Grand Mediterranean

Medina

Freedom Dining at the Medina Restaurant.

Like to escape the usual routine on holiday? Then you’ll love the flexibility of Freedom Dining. Opt for an early dinner one night and a late supper the next; you can shape each day as you please.

With Freedom Dining you’ll still enjoy the special ambience and sociable atmosphere of a main dining room, with a five-course menu (six-course on Gala Nights). The difference from Club Dining is that this option allows you the flexibility to turn up at selected restaurants anytime you choose between 6pm and 9.30pm, with whom you like, and every effort will be made to accommodate you. Freedom Dining is included in your fare when you book a Select Price. Just opt for it when making your Select Price booking.

Alexandria

Club Dining at the Alexandria Restaurant

Choose a particular Club Dining seating and you’ll dine at the same time and table each night and enjoy the same company. It’s the way many a friendship has been made on board.

With Club Dining you’ll enjoy the special ambience and sociable atmosphere of the main dining room, and a five-course menu (six-course on Gala Nights). This style of dining is a wonderful way to share your holiday experiences and meet new friends.

By choosing Club Dining you’re opting for the cruising tradition of set sitting times. The same table will be reserved for you and your table companions every night for first or second sitting, at 6.30pm or 8.30pm. You can request your preferred sitting when you book a Select Price and we’ll inform you of your table number and sitting with a card in your cabin when we welcome you on board.

Afternoon Tea

Treat yourself to a classic English afternoon tea, served daily in the main restaurants. You can enjoy a selection of finger sandwiches, delicious cakes and of course the all important scone topped with clotted cream and jam, all served alongside a pot of tea or coffee.

Horizon

At P&O Cruises we believe great holidays should be all about choice and freedom.

No matter what time of day it is, if you fancy a good meal you’ll always get one on board Aurora. Our main self-service restaurant offers high quality dining throughout the day in a relaxed, informal environment. So if you’ve just returned to the ship after a shore excursion and have worked up a late afternoon appetite you can still enjoy a great meal.

Dine around the clock – Late night snacks are available from buffet restaurants from 10pm until late. The menu for these late night buffet options changes each day however, examples may include: self-service sandwich bar, ready-made paninis, homemade cakes, biscuits and pastries.

This dining option is included in the price of your holiday.

Dining with children?

A designated children’s tea will be provided in Horizon restaurant (Starboard side) from 5-5.45pm*, parental supervision is required. Further details and menus will be available on board.
*The above timings/locations may change due to operational reasons.Full details will be supplied to you once on board.

Poolside snacks

Poolside snacks
Peckish by the pool?

All that swimming and lounging can be hungry work, but there’s plenty of pool side snacks to choose from…

• Lido grill – Enjoy self-service snacks (this dining option is included in the price of your holiday).
• Sidewalk Café – enjoy light snacks and help yourself at the ‘Grab and Go’ counter (this dining option is included in the price of your holiday).
• Poolside ice cream – Jude’s ice cream is available to purchase on board, whenever the urge strikes… from Very Vanilla, to Truly Choc, Strawberry Tease, Salted Caramel, Ginger Spice, Gin & Tonic, and more. They come in tempting tubs of pure joy, or scoops of sheer perfection.

Room Service

Enjoy room service in your comfy cabin. You can order breakfast, lunch, snacks and dinner straight to your cabin.

Please note room service is complimentary but some dishes are charged at an additional cost.

Sindhu

Visit Sindhu and you’ll be treated to authentic Indian cuisine with a British twist.

Showcasing a menu which is a triumph of perfectly balanced spices, delicate flavours and wonderful aromas, this restaurant has become a firm favourite with many. So why not take a seat amidst its sumptuous fabrics and opulent décor to experience a treat for your senses?

Once you’ve booked your Aurora cruise you can book your place at Sindhu from 120 days before your cruise departs.

The Beach House

Fun and informal, The Beach House is a great option for families.

Located in the buffet restaurant during the evening, The Beach House offers great ocean views to go along with a casual menu of grills and seafood. When the sun is shining, there’s also the opportunity to sit outside on the terrace.

The Glass House

Taste the world… one glass at a time

In The Glass House on board Aurora, Azura, Britannia and Ventura, we bring the world of wine to you… varieties from all four corners of the globe, by the glass, by the bottle and, if you fancy, right by a plate of fabulous food. There are also helpful suggestions in the menu on how best to match your chosen wine with the food you order. Headed up by the irrepressible, award-winning wine expert and passionate foodie, Olly Smith, The Glass House is the perfect location for a light bite, lunchtime tipple, afternoon apéritif or a tastefully informal evening out. You’ll be treated to a choice of around 40 wines handpicked by Olly, accompanied by a menu of delicious food options. What’s not to like?

