Private Barge Cruise in the South of France via Lufthansa First Class
#123
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: 6km East of EPAYE
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Posts: 9,582
#124
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Excellent report as always. The food looked amazing. This looked like a pretty relaxing trip with just the right amount of exploring! Did you specifically request a lot of fish based dishes? Any particularly memorable wines that you tried? This definitely looks like something I need to make happen down the road! It's sad Mrs. SFO didn't go for the FCT or better F products you had available!
Very sad indeed about Mrs. SFO's vetoing the much better FRA options.
Even worse was that she refused to acknowledge that MUC First Class boarding was non-existent and pathetically bad.
Hopefully, that is the last time was are stranded or even connect in MUC.
SFO777,
Did they tell you menu in morning? was there flexibility for changes / last minute ? "talking about crepes earlier in the day and, voila"
they will also stock things you want, like drinks, as long as price is under their 'maximum' (at any true luxury with all-inclusive rates, not just charters / exclusive-use )
and for readers of thread - if it says "All-Inclusive" in name of big hotel, its not luxury
service can also include 'invisible refills' of drinks like champagne. i also had this experience >
staff came after lunch and said that dessert would be 15 minutes. while we all said that was fine, she must have read the surprise on our faces (possibly strong on someone else's) because she returned after consulting with the chef to find a quicker alternative, which we all went with.
btw russian orthodox has great church choir music
interesting hilton munich airport recently reflagged from kempinski
interesting, i cant imagine doing another cruise (even seadream) and wish there were more yachts that took individual reservations
although easier to check out of land accommodations than 'checking out early' from an individually booked (not charter) yacht trip
Did they tell you menu in morning? was there flexibility for changes / last minute ? "talking about crepes earlier in the day and, voila"
they will also stock things you want, like drinks, as long as price is under their 'maximum' (at any true luxury with all-inclusive rates, not just charters / exclusive-use )
and for readers of thread - if it says "All-Inclusive" in name of big hotel, its not luxury
service can also include 'invisible refills' of drinks like champagne. i also had this experience >
staff came after lunch and said that dessert would be 15 minutes. while we all said that was fine, she must have read the surprise on our faces (possibly strong on someone else's) because she returned after consulting with the chef to find a quicker alternative, which we all went with.
btw russian orthodox has great church choir music
interesting hilton munich airport recently reflagged from kempinski
interesting, i cant imagine doing another cruise (even seadream) and wish there were more yachts that took individual reservations
although easier to check out of land accommodations than 'checking out early' from an individually booked (not charter) yacht trip
The Russian singers were great, just a little strange in a cathedral in the south of France.
We'll have to disagree on the A346 at least when sitting in the lav row, aka 1DG.
#125
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: 6km East of EPAYE
Programs: UA Silver, AA Platinum, AS & DL GM Marriott TE, Hilton Gold
Posts: 9,582
#126
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver • DEN-APA
Programs: AF Platinum, EK Gold, AA EXP, UA 1K, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 21,602
#128
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: BER
Programs: m&m
Posts: 91
I can recommend this one as well! Best option microbrewery style combined with good and affordable quality food. A shame you thought about McD ...
And by the way thanks for your mouth watering trip report.
#130
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Join Date: Nov 2007
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Thanks to my wonderful but occasionally travel-clueless better half, we are back at MUC about 2.5 hours before departure.
And head for the First Class check in area and security. Not as bad as I anticipated.
And then off to the FCL for breakfast.
We both had the delicious and filling veggie omelet.
At around T-50, we bid our adieus and headed out for long perp walk down to the H gates. Priority passport check means nothing when you get in a slow lane behind a non-US citizen with 4 passports and some visa issue. Lovely. And after all that, the long walk back to H17-H18 and a mass of humanity in a way too small space.
Munich-Los Angeles
Lufthansa 452
A340-600
12:00P-3:15P
June 21, 2015
First Class
Departed 8/8
Seats 1DG
With only 8 pax, you'd think that the GA might perhaps call First Class pax. Heaven forbid, what a stupid idea that would be. Just let them scrum and board with Business and every Star Alliance cardholder and their families. How lovely.
Already in a foul mood, we board and take our seats 1DG, otherwise known as the lavatory row.
We have always had much more preferable 2DG on our A346 flights, but since someone decided that she didn't want to go to FRA last night, we have crap seats.
But with a great view of the lavs.
Lufthansa IFE is challenged at best but the touch sensitive IFE controls on the A346 are horrible. They don't work half the time and then it takes most of the flight to get the touch right.
15 minutes in the air and I figured it was time to get my back pack from the overhead. Got up to retrieve and was yelled at by the FA in the jump seat since the "seat belt sign is still on". Seriously?? Plus, one of the bulbs behind the seat beat sign was not functioning so it looked like it could have been off, compared to the no smoking sign. Which I told said FA, to which she jumped out of her seat to take a look and told me "No, that sign is still on". OK, guess it's going to be one of those flights.
