Distance from Bergen, Norway to Dover, UK: 588 Nautical Miles
Total Voyage Distance: 3640 Nautical Miles; 4188 Statute Miles
After a totally fantastic cruise, we are back in cloudy, foggy, Dover, England.
Back in Dover
Since we have a pretty late assembly time (9:30 AM) in the Cabaret Lounge, we did not set an alarm. All the hustle and bustle in the halls and the subtle vibration of the thrusters did serve as a wake up.
We had a relatively relaxing breakfast in the Panorama Buffet – it was not very crowded since a lot of folks had already left the ship.
About 9 AM we went to the Cabaret Lounge to wait for our color and number to be called. We left a bit earlier than 9:30 AM to see if we could get a good seat on the bus.
The passport control process was very easy and in minutes we were at the bus – they took our vouchers and we took the first two seats (after asking if there were any wheelchair passengers on board). In a few minutes, the rest of the passengers started arriving and about 9:45 PM, the bus departed for Heathrow.
Travel time from Dover to Heathrow is about two hours (depending on traffic). Even though we were on the highway, we could still see a lot of the English countryside. It was quite a while until we saw our first sign for Heathrow Airport. Our driver drove that bus like a car, changing lanes adroitly, while adhering to the speed limit.
Going in the Right Direction
It might be a two hour ride to Heathrow but getting to your terminal is another journey altogether. Our flight departs from Terminal 3. The plan would be to drop passengers at Terminal 5, Terminal 4, and then Terminal 3. Sounds simple but the whole process took nearly an hour. Finally at about 1 PM, we arrived at Terminal 3.
Passport Control went pretty quickly and, since were TSA Pre-Checked, we got into a shorter line and went quickly through security. I didn’t have to take off my shoes but I did have to take out my computer.
Soon, we were in semi-comfortable seats in Terminal 3. Our flight, AA91, was scheduled to depart at 5:15 PM but we wouldn’t be able to find out our gate until 3:55 PM.
We did have adapters for the ubiquitous chargers so we were able to read and use our Kindles and laptops. Sometimes, a Kindle makes an excellent identity hiding device.
Who is Behind the Kindle?
We ate our lunch which, as is our tradition, included airport crisps and a diet coke (about 4 pounds total). This should keep us going until we get our meals on the plane.
One of the drawbacks of waiting hours at Heathrow is that I look at the place as an international gathering place for every exotic microorganism. Who knows what you can come home with from LHR?
At about 4:00 PM we got out gate assignment (Gate 34). Getting there would require quite a walk/moving sidewalk journey. We got there with about 15 minutes to spare before boarding. Good news – our aircraft, a 767-300, was waiting at the gate.
AA91 Waiting at Gate 34
Although it was a bit confusing – extra passport checks at the gate – we eventually boarded. We had some good seats – 20H and J – bulkhead. Having had these seats before, I am pretty certain that American has reduced the legroom in bulkhead by adding another row of seats somewhere. Still, better seats than the rest in Economy.
The plane pushed a few minutes late but soon began its taxi. I spotted an Emirates Airbus A380 and got a great picture of the monster plane.
A Big A380
The captain said it would be bumpy on the climb out (there were some very dark clouds out there). He was right – pretty choppy as the plane maneuvered around some impressive cumulus clouds.
Heathrow Climb Out
Even when we got above the clouds, there was still considerable chop. Being over the wings is the place to be.
Blue Skies and Still Choppy
Once we cleared land and got over the open Atlantic, the ride smoothed out and remained that way for most of the flight. Just some mild chop. The “Seat Belt” signed only came on a couple of times.
Our lunch was pretty good – a beef dish of some kind with potatoes - Also had some wine with lunch.
Spent most of the flight working on this blog and re-watching “Thor: The Dark World”. On this flight, there was only one movie running on the main screen.
Soon we were over Labrador and I could spot land below.
Over Land
We got a snack before we landed – I would call it a “Veggie Knish” and it was pretty good. Also a very tasty cookie.
The plane came down over Michigan but the cloud cover was too thick to see anything. Making it worse, the sun was directly in our eyes.
Over Michigan
It was hazy over the Lake and the North Shore – our flight path took us just south of Evanston.
Over the Lake
South of Evanston
The plane was vectored directly into O’Hare – we didn’t have to fly beyond the airport and make that big 180 turn prior to final approach.
Final Approach to O’Hare
Touchdown – Right on Time
We hustled to get in line for passport control. Our line took us to the automated passport control kiosks. We had trouble with these readers last time but this time, even with our new passports, we were able to get them scanned. Ellen’s receipt came with an X on it so we had to talk to someone from Border Control. It turns out that Ellen wasn’t on the plane manifest they had so she was flagged. He quickly processed her and we went to pick up our bags.
Both bags were there and getting through the final check was easy.
Even better, we had a ride home – no dealing with taxis after this 9 hour flight. And to top it all off, we stopped at Mickey D for ice cream cones (less than a buck).
A terrific cruise and trip to the land of Fire and Ice.
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