This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
We set off from home on the 6th by train and checked in to the Hilton for our overnight stay: the train was scheduled to depart at 1230 so I had exactly 10 mins to negotiate OLCI when it opened, or leave it until later.
Tried to add Mrs A as the extra passenger but when I sent the BC to my phone, only mine came through, but it was Seq 1 by way of recompense. Used the onboard wifi en route to St Pancras to finally check in Mrs A who picked up Seq 47.
Stay in the Hilton was OK; the bed was much smaller than I remembered and I thought a 10% service charge at the self buffet was cheeky.
Arrived at UC desk just on 9am greeted by the very friendly agent, bags tagged, lounge invite in hand and off to Premium to go through security. Usual run through tax free but no purchases, and collect our currency then in to the CH.
Was quite busy, virtually all of the armchairs and sofas were taken but we sat in the dining area and I had the full English with a Bloody Mary, Mrs A had the Eggs Benedict.
Offered a shoe shine but declined however had the 2nd BM when that invitation appeared.
Walk down to the Gate, 22 as I recall, and through in to the holding area for boarding: airplane had arrived late so everything was running about 40 minutes behind. Usual pre board of the infirm then UC, AU and PE. Lucky us, we had a refurb!!
Settled in to seat, bags stacked overhead and we had the prefight champagne: new glass
is tricky to stow under the lamp. Finally set off about 45 minutes after schedule with a flight time of just over 9 hours 15mins.
First impression of the new cabin was good, moodlighting is a natty touch and, apart from the wine stain the cleaners had missed,clean and smart.
FSM, Nicola ( permission to name requested and approved) came round and introduced herself to every UC passsenger: she was a viible presence throughout the flight and really set the tone for all of the crew.
Drinks run and meal order taken settled in to explore the new AVOD. Excellent system, huge choice and variety just a pity the screen size wasn't increased during the refit.
Amuse bouche cheesy thingy in a shot glass set out the store for food.
I elected to have the beetroot cured salmon for starter, Mrs A had the Somerset Cider soup which she said was excellent. My salmon was delightful and a fine prelude to the feathered steak. My steak was tender and tasty, the potato a worthy complement: Mrs A choose the pasta which she said was good. All washed down by a glass of Rioja.
The Salted Caramel pudding was next but I wasn't really taken with it as I'm not a great fan of sweet things whereas the cheese selection with a glass of port was a fine end to one of the better inflight meals I have had.
Watched MiB3 which was something of a disappointment after the first 2 films but enjoyed the Marley movie.
Crew were visible throughout the flight and couldn't have been more helpful: apart from Nicola, the UC cabin was being worked by Lisa and Ross who did a tremendous job of caring for everyone.
Afternoon tea served about 90 minutes out then an easy disembark after the small PE cabin and through immigration painlessly to find our driver for the short hop to the Iberostar.
In summary, an excellent flight, primarily due to amazing cabin crew led immaculately by the FSM.
hope it never leaves....