The Curzon Theatre

You’ll see spectacular productions on stage at The Curzon, a lavish theatre seating up to 652 people. In the Curzon Theatre you’ll find there’s multiple performances on selected nights, so you can plan your evening however you like. Catch a show before dinner or enjoy one after. On Aurora you’ll enjoy entertainment such as cabaret performances, stand-up comedy, interactive game shows, quizzes, and talent shows.

The Playhouse Cinema

This fantastic cinema screens feature films throughout the day and into the evening. The Playhouse is located midships on D Deck, next to the Photo Gallery. You can watch a great range of films. There are 213 spacious and comfortable chairs and good visibility for everyone. In addition to films, The Playhouse is also the venue for classical recitals, lectures, port enhancement talks, and much more.

Carmen’s show lounge

With so much to see and do on board Aurora, every night will dance to a different beat. Carmen’s is a show lounge featuring spectacular cabaret performances, fun quiz shows, tribute acts, family shows and glittering discos.

Monte Carlo Casino

The flashing lights of the slot machines and the suspense of blackjack beckons, as does a great night out. As night falls our casinos come alive. Featuring the latest in slot machines and gaming tables, our friendly croupiers are on hand to oversee the evening’s events. During the day there are gaming workshops for those who’ve never played before and at night, tournaments for those who believe Lady Luck is on their side. The gaming tables include Three Card Poker, Blackjack and of course, Roulette, one of the oldest and most popular games of chance.

Crows Nest

At 105 feet above the waterline, this stylish cocktail bar is higher than the bridge and affords the ship’s most amazing views. By day you can watch the glistening sea as the world floats by in this comfortable and relaxing atmosphere. As evening draws in The Crow’s Nest comes into its own; with a light tickling of the ivories to set the mood, there’s no better vantage point from which to enjoy a dramatic sunset at sea.

Champions

Welcome to your local at sea. It’s all to enjoy with a relaxed ambience, tempting pub snacks, live music, sports and entertainment. As well as serving a wonderful selection of British ciders, a breathtaking variety of traditional and craft beers, light to rich stout artisan ales, your favourite spirits and world wines by the glass (and bottle of course!).

Anderson’s

What could be better after a hard day’s relaxing than enjoying a quintessentially British G&T? It’s time to make an occasion of enjoying your favourite tipple at Anderson’s, hosting our speciality gin menu, with unique gin flights and exceptional perfect serves. Plus, we’ve yet more desirable drinks to tantalise – so if you’re in the mood for something fizzy, fruity or more refined – you’re sure to find a drink that hits the spot.

Atrium & Palm Court

The magnificent Atrium towers over 30 feet high, a focal point inside Aurora’s luxurious ship. Here guests can socialise and move from deck to deck, surrounded by beauty, opulence and splendour. Notice the changes from one place to the other and soak up the brilliance of the interior, an expanse of the ship guests will never forget.

Raffles Bar

The name Raffles is synonymous with sophistication and elegance and the rich wood paneling, marble flooring and luxurious leather padded bar live up to the bar’s name. A great place to enjoy a tempting tipple or a specialist (Costa) coffee.

Charlie’s

The place to be seen on Aurora, Charlie’s offers a cool place to relax. Charlie’s is midships on the port side of Promenade Deck, just off Mayfair Court. An elegant baby grand sets the mood in this stylish Champagne bar, as tiny rock-crystal lenses on the ceiling create a glittering starry effect – the perfect complement to the Champagne sparkling in your glass. On a typical 14-night cruise aboard Aurora, 650 bottles of Champagne are consumed and you can be sure a large percentage of these are enjoyed in Charlie’s.

Pennant Bar by Night

One of our outdoor bars that has a roof covering. Enjoy a drink during the day or during the night with breath-taking views.

Pool Bars

Our pool bars offer a casual place to socialise and relax in throughout the day and into the evening. On a hot day nothing is better than lounging by one of our pools, sipping a cool drink, or two, and feeling yourself completely unwind.

