did=718 | title = Aurora|accessdate = 28 December 2010 | publisher = Meyer Werft | language = German}}</ref><ref name='ship-technology.com'>{{cite web | url = http://www.ship-technology.com/projects/aurora/ | title = Aurora -Superliner|accessdate = 28 December 2010 | work = ship-technology.com}}</ref>
''Aurora'' is a mid-sized cruise ship, with an [[Length overall|overall length]] of {{convert|270.0|m|ftin}}, [[Beam (nautical)|moulded beam]] of {{convert|32.2|m|ftin}} and [[Draft (hull)|draught]] of {{convert|7.90|m|ftin}}. Her [[gross tonnage]] is 76,152 and her [[deadweight tonnage]] is 8,486 [[tonne]]s. The ship can accommodate up to 1,878 passengers in 939 cabins, with a maximum crew complement of 936.<ref name='P&O Aurora Overview'>{{cite web | url =http://www.pocruises.com/Cruise-Ships/Aurora/Ship-Overview/ | title =Aurora Overview | access-date =28 December 2010 | publisher =P&O Cruises | archive-date =4 May 2012 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20120504073312/http://www.pocruises.com/Cruise-Ships/Aurora/Ship-Overview/ | url-status =dead }}</ref><ref name='Fakta om Fartyg'>{{cite web | url = http://www.faktaomfartyg.se/aurora_2000.htm | title = MS Aurora (2000) | access-date = 28 December 2010 | last = Asklander | first = Micke | work = Fakta om Fartyg | language = sv}}</ref><ref name='Meyer Werft Info'>{{cite web | url = http://www.meyerwerft.eu/page.asp?lang=d&main=1&subs=0&did=718 | title = Aurora | access-date = 28 December 2010 | publisher = Meyer Werft | language = de | archive-date = 20 July 2011 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110720164735/http://www.meyerwerft.eu/page.asp?lang=d&main=1&subs=0&did=718 | url-status = dead }}</ref><ref name='ship-technology.com'>{{cite web | url = http://www.ship-technology.com/projects/aurora/ | title = Aurora -Superliner|access-date = 28 December 2010 | work = ship-technology.com}}</ref>


''Aurora'' is powered by 4 four-stroke 14-cylinder [[MAN Diesel|MAN B&W]] 14V48/60 (48cm Bore, 60cm Stroke) medium-speed [[diesel engine]]s with a total power output of over 78,800 BHP.
''Aurora'' is powered by 4 four-stroke 14-cylinder [[MAN Diesel|MAN B&W]] 14V48/60 (48&nbsp;cm Bore, 60&nbsp;cm Stroke) medium-speed [[diesel engine]]s with a total power output of over 78,800 BHP.
These engines provide power for various ship's services and for two STN AEG propulsion motors.
These engines provide power for various ship's services and for two STN AEG propulsion motors.
The propulsion motors drive two [[Propeller#Marine|propellers]], each of which measures {{convert|5.8|m|ftin}} in diameter.
The propulsion motors drive two [[propeller]]s, each of which measures {{convert|5.8|m|ftin}} in diameter.
Fuel consumption at 24 knots is around 300 litres of heavy oil per Nautical Mile.
Fuel consumption at 24 knots is around 300 litres of heavy oil per Nautical Mile.
For manoeuvring, the ship has three [[bow thruster]]s and a stern thruster. The ship's service speed is {{convert|24|kn}}, though during sea trials she reached a maximum speed of {{convert|29|kn}}.<ref name='ship-technology.com' /><ref name='Aurora Technical'>{{cite web | url =http://beyondships.com/files/Aurora_Technical.PDF | title = Aurora Technical Information | accessdate = 28 December 2010 | format = PDF|publisher = P&O Cruises}}</ref>
For manoeuvring, the ship has three [[bow thruster]]s and a stern thruster. The ship's service speed is {{convert|24|kn}}, though during sea trials she reached a maximum speed of {{convert|29|kn}}.<ref name='ship-technology.com' /><ref name='Aurora Technical'>{{cite web | url =http://beyondships.com/files/Aurora_Technical.PDF | title = Aurora Technical Information | access-date = 28 December 2010 |publisher = P&O Cruises}}</ref>


''Aurora'' was designed to appeal to the British market, and was built as an extended and improved version of P&O Cruises' [[MV Oriana (1995)|''Oriana'']]. The ship's hull and superstructure were designed to be attractive to this market with features similar to more traditional [[ocean liner]]s, such as her raked, tiered stern.<ref name='Meyer Werft Info' />
''Aurora'' was designed to appeal to the British market, and was built as an extended and improved version of P&O Cruises' [[MV Oriana (1995)|''Oriana'']]. The ship's hull and superstructure were designed to be attractive to this market with features similar to more traditional [[ocean liner]]s, such as her raked, tiered stern.<ref name='Meyer Werft Info' />