After the seat belt sign was officially off, the crew decided to get up and slowly begin service.
Today's menu. Seriously?? What kind of celebrity chef thinks these are attractive options on a flight to the US? Boiled ham? Veal Cheek? Chicken Leg?
Oh, that kind. I'm thinking no sparkle of delight in this diner's eyes today.
And obviously I'm not a connoisseur of fine dining since I've never heard of Harald Wolfarht. Paul Bocuse? Oui. Harald Wolfhardt? Not so much. German cars? Absolutely. But I'm thinking there is a reason that not many people say "let's do German tonight" when they are thinking about where to go for dinner. Then again, how many German restaurants are there around the world... outside of Germany? Think about that.
We passed on alcohol and caviar today but went for the starter trio each of which was pretty good. Although service was bizarre. Our FA was jumping all around the cabin but seemingly partial to the male pax in 1A and 2A. Even though there were three women on the GK side, service was always the male only AD side first. Meaning that I got my food at least 5 minutes before Mrs. SFO.
As was the salad.
The Carrot Ginger soup was OK.
For the main, we went with the lesser of the evils and the Ravioli with Seafood in Coconut Sauce flavored with Thai Curry.
For dessert, I opted for grapes from the cheese and dessert cart. Our FA gave me 6 grapes, which was actually more than enough since Germans have still not figured out how to grow grapes without hard seeds.
After lunch, did some work and watched a movie. With a weak selection of movies, I resorted to watching Taken 2 for the 20th time.
For a mid flight snack, I had a refreshing fruit plate.
On our return flights, the second meal is often much better than the first. Two months ago, the 2nd meal was Mexican and it was outstanding. Today? Not so much. Indeed this was one of the worst meals on any plane let alone a First Class cabin. Where to start on this one. "Harald Wolhfahrt has treated you to a creative menu. Now enjoy our American-inspired specialities". Clearly no one in LH catering has ever had good or even mediocre American Barbecue.
I told our FA just a little of each. For most of these, that was way too much. Pretty sad when the cole slaw is the best option.
And then, the piece de resistance, Spareribs with Oven Baked Potatoes, Creme fraiche with Chive and Corn on the Cob. OMG. The. Worst. Ever. Oh yeah, nice plating with the foil wrapped baked potato.
Sad to say the potato was the only edible part of this meal. The ribs were disgusting. You had to hack away to get any meat. And the corn?? No salt, no butter, no seasoning. Someone just boiled corn (think dishwater) and cut it up for plating.
Since I was served first, Mrs. SFO could see the ribs and quickly went for the Snapper. Unfortunately, it wasn't any better. "Jeez, I need a saw to cut into this." One bite and she was finished.
Dessert, just the fruit please. Hmmm, that looks familiar.
We arrived on time at LAX. Although there were 1,000s of pax in Bradley customs area, lots of Global Entry kiosks and we were thru in no time. Now starving and with PreCheck on our UA app BPs, we headed to T4 and Kogi LAX, the amazing Korean taco truck near AA's Gates 45-49.
OMG. The best meal of the day!!
After we finished, we headed out for Terminal 7 and United. With an on time departure, we arrived home in Denver 20 minutes early, or just before 9PM.
Other than that last lap, our return from MUC, it was a wonderful vacation. And a truly great south of France barge experience. Thanks for following and for all of your kind comments.
And head for the First Class check in area and security. Not as bad as I anticipated.
And then off to the FCL for breakfast.
We both had the delicious and filling veggie omelet.
At around T-50, we bid our adieus and headed out for long perp walk down to the H gates. Priority passport check means nothing when you get in a slow lane behind a non-US citizen with 4 passports and some visa issue. Lovely. And after all that, the long walk back to H17-H18 and a mass of humanity in a way too small space.
Munich-Los Angeles
Lufthansa 452
A340-600
12:00P-3:15P
June 21, 2015
First Class
Departed 8/8
Seats 1DG
With only 8 pax, you'd think that the GA might perhaps call First Class pax. Heaven forbid, what a stupid idea that would be. Just let them scrum and board with Business and every Star Alliance cardholder and their families. How lovely.
Already in a foul mood, we board and take our seats 1DG, otherwise known as the lavatory row.
We have always had much more preferable 2DG on our A346 flights, but since someone decided that she didn't want to go to FRA last night, we have crap seats.
But with a great view of the lavs.
Lufthansa IFE is challenged at best but the touch sensitive IFE controls on the A346 are horrible. They don't work half the time and then it takes most of the flight to get the touch right.
15 minutes in the air and I figured it was time to get my back pack from the overhead. Got up to retrieve and was yelled at by the FA in the jump seat since the "seat belt sign is still on". Seriously?? Plus, one of the bulbs behind the seat beat sign was not functioning so it looked like it could have been off, compared to the no smoking sign. Which I told said FA, to which she jumped out of her seat to take a look and told me "No, that sign is still on". OK, guess it's going to be one of those flights.
