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An Asian Holiday (SQ F, KA C, CX F, HK & Shanghai Disneys)

An Asian Holiday (SQ F, KA C, CX F, HK & Shanghai Disneys)

Old Mar 28, 2017, 3:09 am
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An Asian Holiday (SQ F, KA C, CX F, HK & Shanghai Disneys)

After 15 years of being a member of FlyerTalk, I’ve finally decided to write a trip report. I’m taking a trip to visit a friend in Hong Kong and to visit Shanghai Disney Resort. I’ll be traveling for almost two weeks and am really looking forward to it.

Overall, here are my plans:
DCA-JFK in Delta Comfort+
JFK-FRA in Singapore Airlines Suites
FRA-SIN in Singapore Airlines Suites

Spending a day in Singapore, SIN-HKG in Singapore Airlines First Class
Hong Kong Disneyland
HKG-PVG in Cathay Dragon Business Class
Shanghai Disney Resort

PVG-HKG in Cathay Dragon Business Class
HKG-ORD in Cathay Pacific First Class
ORD-DCA in American Airlines Domestic First

Hope you enjoy following along!

Part 1:
DCA-JFK in Delta Comfort+ operated by Endeavor Air
ERJ-175 N272PQ, Seat 5A
The last time I travelled in Singapore Suites, I took Amtrak from Washington Union Station to New York Penn Station and took the Long Island Railroad to Jamaica, Queens. I planned to do that again, but found a very inexpensive flight on Delta Comfort+, so I decided to take that instead. Because I wanted to insulate against delays since I’m flying on separate tickets, I took a relatively early flight. I stopped in the DCA Delta Sky Club for a quick bite to eat. The hummus and chicken worked well on a sandwich but the Israeli Couscous Salad wasn’t very tasty.

The flight was uneventful, though I discovered that seat 5A is extremely narrow. At least it has a lot of leg room. On the short flight, drinks in the Comfort+ and Economy classes were on request only, so I ordered a Margarita, which was a nice way to start the trip.

After landing at JFK, I stopped by the Delta SkyClub in Terminal 4 for the first time as SQ wouldn’t be opening its checkin desk for about an hour. It’s nice, though it was pretty full. However, it wasn’t too hard to find a seat. They were offering a truffle and wine tasting at the checkin desk, which was a nice welcome.

I picked up my checked luggage and headed to the SQ checkin desk at 3 – I was kindly told that they would be opening at 3:15 after they had their pre-opening briefing. Checkin was smooth, of course, and I was offered to be escorted through security. I said I’d be heading to the casino for a bit and the checkin agent told me I was welcome to stop back by on my way in if I’d like to be escorted through security.

I took the JFK AirTrain to Jamaica and then the free ResortsWorld Casino shuttle bus. Traffic was kind of busy, so it took a while to get to the casino, but I really wasn’t in a hurry. The casino was an average non-Vegas casino, and had lots of slots and video tables. There aren’t any live dealers there. I went because I had a ton of points on the myVegas facebook game, so I redeemed for a $50 retail gift card and a $25 food credit at the casino. I was also given a $35 free slot play signup bonus. I ended up playing through that, winning a little and then losing my winnings, so I left even with regard to cash, but with $50 of some nice skincare stuff from the retail store and a free lunch. I grabbed a Lyft back to JFK and stopped back by the checkin counter to be escorted through security. That was quite helpful as the line was long.
After clearing security, I decided to stop in to the Swiss Lounge. Upon checking in, I was told that it wasn’t the lounge for my flight and I was welcome to use the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse. I said that I had never been to the Swiss Lounge and wanted to check it out, and was welcomed in. (I don’t think he was trying to bar me from entering, but more letting me know that I had the option of a much nicer lounge.) As I had read on reviews, the Swiss Lounge is a bit cramped and full. It offered a little buffet and two areas with self-service beverages. I had a seltzer water and left for the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse.


After arriving to the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse, I asked about taking a shower. The attendant said I should come back in 3-4 minutes after she finished cleaning one of the shower rooms. I grabbed a beer from Fire Island and returned, finding my shower room ready. The shower was nice and had Cowshed body washes and lotion. That room didn’t have shampoo and conditioner, which I think was a stocking error. No big deal, though, as it wasn’t really necessary to wash my hair. After a refreshing shower, I went to the dining area and had some champagne and curry, which was tasty.