[[File:P&O Cruises - MV Aurora - Alongside Dubrovnik.JPG|thumb|''Aurora'' docked in Dubrovnik in pre 2014 livery.]]
[[File:P&O Cruises - MV Aurora - Alongside Dubrovnik.JPG|thumb|''Aurora'' docked in Dubrovnik in pre 2014 livery.]]
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===Construction and naming===
===Construction and naming===
''Aurora'' was built by Meyer Werft in Germany. Her keel was laid in December 1998 and she was launched in January 2000. She was delivered to P&O Cruises in April 2000.<ref name='Fakta om Fartyg' /><ref name='Meyer Werft Info' /><ref name='Meyer Werft Keel'>{{cite web | url = http://www.meyerwerft.eu/print.asp?lang=e&main=3&subs=0&printid=1080 | title = Keel of Aurora laid | accessdate = 28 December 2010 | date = 15 December 1998 | publisher = Meyer Werft | url-status = dead | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20110720165653/http://www.meyerwerft.eu/print.asp?lang=e&main=3&subs=0&printid=1080 | archivedate = 20 July 2011 | df = dmy-all }}</ref><ref name='BBC Timeline'>{{cite news | url =http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/hampshire/4190935.stm | title = Was Aurora doomed from the start? | accessdate = 28 December 2010 | publisher = BBC News | date=20 January 2005}}</ref>.
''Aurora'' was built by Meyer Werft in Germany. Her keel was laid in December 1998 and she was launched in January 2000. She was delivered to P&O Cruises in April 2000.<ref name='Fakta om Fartyg' /><ref name='Meyer Werft Info' /><ref name='Meyer Werft Keel'>{{cite web | url = http://www.meyerwerft.eu/print.asp?lang=e&main=3&subs=0&printid=1080 | title = Keel of Aurora laid | access-date = 28 December 2010 | date = 15 December 1998 | publisher = Meyer Werft | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110720165653/http://www.meyerwerft.eu/print.asp?lang=e&main=3&subs=0&printid=1080 | archive-date = 20 July 2011 | df = dmy-all }}</ref><ref name='BBC Timeline'>{{cite news | url =http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/hampshire/4190935.stm | title = Was Aurora doomed from the start? | access-date = 28 December 2010 | publisher = BBC News | date=20 January 2005}}</ref> The ship left the shipyard on 19 February 2000.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.meyerwerft.de/de/presse/presse_detail/ems_ueberfuehrung_der_aurora.jsp|title=Ems-Überführung der Aurora|website=MEYER WERFT}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.shipspotting.com/photos/3536924?navList=gallery&port=Papenburg&country=Germany&viewType=normal&sortBy=newest&page=3|title=AURORA - IMO 9169524|website=www.shipspotting.com}}</ref>


The ship was christened on 27 April 2000, by Princess Anne. The champagne bottle did not shatter when it hit the ship's side and fell unopened into the sea. This type of occurrence is considered a bad omen among seafarers, and this incident has been blamed for the numerous setbacks that ''Aurora'' has encountered throughout her career.<ref name='BBC 2000-05-03 (1)'>{{cite news | title = Super-liner limps back to port | date = 3 May 2000 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/733395.stm | work = BBC News |accessdate = 28 December 2010}}</ref><ref name='Independent 2010-05-03'>{{cite news | first = Paul | last = Lashmar |author2=Andrew Mullins|title = P&O facing a £6m bill after liner breaks down on maiden voyage | date = 3 May 2000 | url =https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/pampo-facing-a-pound6m-bill-after-liner-breaks-down-on-maiden-voyage-717009.html|work = The Independent | accessdate = 28 December 2010 | location=London}}</ref><ref name='Daily Express 2009-03-30'>{{cite news | first = Mark | last = Reynolds | title = Mutiny on the luxury cruise ship dogged by problems | date = 30 March 2009 | url =http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/92014/Mutiny-on-the-luxury-cruise-ship-dogged-by-problems- | work = Daily Express | accessdate = 28 December 2010}}</ref><ref name='Telegraph 2009-03-28'>{{cite news | title = Curse of the Aurora as passengers revolt | date = 28 March 2009 | url = https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/cruises/cruise-news/5066742/Curse-of-the-Aurora-as-passengers-revolt.html|work = The Telegraph | accessdate = 28 December 2010 | location=London}}</ref>
The ship was christened on 27 April 2000, by Princess Anne. The champagne bottle did not shatter when it hit the ship's side and fell unopened into the sea. This type of occurrence is considered a bad omen among seafarers, and this incident has been blamed for the numerous setbacks that ''Aurora'' has encountered throughout her career.<ref name='BBC 2000-05-03 (1)'>{{cite news | title = Super-liner limps back to port | date = 3 May 2000 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/733395.stm | work = BBC News |access-date = 28 December 2010}}</ref><ref name='Independent 2010-05-03'>{{cite news | first = Paul | last = Lashmar |author2=Andrew Mullins|title = P&O facing a £6m bill after liner breaks down on maiden voyage | date = 3 May 2000 | url =https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/pampo-facing-a-pound6m-bill-after-liner-breaks-down-on-maiden-voyage-717009.html| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20121110062526/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/pampo-facing-a-pound6m-bill-after-liner-breaks-down-on-maiden-voyage-717009.html| url-status =dead| archive-date =10 November 2012|work = The Independent | access-date = 28 December 2010 | location=London}}</ref><ref name='Daily Express 2009-03-30'>{{cite news | first = Mark | last = Reynolds | title = Mutiny on the luxury cruise ship dogged by problems | date = 30 March 2009 | url =http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/92014/Mutiny-on-the-luxury-cruise-ship-dogged-by-problems- | work = Daily Express | access-date = 28 December 2010}}</ref><ref name='Telegraph 2009-03-28'>{{cite news | title = Curse of the Aurora as passengers revolt | date = 28 March 2009 | url = https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/cruises/cruise-news/5066742/Curse-of-the-Aurora-as-passengers-revolt.html|work = The Telegraph | access-date = 28 December 2010 | location=London}}</ref>


===Maiden voyage===
===Maiden voyage===
''Aurora'' departed on her maiden voyage on 1 May 2000—a 14-night cruise to various [[Mediterranean]] destinations. The ship's crew identified a major technical problem, and the cruise was abandoned after 16 hours at sea. The cause was a propeller shaft bearing which had been damaged by overheating and required urgent repair while the ship was out of service.<ref name="Independent 2010-05-03" /><ref name='FT 2000-05-03'>{{cite news | first = Scheherazade | last = Daneshkhu | title = P&O recalls ship on maiden cruise | date = 3 May 2000 | work = Financial Times | pages = 04 }}</ref>
''Aurora'' departed on her maiden voyage on 1 May 2000—a 14-night cruise to various [[Mediterranean]] destinations. The ship's crew identified a major technical problem, and the cruise was abandoned after 16 hours at sea. The cause was a propeller shaft bearing which had been damaged by overheating and required urgent repair while the ship was out of service.<ref name="Independent 2010-05-03" /><ref name='FT 2000-05-03'>{{cite news | first = Scheherazade | last = Daneshkhu | title = P&O recalls ship on maiden cruise | date = 3 May 2000 | work = Financial Times | pages = 04 }}</ref>


