Built as a cruise vessel under yard No 640 by Jos L. Meyer Werft, Papenburg-Ems, Germany for Carnival, London and managed by P&O Cruises, Southampton.
15 December 1998 the building contract was signed.
18 January 2001 launched under the name AURORA.
Tonnage 76.152 gross, 8.486 net. Dim. 270.00 x 32.20 x 7.90m (draught).
Powered by four 14-cyl. MAN oil engines, 40.000 kW, two shafts, speed 24 knots.
Accommodation for 1878 passengers, crew 850.
15 April 2000 delivered to owners. Building cost $200 million.
27 April 2000 christened by Princess Anne at Southampton.
01 May 2000 sailed for her maiden voyage from Southampton to Lisbon and the Mediterranean, but the cruise was after 18 hours terminated due to overheating of the propeller shaft bearings, she returned to Southampton, where the passengers disembarked.
The AURORA sailed the to Blomh & Voss at Hamburg for repair, arrived there 05 May 2000 and sailed on 13 May 2000 after repairs.
The next two voyages to Lisbon and Canary Islands were without any mishap.
30 October 2003 a virus believed the Noro virus, which caused diarrhea and vomiting did broke out on board. The passengers were not allowed to go on shore in Faliron Bay, Greece, but doctors from Athens will board the vessel and will treat the about 450 patients.
The AURORA sailed then to Gibraltar where she arrived on 03 November 2003, before heading to Southampton.
December 2007 from British under Bermuda flag and registery.
http://www.sealetters.com/Sep-00/aurora.html gives more info on the ship.
http://www.equasis.org gives for 2009, same owners and managed by Carnival PLC. London. IMO No 9169524. Call sign GUSS
Gibraltar 2005 £1 sg?, scott?
Comores 2008 3000fc sgMS?, scott? in border of M.S.
Source Marine News. http://www.faktaomfartyg.com/aurora_2000.htm