I moved over to a more relaxing area and ordered a Virgin Redhead, which was a nice signature cocktail.

I finished with a Turn Down Toddy, which had a really great presentation, just as boarding for my flight was called.


Last edited by chrisny2; May 2, 2017 at 5:23 pm Reason: Keeping links up to date.
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Old Mar 31, 2017, 8:17 pm
  #2  
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Part 2:
JFK-FRA-SIN in Singapore Airlines Suites
SQ25
A380-800, Seat 3F

I was second to board and was warmly welcomed by the flight crew. I went to my seat and the inflight supervisor came to welcome me. Singapore doesnt have duty-paid alcohol in JFK so I ordered a Midsummer Breeze, one of the nonalcoholic cocktails on the menu. It was refreshing. I love the SQ suites. They feel spacious and comfortable, yet private.



I started watching Moana, but paused to take off the noise-cancelling headphones for takeoff. I really love hearing the powerful roar of the A380 engines (even though well-muffled by the aircrafts soundproofing) and feeling the takeoff roll. After a long taxi and lineup to takeoff, we were airborne.

I was brought a lovely glass of Krug with some mixed nuts and my dinner order was taken. I had ordered a book-the-cook entre, but I made my selections for the other courses.

I started with the Caviar. I really enjoy Singapores caviar service, though its surprising that they dont offer a mother of pearl spoon. Perhaps its embarrassing, but I really liked having the caviar on the garlic bread. Singapore Airlines offers really tasty garlic bread! This was served with a chilled shot of Belvedere vodka.

After the caviar, I had soup. This was probably the weakest course of the meal. The cold cauliflower jelly in the middle was actually tasty and interesting, but the soup around it was lukewarm and it just seemed a bit of a strange combination.

The salad with Thousand Island dressing was a nice refreshing course. I normally dont order Thousand Island, but this one seemed lighter (and wasnt slathered on) and I enjoyed it.

I then had my book-the-cook entre, the short rib of beef braised in Chinese wine. This was really good comfort food. Braised meats with sauce heat up well on aircraft. I had expected an Asian-style flavor, but it actually tasted like a very tasty American pot roast, which was perfect comfort food. Nice dish overall. This was nice with the Bordeaux red wine.


I was getting full and asked which dessert was tastiest, but I was convinced to have a few bites of both. The chocolate dessert was the much better of the two. I enjoyed it with some Hennesey XO Cognac brandy.

I then changed into my SQ pajamas and asked for my bed to be made up. I took a look around the lavatory to explore what amenities were available. A nice selection is on offer.





I asked not to be woken for breakfast, as I knew Id be eating pretty much nonstop for a day and a half, between my JFK-FRA-SIN-HKG flights, lounges, and Singapore hawker stalls! I woke up about an hour before landing and had my bed turned back into a seat. I asked for a croissant and some Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee (which apparently sells for over $100/pound.) My table was set and I had a nice snack before disembarking. The aircraft is fully cleaned and security-cleared in FRA, so continuing passengers were instructed to take all of their belongings with them when exiting. Upon disembarking, an agent had a sign with three names, mine and two other Suites customers continuing on to Singapore. She escorted the other two to the Lufthansa Senator Lounge, but I wanted to walk around a bit and have a shower in the Maple Leaf Lounge. She very kindly told me that I would be welcome anytime in the Senator Lounge and she told me where to find it. I then walked through the entirety of Terminal 1B playing Ingress and then headed to the Maple Leaf Lounge for a shower.

FRA AC Maple Leaf Lounge


I was welcomed to the Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge in English and I responded in English. The agent scanned my boarding card and said something in German to me. I then asked where the showers were, and he profusely apologized for the German. I laughed and said no problem at all! I have one of the most German names around. He said, indeed and directed me to the shower area with a smile.


Its a cute touch that the four shower rooms were labeled with Canadian airport codes. I decided to shower in YYC since I had never been to Calgary. This was a really nice shower, mostly because it was a rainfall shower with great water pressure, but also because I needed to wake up after just a few hours of sleep. I took my time relaxing and drying my hair.




The lounge is recently renovated and modern and very comfortable.


