A traditional small, casual ship for frugal cruisers
Overview. Louis Aura (ex-Orient Queen) will suit adult couples and single travelers who want to cruise aboard a smaller ship, in modest, fairly cramped, but quite comfortable surroundings, at a modest price.
The Ship. The open deck and sunbathing space is very limited and some of the decks are of plain, painted steel. On the aft decks, there’s a clutter of wooden sunloungers, and sun-shade umbrellas. Forward of the twin funnels is an enclosed sports facility. Aft of the mast is a solarium-style shielded housing, with a multi-level lounge/bar/disco that’s adjacent to one of the ship’s small swimming pools. The dress code is casual.
There’s a decent choice of public rooms, including six bars, all with clean, contemporary furnishings, upbeat fabric colors, and a mix of traditional and fairly contemporary decor. However, the diesel engines tend to throb in some parts of the vessel and can be a little noisy, particularly for occupants of cabins on the lower decks close to the engine casing.
Accommodation. There are four Royal Suites, and 54 other ‘suites’ (they are not really suites, because there is no separate bedroom). The other cabins are very compact units that are moderately comfortable and decorated in soft colors. While closet space is limited, there are plenty of drawers, although they are metal and tinny.
The bathrooms are small, compact units, and the towels provided are not large. Toilets are of the gentle flush (non-vacuum) variety. Unfortunately, the soundproofing between the cabins is poor, and air conditioning is noisy.
The four Royal Suites have decent space. There is ample floor space, a king-size bed, vanity desk, closet, plenty of drawer and storage space, a lounge with a sofa that converts into an additional bed, drinks table, and two chairs. A large pillar obstructs movement. The bathroom has a small but deep tub with hand-held shower.
Dining. The 444-seat Mermaid Restaurant is cheerful, even almost charming, and has some prime tables that overlook the stern. Seating is at tables for four, six, or eight, with two seatings. The cuisine is Mediterranean, with some Greek specialties, while the wine list consists mainly of young wines.
Breakfast and lunch buffets are provided indoors at the casual self-serve Horizon Café, with outdoor seating at tables around the aft swimming pool, but space is tight.
Entertainment. The 420-seat El Cabaret Showlounge is a single-level room, and provides poor entertainment. There’s also a nightclub.
Spa/Fitness. There is a beauty salon and massage/body treatment room – on two different decks.