Time for another mini cruise. This time it was to be on the Italian cruise company Costa Cruises. I looked at SK originally but realised that their DUB-CPH flight would not get me in on time. Aer Lingus was the only option so I had to book that . Cost for the ticket oneway DUB-CPH was just over EUR65 . Not bad really.

I took the bus from Newry at 3am to get my flight at 0640am. I hate these early mornings they kill me . A friend/collegue was coming along also so I had some company.



DATE: 14SEP08
FLIGHT: EI 622
ROUTE: DUB-CPH
SEAT : 29F
AC/ : A320-214
REG : EI-DEH Named "St.Conleth"

We arrived at Dublin airport which at 0430am was quite busy. My friend went to check in his bag , the que was rather long and took him around 20 minutes at the ''Fast bag drop'' .







After that we decided to go to McDonalds. I just needed something hot. I asked for a Sausage & Egg McMuffin but with a Hamburger pattie instead of a Pork pattie but this was too much for them to handle. Instead I ordered a Egg McMuffin and then purchased a Hamburger and made it up myself. Not rocket science. The option should be there for those that dont eat Pork.

After that we went to Starbucks. I had been given the codes from a mate of mine who has a Eircom Wifi account so I decided to check my mail.



Soon after it was time to go through security and head to the gate A9 which was not too far. Security was quick , no more than 5 mins.



The time went quickly and soon it was time to board.







Marks plane!!









We chose the last row of seats as from my experience they are normally the last to fill up. We had the middle row to ourselves so it worked out well. I just wanted to get some sleep and so did my friend.







Whilst we were waiting to depart there was one cabin crew member who clearly did not want to be on this flight. She was banging and crashing everything. My friend said that if she did not stop he was going to say something .

Sad to see all the Futura/Gael A/C parked.





Dont know what this is doing here ?













After take off we experienced alot of turbulence and I mean it was quite rough. The seatbelt signs stayed on for a good 30 minutes. Finally we got out of it and the buy on board began.
Crew were quite poor and did not smile. They did their job and no more. My friend noticed it also and we discussed the difference between the BFS and DUB crews. He flies out of BFS all the time with EI and said that maybe the DUB crew were upset about something. Who knows. Its starting to get like a mixed bag on my recent trips and thats a shame because Aer Lingus crew were always one of the best.











I had eaten so I just ordered a Sprite Zero and my friend ordered tea.














After that I played a few games on my Eee pc then had a mini sleep. Then it was time to land .





























As we got off the plane we actually got a smile. Glad to get rid of us no doubt but in fairness this member of crew was actually working in the 1st 10-13 rows so we had little contact with her. She was an exception though.





Time to get the train to the Port. We found the metro system a bit hard to work out at first and had to ask people. Some trains stop at the port and some dont. We had to change along the way and a nice Danish girl advised us which train to get . Very good looking race the Danish.... eye candy everywhere LOL....









We got off the train and had a short walk to the ship.











We arrived early and checked in . It was a different experience from other cruise lines check in. Alot more laid back and no real sense of organisation. We had to ask where to register and where to get a boarding card.





Soon it was time to board and as we entered the ship it sure was different !! I liked my Balcony stateroom but it was not as nicely furnished as Royal Caribbean or NCL.

































Charlie and the Chocolate factory??






































When we got on we had to register our credit cards for opening a charge account. This was part of the animation team giving out que tickets .











Crew were a mix of Italians ( top jobs ) , Indian,Chinese,Ukranian,Philipinos. They were all very friendly and helpful.



















Entrance to the Spa and Gym.









































One thing I did not like was the ship allowed smoking. It was horrible and they should stop it.











Soon it was time to leave port. People waved and one guy had his Danish flag .














Weird , Octopus lamps !!



















Food was lovely . Service was good. We had an Indian waiter who was from Mumbai and he really looked after us well.

That night we hit the nightclub which was surprisingly good and a mixed crowd.








The next morning I ordered Breakfast on the Balcony. Sun was shining and I just relaxed.





The day was at sea and there were plenty of activities to do. Some not to my taste and a bit holiday camp but not too bad.

















At 4pm it was time to attend a lifeboat drill.







The only issue I have with Costa is that they do everything in 6 languages !! We had Italian,French,German,English,Spanish,Russian. It just made everything very long and drawn out. I can understand Italian and English,French and German but the rest were a bit OTT. Especially as there were minimal numbers of those native speakers onboard.











The next night was Gala Dinner night and everyone was dressed up. The style I have to say was very nice . Everyone in suits and cocktail dresses. It really made for an elegant affair.





































I loved this singer , he was so good. He was Italian but sang very well in English.



He also got votes for singing one of my favourite songs ...



The next morning it was arrival in Dover and for us time to get off the ship.













So we had breakfast and got off.



We took the free shuttle to Dover town and then went to the train station to get the train to Gatwick airport.



DATE: 16SEP08
FLIGHT: FR 117
ROUTE: LGW-DUB
SEAT : ?? Exit row Window seat
AC/ : B737-800REG :
EI-DWP

Time to take this down !!



I had already checked in online with Priority boarding. My friend was flying back to BHD with BE so went to check in. After that we went to the Servisair lounge.
























































After a while time to go to the gate for boarding.



As I boarded I was greeted by a nice and friendly crew member called Brendon, he was Italian.

















Dont know who this airline is ???





XL Airways parked...





Flight was uneventful and the crew were great. Smiling and happy thoughout the flight. I didnt buy anything as I had a few biscuits and can of coke from the lounge. Soon it was time for landing in Dublin .





Terminal 2 coming along nicely.







I have a feeling it may open early. So thats it , I had a great weekend. Shame it was not longer. I enjoyed Costa Cruises but dont know if I would choose them above NCL and Royal Caribbean. I guess its horses for courses etc....

Comments appreciated and questions always answered as usual.

Thanks for taking the time to read .

OA260