On 3 May 2000, the ship returned to Southampton, where passengers disembarked. Passengers expressed disappointment about the incident but reported that they were mainly satisfied with P&O Cruises' response to the situation. P&O Cruises offered all passengers a full refund and compensation package, worth about GBP£6 million.<ref name='BBC 2010-05-03 (2)'>{{cite news|title = Brave face on cruise breakdown | date = 3 May 2000 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/734547.stm | work = BBC News|accessdate = 28 December 2010}}</ref>
On 3 May 2000, the ship returned to Southampton, where passengers disembarked. Passengers expressed disappointment about the incident but reported that they were mainly satisfied with P&O Cruises' response to the situation. P&O Cruises offered all passengers a full refund and compensation package, worth about GBP£6 million.<ref name='BBC 2010-05-03 (2)'>{{cite news|title = Brave face on cruise breakdown | date = 3 May 2000 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/734547.stm | work = BBC News|access-date = 28 December 2010}}</ref>


''Aurora'' sailed to [[Blohm + Voss]] in Germany, where repairs were carried out. The ship returned to service on 15 May 2000, to undertake her second scheduled cruise to the [[Canary Islands]].<ref name='Lloyds List 2000-05-17'>{{cite journal | title = QE2 drama as Aurora returns to service | journal = Lloyd's List | date = 22 September 2010 | first = David | last = Mott| id = | url =http://www.lloydslist.com/ll/sector/ship-operations/article332530.ece | accessdate = 28 December 2010}}</ref>
''Aurora'' sailed to [[Blohm + Voss]] in Germany, where repairs were carried out. The ship returned to service on 15 May 2000, to undertake her second scheduled cruise to the [[Canary Islands]].<ref name='Lloyds List 2000-05-17'>{{cite journal | title = QE2 drama as Aurora returns to service | journal = Lloyd's List | date = 22 September 2010 | first = David | last = Mott| url =http://www.lloydslist.com/ll/sector/ship-operations/article332530.ece | access-date = 28 December 2010}}</ref>


===''Pamela Dream'' rescue effort===
===''Pamela Dream'' rescue effort===


In March 2001, ''Aurora'' was sailing through the [[Taiwan Strait]] on her first world cruise when she was called to assist ''Pamela Dream'', a [[Cambodia]]n registered ship crewed by Russian officers and crew which had capsized in rough seas. ''Aurora'' launched her fast rescue boats to retrieve survivors from the water. The crew were able to retrieve three survivors. A crewmember described the sea state as "very rough, with waves of about {{convert|5|m|ft|abbr=on}}". One of ''Aurora''{{'}}s propellers was damaged by [[Flotsam and jetsam|flotsam]], an inspection of the propeller was carried out in [[Singapore]] where it was polished by divers. The damaged propeller was eventually replaced in dry dock in Southampton in December 2002.<ref name='BBC 2001-03-09'>{{cite news | first = Damian | last = Grammaticas | title = UK cruise ship in sea rescue | date = 9 March 2001 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/1211846.stm | work = BBC News|accessdate = 28 December 2010}}</ref><ref name='Daily News'>{{cite news | first = Helen | last = Luk | title = Russian ship capsizes; six dead | date = 9 March 2001 | url = https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=B_0cAAAAIBAJ&pg=5365,1009137&dq=aurora+cruise+ship | work = Daily News | pages = 8A | accessdate = 28 December 2010}}</ref>
In March 2001, ''Aurora'' was sailing through the [[Taiwan Strait]] on her first world cruise when she was called to assist ''Pamela Dream'', a [[Cambodia]]n registered ship crewed by Russian officers and crew which had capsized in rough seas. ''Aurora'' launched her fast rescue boats to retrieve survivors from the water. The crew were able to retrieve three survivors. A crewmember described the sea state as "very rough, with waves of about {{convert|5|m|ft|abbr=on}}". One of ''Aurora''{{'}}s propellers was damaged by [[Flotsam and jetsam|flotsam]], an inspection of the propeller was carried out in [[Singapore]] where it was polished by divers. The damaged propeller was eventually replaced in dry dock in Southampton in December 2002.<ref name='BBC 2001-03-09'>{{cite news | first = Damian | last = Grammaticas | title = UK cruise ship in sea rescue | date = 9 March 2001 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/1211846.stm | work = BBC News|access-date = 28 December 2010}}</ref><ref name='Daily News'>{{cite news | first = Helen | last = Luk | title = Russian ship capsizes; six dead | date = 9 March 2001 | url = https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=B_0cAAAAIBAJ&pg=5365,1009137&dq=aurora+cruise+ship | work = Daily News | pages = 8A | access-date = 28 December 2010}}</ref>

===World Trade Center attack connection===

On the morning of 11 September 2001, ''Aurora'' was positioned approximately 80 miles south of New York City and 20 miles east of Atlantic City, New Jersey while a conference of IT executives and vendors was occurring on board. The ship had embarked from Pier 88 in New York City on the evening of 9 September. Following the attacks on the World Trade Center that morning, there were concerns for the safety of the then British-owned ship. U.S. Coast Guard helicopters and vessels briefly protected the ''Aurora'' until it was determined that the vessel was not in danger. The ship was planned to return to Manhattan on 12 September but due to the closure of New York Harbour the ship instead travelled at full speed to Boston to disembark its passengers before the Port of Boston shut also. Originally the U.S. Coast Guard requested that ''Aurora'' left US waters, but, with so many New York citizens aboard special dispensation was made to allow the ship into Boston to disembark US passengers. Many of the executives on board were from the banking and financial services industries, and it was estimated that as many as 50 executives worked in Tower 1 and Tower 2 of the World Trade Center and adjacent buildings. Reports from conference attendees were that several executives on board were in communication via cell phones with their staffs in both Towers 1 and 2 who eventually perished in the collapse of those buildings.{{cn|date=March 2017}}


