Yirina77 From Czech Republic, joined Aug 2006, 628 posts, RR: 36 Posted (1 year 7 months 2 weeks 18 hours ago) and read 28136 times:
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This trip has started in May 2011, when my friends Roni and Sam found on internet special fare in First class for routing CMB-DXB-MLE-DXB-CMB and asked me if I want to join them. This fare was chieper than the price of my newest bag, so I could not resist and I immediately bought a ticket as well.
First part in July
We had meeting in Colombo on 8th July. My plan was to come with EK PRG-DXB-MLE on stby ticket. Unfortunately segment DXB-CMB was heavily overbooked, so I did not get on the flight. I chose an alternative routing DXB-MLE with EK and MLE-CMB wih UL. Finally, I arrived in CMB later but still on time. The same cannot be said about my gulf´s friends. They were coming on Flydubai from DXB but in the time I was leaving from MLE, I got a message from them, they are still on ground and expect some delay. I boarded to A330 Sri Lankan and still hoped to catch a flight. After deboarding in CMB I ran to the info screens with actual arrivals and found, it´s lost. Expected arrival of FZ555 was planned at 3:15. Departure of our EK First class flight was 3:15 as well. I decided in a moment, to cancel our reservation avoid to be no show and wait for delayed passengers. Flydubai has landed at 3:00. After discussing our situation we decided to find some hotel and next day try to solve rebooking our tickets for direct flight CMB-MLE and continue on original routing.
We accommodated in Taj Garden hotel near airport:
After breakfast and few hours of sleep (in this series) we took taxi to Emirates office in Colombo. Unfortunately our tickets could not be rebooked as we wished, so we had decided to postpone our trip for any date and just stay one day in Colombo. Finally, we ended up spending very good time in this city.
In the Emirates town offce:
Colombo:
We had a lunch in nice hotel next to the beach:
Hotel´s garden:
On the beach:
Streets of Colombo:
Later in the evening we moved back to the Airport. Sam left us first with CX to HKG, me and Roni flew to DXB and I continued to PRG.
We shortened the time by viewing of Sam´s logbook:
Yirina77 From Czech Republic, joined Aug 2006, 628 posts, RR: 36 Reply 1, posted (1 year 7 months 2 weeks 18 hours ago) and read 28386 times:
Second part in September
We found an alternative date for our trip in September. Unfortunately Roni could not go with us, due to his upcoming moving to Bahrain, so he at least became our “ground support”. This time I´ve selected for my transportation to CMB from PRG inaugural flight of Czech Airlines PRG-AUH dated on 21st September. Roni was so kind and has offered me his service of Chaffeur drive between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, from where I continued on DXB-CMB with EK. I had a little time in Abu Dhabi to meet my friend Daniela who joined Etihad as a cabin crew few weeks ago.
We created some middle eastern alliance for a while, EY, GF and EK:
Then we moved to Dubai for my departure to Colombo. Everything worked well, so I arrived in Sri Lanka again. I accommodated myself in Taj Airport Garden hotel and after few hours of sleep I moved back to the Airport to wait for Sam, who was coming on Flydubai again. This time, the were exactly on time. And our First class adventure could begin… 1st flight CMB-DXB
B777-300ER (A6-EBP)
With more than 2 months delay we are boarded!
We were welcomed by a cup of Arabic coffee (picture: Sam):
Cheers! (picture by Sam´s camera)
Interior of First class (pictures: Sam):
Living legend Sam Chui at work:
Before serving breakfast crew has offered us some nuts. I also asked for red wine mixed with diet coke. Well, it may seems weird, but it´s typical Czech drink. I had an opportunity sooner this year to fly on A380 Emirates in Business class. I´ve enjoyed time on famous bar and asked cabin crew for red wine and diet coke. Then I mixed up both drinks together in to one glass. The French cabin crew was nearly died when saw mixing very expensive wine with the coke.
Time for breakfast:
Picture: Sam
After breakfast cabin crew prepared our beds (pictures: Sam):
And we were ready to land back in Dubai. Sam enjoyed so much gift from Roni´s trip (picture by Sam´s camera):
Transit in Dubai
We arrived in Dubai on time and headed directly to First class lounge.
(picture: Sam)
First class lounge in Dubai (pictures: Sam):
Then something very funny happened. I took picture below of Sam sitting in lounge and posted on Facebook.
