I have read quite a few reviews of the Emirates service and how it can be a hit or a miss. We were welcomed on board warmly and professionally and then lead to our suite – we were also given a quick tour of the cabin and explained some of the key features. Pre-departure champagne was served and we quickly settled into our seats. Lots of ‘bling’ in the cabin – wood, gold inserts, the drinks filled non-chilled mini-bar, star inspired ceiling. The suite felt much narrower than Singapore Airlines equivalent offering however. Pyjamas, Bvlgari branded amenity bag, slippers and eye shades are offered on this long haul flight, presented inside an Emirates tote bag.
The crew were of 18 different nationalities and 21 different languages so definitely a typical multicultural crew that Emirates regularly boasts about. Our flight departed on time and thankfully it was not too long before we were airborne. We were served our drinks and the cabin manager, an UAE born and raised national as we learned, brought to our attention that if at any time we felt like eating, then we could order anything from the menu, at any time we wanted to. It felt weird that I could order anything and in random order as I am quite accustomed to the standard First class dining experience usually of caviar, soup, salad, main course, dessert, cheese and coffee, so I ordered my lunch meal to that replicate a typical meal service. After that, another crew member came around and asked us if we wanted to reserve a time for our in-flight shower. For a 12hr 30 minute flight, we asked for a shower at 2hr 30 minutes prior to arrival, so we could freshen up and then have a light meal before landing.
My dining table was prepared with the usual white linen and proper chinaware; the crew told me of a special seat function that could lower my seat and arm rest down so that I could get out of my seat without needing to adjust the dining table.
My lunch consisted of: Caviar, Carrot & Corriander Soup, Traditional Arabic Mezze, Seared Beef Tenderloin
The caviar and soup were as expected, the mezze was probably a bit too traditional for me and the beef tenderloin was overcooked and tough. I sent the beef back and ordered another main meal and my dessert. The Roast Fillet of Sea Bass, White Chocolate and Bread Pudding:-
Thankfully, the Sea Bass was much more edible.