Unfortunately, when I came out of the shower, I could see the morning Air Canada flight pulling away and they had removed all of the breakfast food, cleaning the buffet and preparing to put the lunch food out. I wasnt ready for lunch, so I decided to head to the LH Senator Lounge to get a little breakfast.
LH Senator Lounge

The Lufthansa Senator Lounge in Terminal 1B East was quite busy, but still had the breakfast spread available. I got some eggs and a pretzel, and a German wheat beer. Hey, I can literally say its 5:00 somewhere because it was about 5:30pm in Singapore!

I was looking forward to returning to my suite for the flight to Singapore
FRA-SIN
SQ25
A380-800, Seat 3F
After a bit of relaxing, I headed to board my flight. There were agents holding Singapore Airlines Last Call signs sort of wandering through the hallways near my gate. I was one of the last to board (although I had asked when boarding closes when I disembarked and was told 11:40, so just make sure to be here by 11:30 and it was before that, so I was fine.) I was greeted with a Welcome back, Mr. ChrisNY2 by several flight crew, one of whom escorted me back to my seat. My suite was refreshed and clean.

I was brought a new set of pajamas and this time, the flight attendant encouraged me to change to get comfortable right away. I did so.

I asked to have a Singapore Sling, but was told with a big apology that they didnt yet have the bar open, but I could have my choice of Champagne, and a cocktail right after takeoff. I started with some Dom Perignon, which was tasty.

After a relatively short taxi, with lots of interesting aircraft to look at, we readied for takeoff. After another powerful takeoff roll, we were airborne.

My lunch order was taken. I had ordered the book-the-cook Suckling Pig with Beer Sauce. I asked if that was a good choice and was told oh yes, from Germany, the German pork dishes are the best. I was also brought my Singapore Sling, which was a nice way to begin the flight segment to Singapore. (Yes, there are so many interesting alcohol beverage choices on SQ, so Im making sure to get my fill!)

Satay was brought out as a canape I asked for just chicken though the menu offered chicken and lamb.

After a bit, my table was set for lunch. I started with the smoked egg, which I was very excited about, but which didnt really live up to the menu description. The egg tasted mostly like a normal hard boiled egg. The pickled vegetables were good, and there was some kind of white sauce on the bottom that seemed like a flattened baked egg white. The dish was inoffensive, but just not that tasty. I had some Krug with it.

Next came a tasty Asian chicken soup.

I was getting full, so I told the cabin crew that Id like to skip the salad course. She was personable and lovely throughout the flight she said would you like me to give you a few minutes to digest? I said, yes that would be great! (I think they really had timed to start heating the entre while I ate the salad and it wouldnt be immediately ready. But that was fine some digestion time was helpful!)

I quite enjoyed the suckling pig. The cabbage was an additional highlight! I had a couple of bites and she checked in on me to ask how it was. I said it was delicious and she then recommended trying the bites with some of the German mustard she said it would bring out different flavors. She was right and the mustard really complemented the meat quite well.
[
After lunch, I said I was too full for anything else at the moment, but that I might have a dessert later in the flight. She asked which I wanted and said shed keep one aside for me.
I had my bed made up and this time it was set up with a Singapore Airlines teddy bear. I dozed off for a few hours of sleep and then woke up, feeling a bit puckish. I asked for a tray to be set up with noodles. The prawn noodles were recommended, so I agreed to those. She asked if Id like a glass of champagne while the noodles were prepared, and I had a glass of Dom. I decided to finish up the last Harry Potter movie, which I had started earlier.


The noodles arrived, and some nice sake. This was a great midflight snack.

Then I was brought my Moscato Wine Sorbet, which was very delicious! I had it with some Choya Umeshu, a Japanese liqueur which I had never tried.


I decided to order some Macallen Whisky on the rocks and do a bit of writing on my laptop on the bed tray.


After a couple of hours, it was time for breakfast to be served. I had preordered a new book-the-cook option from the Wholesome menu. These options were added to the ex-FRA options in December 2016. The meal started with a nice fruit plate.


I was then served my Book The Cook Deliciously Wholesome Farro and Avocado Salad with Red Lentil Souffle in Red Capsicum, Lime and Jalapeno Dressing with an extra side of made-on-board scrambled eggs. This souffl was one of the best things I ate on this trip. It was full of flavor and the salad served with it contained fresh avocado and some nice tomatoes. This was served with a dish of a tomatoey sauce. I really loved this dish. Highly recommended.


