The main P&O Aurora cabins to avoid are those directly above or below busy public rooms (such as Carmen’s show lounge and the gym), aft sea view cabins on Decks 8 to 11 that look out over open deck rather than the sea, C Deck balcony cabins above the tender davits, and Deck 5 cabins near Reception. Before booking, also check the deck plan for fixed double beds, pull-down bunks, steel-fronted or overlooked balconies and interconnecting doors. The best cabins for most couples are midship balconies on the higher decks, the good-value mini suites on B Deck, or a larger inside cabin if budget matters most.
Free: get the printable cabin cheat sheet: 7 spots to check on any ship before you book →
Aurora is a mid-sized ship that joined P&O Cruises in 2000 and is still sailing for the line in November 2026. It is marketed as an adults-only ship, although P&O has opened a small number of sailings to all ages, starting in December 2026. Her cabins were given new soft furnishings in a 2025 refit, but the layouts have not changed, so the old quirks still matter. This guide walks through what to watch for and where the better cabins are.
Aurora cabin types at a glance
Aurora has more than 900 cabins across five broad types: inside, sea view, balcony, mini suite and suite, plus a handful of single cabins. P&O’s deck plan groups them by deck like this:
| Cabin type | Where you’ll find it | Approximate size | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inside | Decks 5, 6, 8, 10 (B) and 12 (Lido) | 137 to 181 sq ft | Shower only; larger inside cabins on B Deck |
| Sea view | Decks 5, 6, 8, 9, 10 and 11 | 137 to 181 sq ft | Some D Deck cabins have views over deck rather than sea |
| Balcony (standard) | Decks 9 (C), 11 (A) and 12 (Lido) | Similar to sea view, plus balcony | Some balconies are steel-fronted, shaded or overlooked |
| Balcony (deluxe) | Decks 8 (D) and 10 (B) | Larger than standard | Usually a separate seating area and a bath |
| Single | Sea view on A and C Decks; balcony on D Deck | Compact | Designed for solo travellers; limited numbers |
| Mini suite | Deck 10 (B) | 368 to 384 sq ft including balcony | Separate sleeping area and many suite perks |
| Suite and penthouse | Decks 9 and 10 (C and B) | 449 to 753 sq ft including balcony | Butler service; includes the Piano and Library Suites |
Sizes are approximate and vary within each grade. Always check the exact cabin number on P&O’s current deck plan, which you can download from the P&O Cruises website.
How to spot the best and worst cabins on Aurora
The quickest way to avoid a disappointing cabin is to look at three things on the deck plan: what is directly above you, what is directly below you, and what is beside you. Aurora’s public rooms are mostly concentrated on Decks 6, 7 and 8, with pools, the Lido area and sun decks on Decks 12 and 13. Cabins sandwiched between cabin decks are usually the quietest.
Then check the symbols. P&O’s Aurora deck plan uses icons to flag cabins with a fixed double bed, pull-down beds, sofa beds, interconnecting doors, a view over deck rather than sea, a steel-fronted balcony, a balcony that is overlooked or partially shaded, and cabins adapted for wheelchair users. Many of the cabins people regret booking carry one of these symbols, and they are easy to miss on a small screen.
Finally, think about how you cruise. A light sleeper should put quiet first; someone who gets seasick should stay low and midship; anyone who wants to sit outside for hours should prioritise balcony type over deck height.
P&O Aurora cabins to avoid
None of these cabins are bad for everyone, and some are priced lower for good reason. But these are the Aurora cabins to avoid if you don’t know what you are getting.
Noisy cabins near venues, the gym and tenders
- Above Carmen’s and other Deck 7 venues. Deck 7, the Promenade Deck, holds the theatre, the casino, Champions bar and Carmen’s show lounge. D Deck cabins directly above late-night venues can pick up music and applause. Sea view cabin D211, for example, is often mentioned by passengers online because it sits above Carmen’s and looks out onto a public area.
- Below the gym. Passengers on the Cruise Critic forum have reported thuds from weights in some B Deck cabins beneath the gym. If you are a light sleeper, check what sits above any B Deck cabin you are considering.
