Emirates Gatwick to Male via Dubai

I took this holiday last week. There was no sign of a reduced service or cost cutting due to covid at I noticed on Emirates. The Emirates Addison Lee chauffeur picked my up promptly in an S-class. I was dreading check-in and security after seeing all the queues in the media, but it only took me 10 minutes to get to the lounge.

Emirate's Gatwick lounge is nice enough, but no views of the apron. Food was decent, especially the chicken curry, and it was not too crowded even though it's a combined Business and First lounge.

Boarding was also mixed together with business and first but I managed to be one of the first on the jet bridge so didn't have to queue to board. I was escorted to my seat 3K.

Regarding muzzle rules, I wore one when boarding but took it off as soon as I sat down. I didn't wear one when going to the toilet either. No-one seemed to mind as most other F passengers did the same.

There's plenty of other reviews of Emirates F so I won't repeat them. Suffice to say the food was good and the service was excellent. Dine on demand was no issue for the crew, but as the A380 F was full, they where a bit slow to start (they forgot to give me a menu) but picked up as the flight went on. As expected, I had the caviar to start. The crew forgot the pearl spoon but gave it to me when asked. This was followed by the beef consumme which was delicious but not as clear as I'd expect. The mains of turbot was a bit dry and needed some sauce. The chocolate cake and cheeses were great. Throughout the meal I had as much Hennessy Paradise as possible ($1000/bottle).

As this was a day flight no PJs but on my connecting flight to Male they were handed out. A few things that would elevate the experience ... Japanese toilets in F and a seat massage function. The Emirates shower toilets are the only ones that are large enough for me to change into PJs. The showers need a non-slip surface like I have in my home shower.

Transfer experience was poor as no-one was waiting for me upon de-boarding so I had to make my own way to the next flight. This was in stark contrast to my return where I was personally exported as part of the Emirates Premium service.

My connecting flight was uneventful. I really don't like the old 777 seat compared to the A380 as it was a bit loose and creaky. The French toast breakfast was delicious but needed maple syrup. I was recommended to seat on the left side as that has the best views of the Maldives.

On my return leg the crew and food were again excellent. There where 3 people in F, but a number of Chinese people upgraded themselves (overheard it was $4000).

As I mentioned previously, Emirates managed to offer the premium transfer service this time. The most amazing thing was being driven on their special First class bus from C to A gates. Amazing views of the apron!

My final flight back to Heathrow had again great crew and food. F was full but it didn't feel crowded as the suite is so private when the doors are closed.

Unfortunately due to covid no flight deck visits are allowed. Heathrow wasn't too bad and only took me about 10-15 minutes to get through the e-gates and another 20 minutes to collect my bags. There's an Emirates chauffeur lounge was is nice but only had to wait a 5 minutes to be driven home in an S-class.

Disclaimer: I paid £7000 for F return from London to Male.

Coming next ... Nautilus!