I finished off the meal with a cup of Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee.


We landed in Singapore and I stopped by The Private Room in the SilverKris Lounge for some breakfast. I enjoyed an omelette with chicken sausage and a selection of dim sum.


After immigration, I ordered a carshare on Grab and headed downtown
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Old Mar 31, 2017, 10:31 pm
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Really enjoying this. Can't wait to see CX F report am doing this in June post a pic of the menu if you can
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Old Mar 31, 2017, 10:55 pm
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That Macallan Whisky Maker's edition was quite nice. I had a very generous pour on my leg from SIN-HKG last summer.
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Old Apr 1, 2017, 3:29 am
  #5  
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Originally Posted by wtcmor
Really enjoying this. Can't wait to see CX F report am doing this in June post a pic of the menu if you can
Thanks! I will plan to take menu pictures.

Originally Posted by chongl
That Macallan Whisky Maker's edition was quite nice. I had a very generous pour on my leg from SIN-HKG last summer.
You're right, it was quite tasty! I think it's available in the Private Room as well.
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Old Apr 1, 2017, 4:35 am
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Great pics

Great pictures! I esp. appreciated seeing the MLL in FRA..........never been, must see it myself! Naming the shower Calgary is too funny.........

I can't wait to hear about your time in SIN. One of my fav destinations......so many great places to stay?
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Old Apr 1, 2017, 7:58 am
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Awesome pictures and such a great start to your TR!!!

Many thanks, am looking forward to the rest.
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Old Apr 1, 2017, 5:40 pm
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Great report so far - looking forward to the rest!

1F
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Old Apr 3, 2017, 4:05 pm
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Originally Posted by Antonio8069
Great pictures! I esp. appreciated seeing the MLL in FRA..........never been, must see it myself! Naming the shower Calgary is too funny.........

I can't wait to hear about your time in SIN. One of my fav destinations......so many great places to stay?
Thanks! The MLL was quite nice! Sadly, I didn't have a chance to stay overnight in SIN, but I really enjoyed it there, so I'll be back!

Originally Posted by roadwarrier
Awesome pictures and such a great start to your TR!!!

Many thanks, am looking forward to the rest.
Originally Posted by 1nfrequent
Great report so far - looking forward to the rest!

1F
Thanks
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Old Apr 3, 2017, 4:05 pm
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Part 3:
A day in Singapore, then SIN-HKG
I had my Grab driver drop me off at Gardens of the Bay as I figured it would be a nice place to start the day and a place from which I could take the subway to explore the city. I started walking around the gardens and they were quite beautiful. Theyre definitely a tourist hotspot, but one thats worth checking out. I then realized that I was exhausted. I spent most of my flight time enjoying the service (and the drinks!) so I didnt get as much sleep as I had expected. I decided I would spend some time at the Gardens and just make it a low-key exploration of Singapore.



Accordingly, I ended up buying a ticket to the indoor garden areas. Im glad I did. As a climate-controlled greenhouse, they were actually cooler than the outside air, but they also had really nice plant exhibits. The flower dome had lovely flower exhibits, and the theme displays were of cherry blossoms that month, which was nice as I was missing the peak bloom of the blossoms in Washington, DC. I then made my way to the Cloud Dome, which was much taller than I realized. You take a lift to the top and make your way to the bottom via a series of catwalks and escalators. Being slightly afraid of heights, I could only walk on the solid parts of the catwalks and not on the open grates, but it was a great experience, with pretty views and an interesting array of plants. I made my way to Satay by the Bay, which I think is a tourist site attempting to replicate the hawker stall experience. I ordered 10 sticks of satay and enjoyed it! (I really had planned to go to a real hawker stall place, but I was so tired!)





Afterwards, I made my way to the Marina Bay Sands just to check it out. It was a tall and beautiful building, but I decided to move on to another area. I headed to Chinatown to walk around for a bit. I spent some time there and visited the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, which was nice to see. Finally, my exhaustion caught up to me, so I headed back to the airport, by the MTR subway, which was perfectly easy.