Oasis spa

Putting the aah in spa. Think luxurious spaces to relax in, salon treatments and the aroma of scented oils. You can enjoy a warming and cleansing visit to the sauna and steam rooms. Or opt for the very latest in facials, manicures, pedicures, aromatherapy or massages, in one of the luxurious treatment rooms, each with a fantastic ocean view. Some of Aurora’s spa features… Oasis spa & salon – Get ready for the evening ahead and indulge in pedicures or a manicure. Also offering hair dressing – the Spa Salon is the place to come before a glamorous night out on board Aurora. Spa treatment rooms – Book yourself into one of the Oasis Spa treatment rooms on Aqua deck for some well earned relaxation. Some of the treatments on offer are: Elemis Aroma Stone Therapy – We use heated stones to melt away your tension. Therapeutic heat is slowly released into the belly of the muscle for a completely new body experience. Elemis pro-collagen quartz lift facial – An exceptional anti-wrinkle facial which has been independently tested with phenomenal results.

Oasis salon

Situated midships on Lido Deck, between the Crystal and Riviera Pools, is the Oasis Health and Beauty Salon. The theme of Oasis is botanical and the aim is refreshment, relaxation and rejuvenation. Visit the hair salon to have your hair styled for the evening, to try a new colour or even a totally new look. The Oasis Salon is all about pampering and indulging yourself. Treatments at the salon include: Lash and brow tinting A range of manicures and pedicures Bliss waxing (brows, lip/chin, half arm, underarm, half or full leg, bikini, brazilian, back/chest) Hair styles and treatments including colouring and highlights

Sports

Head to Sun deck for some sporting action. Whether you enjoy the friendly competition of an organised tournament or prefer to play casually with your own party, short tennis, football, cricket and basketball are just some of the options available in Aurora’s Sports Court. Securely enclosed in netting, you can perfect your swing as you sail on to the next course with Golf nets. Clubs and balls are provided, or you can use your own.

Gym and Fitness

It’s easy to keep active on Aurora. Work out in her gym, take a spinning class, or a nice walk around deck. We offer a range of fitness classes such as indoor cycling, pilates, yoga, body sculpt boot camp and push ‘n’ lift which are assisted by a fitness instructor. The gym… The gym is typically open from 8am – 8pm every day and use of the on-board gym equipment is complimentary. Equipment on board includes: Bikes Treadmills Cross-trainers Steppers Rowing machines Free weights

The Reef

Rock up to The Reef! With age-specific clubs, a night nursery, a boatload of activities and enthusiastic Reef Rangers on hand, The Reef is the place to be for under 18s. Our exciting free on-board programme for 2–17 year olds is called The Reef. Split into four age groups, there are a whole host of exciting activities organised daily by our enthusiastic and well qualified Reef Rangers to keep children of all ages entertained safely throughout the day and evening, and to ensure that they have the chance to make friends of their own age. We really have thought of everything, so why not let us take the stress out of family holidays. Age groups are: – Splashers 2-4 year olds – Qualified youth staff provide a full programme of age-specific activities. – Surfers 5-8 year olds – Qualified Reef Rangers provide activities, adventure, games and sport coaching sessions. – Scubas 9-12 year olds – Children this age can either join in the organised games with the specialist Reef Rangers or simply hang out with friends in the chill out areas. – H20 13-17 year olds – Children have their own room to chill out, watch movies, play games or participate in coaching sessions, talent shows and parties.

Family Shore Excursions

For those who are always looking for surprises, novelties and spontaneity we offer multitude of discoveries, on shore and on board. Take advantage of our wide range of guided shore excursions and varied on board activities to discover ancient cultures and new hobbies.

Night Nursery

A dedicated area and a range of facilities for babies and toddlers to enjoy. Minimum age requirement is from 11months, night Nursery check-in is at 11pm. Parents can leave their babies with the Youth staff. Our selection of modern, fun and educational toys and games will entertain our smallest guests for hours. From learning to play in English, to music and art sessions, our infant guests have a multitude of facilities offered to them with endless delights!

Sea day activities

With a range of activities taking place throughout the day, you’ll struggle to fit everything in. Take a look below for some examples of activities you could enjoy on board… Dance classes – take place on all cruises with 7 or more days at sea and are hosted by coupled dance instructors. A variety of complimentary dance lessons are available with the main type of dance offered being ballroom and Latin. It may be possible to arrange 1 to 1 tuition; any charges generated from this would be at the instructor’s discretion. Everyone is welcome regardless of experience. Guest speakers – will be on board cruises of 7 nights or more (if over 20 night duration – 2 speakers share the cruise). Deck quoits – however this is weather dependent. Shuffleboard – however this is weather dependent. Watercolour art – classes take place on all cruises with 6 or more days at sea. Art materials can be purchased on board or you may bring your own art materials to participate in the classes. Bridge – classes hosted by an instructor will take place on all cruises with 7 or more full days at sea (they do not need to be consecutive days at sea). Language classes – a language instructor teaching Spanish will feature on Round the World Cruises only. However the language and times are subject to change. Full information, including any associated costs, times and locations will be available on-board.