===Norovirus breakout===
===Norovirus breakout===


During a cruise around the eastern [[Mediterranean]] in October 2003, over 500 passengers suffered [[stomach]] infections caused by the highly contagious [[Norovirus]]. During the outbreak, the ship's passengers were denied the right to land at [[Piraeus]], [[Greece]], as the ship was held in [[quarantine]]. ''Aurora'' departed from Piraeus on 31 October having loaded medical supplies.<ref name='BBC Timeline' /><ref name='Lloyds List 2003-10-31'>{{cite journal | title = Quarantined Aurora limps out of Piraeus harbour| journal = Lloyd's List | date = 31 October 2003| id = | url =http://www.lloydslist.com/ll/sector/cruise-and-ferry/article148238.ece |accessdate = 28 December 2010}}</ref><ref name='Guardian 2003-11-03'>{{cite news | first = Simon | last = Jeffery | title = Spain shuts border to virus ship | date = 3 November 2003 | url =https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2003/nov/03/gibraltar.world#article_continue | work = The Guardian | accessdate = 28 December 2010 | location=London}}</ref><ref name='Independent 2003-11-02'>{{cite news | first = Elizabeth | last = Nash |title = Gibraltar may refuse to let stricken cruise ship dock | date = 2 November 2003 | url =https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/gibraltar-may-refuse-to-let-stricken-cruise-ship-dock-734287.html | work = The Independent | accessdate = 28 December 2010 | location=London}}</ref>
During a cruise around the eastern [[Mediterranean]] in October 2003, over 500 passengers suffered [[stomach]] infections caused by the highly contagious [[Norovirus]]. During the outbreak, the ship's passengers were denied the right to land at [[Piraeus]], [[Greece]], as the ship was held in [[quarantine]]. ''Aurora'' departed from Piraeus on 31 October having loaded medical supplies.<ref name='BBC Timeline' /><ref name='Lloyds List 2003-10-31'>{{cite journal | title = Quarantined Aurora limps out of Piraeus harbour| journal = Lloyd's List | date = 31 October 2003| url =http://www.lloydslist.com/ll/sector/cruise-and-ferry/article148238.ece |access-date = 28 December 2010}}</ref><ref name='Guardian 2003-11-03'>{{cite news | first = Simon | last = Jeffery | title = Spain shuts border to virus ship | date = 3 November 2003 | url =https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2003/nov/03/gibraltar.world#article_continue | work = The Guardian | access-date = 28 December 2010 | location=London}}</ref><ref name='Independent 2003-11-02'>{{cite news | first = Elizabeth | last = Nash |title = Gibraltar may refuse to let stricken cruise ship dock | date = 2 November 2003 | url =https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/gibraltar-may-refuse-to-let-stricken-cruise-ship-dock-734287.html | work = The Independent | access-date = 28 December 2010 | location=London}}{{dead link|date=August 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>
[[File:Aurora gib.jpg|thumb|240px|right|MV ''Aurora'' moored adjacent to the [[Gibraltar Cruise Terminal]] on the Western Arm of the [[North Mole, Gibraltar Harbour|North Mole]] in [[Gibraltar Harbour]].]]
[[File:Aurora gib.jpg|thumb|240px|right|MV ''Aurora'' moored adjacent to the [[Gibraltar Cruise Terminal]] on the Western Arm of the [[North Mole, Gibraltar Harbour|North Mole]] in [[Gibraltar Harbour]].]]
On arrival in [[Dubrovnik]], [[Croatia]], a health inspector boarded the vessel and ordered the sick passengers to remain in their cabins "as a precautionary measure". Those unaffected by the virus were allowed to leave the ship. There was uncertainty as to whether the ship would be allowed to dock in [[Gibraltar]], the next scheduled port.<ref name='Independent 2003-11-02'/>
On arrival in [[Dubrovnik]], [[Croatia]], a health inspector boarded the vessel and ordered the sick passengers to remain in their cabins "as a precautionary measure". Those unaffected by the virus were allowed to leave the ship. There was uncertainty as to whether the ship would be allowed to dock in [[Gibraltar]], the next scheduled port.<ref name='Independent 2003-11-02'/>


''Aurora'' was allowed to dock in Gibraltar on 3 November. A small number of passengers who were still recovering were required to stay on board. Passengers who went ashore were required to leave their passports behind. One passenger had died from a heart attack, unrelated to the norovirus breakout. The Spanish government decided to close the border between Gibraltar and Spain on advice from its health ministry. It was reopened a few hours after ''Aurora'' departed from Gibraltar. The incident caused some diplomatic tension between the United Kingdom and Spain.<ref name='Guardian 2003-11-03' /><ref name='Lloyds List 2003-11-06'>{{cite journal | title = P&O Cruises’ virus-hit Aurora returns to UK | journal = Lloyd's List | date = 6 November 2003| id = | url =http://www.lloydslist.com/ll/sector/cruise-and-ferry/article148443.ece | accessdate = 28 December 2010}}</ref><ref name='Guardian 2003-11-06'>{{cite news | first = Jeevan | last = Vasagar | title = Passenger on cruise liner dies | date = 6 November 2003 | url =https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2003/nov/06/health.healthandwellbeing1 | work = The Guardian | accessdate = 28 December 2010 | location=London}}</ref><ref name='Lloyds List 2003-11-05'>{{cite journal | title = Spain reopens Gibraltar border as Aurora sails | journal = Lloyd's List|date = 5 November 2003 | first = Brian | last = Reyes| id = | url =http://www.lloydslist.com/ll/sector/cruise-and-ferry/article148341.ece | accessdate = 28 December 2010}}</ref>
''Aurora'' was allowed to dock in Gibraltar on 3 November. A small number of passengers who were still recovering were required to stay on board. Passengers who went ashore were required to leave their passports behind. One passenger had died from a heart attack, unrelated to the norovirus breakout. The Spanish government decided to close the border between Gibraltar and Spain on advice from its health ministry. It was reopened a few hours after ''Aurora'' departed from Gibraltar. The incident caused some diplomatic tension between the United Kingdom and Spain.<ref name='Guardian 2003-11-03' /><ref name='Lloyds List 2003-11-06'>{{cite journal | title = P&O Cruises' virus-hit Aurora returns to UK | journal = Lloyd's List | date = 6 November 2003| url =http://www.lloydslist.com/ll/sector/cruise-and-ferry/article148443.ece | access-date = 28 December 2010}}</ref><ref name='Guardian 2003-11-06'>{{cite news | first = Jeevan | last = Vasagar | title = Passenger on cruise liner dies | date = 6 November 2003 | url =https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2003/nov/06/health.healthandwellbeing1 | work = The Guardian | access-date = 28 December 2010 | location=London}}</ref><ref name='Lloyds List 2003-11-05'>{{cite journal | title = Spain reopens Gibraltar border as Aurora sails | journal = Lloyd's List|date = 5 November 2003 | first = Brian | last = Reyes| url =http://www.lloydslist.com/ll/sector/cruise-and-ferry/article148341.ece | access-date = 28 December 2010}}</ref>


