Christmas markets in Europe and Caribbean cruise (RTW)

[RooFlyer]

Off to the gate early, as is my custom



A350, 2A, the bulkhead seat so more room for legs and other stuff. Bassinets are in row 1, which is only the 2 seats in the middle, so you are pretty safe booking 2A and K





Most things as for BKK-HEL. Checking out meal times!



AY7 HEL-MIA, A350, dep 1:15pm (30 min late) arr 5:10pm (30 min late), 10H55m. Lets go somewhere warm!!

 

[RooFlyer]

Really looking forward to lunch. You get both cold plates and choice of hot plate.



Clinking of the drinks trolly was a good sign. 6 wines on offer, plus Champagne. What do you get on Qantas long haul?





I chose the pike and salmon terrine in lobster sauce, and it was lip-smackingly sensational.





As we sailed above the clouds in a permanent sunset (for an hour or so), I pitied Qantas pax who at best say their meal was 'tasty'.



Cheeses as we left the Scandinavian coast







That was a seriously good lunch. Finnair J tucker I'd say is probably better than QR based on my 2 long haul and 2 short haul on this trip. Service impeccable.

 

[RooFlyer]

Only issue with the flight was the flaky wifi. Kept disconnecting and virtually unusable.

On descent into Miami.





Towed to the gate





Ridiculously long walk to immigration. All the travellators out of order. However, at immigration there was a diversion for app-users, but I couldn't use that, as I had to have a B1/B2 visa because I couldn't get an ESTA because I had visited Iran. Into the main hall - vast, but no machines, just regular queues to see agents. Hardly any queue! Given a pretty thorough questioning by the immigration agent, then through (with no stamp in the passport). Another very long walk to the baggage carousels, and a long wait for bags, then walk straight through green lane for customs. Never had that before!! (Although I have visited the USA in about 5 to 7 years)

Staying at the Pullman at the airport. It was either that or the Hilton, but reviews of that were bad, mainly because of uncontrolled children.

Long wait for the shuttle and had to call them as to where to go, as the instructions on their web site were plainly wrong, due to roadworks. That's really annoying - cost me $10 to open up Telstra roaming to make the call.

Zero recognition of Accor Plat on check-in, but the guy who kindly took time out of playing on his phone, found me a room with no-one around and away from elevators. I think it was an upgrade (to a suite), but he didn't say and I don't think it was an 'upgrade', just the room he chose for me.





Only wanted a snack before bed, so went down to the bar and usual horrid selection of burgers, chips and cheese stuff.

Pullman, my cough. Hampton Inn.

 

[Flyfrequently]

Heading north, into the ice again. This time I had my jumper and padded vest with me!!





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Who keeps Pringle's in the fridge @RooFlyer