Lying near the head of Southampton Water, a peninsula between the estuaries of the Rivers Test and Itchen, Southampton is Britain’s largest cruise port. It has been one of England’s major ports since the Middle Ages, when it exported wool and hides from the hinterland and imported wine from Bordeaux. The city suffered heavy damage during World War Two and as a result the centre has been extensively rebuilt, but there are still some interesting medieval buildings including the Bargate, one of the finest city gatehouses in England.
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Mediterranean
Aurora, P&O Cruises
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Aurora
Departure: 02/10/2025
Duration: 20 Nights
Roundtrip from Southampton
Itinerary
Mediterranean
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Day 1 Southampton, England 02 Oct 2025 (Thursday)
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Day 2 Cartagena, Spain 06 Oct 2025 (Monday)
A Mediterranean city and naval station located in the Region of Murcia, southeastern Spain, Cartagena’s sheltered bay has attracted sailors for centuries. The Carthaginians founded the city in 223BC and named it Cartago Nova; it later became a prosperous Roman colony, and a Byzantine trading centre. The city has been the main Spanish Mediterranean naval base since the reign of King Philip II, and is still surrounded by walls built during this period. Cartagena’s importance grew with the arrival of the Spanish Bourbons in the 18th century, when the Navidad Fortress was constructed to protect the harbour. In recent years, traces of the city’s fascinating past have been brought to light: a well-preserved Roman Theatre was discovered in 1988, and this has now been restored and opened to the public. During your free time, you may like to take a mini-cruise around Cartagena's historic harbour: these operate several times a day, take approximately 40 minutes and do not need to be booked in advance. Full details will be available at the port.
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Day 3 Cagliari, Italy 08 Oct 2025 (Wednesday)
Known in Sardinia as Casteddu, the island's capital has steep streets and impressive Italianate architecture, from modern to medieval. This city of nearly 160,000 people is characterized by a busy commercial center and waterfront with broad avenues and arched arcades, as well as by the typically narrow streets of the old hilltop citadel (called, simply, “Castello”). The Museo Archeologico makes a good starting point to a visit. The imposing Bastione di Saint Remy and Mercato di San Benedetto (one of the best fish markets in Italy) are both musts.
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Day 4 Katakolon, Greece 10 Oct 2025 (Friday)
Katakolon could not seem less of a cruise port if it tried. A tiny enclave clinging to the western Peloponnese coast, it's a sleepy place except when ships dock. But it's a popular cruise destination because of its proximity to Olympia. Ancient Olympia was one of the most important cities in classical Greece. The Sanctuary of Zeus was the city's raison d'être, and attracted pilgrims from around the eastern Mediterranean, and later the city played host to Olympic Games, the original athletic games that were the inspiration for today's modern sporting pan-planetary meet. At the foot of the tree-covered Kronion hill, in a valley near two rivers, Katakolon is today one of the most popular ancient sites in Greece. If you don't want to make the trip to Olympia, then Katakolon is an ideal place for a leisurely Greek lunch while you watch the fishermen mend their nets, but there's just not much else to do there.
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Day 5 Corfu, Greece 11 Oct 2025 (Saturday)
Corfu town today is a vivid tapestry of cultures—a sophisticated weave, where charm, history, and natural beauty blend. Located about midway along the island's east coast, this spectacularly lively capital is the cultural heart of Corfu and has a remarkable historic center that UNESCO designated as a World Heritage Site in 2007. All ships and planes dock or land near Corfu town, which occupies a small peninsula jutting into the Ionian Sea.Whether arriving by ferry from mainland Greece or Italy, from another island, or directly by plane, catch your breath by first relaxing with a coffee or a gelato in Corfu town's shaded Liston Arcade, then stroll the narrow lanes of its pedestrians-only quarter. For an overview of the immediate area, and a quick tour of Mon Repos palace, hop on the little tourist train that runs from May to September. Corfu town has a different feel at night, so book a table at one of its famed tavernas to savor the island's unique cuisine.The best way to get around Corfu town is on foot. The town is small enough so that you can easily walk to every sight. There are local buses, but they do not thread their way into the streets (many now car-free) of the historic center. If you are arriving by ferry or plane, it's best to take a taxi to your hotel. Expect to pay about €10 from the airport or ferry terminal to a hotel in Corfu town. If there are no taxis waiting, you can call for one.
