V-Flyer

Before getting into the flight TR from Orlando to Manchester, I thought there may be some interest in our trip out.
We crossed the Atlantic on the maiden Atlantic crossing of the 'Independence of the Seas' ( for less than the cost of UC flight!)
I will try and keep it brief but a lot happens on a 13 days crossing!

After a swift and efficient check in at Southampton we boarded the Independence .
Everything on board was immaculate, pristine and large. at 160,000 tonnes very large
Our balcony cabins were midships, deck 7 , ideal position for minimum motion on rough seas.The cabins were a fair size but the beds were superb and the most comfortable I have ever slept on getting 8 hours every night... unusually!
Main, formal dining, food was good, adequate, though not great.
However if you want a treat, pay an additional $25 each and try Chops Grille which I recommend. Both quality and quantity were amazing,especially for carnivores.
Food choice in the Windjammer buffet was impressive in options and variety and good in quality but became a tad boring over 13 days.
Entertainment was first class, as good as most West End shows.
Bars were good if a little pricey (:$ R/E did not help)

Cannot comment on Casino as I am not a gambler but for keep fit enthusiasts, the gym is superb.
Best I have ever seen, as are the sea views whilst you are exercising.

After a moderate / rough crossing of Biscay, every day dawned sunny and the temperature rose day by day until we arrived St Maarten, via Madeira, when it got really warm
After 13 days of superb seas and somewhat indulgent eating and drinking , we arrived Fort Lauderdale on a chilly November morning.
Overall a superb crossing and fantastic value for money, especially the food and entertainment over 13 nights are taken into consideration.
If you have the time, this really is the way to cross the pond!

One week later we arrive at Orlando airport for our flight home .
Cannot find Virgin check in. They have moved since we were last there,
Signs are non existent and after asking a few airport staff, finally
find the check in, which is painless and relatively quick.
On to the Outback bar.. my favourite airport bar.. Friendly staff and good atmosphere.
After a couple of very pleasant Sam Adams', we join a short queue for PE priority boarding and board, up and into the 'bubble'.
Aircraft looks clean and tidy, crew polite & pleasant.

'Champagne' is served . I use the term loosely. First disappointment. Definitely not champagne , in fact very inferior sparking wine which I did not drink. not nice at all!
At this point, having read many TR's about poor food,I was not looking forward to the meal.
Surprise. surprise.
It was excellent and the white wine accompanying it was also quite palatable.
After dinner drinks were declined as after my Sam adams and white wine I decided to try and sleep.. Unsuccessfully!

Two male cabin crew were efficient and polite and as with most night flights, whilst being keen to get things tidied away, were neither hasty nor too obvious.
IFE was ok. ... just ok. it worked!

Breakfast was a warm ham egg and cheese roll.. which , again to my surprise was quite edible.
Only negative here was the coffee which tasted like cheap instant coffee
Flight left and arrived more or less on time, 7 hours 20 mins plus 20 mins holding in MAN and auto landing due to low cloud base.

My overall impression was one of quiet efficiency, adequate sustenance and good value for money.
No complaints really ( except for that horrible bubbly and coffee!)

You bring up an interesting point, for far less than a UC ticket you and a spouse can travel in comfort, rest and relax, though slower than a plane of course.

Are we about to see a resurgence in TATL crossings ?

I'm not so sure, but I have given it serious thought.

Anyways, it is interesting to note that the food still sucks, the champagne is still not champagne, but hey, there was no complaints about the crew [y]

Is it just me or does anyone else think VS upper management new a hard kick in the butt before it is to late.

Thanks for the 2 TR's[y]

Brings back memories of my own trip on RCCL Sovereign of the Seas. I think she is a bit old now[8D] but a great experience none the less.
As Scrooge mentions all that fun for less than an UC ticket[:?]. I bet the Entertainment system was better as well[}:)] I would love to see a v-flyer trip on one of these accross the pond[:D]

Anyway as for your flight it seems ok and in PE as well. Did you have the new PE seat or was it the old style?

Iain

Depending on how things go in the next few months I am going to take a shot at organizing something for 2010 Iain.

Thanks for the TR's! Interesting that you were expecting the food to be poor due to reports etc on here but you found it quite good. I do wonder if at times we over think and worry things on here, I no from personal experience I have been too caught up in what should be happening rather than enjoying what is happening.

quote:Originally posted by Scrooge
Depending on how things go in the next few months I am going to take a shot at organizing something for 2010 Iain.


