Introduction
Emirates First Class is everything that it’s billed to be. When you get to turn all the words, photos and videos you’ve seen into experience, it takes on an entirely new level. Emirates most famous commercial, featuring Jennifer Anniston in First Class offered a tongue in cheek moment, where she asked the cabin crew to “fly this thing around a bit longer” and though most passengers cannot wait to get off a plane, this is one in flight experience you hope truly never ends.
The Seat + Suite. (Yes, Suite)….
Upon boarding there’s an almost sense of joy from the cabin crew as they spy your First Class boarding pass. A certain charm and warmth begins to flow and in seconds you’re personally escorted to your spacious suite. The first initial impression is of course “wow”, followed by another “wow” when you notice that there are no overhead bins-and your carry on can simply tuck into your suite with room to spare for easy access.
LB EK First sitting open door #theta360 – Spherical Image – RICOH THETA
As you can see, the suite offers all of the creature comforts one could desire. There’s a personal mini bar, orchid to set the mood, beauty products to refresh and most importantly, a novelty lamp. Hey, it looks cool.
After a quick nudge around to check out things like the (actually amazing) writing kit which pops out, Emirates quickly rewards passengers with a welcome beverage. Dom Perignon 2006 seemed perfectly (ridiculous) and a must do. Over and over and over again.
Ek cabin #theta360 – Spherical Image – RICOH THETA
As this overhead view displays, the cabin is fairly large, yet very private. If you take your seat and close your door, no one will ever see you. If you choose to keep it open, no one will still ever see you, thanks to the staggered layout. Brilliant.
As to the little touches, the detachable remote, which controls your entertainment system and seat is fantastic. You can nestle it anywhere in your suite and have the entire experience at your fingertips. Close the door, order a drink, whatever!
LB EK Cheers door closed #theta360 – Spherical Image – RICOH THETA
After taking seats 1A and (the best) 2A for a photo opp, we were offered the “honeymoon suite”, row 2 in the middle, where we could face each other and take it all in together. Same seat, exact same experience, just no windows…
Thumbs up for sure! For anyone fretting the idea of traveling solo and ending up staring across from someone, fear not, a very trusty privacy divider is available to erase the image above in no time. Not that anyone would want to.
The Private Bed In The Sky…
First EK Bed with sheets #theta360 – Spherical Image – RICOH THETA
Pick a language, any language, and translate the word incredible. That’s the only way to describe the true feeling of closing your door, drawing the blinds with the push of a button, spotting something worthwhile on your massive personal television and settling into a flat bed wide enough for two.
Emirates First flat bed #theta360 – Spherical Image – RICOH THETA
The space is tremendous. The necessities like power ports and remote are in handy reach, the mini bar is perfect for any mid flight thirst quenchers and it’s just hard to remember that you’re flying. That’s the take away.
The Bar + Dining…
Emirates A380 bar is accessible by both business and first class passengers, which is a very nice plus for those in business class. If a First passenger wants to follow in Jennifer Anniston’s footsteps and mingle directly behind business class, the crew will proactively offer to bring whatever bottle you’re drinking from to the bar, just for you.
EK First Bar #theta360 – Spherical Image – RICOH THETA
Emirates dining offers are fantastic. The menu is tastefully presented, the dishes are clean, fresh and beautiful and the dining table is large enough for a group of friends to play poker. I began with the cold thai chicken salad. Lovely.
Gib EK First Eating #theta360 – Spherical Image – RICOH THETA
Departing Bangkok, it only seemed fitting to forgo the beautifully plated lamb or steak options in favor of a red thai curry with chicken. The flavors were fresh, bright and really came through well at altitude. The Australian Pinot Noir it was paired with went down swimmingly as well.
The 33,000 Foot Shower…
EK First Bathroom Use #theta360 – Spherical Image – RICOH THETA
Though many critics would consider taking a shower on a plane a novelty, we say not so fast! Long haul travel has the unique ability to make any passenger feel dirty, and with enough space in the shower to really move around, ample products to revive and dry off (plus a personal shower attendant on hand) the shower was an incredible feeling, which almost instantly dusted off the feeling of 16 previous hours of flying.
If We Had To Be Picky…
If we had to be picky… who are we kidding. If you can’t be blissfully happy flying in this cabin, with the incredible level of service which Kornphaka, Regina and Alyssa provided, you’ll never be happy. Since something needs to go here, I’d say I wish the PJ’s were a bit more stylish. That’s all I can remotely think of. The amenity kit though, WOW!
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