Aurora vs mid size Royal Carribean

[steveso]

Hi

 

We have mainly cruised RC so far on ships like Jewel and Serenade.

 

We are looking at an option for a cruise on Aurora for a week.

 

If anyone can help

 

1. How does the Horizons Buffet compare to a Windjammer Buffet? ( We are vegetarian so prefer the variety of a buffet)

 

2. How does the theatre entertainment compare?

 

3. Are the quizzes similar (allowing I guess for more British content.

 

Any other thoughts welcome

[groovechick]

Our first cruise as a family was on Voyager (2011), our second on Aurora (2012). Aurora is quite a bit smaller and more understated (think mid-price country house hotel rather than glitz and glam) but is more like a ship. Despite being smaller she never feels crowded and is very elegantly designed. MDRs, entertainment venues are all easily reached. More variety (and space) in the Windjammer (but then she's a bigger vessel).

Theatre entertainment is very much geared to the British market. Headliners troupe shows vary in standard and, except on Britannia, do not involve much technical wizardry. Lots of tribute acts (Dusty Springfield, Freddie Mercury, Phil Collins...), variable quality of singers and bands. P&O used to have the occasional "household name" headliner (comedian Tom O'Connor, musician Elio Pace and others), but these seem to be few and far between now.

There is usually a daytime lecture - topics vary widely (MI5, jewellery, chocolate industry, fraud and counterfeiting, famous murders....), other talks that are presented as lectures/infotainment are actually sales tactics for the spa/speciality restaurants.

Wide variety of quizzes - syndicate quiz, Battle of the Sexes, music, entertainment, general knowledge - but all geared to British market. Pax will be mainly British, possibly older demographic, especially during term-time cruises.

Dressing up on formal nights is very well observed - probably 90% of passengers will adhere to the dress code, but if it's not your thing you can eat in the buffet or some of the speciality restaurants and some of the lounges will admit you.

Drinks much cheaper. Gratuities lower.

Aurora's my favourite ship - I'm sure you will have a great time if you choose her.