Virgin Charter

Some time ago I used this site to ask some questions that concerned me about my first flight with Virgin Atlantic - Gatwick to San Juan - to join a Princess Cruise. I now have concrete proof that the website that featured very unfavourable comments about VA, and upset me so much, is rubbish!! The aircraft, an A340-300 called "Plane Sailing", was immaculate both outside and inside, the cabin crew were friendly and attentive and the food was the best of any airline I have travelled with so far. I would certainly choose to travel with Virgin again and would recommend the experience to friends. Thanks to all of you who replied to my questions with encouraging responses.
Jock.

Jock

Excellent - really glad to hear that VS dispelled the bad image that site keeps giving

Cheers

Michael

[HighFlyer]

Hi Jock

I do remember, and glad to hear that you were pleased with the service you recieved. I trust that the cruise was great?

Yes, cruise was great. A good flight to start off makes all the difference as does the knowledge that a good flight is in prospect for the return journey.
Jock

[Nottingham Nick]

Jock,

Thanks for letting us know, it is good to know you weren't put off by the negative impression of VS others tried to give you.

Nick

Jock

Did you post on the Cruise Critic forum too? I remember trying to answer a post there. Were you flying Upper Class? I am now a total nut about Virgin, having tried them for the first time when I went to Orlando. Without doubt the best Flight Crew and service I have come across on any airline, and I don't say that because this is a VA experience website.

If it is you, I am glad your Virgin flight was so good and hope you enjoyed your cruise on Princess. I am looking forward to cruising with Celebrity in November. We have pre booked flights with BA[:(] through the cruise line, but our trip out of San Diego in October 2005 will be self prepared and I intend flying Virgin again then and hopefully prior when I go back to Orlando next May.

This forum is great. I found out so much info before I left (even which aircraft I would be flying on!)

Phil

Hi Phil

We're cruising with Celebrity out of San Diego next month. We booked our own air. VS LHR to LAX - with a hop from LAX to SAN on AA - and return from MIA - cruise is through Panama Canal. We booked the cruise through a US online travel agent. It worked out a lot cheaper than booking a package through Celebrity especially paying in US$ with the present exchange rate and all. And of course we could choose our airline. Used what we saved on the cruise to upgrade the flight[8D].

Where are you cruising to? If we like Celebrity we might try Hawaii from San Diego next year.

Elwood

Elwood

Small world! I'm assuming you are on Summit? Great reviews of that ship![8D] We are doing Panama Canal out of Galveston in November on Galaxy (12 nights) and then Mexican Riviera on Mercury (11 nights) next October. We did an 11 nighter from Baltimore on Galaxy Eastern Caribbean last year and loved it! Mercury the year before for a week Western Caribbean and loved that too. Two wonderful ships. Very interesting artwork! Unfortunately we had to do BA both times as we booked air with Celebrity. Having done Virgin and a bit more savvy I am converted to doing it ourselves.

Have a great cruise. If you haven't found the Cruise Critic forum, which like here offers invaluable help, here is the link:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=28

Thanks also for the info on flights. My email address is phil"dot"adamson1964"at"ntlworld"dot"com. I'd be glad of your advice as to how you went about booking through the US.

Thanks and regards.

Phil:)

Arrived back yesterday. Repeat the favourable comments made by Jock regarding the charters - except for 1 incident which I thought was disappointing (you'll have to see my forthcoming trip report for details).

Alex