I´ve tagged him, so this picture became visible to his friends. In the same time Sam´s friend Joseph was sitting in the lounge somewhere behind the corner and surfed on Facebook. He viewed picture of Sam sitting in lounge few minutes old, so he got up and went to find him. And he did!
We spent in lounge about 3 hours, ate everything what we could and the time has come for another flight.
Leaving lounge. But we´ll come back soon!
We stopped in Emirates corporate shop:
[Edited 2011-10-08 12:37:57]
One day can make your life; one day can ruin your life. All life is four or five big days that change everything...
Yirina77 From Czech Republic, joined Aug 2006, 628 posts, RR: 36 Reply 2, posted (1 year 7 months 2 weeks 18 hours ago) and read 28334 times:
2nd flight DXB-MLE
B777-200 (A6-EMG)
Boarding from gate:
Our plane:
Directly to the First class (picture: Sam):
Another Arabic coffee (picture: Sam):
Ready for another flight:
Dubai after departure:
Course - Male:
Delightful canapés:
Soup:
My lunch:
Sam´s lunch:
Desert (and wine mixed with diet coke):
Maledives are close!
Maldives from the air:
(pictures: Sam)
Maledives
When we left plane, Sam tooks some pictures on apron. Some ground staff approached to him. I suspected he´ll be warned about taking pictures, but this man recognized a famous face and has asked Sam, if he is really Sam Chui. Sam could feel like a celebrity in this moment.
Passengers coming to Maldives are boarded to speedboats directly from the airport and taken to their resorts (or by hydroplanes).
We decided to spend our 8 hours stop on Maledives in the resort called Kurumba, which is very close to the airport.
(pictures: Sam)
After check-in we were driven to our apartment by golf-car:
Then we rushed to the beach and enjoyed some swimming:
Greetings to Roni, he should be here with us:
(picture: Sam)
Later in the evening we moved to the swimming pool:
(picture: Sam)
At 21:00 we boarded speed boat again and returned to the airport:
Check-in for 3rd flight – MLE-DXB (picture: Sam)
We had some time, so we spent about 2 hours in newly reconstructed lounge:
(picture: Sam)
One day can make your life; one day can ruin your life. All life is four or five big days that change everything...
Yirina77 From Czech Republic, joined Aug 2006, 628 posts, RR: 36 Reply 3, posted (1 year 7 months 2 weeks 18 hours ago) and read 28256 times:
3rd flight MLE-DXB
B777-200 (A6-EMG)
Our plane is back:
(picture: Sam)
Good bye Maldives!
Again, we were served plenty of excellent food. I wished to try everything, but I was so full after whole day.
In this time we started to be tired. It´s hard work to travel in First class!
On this flight we had wonderful purser – Ameera. She was great and I agee with Sam´s comment on her: she is the kind of person, who do Emirates name!
We had a little fun with her, she has borrowed Sam´s her hat:
First class cabin:
Desert on the end:
Last photo with great Emirates lady:
Back in Dubai
We landed back in Dubai. I received sms from my operator, for a moment I was not sure if I´m on the place, where I wanted to go.
For our last segment DXB-CMB we were booked for different flights. Sam has been confirmed for flight leaving at 7:45 sooner, I was only waitlisted and confirmed for later flight, leaving at 9:45 and directed DXB-MLE-CMB. We wished to get on sooner flight, specially because this flight was operated by aircraft version with suites in first class. So, we contacted ticketing counter firstly and ask them to give me stand by status. They said we need to come back at 7:00 to check situation.
At the transit desk (pictures by Sam)
Back in the lounge:
After light snack we fall to sleep for 2 hours:
When we woke up, we had another meal:
(picture: Sam)
One day can make your life; one day can ruin your life. All life is four or five big days that change everything...
Yirina77 From Czech Republic, joined Aug 2006, 628 posts, RR: 36 Reply 4, posted (1 year 7 months 2 weeks 18 hours ago) and read 28190 times:
Best on the end….
4th flight DXB-CMB
B777-300ER (A6-EMG)
At 7:00 we got confirmation of my seat on flight leaving at 7:45!
Boarding for last segment (picture: Sam):
Flight info:
Our suites:
Leaving Dubai again (picture: Sam):
Suites (pictures: Sam)
Another breakfast:
Leg space:
Guide for suite:
.
.
.
.
End. We are back where we began- in Colombo.
.
I would like to say biggest THANK YOU to Sam and Roni, who originally caused this trip, although Roni could not finally attend.
Some of you maybe know, Sam is going married very soon, so I wish him wonderful wedding and a lot of future trips with Vicky!