The library

Spending a little time with a good book can be heaven. We’ve got a great selection of holiday reading to choose from including the latest best-sellers and inspiring travel books. It also means you don’t have to worry about how many books to pack before you leave. What’s more if you fancy buying a few books to take home with you, make sure you pop into our on-board shops.

Photo gallery

View the photos that our team of on board professional photographers capture and take home high quality mementoes of your holiday. The Photo Gallery can develop your film or download your images and print your photos right on board. You can buy other photographic supplies at The Photo Gallery including film, photo frames and albums. The Photo Gallery is conveniently placed on the port side of D Deck, midships. It can be accessed from the midships lifts.

Shopping

What will catch your eye? A designer scent, a new handbag or dress, or perhaps some new jewellery for formal night? Shops you can enjoy on board Aurora: Mayfair – offers elegant clothing for ladies and gentlemen, as well as jewellery, including our range of Pandora Jewellery, perfumes and cosmetics, souvenirs and accessories from many different designers. Piccadilly – offers clothing, accessories, souvenirs, gifts, games and toys. Emporium – has everything you may need whilst on holiday from sweets and snacks to souvenirs and toiletries and other holiday essentials such as batteries and sun lotion.

Pools

Enjoy a leisurely dip in the pool or simply relax on deck and soak up the sun on one of our sun loungers. Riviera pool – Outdoor pool exclusively for adults. 8.45 metres x 5.7 metres, 1.1 metres deep. Located on A Deck. Has 2 ladders with 4 steps for each ladder. Crystal pool – Indoor/outdoor pool with retractable roof. 8.2 metres x 5.7 metres, 1.1 metres deep. Located on Lido Deck. Has 2 ladders with 4 steps for each ladder and 10 steps into the water. Terrace pool – Outdoor pool reserved for families. 7.7 metres x 4 metres, 1.2 metres deep. Located on D Deck. Has 2 ladders with 4 steps for each ladder. Paddling pool – Childrens’ pool. 0.3 metres deep. Located on D Deck. Has 1 step and 1 slide.

Vanderbilt’s

If bridge is your forte you will enjoy the tournaments held here. Vanderbilt’s is located on the starboard side of D Deck, midships, adjacent to Raffles Bar. Take part in a tournament or stop by for one of the competitive evening syndicate quizzes.

Sports

Head to Sun Deck for some sporting action. Sports you can enjoy playing on Aurora are: Basketball Darts Football Golf nets Cricket Table tennis

Drinks packages

A range of drinks packages can be purchased on board including wine, soft drink and coffee packages.

Daily activities

We can’t confirm exactly which activities will be available on your particular cruise but once you’re on board your ship’s daily newspaper Horizon will be delivered to your cabin containing a full list of activities. Take a look below for an example of the daily newspaper – Horizon…

Other activities included in your holiday…
Our fully equipped, state-of-the-art gyms; sports courts for football, deck tennis, table tennis, basketball etc; choice of swimming pools, whirlpool spas and sauna are all included in your fare.

Disabled Facilities

We offer accessible cabins for all our guests. We also have wheelchair availability, hearing and visual aids. Guests with hearing impairments can opt for TDD systems kits to be in their cabins. Guests with visual impairments are advised to travel with a Carer – we also allow healthy and travel-safe guide dogs on board.
We ask our guests with specific requirements to inform travel agents before booking so we can prepare accommodations.

Dress Code

Shore Excursions
Casual wear is advised

Informal Evening wear
Ladies: Seasonal Dresses
Gentlemen: Light weight jackets, Shirt

Formal Evening wear
Ladies: Cocktails Dresses
Gentlemen: Dinner Jacket
* Extra clothing such as coats and shawls are advised to bring for warmth.

Gala Evening and Party wear
Semi Formal dress code is advised for Ladies and Gentlemen.

Special Diets

Most special diets can be catered for on board if requested when booking your cruise. Kosher meals (pre-packaged) and Halal products (beef, lamb and poultry) are available if requested at least two months before departure. Pre-packaged gluten-free snacks, biscuits, croissants, sponge cakes and muffins are also available on board.