After the seat belt sign was officially off, the crew decided to get up and slowly begin service.
Today's menu. Seriously?? What kind of celebrity chef thinks these are attractive options on a flight to the US? Boiled ham? Veal Cheek? Chicken Leg?
Oh, that kind. I'm thinking no sparkle of delight in this diner's eyes today.
And obviously I'm not a connoisseur of fine dining since I've never heard of Harald Wolfarht. Paul Bocuse? Oui. Harald Wolfhardt? Not so much. German cars? Absolutely. But I'm thinking there is a reason that not many people say "let's do German tonight" when they are thinking about where to go for dinner. Then again, how many German restaurants are there around the world... outside of Germany? Think about that.
We passed on alcohol and caviar today but went for the starter trio each of which was pretty good. Although service was bizarre. Our FA was jumping all around the cabin but seemingly partial to the male pax in 1A and 2A. Even though there were three women on the GK side, service was always the male only AD side first. Meaning that I got my food at least 5 minutes before Mrs. SFO.
As was the salad.
The Carrot Ginger soup was OK.
For the main, we went with the lesser of the evils and the Ravioli with Seafood in Coconut Sauce flavored with Thai Curry.
For dessert, I opted for grapes from the cheese and dessert cart. Our FA gave me 6 grapes, which was actually more than enough since Germans have still not figured out how to grow grapes without hard seeds.
After lunch, did some work and watched a movie. With a weak selection of movies, I resorted to watching Taken 2 for the 20th time.
For a mid flight snack, I had a refreshing fruit plate.
On our return flights, the second meal is often much better than the first. Two months ago, the 2nd meal was Mexican and it was outstanding. Today? Not so much. Indeed this was one of the worst meals on any plane let alone a First Class cabin. Where to start on this one. "Harald Wolhfahrt has treated you to a creative menu. Now enjoy our American-inspired specialities". Clearly no one in LH catering has ever had good or even mediocre American Barbecue.
I told our FA just a little of each. For most of these, that was way too much. Pretty sad when the cole slaw is the best option.
And then, the piece de resistance, Spareribs with Oven Baked Potatoes, Creme fraiche with Chive and Corn on the Cob. OMG. The. Worst. Ever. Oh yeah, nice plating with the foil wrapped baked potato.
Sad to say the potato was the only edible part of this meal. The ribs were disgusting. You had to hack away to get any meat. And the corn?? No salt, no butter, no seasoning. Someone just boiled corn (think dishwater) and cut it up for plating.
Since I was served first, Mrs. SFO could see the ribs and quickly went for the Snapper. Unfortunately, it wasn't any better. "Jeez, I need a saw to cut into this." One bite and she was finished.
Dessert, just the fruit please. Hmmm, that looks familiar.
We arrived on time at LAX. Although there were 1,000s of pax in Bradley customs area, lots of Global Entry kiosks and we were thru in no time. Now starving and with PreCheck on our UA app BPs, we headed to T4 and Kogi LAX, the amazing Korean taco truck near AA's Gates 45-49.
OMG. The best meal of the day!!
After we finished, we headed out for Terminal 7 and United. With an on time departure, we arrived home in Denver 20 minutes early, or just before 9PM.
Other than that last lap, our return from MUC, it was a wonderful vacation. And a truly great south of France barge experience. Thanks for following and for all of your kind comments.
Last edited by SFO777; Jul 2, 2015 at 8:58 am
#131
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Join Date: Nov 2007
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Posts: 21,602
LOL. Emphasis on the "heavy week on the sauce". Thanks Purim.
#132
Join Date: Aug 2010
Programs: TK Elite Plus, SAS EBG, QR Platinum, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 2,297
Bummer about your MUC-LAX flight. With it being a flagship route, one might think that they'll work harder to provide better food/service. Since it was IRROPS, did you get rebooked into a full revenue fare bucket, or did they create O-space for you?
#133
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Fortunately, we were rebooked into full revenue F space.
#134
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: MIA
Programs: AA EXP (AC), DL G (SC), Bonvoy LTP, & IHG AMB
Posts: 1,798
What's wrong with tinfoil on a baked potato? Seems pretty authentic to me!
Seriously though SFO777, a wonderful report and definitely a great way to see the south of France. Certainly has me looking forward to our return to Versailles in two weeks.
Shame about your return flight. I'm on a US A330 from PHL to CDG and can't say I'm expecting any-thing even close to what you had on subpar LH flight.
Thanks again.
Seriously though SFO777, a wonderful report and definitely a great way to see the south of France. Certainly has me looking forward to our return to Versailles in two weeks.
Shame about your return flight. I'm on a US A330 from PHL to CDG and can't say I'm expecting any-thing even close to what you had on subpar LH flight.
Thanks again.
#135
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Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Pasadena, CA
Programs: BAEC Gold, Hyatt Plat, Amex Plat.
Posts: 651
I am not arguing with you, but if it is a flagship route, why the knackered A346? It is the LH LAX-MUC-LAX service that drove me to BA.