One day can make your life; one day can ruin your life. All life is four or five big days that change everything...
photoshooter From Belgium, joined Feb 2010, 353 posts, RR: 21 Reply 6, posted (1 year 7 months 2 weeks 17 hours ago) and read 27740 times:
AIRLINERS.NET CREW CHAT OPERATOR
Well, I'm speechless. I just LOVE this trip report! What a combination and look at all the food!
Keep up the good work and thanks for posting such a lovely trip report, my god.
I wonder though, if everything went well, no delays no bad weather no travelsickness?
Again, thanks for sharing this lovely trip report.
regards,
Niek
'A lie gets halfway around the world before the truth has a chance to get its pants on.' - Winston Churchill
DLBOIFIN From Finland, joined Jun 2006, 162 posts, RR: 0 Reply 8, posted (1 year 7 months 2 weeks 15 hours ago) and read 27488 times:
Absolutely amazing report! I wish I could do similar trip to that one. Maledives looked simple awesome, too bad you only got be there for such a short time.
aa61hvy From United States of America, joined Nov 1999, 13975 posts, RR: 59 Reply 10, posted (1 year 7 months 2 weeks 14 hours ago) and read 27237 times:
Was just in DXB/MLE last week and I didn't get bothered taking pictures on the ramp and I took a lot too. Interesting. Nice TR.
gardermoen From Australia, joined Jul 1999, 1518 posts, RR: 1 Reply 11, posted (1 year 7 months 2 weeks 14 hours ago) and read 27211 times:
Great report and pictures!
I wish i went to the Emirates Corp shop at T3 in Dubai when I was there last month! I only went to the one in T1 and was really dissapointed, must have been fresh out of stock. The T3 store looks well stocked with everything!
Quokka From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 12, posted (1 year 7 months 2 weeks 7 hours ago) and read 26446 times:
Hi Yirina and Sam,
As everyone has said, great trip report and photos.
Lucky that everything worked out with standby and special pricing. And despite it being almost obligatory on A.net to pan EK's choice of cabin décor, those private suites are amazing.
The food looks mouth-watering both on the aircraft and in the Lounge in DXB. One thing though, I notice that the meals were served on trays, by which I mean the actual place setting - cutlery, side salad, condiments, etc. Is this a new thing in First? Previously the table was set and the individual plates were brought, unlike in Business where the place setting has traditionally been on a tray.
N178UA From United Arab Emirates, joined Jan 2001, 1626 posts, RR: 69 Reply 13, posted (1 year 7 months 2 weeks 1 hour ago) and read 25896 times:
First I would like to Congrats Yirina on documenting this TR so well. It was a real delight doing the almost impossible trip and reading the TR. You feel like you have been away ages despite it was just a weekend, you're totally lost above the Indian Ocean
These series of flights were the best flights I've done out of many this year, among with Roni's Inaugural EK flight to Hong Kong last year,
these flights last me a lifetime of great memories. The best of air travel are definity shared together with the like minded people. It was beyond awesome. Together on a row, nothing can really stops us!
Many have commented on how tacky the EK Premium Cabin looks, I disagree. I like the way just they are. You have to try it to like it.
Quoting Quokka (Reply 12): One thing though, I notice that the meals were served on trays, by which I mean the actual place setting - cutlery, side salad, condiments, etc. Is this a new thing in First? Previously the table was set and the individual plates were brought, unlike in Business where the place setting has traditionally been on a tray.
Hi Roy, on short and medium haul, they use trays in First Class. This is because "Dine on Demand" are not offered on those short 4 hours flights. All passengers are dining together.
Quoting photoshooter (Reply 6): What a combination and look at all the food!
Keep up the good work and thanks for posting such a lovely trip report, my god.
I wonder though, if everything went well, no delays no bad weather no travelsickness?
Hi photoshooter, No delays, everything went as smooth as possible. 2 days after the trip, I did get very sick from food posioning owing to a piece of undercooked meat pattie I ate in the lounge in Male. I was in hospital for a few hours but I rebound the next day.
Again, I really enjoy the food onboard Emirates. The catering from Colombo was improved so much. I look forward to have more next time!
Quokka From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 14, posted (1 year 7 months 2 weeks ago) and read 25649 times:
Quoting N178UA (Reply 13): I like the way just they are. You have to try it to like it.
My sentiment too. The suites offer a high level of comfort and the amenities they offer (like the 23 inch screens) are marvellous. I suspect that the majority of critics have never tried them. Although beauty is in the eye of the beholder, at least EK's suites can't be accused of being bland.