''Aurora'' returned to Southampton on 6 November, where passengers disembarked. There was a widespread expression of disappointment, with some passengers threatening legal action against P&O Cruises. P&O Cruises said that while they would not offer a standard compensation package, cases would be considered individually.<ref name='Lloyds List 2003-11-06' /><ref name='Lloyds List 2003-11-07'>{{cite journal | title = ‘Hostage’ passenger on Aurora may sue for kidnap | journal = Lloyd's List | date = 7 November 2003| first = David | last = Osler| id = | url = http://www.lloydslist.com/ll/sector/cruise-and-ferry/article148526.ece |accessdate = 28 December 2010}}</ref><ref name='BBC 2003-11-06'>{{cite news | title = 'Bug ship' arrives home | date = 6 November 2003 | url =http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/3239093.stm | work = BBC News | accessdate = 28 December 2010}}</ref>
''Aurora'' returned to Southampton on 6 November, where passengers disembarked. There was a widespread expression of disappointment, with some passengers threatening legal action against P&O Cruises. P&O Cruises said that while they would not offer a standard compensation package, cases would be considered individually.<ref name='Lloyds List 2003-11-06' /><ref name='Lloyds List 2003-11-07'>{{cite journal | title = 'Hostage' passenger on Aurora may sue for kidnap | journal = Lloyd's List | date = 7 November 2003| first = David | last = Osler| url = http://www.lloydslist.com/ll/sector/cruise-and-ferry/article148526.ece |access-date = 28 December 2010}}</ref><ref name='BBC 2003-11-06'>{{cite news | title = 'Bug ship' arrives home | date = 6 November 2003 | url =http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/3239093.stm | work = BBC News | access-date = 28 December 2010}}</ref>


===World cruise 2005===
===World cruise 2005===
In January 2005, ''Aurora'' began a 103-day world cruise with more than 1,700 passengers on board. While bound for [[Madeira]], the ship repeatedly had problems with one of the propulsion motors. Since the problems could not be solved quickly, the world cruise was abandoned. During the ship's time waiting in Southampton, passengers were offered free drinks in the onboard bars and were able to exit the ship at any time. Passengers were also permitted to cancel their booking for a full refund. After P&O Cruises cancelled the cruise, the company donated all of the food purchased for the trip to local charities around Southampton. ''Aurora'' set sail for a dry dock in [[Bremerhaven]], Germany, where her damaged motor would be removed and replaced.<ref name='Guardian 2005-01-21'>{{cite news | first = Laura | last = Smith | title = Liner returns as P&O axes ill-starred cruise | date = 21 January 2005 | url =https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2005/jan/21/travelnews.travel | work = The Guardian | accessdate = 28 December 2010 | location=London}}</ref>
In January 2005, ''Aurora'' began a 103-day world cruise with more than 1,700 passengers on board. While bound for [[Madeira]], the ship repeatedly had problems with one of the propulsion motors. Since the problems could not be solved quickly, the world cruise was abandoned. During the ship's time waiting in Southampton, passengers were offered free drinks in the onboard bars and were able to exit the ship at any time. Passengers were also permitted to cancel their booking for a full refund. After P&O Cruises cancelled the cruise, the company donated all of the food purchased for the trip to local charities around Southampton. ''Aurora'' set sail for a dry dock in [[Bremerhaven]], Germany, where her damaged motor would be removed and replaced.<ref name='Guardian 2005-01-21'>{{cite news | first = Laura | last = Smith | title = Liner returns as P&O axes ill-starred cruise | date = 21 January 2005 | url =https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2005/jan/21/travelnews.travel | work = The Guardian | access-date = 28 December 2010 | location=London}}</ref>


The planned world cruise hence affectionately became known as a voyage around the [[Isle of Wight]] or "the largest ever Isle of Wight ferry". The cruise was also dubbed the "World Booze Cruise" as the Company offered free drinks, free excursions and a 50&nbsp;percent discount for the 2007 World Cruise after reimbursing all the fares for the 2005 World Cruise. P&O Cruises also arranged for entertainers such as [[Elaine Paige]] and [[Paul Daniels]] to come on board.<ref name='BBC 2005-01-21'>{{cite news | first = Malcolm | last = Prior | title = Aurora passengers won over by P&O | date = 21 January 2005 | url =http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/hampshire/4194927.stm | work = BBC News | accessdate = 28 December 2010}}</ref>
The planned world cruise hence affectionately became known as a voyage around the [[Isle of Wight]] or "the largest ever Isle of Wight ferry". The cruise was also dubbed the "World Booze Cruise" as the Company offered free drinks, free excursions and a 50&nbsp;percent discount for the 2007 World Cruise after reimbursing all the fares for the 2005 World Cruise. P&O Cruises also arranged for entertainers such as [[Elaine Paige]] and [[Paul Daniels]] to come on board.<ref name='BBC 2005-01-21'>{{cite news | first = Malcolm | last = Prior | title = Aurora passengers won over by P&O | date = 21 January 2005 | url =http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/hampshire/4194927.stm | work = BBC News | access-date = 28 December 2010}}</ref>


The cancellation of the cruise is reported to have cost the company GBP £25&nbsp;million.<ref name='Independent 2005-02-16'>{{cite news| first = Susie | last = Mesure | title = Carnival puts the cost of aborting cruise at £25m | date = 16 February 2005 | url =https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/carnival-puts-the-cost-of-aborting-cruise-at-acircpound25m-483616.html | work = The Independent | accessdate = 28 December 2010 | location=London}}</ref>
The cancellation of the cruise is reported to have cost the company GBP £25&nbsp;million.<ref name='Independent 2005-02-16'>{{cite news| first = Susie | last = Mesure | title = Carnival puts the cost of aborting cruise at £25m | date = 16 February 2005 | url =https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/carnival-puts-the-cost-of-aborting-cruise-at-acircpound25m-483616.html | work = The Independent | access-date = 28 December 2010 | location=London}}</ref>


