We had a smooth getaway from Prime Thyme this morning, but Terminal 5 was extremely busy. Coming from 5 quiet weeks of narrow boating it was all a bit overwhelming ! Our flight to Dublin was scheduled at 10:45, then 10:35 and finally 10:30. So we were quite surprised when getting ready to board to be told there is no Captain or flight crew currently available but we hope to fly “some time today” !!!

Eventually our crew appeared via Vienna, and terminal 3, so we arrived at 3pm rather than 12 noon. As the ship sailed at 6 it wasn’t a problem, but fellow travellers missed the start of coach tours, etc.

Terminal 5 Heathrow….British Airways
This Concorde is parked at Heathrow
Flying over Thames where we’d cruised
First glimpse of Ireland, yes it was green !

After waiting a while in the transfer coach for another plane it was an easy embarkation, and soon found our ‘old’ cabin 7037. The same one as on Regatta last year.

Exiting Dublin Port

A quick pink G & T in Horizons to watch the sail away, and skilled Pilot transfer, was followed by dinner in the Grand Dining Room with a couple from Canada. As usual the food was superb, but sampled in moderation. We shall follow our usual practise of using the stairs only, to negate the afternoon teas, etc. A good start to the cruise, we will not need rocking in our bed tonight….but are going to get a gentle roll instead.

Pilot transfer was exciting