P&O Cruises’ Aurora, a 76,000-ton vessel, first entered service for P&O Cruises in the spring of 2000.
The UK-based cruise ship, which can accommodate 2,000 passengers, was delivered on April 15, 2000, before being christened by Princess Anne a few weeks later in Southampton.
Her maiden voyage on May 2, 2000, was a short-lived venture, as a technical issue forced the ship to return to its homeport just 18 hours after departure.
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An overheating propeller shaft bearing was the cause, according to news reports at the time.
Once repaired, the Aurora resumed its maiden season, taking passengers to the Canary Islands.
In 2025, the vessel continues to operate from Southampton, embarking on a variety of cruises to Europe, North America, and the Caribbean, with itineraries including a 30-night cruise to Canada and New England in September.