Quoting N178UA (Reply 13): This is because "Dine on Demand" are not offered on those short 4 hours flights. All passengers are dining together.
Thanks for pointing that out, Sam. All my flights to date have been longer so I was unfamiliar with the practice on shorter routes, though I suspected that might be the case as Roni mentioned something along those lines in another thread. .
Glad to hear that you have recovered from the food poisoning. I remember the other TR where you were unwell and you were assisted to the aircraft in a wheelchair.
N178UA From United Arab Emirates, joined Jan 2001, 1626 posts, RR: 69 Reply 15, posted (1 year 7 months 1 week 6 days 23 hours ago) and read 25575 times:
Quoting Quokka (Reply 14): Glad to hear that you have recovered from the food poisoning. I remember the other TR where you were unwell and you were assisted to the aircraft in a wheelchair.
Thanks Roy, the best cure to these unwell and sickness is Emirates First Class.
I was very fortunate to be well until the day after this trip, so I was able to fully enjoy Emirates First Class. On the last TR with Roni, my illness was lifted straight away after I step myself in the EK A380 F cabin
So with the trend like this, I should be looking forward to get sick again before (or after) another Emirates flight
Luxair747SP From Germany, joined May 2010, 444 posts, RR: 18 Reply 16, posted (1 year 7 months 1 week 5 days 19 hours ago) and read 24469 times:
AIRLINERS.NET CREW FORUM MODERATOR
Hi Sam and Yirina,
what a great TR..congrats that it worked the 2nd time.
The food on all sectors looked very good and of high quality.
I heard of many variations of wine, but never with diet coke, so I have to try that one day.
How was the connection flight on FlyDubai?
There not so well covered here.
lukeyboy95 From Papua New Guinea, joined Apr 2008, 951 posts, RR: 35 Reply 17, posted (1 year 7 months 1 week 5 days 14 hours ago) and read 24071 times:
Hi dudes,
Wonderful report. Terribly envious... I wish I had the time/ money/ contacts to do all of this luxurious flying. But most importantly you enjoyed and appreciated it. The pictures are really great, and it looked like the staff were friendly and willing most of the time.
On an aside, it is really lovely to see a female doing TR's, and furthermore seeing aviation enjoyed in a social and light-hearted way.
atrude777 From United States of America, joined Aug 2003, 5613 posts, RR: 54 Reply 18, posted (1 year 7 months 1 week 5 days 12 hours ago) and read 23936 times:
N178UA/Yirina77--
SUPERB Report. The photos are amazing, and probably don't do it justice, so I can only imagine how the flight was. What a beautiful destination you guys chose to head to. Now I want to try to head there whenever I can.
I have always had a desire to try Emirates in F Class, and this keeps the desire going. Glad you had great flight segments, First Class as always looks great and beautiful beach out there.
DXB is a place I want to visit as well too.
Wonderfully well written and great documention.
Alex
Good things come to those who wait, better things come to those who go AFTER it!
gabrielchew From United Kingdom, joined Aug 2005, 2512 posts, RR: 14 Reply 19, posted (1 year 7 months 1 week 5 days 3 hours ago) and read 23404 times:
EK first looks great, even in these relatively short sectors.
Quoting Yirina77 (Thread starter): Before serving breakfast crew has offered us some nuts. I also asked for red wine mixed with diet coke. Well, it may seems weird, but it´s typical Czech drink. I had an opportunity sooner this year to fly on A380 Emirates in Business class. I´ve enjoyed time on famous bar and asked cabin crew for red wine and diet coke. Then I mixed up both drinks together in to one glass. The French cabin crew was nearly died when saw mixing very expensive wine with the coke.
I too am shocked by this drink! I had friends who ran a French wine bar in Beijing. A group of young wealthy Chinese guys came in and ordered a load of really expensive red, and a couple of bottles of coke to wash it down with. The bar owner had to come over and explain how to drink wine! Interesting to know about this Czech speciality!
Viper911 From Israel, joined Oct 2005, 240 posts, RR: 0 Reply 20, posted (1 year 7 months 1 week 4 days 20 hours ago) and read 22882 times:
Yirina, I always enjoy your TRs and this one isn't an exception, what a joy for the eyes, I'm glad to see that you and Sam both enjoyed it so much, the pictures say it all, and Emirates, what a great airline, I hope i'll have a chance to try them out some time in the future. Looking at all this food you consumed makes me wonder, how many calories all in all
Yirina77 From Czech Republic, joined Aug 2006, 628 posts, RR: 36 Reply 21, posted (1 year 7 months 1 week 4 days 19 hours ago) and read 22841 times:
Thank you for all nice comments
Quoting N178UA (Reply 13): The best of air travel are definity shared together with the like minded people. It was beyond awesome. Together on a row, nothing can really stops us!
