CX901
HKG-MNL
Actual flight time: 1:40
Actual departure: 10:18am
Actual arrival: 11:59am
Seat 12K


This flight was on a 3-class 77W (J, PEY, Y). Due to “rush hour Sunday morning” in HKG (not sure if the captain was making it up ), we were about an hour delayed departing. Otherwise, this was a pretty good and uneventful flight in J.




Leg room in Cathay’s reverse herringbone J is always better (wider) at the window-side seats




Breakfast starter


Dim sum breakfast



After a quick stop in Manila, travel day to Maldives had arrived! Check in at the CX counters at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 was quick and easy.





CX Business Class Lounge MNL

CX now has its own lounge built at Terminal 3, after using a shared lounge since moving last year. You'll notice from the pics that it was designed similar to style of The Pier – tastefully decorated and well appointed.








Found this feature quite neat and useful.


The noodle bar offered several made-to-order options, which is always nice for a business class lounge.






These all tasted good!



CX900
MNL-HKG
Actual flight time: 1:46
Actual departure: 1:00pm
Actual arrival: 2:46pm
A333
Seat 12G

The flight was originally scheduled with a 3-class 77w (J, PEY, Y) but later switched to a 3-class A330-300 with reverse herringbone J seats. This was my least favorite CX flight of the trip – the crew seemed really disinterested in their jobs. What’s worse, I was served last and did not get my preference of main dish, even after being assured there were more being prepared in the galley. At least the CX lounge at MNL fed me decently for this.

For reasons I don’t recall, I wasn’t able to take pictures for this particular flight (sorry!).

Upon deplaning from the MNL flight, we made brief stops at The Cabin and The Wing (J section). Both lounges were packed, so after grabbing quick nibbles and drinks, we just chose to walk around the terminal and picked up some junk food at the duty free shops.



CX601
HKG-MLE
Actual flight time: 5:40
Actual departure: 5:49pm
Actual arrival: 8:29pm
A333
Seat 15G

Bus gate for us this afternoon; I’m not sure if this is typical for Male flights. Good thing was that the plane was a quick 5 minute drive from the gate.






CX uses a long-haul A330 for its flight to Male, which is great considering it’s almost 6 hours long, so the flatbed seats are essential. I really liked this flight – probably because of how the lead flight attendant took good care of us. Or maybe because the J cabin was only about half full. Or maybe because the crew was enjoying this flight too, knowing they will also be spending 2nights in Male as well (one of them told me that they will be island-hopping the next day) .

After getting settled, the crew welcomed us with PDB options of champagne or Cathay delight.




J amenity kits were then handed out. I think this design is fairly new, and I prefer this one to the previous ones.




Cathay business class amenity kit contents


This was a full dinner service flight, and the food and wine selections were all good.


Starters – smoked duck breast and seasonal salad


Main course – wok fried prawns, jade melon, jasmine rice


One thing I found a bit different (or generous) about this service was that the cheese, fruit, and dessert courses were all served to passengers rather than just being asked which ones they preferred. The cheese and fruit came on one trolley round, while the dessert, coffee, and tea on another.


Cheese selection, fruit plate


Dessert – lychee and mango mouse cake, pralines


Overall dinner service was under 2 hours – even the timing was perfect so passengers could still get some shuteye. Cabin was dimmed to accommodate those wanting to sleep.

We arrived at Male on schedule, and were picked up by the arranged transport from our 2-star hotel for the night, which was about a 15-minute drive from the airport terminal.

After a 10-hour rest, it was time to head to Conrad Rangali!