Are you still going on about organising a V-Flyer cruise? Old people ahoy [;)][:D] 13 days on a boat or 8 hours in UC, not such a tough choice.

quote:Originally posted by Scrooge
Depending on how things go in the next few months I am going to take a shot at organizing something for 2010 Iain.


[oo][oo][:D]

Neil, be quiet please, in case you had not noticed there are actually quite a few people who enjoy going on a cruise don't go there...anyone)and while it may not be your cup of tea there are people who are interested in going.

As this is partly a social site organizing different things at different times is something we all get involved in, so a VF cruise will happen and at last count I had something like 20 members contact me saying they are interested.

But to answer your statement..you are right, it's not a tough choice, I would take 13 days on a ship over 8 hours in UC anytime.

Sorry for not sharing your *obviously* correct opinion [ii] I know people like cruising, the parents (who are old) have just got back from one, something that sums it up perfectly for me[;)]

Thanks for both of the TRs![y]

Sounds like IOTS was brilliant, almost tempting me to do a cruise.

quote:Originally posted by Scrooge
Neil, be quiet please, in case you had not noticed there are actually quite a few people who enjoy going on a cruise don't go there...anyone)and while it may not be your cup of tea there are people who are interested in going.

As this is partly a social site organizing different things at different times is something we all get involved in, so a VF cruise will happen and at last count I had something like 20 members contact me saying they are interested.

But to answer your statement..you are right, it's not a tough choice, I would take 13 days on a ship over 8 hours in UC anytime.


Good posting.

I am certianly not 'old' and love the occasional cruise. It is a lovely way to start a holday to cruise over to New York on the Queen Mary 2 and believe me when we have cruised this route the mean age in the Quens Grill was around 35yo with as many in thier 20s as in thier 40s (and a few much older yes but my gues is the retiree prefer the Carribean cruises etc) but we felt very comfortable - to be thoroughly recommended if you can afford the time.

Megaflyer

quote:Originally posted by Neil
Sorry for not sharing your *obviously* correct opinion [ii] I know people like cruising, the parents (who are old) have just got back from one, something that sums it up perfectly for me[;)]

Coming from the only person who looks out of place on *any* form of transport except for a National Express bus bound for Hull; I dare say that's a compliment to Dave... [:w][y]


HOWEVER, I *believe* the title of this thread relates to the eperiences of a v-flyer member on a Virgin Atlantic FLIGHT. Perhaps we could therefore keep all responses from this point vaguely on-topic?

Your right Paul, sorry, it just annoys the hell out of me when people have preconceived ideas about something, they have not tried it, but they know they are not going to enjoy it, pretty stupid and closed minded IMHO.

Anyways, back on topic, if anyone wishes to discuss the idea of a cruise there is a thread somewhere floating around and no Neil does not have to reply....or Paul for that matter.

quote:Originally posted by preiffer
Coming from the only person who looks out of place on *any* form of transport except for a National Express bus bound for Hull; I dare say that's a compliment to Dave... [:w][y]


[:(!] Not amusing.

quote: Perhaps we could therefore keep all responses from this point vaguely on-topic?

To be fair a good % of the OP's report was based on their outbound cruise, but I agree turning the thread in to a yay or ney debate about cruises/old people is not good, especially after my initial comment was made in jest[ii]

quote:Originally posted by iforres1
Thanks for the 2 TR's[y]



'Anyway as for your flight it seems ok and in PE as well. Did you have the new PE seat or was it the old style?'

Iain


'old' seats.. new ones would be nice, but they were clean and eveything 'worked'.. so no complaints
( other than dreadful 'champagne'!!)

hello again and "long time .. no post..
after a 2 year absence from VS ..
I am of to Fla again.
cannot get out of MAN (for a sensible price.. long story) so going LHR-MIA PE Mid Jan.
Not used the site for some and would likeome advice please.
Having booked flight, looked on web site and cannot get four seats together.. nearly 5 months before departure!!
Can that be right?
Is there anyway of checking or getting around this
also
would like to try the LHR lounge ( did many years ago but I am sure it has chnaged .. a lot)
Asked Flying Club if I could use miles or pay to use the lounge and was inforemd "only way is by upgrading to UC) and at total of £8k+ thats not going to happen
any other ways?
all advice would be most appreciated
Tks