First class trouble free windows#

There will be many more announcements before we get to York. This one to welcome us on board and something about hand-held devices we couldn’t quite understand. The first of many tinny announcements breaks the spell. Then the magic continues with the effortless glide out of the platform and into and out of the tunnels beyond. The standard rule of thumb applied: if you buy your ticket in advance, you will get a discounted fare and you will get a seat as far away from the entrance barriers as is possible.

First class trouble free windows#

Walking along the platform we pass carriage after carriage, each with large windows clean as a whistle interspersed periodically by wide doors open and welcoming. With Platform 9 3/4 nothing more than a Harry Potter-themed retail outlet offering its own brand of magic, we boarded our train from Platform 0 instead. It took me ages to find a toilet, but otherwise all the facilities you would expect are on hand. The redevelopment work has all finished and the station is clean and airy. The magic starts with the cathedral-like surroundings of King’s Cross Station. There is something magical about a long-distance train journey. Regardless of this, well done Cathy Fradley!! What was his problem? All the euphoria of our excellent journey with Cathy and her team evaporated, so I hope Derek can be sent on a Customer care course. He took the two packs I had taken from the Trolley and gave me two packets from inside the Buffet.

His name was Derek and he was odious, refusing to acknowledge my request for crisps for my wife. I picked up two packets and at that moment, the new Guard appeared and he was quite objectionable, accusing me of stealing. The Buffet was completely closed, but next to it was a Buffet Trolley with crisps on it. Shame for the Aberdeen passengers! On leaving Edinburgh, my wife asked if I could find her a bag of crisps from the Buffet Car. The only problem was that the relief catering team did not board and so the buffet was shut at Edinburgh. They all delivered exemplary service - we enjoyed the food and the wine and the journey passed very quickly and enjoyably. Crew Leader was Carol Fradley, helped by Paula, David, Jamie, Cheryl and Cathy. We had reserved first class seats and had a great team looking after us. We returned to the UK after a month's cruising and caught the 1400hrs Virgin East Coast train from Kings Cross to Leuchars on Tuesday 10th May.