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Day 6 Dubrovnik, Croatia 12 Oct 2025 (Sunday)
Nothing can prepare you for your first sight of Dubrovnik. Lying 216 km (135 miles) southeast of Split and commanding a jaw-dropping coastal location, it is one of the world's most beautiful fortified cities. Its massive stone ramparts and fortress towers curve around a tiny harbor, enclosing graduated ridges of sun-bleached orange-tiled roofs, copper domes, and elegant bell towers. Your imagination will run wild picturing what it looked like seven centuries ago when the walls were built, without any suburbs or highways around it, just this magnificent stone city rising out of the sea.In the 7th century AD, residents of the Roman city Epidaurum (now Cavtat) fled the Avars and Slavs of the north and founded a new settlement on a small rocky island, which they named Laus, and later Ragusa. On the mainland hillside opposite the island, the Slav settlement called Dubrovnik grew up. In the 12th century the narrow channel separating the two settlements was filled in (now the main street through the Old Town, called Stradun), and Ragusa and Dubrovnik became one. The city was surrounded by defensive walls during the 13th century, and these were reinforced with towers and bastions in the late 15th century.From 1358 to 1808 the city thrived as a powerful and remarkably sophisticated independent republic, reaching its golden age during the 16th century. In 1667 many of its splendid Gothic and Renaissance buildings were destroyed by an earthquake. The defensive walls survived the disaster, and the city was rebuilt in baroque style.Dubrovnik lost its independence to Napoléon in 1808, and in 1815 passed to Austria-Hungary. During the 20th century, as part of Yugoslavia, the city became a popular tourist destination, and in 1979 it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During the war for independence, it came under heavy siege. Thanks to careful restoration, few traces of damage remain; however, there are maps inside the Pile and Ploče Gates illustrating the points around the city where damage was done. It’s only when you experience Dubrovnik yourself that you can understand what a treasure the world nearly lost
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Day 7 Split, Croatia 13 Oct 2025 (Monday)
Split's ancient core is so spectacular and unusual that a visit is more than worth your time. The heart of the city lies within the walls of Roman emperor Diocletian's retirement palace, which was built in the 3rd century AD. Diocletian, born in the nearby Roman settlement of Salona in AD 245, achieved a brilliant career as a soldier and became emperor at the age of 40. In 295 he ordered this vast palace to be built in his native Dalmatia, and when it was completed he stepped down from the throne and retired to his beloved homeland. Upon his death, he was laid to rest in an octagonal mausoleum, around which Split's magnificent cathedral was built.In 615, when Salona was sacked by barbarian tribes, those fortunate enough to escape found refuge within the stout palace walls and divided up the vast imperial apartments into more modest living quarters. Thus, the palace developed into an urban center, and by the 11th century the settlement had expanded beyond the ancient walls.Under the rule of Venice (1420–1797), Split—as a gateway to the Balkan interior—became one of the Adriatic's main trading ports, and the city's splendid Renaissance palaces bear witness to the affluence of those times. When the Habsburgs took control during the 19th century, an overland connection to Central Europe was established by the construction of the Split–Zagreb–Vienna railway line.After World War II, the Tito years saw a period of rapid urban expansion: industrialization accelerated and the suburbs extended to accommodate high-rise apartment blocks. Today the historic center of Split is included on UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites.
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Day 8 Messina, Italy 15 Oct 2025 (Wednesday)
Home to the Museo Regionale of Messina, known for featuring two of Caravaggio's paintings, the city is also famous for having been the capital of the ancient kingdom of Sicily.