===World cruise 2009===
===World cruise 2009===


During the 2009 World Cruise, ''Aurora'' again experienced problems with her propulsion system shortly after leaving [[Sydney]], Australia. The ship continued to [[Auckland]], New Zealand, to undergo repairs. The ship left Auckland for [[Hawaii]] on 12 March 2009. More than 600 passengers on the 93-night cruise attended an emergency meeting and formed a protest committee after the ship failed to dock at three ports in New Zealand and at two Pacific Islands. While P&O Cruises made offers of compensation, some passengers branded these offers "derisory" and threatened legal action against the company.<ref name='Daily Express 2009-03-30' /><ref name='Telegraph 2009-03-28' /><ref name='Mirror 2009-03-29'>{{cite news | first = Phillip | last = Mellor | title = P&O Aurora cruise passengers stage mutiny | date = 29 March 2009 | url =https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2009/03/29/p-o-aurora-cruise-passengers-stage-mutiny-115875-21236046/ | work = Sunday Mirror | accessdate = 28 December 2010}}</ref>[[File:MV_Aurora_in_Manila,_Philippines_2014.jpeg|thumb|right|MV ''Aurora'' docked in [[Manila]], [[Philippines]] in February 2014]]
During the 2009 World Cruise, ''Aurora'' again experienced problems with her propulsion system shortly after leaving [[Sydney]], Australia. The ship continued to [[Auckland]], New Zealand, to undergo repairs. The ship left Auckland for [[Hawaii]] on 12 March 2009. More than 600 passengers on the 93-night cruise attended an emergency meeting and formed a protest committee after the ship failed to dock at three ports in New Zealand and at two Pacific Islands. While P&O Cruises made offers of compensation, some passengers branded these offers "derisory" and threatened legal action against the company.<ref name='Daily Express 2009-03-30' /><ref name='Telegraph 2009-03-28' /><ref name='Mirror 2009-03-29'>{{cite news | first = Phillip | last = Mellor | title = P&O Aurora cruise passengers stage mutiny | date = 29 March 2009 | url =https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2009/03/29/p-o-aurora-cruise-passengers-stage-mutiny-115875-21236046/ | work = Sunday Mirror | access-date = 28 December 2010}}</ref>[[File:MV_Aurora_in_Manila,_Philippines_2014.jpeg|thumb|right|MV ''Aurora'' docked in [[Manila]], [[Philippines]] in February 2014]]


===Refits===
===Refits===
[[File:MV Aurora 2015-08-24 - Aerial.png|thumb|P&O Cruises MV ''Aurora'' at anchor in the Santorini basin.]]In 2014, ''Aurora'' was repainted in P&O's new house livery with a stylised Union Flag on the bows, and the funnel painted blue instead of the customary P&O yellow.
[[File:MV Aurora 2015-08-24 - Aerial.png|thumb|P&O Cruises MV ''Aurora'' at anchor in the Santorini basin.]]In 2014, ''Aurora'' was repainted in P&O's new house livery with a stylised Union Flag on the bows, and the funnel painted blue instead of the customary P&O yellow.


She underwent a further dry dock refurbishment during March and April 2019.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/18560-p-o-aurora-to-go-adults-only.html|title=P&O Aurora To Go Adults Only|last=Staff|first=CIN|date=21 February 2018|access-date=22 February 2018|language=en-GB}}</ref>
She underwent a further dry dock refurbishment during March and April 2019.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/18560-p-o-aurora-to-go-adults-only.html|title=P&O Aurora To Go Adults Only|last=Staff|first=CIN|date=21 February 2018|access-date=22 February 2018|language=en-GB}}</ref>


⚫
During the [[COVID-19 pandemic|2020 coronavirus layoff]], the vessel spent some time anchored off [[Bournemouth]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/18531178.ventura-queen-victoria-aurora-arcadia-ships-off-bournemouth/|title=PICTURED: Ventura cruise ship arrives off Bournemouth (but Queen Victoria leaves for Southampton)|date=21 June 2020|website=Bournemouth Echo}}</ref>
==2020 pandemic==

⚫
During the [[COVID-19 pandemic|2020 coronavirus layoff]], the vessel spent some time anchored off [[Bournemouth]].<ref>https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/18531178.ventura-queen-victoria-aurora-arcadia-ships-off-bournemouth/</ref>
On 28 March 2023, P&O Cruises announced that it will be updating the guest areas on Aurora including new balcony chairs, chairs in cabins and furniture on the open decks. These changes are expected to be completed by May 2023.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=P&O Cruises announces multi-million pound investment in Arcadia and Aurora |url=https://www.carnivalcorp.com/news-releases/news-release-details/po-cruises-announces-multi-million-pound-investment-arcadia-and |website=Carnival Corp}}</ref>

P&O Cruises has also announced that Aurora will have a refit in April 2025.<ref name=":0" />


==References==
==References==
===Notes===
===Notes===
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}

===Bibliography===
===Bibliography===
{{refbegin}}
{{refbegin}}
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==External links==
==External links==
{{Commons category|IMO 9169524}}
{{Commons category|IMO 9169524}}
* [http://www.pocruises.com/Cruise-Ships/Aurora/Ship-Overview/ ''Aurora'' on P&O Cruises website]
* [http://www.pocruises.com/Cruise-Ships/Aurora/Ship-Overview/ ''Aurora'' on P&O Cruises website] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120504073312/http://www.pocruises.com/Cruise-Ships/Aurora/Ship-Overview/ |date=4 May 2012 }}
* [http://beyondships.com/PO-Aurora-Profile.html Profile and tour of ''Aurora'' on beyondships.com]
* [http://beyondships.com/PO-Aurora-Profile.html Profile and tour of ''Aurora'' on beyondships.com]
* [http://maritimematters.com/2016/07/aurora-pos-final-passenger-ship/ "AURORA – P&O’s Final Passenger Ship"] – review by Peter Newall in ''[[Maritime Matters]]''
* [http://maritimematters.com/2016/07/aurora-pos-final-passenger-ship/ "AURORA – P&O’s Final Passenger Ship"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160721095210/http://maritimematters.com/2016/07/aurora-pos-final-passenger-ship/ |date=21 July 2016 }} – review by Peter Newall in ''Maritime Matters''
{{P&O Cruises Ships}}
{{P&O Cruises Ships}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Aurora (2000)}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Aurora (2000)}}
[[Category:Cruise ships]]
[[Category:Ships of P&O Cruises]]
[[Category:Ships of P&O Cruises]]
[[Category:Ships built in Papenburg]]
[[Category:Ships built in Papenburg]]

Latest revision as of 10:00, 13 June 2024

For other ships with the same name, see MV Aurora.