This is big true. I love travelling, but it´s very much about with who you travel. If you meet people who share your passion it multiply all experiences. I´m very lucky person, I´m surrounded by friends with whom I may travel and enjoy all what life brings. Specialy meeting with Sam and Roni gave me much inspiration. I hope some more shared adventures is coming!
Quoting gabrielchew (Reply 19): I too am shocked by this drink! I had friends who ran a French wine bar in Beijing. A group of young wealthy Chinese guys came in and ordered a load of really expensive red, and a couple of bottles of coke to wash it down with. The bar owner had to come over and explain how to drink wine! Interesting to know about this Czech speciality!
Germans drink beer with Fanta, so I think wine nad Coke is not so shocking comparing this
Quoting Viper911 (Reply 20): Looking at all this food you consumed makes me wonder, how many calories all in all
Haha, I had started strict diet after this eating mania...
One day can make your life; one day can ruin your life. All life is four or five big days that change everything...
Burj From United States of America, joined Nov 2007, 838 posts, RR: 5 Reply 22, posted (1 year 7 months 1 week 3 days 14 hours ago) and read 22237 times:
AMAZING! What an awesome trip and such great photos!
Quoting Yirina77 (Thread starter): Before serving breakfast crew has offered us some nuts. I also asked for red wine mixed with diet coke.
The big question...was it regular diet coke or vanilla coke?
When Sam took the photo of the seat by standing on the other seat...did the FA's say anything? I am assuming he had taken his shoes off by that point! LOL
fxramper From United States of America, joined Dec 2005, 7023 posts, RR: 93 Reply 23, posted (1 year 7 months 1 week 3 days 12 hours ago) and read 22147 times:
Best EK F class report I've read on the site by far. Thanks for including non airport/airplane pics.
N178UA From United Arab Emirates, joined Jan 2001, 1626 posts, RR: 69 Reply 24, posted (1 year 7 months 1 week 3 days 10 hours ago) and read 22087 times:
Quoting Burj (Reply 22): When Sam took the photo of the seat by standing on the other seat...did the FA's say anything? I am assuming he had taken his shoes off by that point! LOL
Yes, of course I took my shoes off. All the FA were behind the curtains I think at that point. We owned the whole F cabin
The plane was A6-EBG on first sector and last sector was A6-ECT.
25 Yirina77: It´s only one thing which I´ve missed on EK flights to be 100% perfect - Vanilla Coke If you would be Iranian or Russian (or mixed of both!) I´d c
26 Group51: Amazing trip report, just amazing. I've never flown in Business, never mind 1st class. I remember reading my first trip reports on First Class here on
27 Fabo: How did I miss this? Especially after specifically asking on facebook, whether to expect a TR... Oh well. Better late than never. I should know I gues
28 MSS658: Hi nice trip report, you did a good job adding a bit more personal touch in to this report. Glad all went well! Greetings Marc
29 paris380: Very good reporting. Do people from Emirates pay staff members to travel and write reports? I find it strange you comment nicely on service of your fe
30 Yirina77: Haha, would be nice to be paid for trip reporting, but unfortunately I did not get anything except a good feeling from wonderful trip. And just small
31 ojas: Absolutely stunning Trip report Sam, Roni and Yirina! Brilliant. Indeed happy to know you enjoyed the service as well as a killer **cough** price **co
32 Yirina77: Thank you so much for nice comment! Hahaha, another episode will come soon. Stay tuned.
33 LH4116: Hey Yirina, excellent report! Looks like you and Sam had a great time! You don't say!? Either you must've bought a really expensive bag or the flight
34 Yirina77: Haha, both is correct We have visited EK office just to try change our tickets, not to collect them Of course, he did. He took off only his shoes, wh
35 ronerone: Dearest Yirina, I have been wanting to respond to the TR for AGES now. So now i get my chance to! I was so jealous when the two of you were able to do
36 makeree: Hi Yirina ! Thanks for the interesting TR about the interesting route. It seems you had a good time and a good company. I was reading that TR wishing
37 sfflyer123: Great TR! I really enjoyed this. Thanks for sharing!
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