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Day 9 Gibraltar, Gibraltar 18 Oct 2025 (Saturday)
Tagged on to the end of Iberia, the intriguing British outpost of Gibraltar is dominated by a sandy peninsula and the stunning 1,400-feet-high limestone Rock. Although small, Gibraltar has always been seen as having great strategic importance on account of its advantageous position where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean, just 12 miles from the coast of Africa. Ever popular with British holidaymakers, Gibraltar is very much a home from home, boasting excellent duty-free shopping in many familiar British high street shops. Please note: Gibraltar’s small size and narrow winding roads mean that excursions are operated by 22-seater mini-buses, accompanied by a driver/guide. Local health and safety regulations prohibit the carriage of walking aids and collapsible wheelchairs on these vehicles. If you do wish to bring a mobility aid, we can arrange the Rock Tour by taxi, which has extra space. If this suits your requirements, please advise the Tours and Travel office when you join the ship, as numbers are limited.
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Day 10 Southampton, England 21 Oct 2025 (Tuesday)
Lying near the head of Southampton Water, a peninsula between the estuaries of the Rivers Test and Itchen, Southampton is Britain’s largest cruise port. It has been one of England’s major ports since the Middle Ages, when it exported wool and hides from the hinterland and imported wine from Bordeaux. The city suffered heavy damage during World War Two and as a result the centre has been extensively rebuilt, but there are still some interesting medieval buildings including the Bargate, one of the finest city gatehouses in England.
Ready to Book?
For more information; please contact our Cruise specialists who will be delighted to help you plan your next holiday.
Call us on 01625 858158 Request Availability & PriceSuites
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Single Cabin
With the choice of either an inside or outside location, these cabins are perfect for the single traveller.
These beautifully designed cabins feature a single bed, shower, sink, and WC. Outside cabins will have a window or porthole. Inside cabins will have a mirror.Single Cabin
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Inside Cabin
Air-conditioned inside cabins have two lower beds that are convertible to a king-size bed with wardrobe and drawer space. The bathroom has a shower plus a hairdryer. There is a vanity/writing desk, and a TV for your enjoyment, , telephone, safe and tea and coffee making facilities with mineral water on arrival.
Inside Cabin
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Sea View
Air-conditioned Sea view cabins have two lower beds that are convertible to a king-size bed with wardrobe and drawer space. The bathroom has a shower, or shower over bath, plus a hairdryer. There is a vanity/writing desk, and a TV for your enjoyment, plus a radio, telephone, safe and tea and coffee making facilities. Sea view cabins may have a window or portholes with mineral water on arrival.
If a balcony is not top of your list, but you're seeking great value and a sea view, then our Sea view cabins are ideal. Well designed and with all those little extras.
Some Sea View cabins have a fully obstructed view.
Sea View
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Balcony Cabins
Fully air-conditioned balcony cabins enjoy two lower beds convertible to king-size bed. Bathrooms boast a hairdryer, bath with shower or shower only. There is a chair and table, TV, and telephone, writing desk, refrigerator and tea/coffee making facilities. There is also a safe. Floor to ceiling sliding glass doors lead to your balcony with recliner chairs and table with mineral water on arrival.
Balcony Cabins
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Deluxe Balcony Cabin
Fully air-conditioned deluxe balcony cabins enjoy two lower beds convertible to queen-size bed. Bathrooms boast a bath with shower or shower only, sink, vanity unit and WC plus a hairdryer.
There is a sitting area with sofa, chair and table, TV, plus radio and telephone, writing desk, refrigerator and tea/coffee making facilities. There is also a safe. Floor to ceiling sliding glass doors lead to your balcony with recliner chairs and table.
Mineral water is provided on arrival along with a pamper pack, an atlas and binoculars.
Deluxe Balcony Cabin
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Mini-Suites
Fully air-conditioned mini-suites boast a separate bedroom area with two lower beds convertible to queen-size bed. Bathrooms boast a whirlpool bath, shower, dual sink vanity unit and WC plus luxurious premier pamper pack, bathrobe & slippers and a hairdryer.
