travel reviews | departures
Travel reviews TRIED & TESTED
LONG-HAUL FLIGHT
Virgin Atlantic BY CHRIS PEACOCK
n DETAILS: London Heathrow to Detroit. Upper Class. B787-9. 7h 48m. n CHECK-IN: Virgin’s large check-in area at T3 kicked off the start of a seamless journey, from the easy bag drop and fast-track security to the ultra-luxurious Clubhouse. After a delicious cooked breakfast, a glass of bubbles and a game of pool, I almost forgot I had a flight to catch. n SEATS: It was hard to leave the Clubhouse, but the spacious 33in flatbed, restaurant-quality food and 300 hours of films and TV onboard cushioned the blow. As it was the inaugural flight to Detroit, we flew on Virgin’s new Dreamliner, complete with large, dimmable windows. n FOOD & DRINK: After Champagne, I tucked into a fresh lunch of antipasti, herb-marinated chicken and a selection of cheeses, all washed down with chilled Domaine Cherrier Et Fils Sancerre. n ENTERTAINMENT: With my private 11in touchscreen, it was easy to while away seven hours, thanks to a selection of the latest top movies. Wi-fi for the duration cost £14.99 ($23). n SERVICE: Virgin staff know how to look after passengers with affable chatter throughout the cabin, and crew making you feel thoroughly spoilt. n CONTACT:
virgin-atlantic.com
LAST WORD
From its five-star Clubhouse lounge to its faultless flatbeds, Virgin knows how to maintain the luxury passenger experience at every stage
SHORT-HAUL FLIGHT
US Airways BY GERI BAIN
n DETAILS: Montego Bay, Jamaica to Charlotte, NC. Economy. A321. 3h 10m n SEATS: Economy class seats felt surprisingly spacious (pitch 32in; width 18in) and the blue leather-feel seats felt almost luxurious, despite the lack of pillows, blankets or bendable head wings. n ENTERTAINMENT: There were no screens, seatback or otherwise, but for those traveling with devices, there was no charge to download the entertainment app — even in-flight — for access to a decent set of recent movies and TV shows. In-flight wi-fi was also available at $3 for a 30-minute pass. n FOOD & DRINK: Non-alcoholic drinks would have been free, but turbulence precluded drinks service; we spent most of the flight buckled in. n SERVICE: Flight attendants were pleasant and helpful during boarding and the captain kept us reassuringly informed about the frequent stretches of turbulence. n WHAT ELSE: American and US Airways still seem to be working out merger kinks. My itinerary included flights on both, so I needed two sets of record locators and had to be careful with regard to who was operating each flight at which terminals. n CONTACT:
usairways.com
LAST WORD
The in-flight entertainment was great for those who travel with a smartphone device and coach seating was pleasantly comfortable
CRUISE
Viking Star BY JEANNINE WILLIAMSON
n DETAILS: 15-day Passage Through Western Europe itinerary from Barcelona to Bergen. n CABINS: Viking River Cruises’ first ever sea vessel carries 930 passengers in ocean-facing cabins that all have balconies. Reflecting the line’s Scandinavian-chic contemporary style, staterooms are decorated in muted tones that are easy on the eye. n PUBLIC AREAS: Filled with books, stunning artwork, and nautical and historic artifacts, there are also plenty of quirky, modern design details, including a live mural of ever-changing images in the atrium and a snow grotto in the spa. n ENTERTAINMENT: Standard song, dance and comedy acts form the mainstay in the theater. Elsewhere, there are skilled classical musicians, rat pack crooners and even a ‘pop-up’ poet. n FOOD AND DRINK: A good choice of dining outlets throughout the ship with complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner. There’s no extra charge to dine at smaller, alternative restaurants, including the outstanding Italian, Manfredi’s. n SERVICE: Personable and professional, crew members throughout the ship did a great job. n CONTACT:
vikingcruises.com/oceans
LAST WORD
The first all-new ocean cruise line in more than a decade is a sophisticated adult-only vessel akin to an upscale floating boutique hotel
fall 2015 | ASTAnetwork | 131
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