- Above the tender davits. Some C Deck balcony cabins towards the aft sit above the larger lifeboats used as tenders. On tender port days, the davits can be heard early in the morning when the boats are lowered.
- Deck 5 near Reception. Cruise Critic notes that the lowest cabins close to Reception can get more foot traffic and noise than cabins further along the corridor.
- Near crew doors and service areas. Cabins beside crew entrances, laundries or public toilets can hear doors and trolleys. One example raised on the forums is D150, next to a crew entrance.
- Under the Lido Deck. A Deck (Deck 11) cabins below the Lido Deck pool and buffet areas may hear sunloungers being moved and early-morning cleaning.
Sea view cabins with poor sea views
Some sea view cabins at the aft of Decks 8 to 11 look out onto an open deck rather than the sea. Deck chairs and passing passengers can block the view, and people walking past may be able to see in, so you may end up keeping the curtains closed. P&O’s deck plan lists some larger sea view cabins on D Deck as obstructed, and marks cabins whose view is over deck rather than sea. These can be good value if you only want natural light, but avoid them if a sea view is the point.
Cabins with fixed double beds
Most Aurora cabins have twin beds that can be pushed together to make a double, which is useful for friends travelling together. A smaller number have a fixed double bed, and some of those swap the sofa for a chair. If you need twin beds, look for the fixed-double symbol on the deck plan before you book.
Overlooked, shaded and steel-fronted balconies
Not all Aurora balconies are equal. Many are built into the superstructure, so they can feel quite enclosed. The deck plan also flags:
- Overlooked balconies that can be seen from decks above or from neighbouring balconies, including some forward balconies overlooked by the bridge.
- Partially shaded balconies, which may suit those who dislike strong sun but not sunbathers.
- Steel-fronted balconies, where a solid panel instead of glass blocks much of the view when you are sitting down. Some passengers who have booked deluxe balconies on Aurora have commented that they could not see the sea from a seated position.
If you are paying extra for a balcony, a glass-fronted, unshaded, private one is worth the effort of checking.
Cabins with interconnecting doors
Interconnecting cabins are handy for groups, but if you are travelling alone or as a couple, the connecting door can let through more sound from next door than a solid wall. The deck plan marks these cabins, so pick a neighbouring cabin if you would rather not risk it.
Cabins with pull-down beds
Some cabins have pull-down berths in the ceiling for third and fourth guests. In twin cabins the upper beds are reached by ladder, and P&O notes that the lower beds cannot be made into a double while the pull-downs are in use. If you are not using them, they should not affect you, but some people find the fittings make the ceiling feel lower.
Best cabins on Aurora
With the problem cabins ruled out, here are the best cabins on Aurora for different priorities.
Biggest cabins
The largest cabins are the suites on B and C Decks, with the penthouse suites spread over two levels joined by a spiral staircase. The Piano Suite, with its own baby grand piano, and the Library Suite are among the most distinctive cabins at sea. Suite guests get butler service and perks such as priority boarding and room service from the speciality restaurants.
Best inside cabins
Larger inside cabins on B Deck give you more room for less money, and some inside cabins have a small seating area. Cruise Critic picks out A297/8 as good-value interior cabins with a little extra living space. Choose an inside cabin in the middle of a cabin deck, away from lifts and stairwells, for the quietest option.
Best sea view cabins
Look for sea view cabins midship on Decks 5, 6 or 9 with a clear window and nothing marked as obstructed. Larger sea view cabins on C Deck are a good compromise. Most outside cabins have a bath or mini-bath with shower, while inside cabins have a shower only.
Best balcony cabins
Cruise Critic recommends higher balcony cabins on Decks 9 to 11, which are handy for the buffet and pool decks without being under them. Deluxe balconies on B and D Decks are usually roomier, with a separate seating area. Whatever deck you choose, avoid the overlooked and steel-fronted symbols if the view matters, and stick to midship if you are prone to seasickness.