There is a sofa, chair and table, a TV and DVD player, plus radio and telephone, writing desk, refrigerator and tea/coffee making facilities. There is also a safe. Floor to ceiling sliding glass doors lead to your balcony with chairs and table.
Mini-suites have a magazine and newspaper selection, atlas and binoculars, plus fruit basket, mineral water, flowers, Champagne and chocolates on arrival and daily canapés.
Mini-Suites
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Suites
Fully air-conditioned suites enjoy two lower beds convertible to king-size bed. Bathrooms boast a whirlpool bath , shower and plus luxurious premier pamper pack, bathrobe & slippers. Additionally there is a useful walk-in dressing area with a hairdryer.
The lounge has a sofa & chairs plus dining table and chairs, with a mini stereo and a TV plus and telephone, writing desk, refrigerator and tea/coffee making facilities. There is also a safe. Floor to ceiling sliding glass doors lead to your balcony with loungers, chairs and table. Suites have an optional butler service, magazine and newspaper selection, atlas and binoculars, plus fruit basket, mineral water, flowers, Champagne and chocolates on arrival.
Suites
Restaurants
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Alexandria Restaurant
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.
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Medina Restaurant
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.
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Sindhu
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?
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The Beach House
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.
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The Glass House
In The Glass House 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.
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Horizon Buffet
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.
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Lido Grill
All that swimming and lounging can be hungry work, but there's plenty of pool side snacks to choose from...
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Room Service
Morning, noon, and through the night, if you fancy a bite to eat in your cabin, you’ve a mouth-watering room service menu to choose from… meals, desserts, snacks and drinks, all prepared with care and delivered with a smile. A small supplement applies to each item, apart from breakfast, which is included in the price of your holiday.
Deckplans
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Sun Deck
- The Crow's Nest
- Uganda Room/Wedding Venue
- Library
- Retractable Roof
- Sports Court
- Golf Nets
- The Crow's Nest
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Lido Deck
- Standard Inside Cabins
- Standard Balcony Cabins
- Riviera Pool
- Riviera Bar
- Treatment Rooms
- Oasis Spa
- Lido Grill
- Oasis Salon
- Whirlpool Spa
- Crystal Bar
- Crystal Pool
- Horizon Restaurant
- The Beach House
- Pennant Bar
- Standard Inside Cabins
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B Deck
- Penthouse Suites
- Suites (lower level)
- Mini-Suites
- Deluxe Balcony Cabins
- Balcony Cabins
- Standard Outside Cabins
- Larger Inside Cabins
- Standard Inside Cabins
- Penthouse Suites
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A Deck
- Suites (higher level)
- Balcony Cabins
- Outside Cabins
- Inside Staterooms
- Single Outside Cabins
- Riviera Pool
- Launderette
- Whirlpool Spa
- Fitness Room
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C Deck
- Suites
- Standard Balcony Cabins
- Larger Outside Cabins
- Standard Outside Cabins
- Single Outside Cabins
- Inside Cabins
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D Deck
- Standard Outside Cabins
- Deluxe Balcony Cabins
- Larger Outside Cabins
- Standard Inside Cabins
- Single Balcony Cabins
- Raffles Bar
- Raffles Court
- Sindhu Restaurant
- Vanderbilt's
- Photo Gallery
- The Playhouse
- The Glass House
- Terrace Bar
- Terrace Pool
- Whirlpool Spa
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Prom Deck
- The Curzon Theatre
- Anderson's
- Charlie's
- Mayfair Court
- Shopping
- Masquerade
- Art Gallery
- Casino
- Champions
- Carmen's
- The Curzon Theatre
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E Deck
- Standard Outside Cabins
- Standard Inside Cabins
- Alexandria Restaurant
- Medina Restaurant
- Shopping
- Explorers
- Standard Outside Cabins
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F Deck
- Standard Outside Cabins
- Standard Inside Cabins
- Reception Desk
- Palm Court
- Launderette
- Standard Outside Cabins
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G Deck
- Medical Centre
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