I forgot to mention earlier that I had brought an extra small duffle carry-on with me that I put some dirty clothes and my SQ pajamas and amenity kit into. I checked it at SIN for the flight to HKG so that I wouldnt have to lug those things around all day. I went to the First Class checking lounge to check it out and the service there was quite nice. Strangely though, when I tried to go through the SIA First Class Immigration I was told by the security guard that I was missing a gold sticker on my boarding pass and would need to go through regular immigration. I had plenty of time and didnt feel like going back to a checkin counter, so I walked over to regular immigration, where I was selected for a full security check. I enjoyed the butterfly garden in Changi Airport.




I then headed to the SilverKris Lounge Private Room. I was still not that hungry, so I ordered a couple of snacks from the Indian Vegetarian menu, which were nice appetizers.


SIN-HKG
SQ2 B777
I headed to board my flight and went through security by the gate. I was welcomed aboard by name. I was the last person in F to board, but First and Business were boarding through the same door, so Im not sure if maybe the flight attendant caught a glance of my maroon colored boarding pass, or if not that, how he knew who I was. Im glad I had the opportunity to fly F on the 777 so I could experience the seat for the first time and see the difference between Suites and First on SQ. I had booked 1A, which is just a fun seat to have, but I had not taken that one on the A380 because I wanted a suite with 3 windows (row 3.)



I took a nice glass of champagne as a pre-boarding drink and turned on some classic episodes of Absolutely Fabulous.

Meal orders were taken, and I had ordered a book-the-cook entre of Curry Patta Lobster. I asked to just have the soup and entre. I was then brought a Singapore Sling and some nuts.

The soup arrived, accompanied by bread. I chose garlic bread, of course, and a kind of focaccia roll that wasnt very good. I really liked the soup.


The BTC curry patta lobster was ok. It was still kind of cool to have a nice lobster dish on a plane, but it was just kind of rubbery. I enjoyed it, but it wasnt a standout. Ive had the lobster thermidor on a previous trip and I think Ive exhausted the novelty of inflight lobster.

I was so tired so I asked for a blanket, hoping to doze off for a bit. I was surprised when the flight attendant asked if Id like her to make my bed, since the flight was so short. I said, yes please, and had a lovely short little nap.

I had preordered the Hello Kitty doll wearing the traditional SQ Sarong Kabaya and was produced to celebrate SQs 70th anniversary. I was told that I was lucky that I preordered because they arent available on the carts anymore and when they were, there were three per flight and always went quickly.

My lovely SQ travel experience came to a close as we landed in Hong Kong. I went through immigration and then out through baggage collection and Customs. I had intended to sign up for the eclearance program, but I didnt realize that office was after immigration but before Customs. So Ill have to queue up a few more times this trip. I went to the taxi line and went to my friends flat on Hong Kong Island. My taxi driver was born in Hong Kong but grew up in England, so had a great command of English and we had a nice conversation for the half-hour trip to my friends flat.
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Old Apr 4, 2017, 1:14 am
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I wish i could fit that much food in my tummy

Very nice.
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Old Apr 4, 2017, 4:46 am
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Suites vs 777 (new) First thoughts? I have LHR-SIN on the 777 confirmed with Suites waitlisted. How much should I be hoping the waitlist clears?
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Old Apr 4, 2017, 2:39 pm
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Originally Posted by chrisny2
This picture is so strange, it seems like the seat is just a few centimeters tall. It might be the angle or lens, but it almost feels like you are seated on floor level.
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Old Apr 4, 2017, 2:59 pm
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Originally Posted by Carq
This picture is so strange, it seems like the seat is just a few centimeters tall. It might be the angle or lens, but it almost feels like you are seated on floor level.
indeed, it's funny. perspective can fool you
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Old Apr 7, 2017, 10:17 am
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Originally Posted by andy2016
Suites vs 777 (new) First thoughts? I have LHR-SIN on the 777 confirmed with Suites waitlisted. How much should I be hoping the waitlist clears?
I thought the 777 seat was great and was very comfortable, but I think the Suites are just something spacious and unique. You'll have a great flight either way, but I'd certainly prefer Suites!

Originally Posted by Carq
This picture is so strange, it seems like the seat is just a few centimeters tall. It might be the angle or lens, but it almost feels like you are seated on floor level.
Originally Posted by offerendum
indeed, it's funny. perspective can fool you
Haha yes, it's just the angle. I was standing and trying to get a pic with the whole seat in it. It's a normal height seat
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