Aurora at anchor in the Santorini basin, showing post 2014 livery.
History
Bermuda
NameAurora
Owner Carnival plc
Operator P&O Cruises
Port of registry
BuilderMeyer Werft, Papenburg, Germany
Cost$375 million
Yard number640
Laid down15 December 1998
Launched18 January 2000
Christened27 April 2000
Maiden voyage1 May 2000
In service2000–present
Identification
StatusIn service
General characteristics
Tonnage
Length270.0 m (885 ft 10 in)
Beam32.2 m (105 ft 8 in)
Draught7.9 m (26 ft)
Decks10
Installed power4 MAN B&W 14V48/60 14-cyl diesels 19,710bhp each. Approximate fuel consumption 300 litres per nautical mile at 24 knots.
PropulsionDiesel-Electric
Speed24 knots (44 km/h; 28 mph)
Capacity
  • 1,878 passengers (regular)
  • 1,950 passengers (maximum)
Crew850

MV Aurora is a cruise ship of the P&O Cruises fleet. The ship was built by Meyer Werft at their shipyard in Papenburg, Germany. At over 76,000 tonnes, Aurora is the smallest and oldest of seven ships currently in service with P&O Cruises. She officially entered service with the company in April 2000 and was named by Anne, Princess Royal in Southampton, United Kingdom. Aurora was refitted in 2014, during which the ship was the first of P&O's ships to receive an updated British Union flag design on her bow and her funnel repainted from yellow to blue.[1]

Specifications

[edit]
Aurora's Atrium

Aurora is a mid-sized cruise ship, with an overall length of 270.0 metres (885 ft 10 in), moulded beam of 32.2 metres (105 ft 8 in) and draught of 7.90 metres (25 ft 11 in). Her gross tonnage is 76,152 and her deadweight tonnage is 8,486 tonnes. The ship can accommodate up to 1,878 passengers in 939 cabins, with a maximum crew complement of 936.[2][3][4][5]

Aurora is powered by 4 four-stroke 14-cylinder MAN B&W 14V48/60 (48 cm Bore, 60 cm Stroke) medium-speed diesel engines with a total power output of over 78,800 BHP. These engines provide power for various ship's services and for two STN AEG propulsion motors. The propulsion motors drive two propellers, each of which measures 5.8 metres (19 ft 0 in) in diameter. Fuel consumption at 24 knots is around 300 litres of heavy oil per Nautical Mile. For manoeuvring, the ship has three bow thrusters and a stern thruster. The ship's service speed is 24 knots (44 km/h; 28 mph), though during sea trials she reached a maximum speed of 29 knots (54 km/h; 33 mph).[5][6]

Aurora was designed to appeal to the British market, and was built as an extended and improved version of P&O Cruises' Oriana. The ship's hull and superstructure were designed to be attractive to this market with features similar to more traditional ocean liners, such as her raked, tiered stern.[4]

Aurora docked in Dubrovnik in pre 2014 livery.

History

[edit]

Construction and naming

[edit]

Aurora was built by Meyer Werft in Germany. Her keel was laid in December 1998 and she was launched in January 2000. She was delivered to P&O Cruises in April 2000.[3][4][7][8] The ship left the shipyard on 19 February 2000.[9][10]

The ship was christened on 27 April 2000, by Princess Anne. The champagne bottle did not shatter when it hit the ship's side and fell unopened into the sea. This type of occurrence is considered a bad omen among seafarers, and this incident has been blamed for the numerous setbacks that Aurora has encountered throughout her career.[11][12][13][14]

Maiden voyage

[edit]

Aurora departed on her maiden voyage on 1 May 2000—a 14-night cruise to various Mediterranean destinations. The ship's crew identified a major technical problem, and the cruise was abandoned after 16 hours at sea. The cause was a propeller shaft bearing which had been damaged by overheating and required urgent repair while the ship was out of service.[12][15]

On 3 May 2000, the ship returned to Southampton, where passengers disembarked. Passengers expressed disappointment about the incident but reported that they were mainly satisfied with P&O Cruises' response to the situation. P&O Cruises offered all passengers a full refund and compensation package, worth about GBP£6 million.[16]

Aurora sailed to Blohm + Voss in Germany, where repairs were carried out. The ship returned to service on 15 May 2000, to undertake her second scheduled cruise to the Canary Islands.[17]

Pamela Dream rescue effort

[edit]

In March 2001, Aurora was sailing through the Taiwan Strait on her first world cruise when she was called to assist Pamela Dream, a Cambodian registered ship crewed by Russian officers and crew which had capsized in rough seas. Aurora launched her fast rescue boats to retrieve survivors from the water. The crew were able to retrieve three survivors. A crewmember described the sea state as "very rough, with waves of about 5 m (16 ft)". One of Aurora's propellers was damaged by flotsam, an inspection of the propeller was carried out in Singapore where it was polished by divers. The damaged propeller was eventually replaced in dry dock in Southampton in December 2002.[18][19]

Norovirus breakout

[edit]

During a cruise around the eastern Mediterranean in October 2003, over 500 passengers suffered stomach infections caused by the highly contagious Norovirus. During the outbreak, the ship's passengers were denied the right to land at Piraeus, Greece, as the ship was held in quarantine. Aurora departed from Piraeus on 31 October having loaded medical supplies.[8][20][21][22]

MV Aurora moored adjacent to the Gibraltar Cruise Terminal on the Western Arm of the North Mole in Gibraltar Harbour.