Best suites
For most couples, the mini suites on B Deck are the sweet spot. They cost less than full suites, include a separate sleeping area and a whirlpool bath, and come with many of the same perks. If you want something special for a long cruise, the Piano and Library Suites are worth a look.
Single cabins
Aurora has dedicated single cabins: sea view singles on A and C Decks, and balcony singles on D Deck. Cruise Critic rates the D Deck solo balconies as more modern than most cabins on board. There are only a few, so book early on popular sailings.
Accessible cabins
Aurora has a small number of adapted cabins, around 16 according to Cruise Critic. P&O’s deck plan marks cabins suitable for a powered mobility device and notes that all adapted cabins have a shower only. Because there are so few, contact P&O’s special assistance team before you book to discuss your needs, and book as early as you can.
Best cabins for smokers
There is no such thing as a smoking cabin on Aurora. P&O does not allow smoking inside the ship, including in cabins or on cabin balconies, and smoking is limited to designated outdoor areas on the open decks. Rules on vaping can change, so check P&O’s current policy before you sail. If you smoke, choose a cabin with easy lift or stair access to the designated area shown on board.
Aurora cabin checklist before you book
Most guides stop at a list of cabins. This quick checklist helps you test any Aurora cabin number in a couple of minutes using the current P&O deck plan.
- Above: is there a bar, venue, gym, pool, buffet or sun deck directly overhead?
- Below: is there a show lounge, nightclub, theatre or galley directly beneath?
- Beside: are you next to lifts, a launderette, crew doors or a stairwell?
- Symbols: look for fixed double, pull-down beds, interconnecting door, steel-fronted, overlooked, shaded or obstructed view.
- Position: forward and aft cabins move more in rough seas; midship is calmer.
- Bathroom: check whether the grade has a bath or shower only, if that matters to you.
- Sailing type: if you want an adults-only cruise, confirm your sailing is not one of the small number open to all ages.
Is Aurora still adults-only, and is she staying with P&O?
Aurora became adults-only in 2019 and remains marketed that way. However, P&O has announced that a small number of Aurora sailings across 2026 and 2027 will welcome all ages, starting with short December 2026 sailings and a Christmas cruise. There are no kids’ clubs on these sailings. If a child-free holiday is the reason you are choosing Aurora, check the sailing details carefully, or compare other options in our guide to adults-only cruises from the UK.
As of November 2026, P&O has not announced any plan to sell or transfer Aurora. Her sister in the adults-only fleet is a different story: Carnival Corporation has announced that Arcadia will leave P&O for Holland America Line in 2029, with Cunard’s Queen Anne joining P&O under a new name. If you are weighing up the two ships, see our guide to P&O Arcadia cabins to avoid. If you prefer a newer, bigger ship with more modern cabins, our Arvia best and worst cabins guide covers P&O’s largest ship.
FAQs
Which cabins should you avoid on P&O Aurora?
Avoid cabins directly above or below busy venues such as Carmen’s, cabins beneath the gym, aft sea view cabins on Decks 8 to 11 that look over open deck, C Deck cabins above the tender davits and Deck 5 cabins near Reception, unless the lower price outweighs the drawbacks for you.
What are the best balcony cabins on Aurora?
Midship balcony cabins on Decks 9 to 11 are popular for being close to the pools and buffet without being underneath them. Deluxe balconies on B and D Decks are roomier. Avoid balconies marked as steel-fronted or overlooked if you want a clear, private view.
Is P&O Aurora still adults-only?
Aurora is still marketed as an adults-only ship, but P&O has opened a small number of sailings to all ages from December 2026. Check the sailing details before you book if you want a child-free cruise.
Can you smoke on your balcony on Aurora?
No. P&O does not allow smoking in cabins or on cabin balconies. Smoking is only permitted in designated outdoor areas on the open decks.
Where can I find the P&O Aurora deck plan?
P&O Cruises publishes an up-to-date Aurora deck plan on its website. Use it to check what is above, below and beside your cabin, and look for the symbols that flag fixed double beds, interconnecting doors and obstructed views.