On arrival in Dubrovnik, Croatia, a health inspector boarded the vessel and ordered the sick passengers to remain in their cabins "as a precautionary measure". Those unaffected by the virus were allowed to leave the ship. There was uncertainty as to whether the ship would be allowed to dock in Gibraltar, the next scheduled port.[22]

Aurora was allowed to dock in Gibraltar on 3 November. A small number of passengers who were still recovering were required to stay on board. Passengers who went ashore were required to leave their passports behind. One passenger had died from a heart attack, unrelated to the norovirus breakout. The Spanish government decided to close the border between Gibraltar and Spain on advice from its health ministry. It was reopened a few hours after Aurora departed from Gibraltar. The incident caused some diplomatic tension between the United Kingdom and Spain.[21][23][24][25]

Aurora returned to Southampton on 6 November, where passengers disembarked. There was a widespread expression of disappointment, with some passengers threatening legal action against P&O Cruises. P&O Cruises said that while they would not offer a standard compensation package, cases would be considered individually.[23][26][27]

World cruise 2005

[edit]

In January 2005, Aurora began a 103-day world cruise with more than 1,700 passengers on board. While bound for Madeira, the ship repeatedly had problems with one of the propulsion motors. Since the problems could not be solved quickly, the world cruise was abandoned. During the ship's time waiting in Southampton, passengers were offered free drinks in the onboard bars and were able to exit the ship at any time. Passengers were also permitted to cancel their booking for a full refund. After P&O Cruises cancelled the cruise, the company donated all of the food purchased for the trip to local charities around Southampton. Aurora set sail for a dry dock in Bremerhaven, Germany, where her damaged motor would be removed and replaced.[28]

The planned world cruise hence affectionately became known as a voyage around the Isle of Wight or "the largest ever Isle of Wight ferry". The cruise was also dubbed the "World Booze Cruise" as the Company offered free drinks, free excursions and a 50 percent discount for the 2007 World Cruise after reimbursing all the fares for the 2005 World Cruise. P&O Cruises also arranged for entertainers such as Elaine Paige and Paul Daniels to come on board.[29]

The cancellation of the cruise is reported to have cost the company GBP £25 million.[30]

World cruise 2009

[edit]

During the 2009 World Cruise, Aurora again experienced problems with her propulsion system shortly after leaving Sydney, Australia. The ship continued to Auckland, New Zealand, to undergo repairs. The ship left Auckland for Hawaii on 12 March 2009. More than 600 passengers on the 93-night cruise attended an emergency meeting and formed a protest committee after the ship failed to dock at three ports in New Zealand and at two Pacific Islands. While P&O Cruises made offers of compensation, some passengers branded these offers "derisory" and threatened legal action against the company.[13][14][31]

MV Aurora docked in Manila, Philippines in February 2014

Refits

[edit]
P&O Cruises MV Aurora at anchor in the Santorini basin.

In 2014, Aurora was repainted in P&O's new house livery with a stylised Union Flag on the bows, and the funnel painted blue instead of the customary P&O yellow.

She underwent a further dry dock refurbishment during March and April 2019.[32]

During the 2020 coronavirus layoff, the vessel spent some time anchored off Bournemouth.[33]

On 28 March 2023, P&O Cruises announced that it will be updating the guest areas on Aurora including new balcony chairs, chairs in cabins and furniture on the open decks. These changes are expected to be completed by May 2023.[34]

P&O Cruises has also announced that Aurora will have a refit in April 2025.[34]

References

[edit]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ "P&O Cruises Unveils New Look". Cruise Critic. Retrieved 18 January 2014.
  2. ^ "Aurora Overview". P&O Cruises. Archived from the original on 4 May 2012. Retrieved 28 December 2010.
  3. ^ a b Asklander, Micke. "MS Aurora (2000)". Fakta om Fartyg (in Swedish). Retrieved 28 December 2010.
  4. ^ a b c "Aurora" (in German). Meyer Werft. Archived from the original on 20 July 2011. Retrieved 28 December 2010.
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  10. ^ "AURORA - IMO 9169524". www.shipspotting.com.
  11. ^ "Super-liner limps back to port". BBC News. 3 May 2000. Retrieved 28 December 2010.
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  15. ^ Daneshkhu, Scheherazade (3 May 2000). "P&O recalls ship on maiden cruise". Financial Times. p. 04.
  16. ^ "Brave face on cruise breakdown". BBC News. 3 May 2000. Retrieved 28 December 2010.
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  18. ^ Grammaticas, Damian (9 March 2001). "UK cruise ship in sea rescue". BBC News. Retrieved 28 December 2010.
  19. ^ Luk, Helen (9 March 2001). "Russian ship capsizes; six dead". Daily News. pp. 8A. Retrieved 28 December 2010.
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  21. ^ a b Jeffery, Simon (3 November 2003). "Spain shuts border to virus ship". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 28 December 2010.
  22. ^ a b Nash, Elizabeth (2 November 2003). "Gibraltar may refuse to let stricken cruise ship dock". The Independent. London. Retrieved 28 December 2010.[dead link‍]
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  24. ^ Vasagar, Jeevan (6 November 2003). "Passenger on cruise liner dies". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 28 December 2010.
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  28. ^ Smith, Laura (21 January 2005). "Liner returns as P&O axes ill-starred cruise". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 28 December 2010.
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  32. ^ Staff, CIN (21 February 2018). "P&O Aurora To Go Adults Only". Retrieved 22 February 2018.
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Bibliography

[edit]
  • Frame, Chris; Cross, Rachelle (2018). Aurora: A Photographic Journey. Stroud, UK: The History Press. ISBN 9780750985826.
  • Poole, Sharon; Sassoli-Walker, Andrew (2012). Oriana & Aurora: Taking UK Cruising into a New Millennium. Stroud, Gloucestershire, UK: Amberley Publishing. ISBN 9781445604428.
  • Smith, Brian David (2012). Aurora & Oriana: P&O Cruises' Distinctive British Liners. Ramsey, Isle of Man: Lily Publications. ISBN 9781906608460.
[edit]
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