Where to stopover? SIN or DBX
Feb 7, 2004 | 4:30 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: DRS, UA PremEx
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Where to stopover? SIN or DBX
I am planning a "semi RTW" trip AUS-SFO-SIN-(DBX)-FRA and I was wondering if I should stopover in SIN (coming from SFO) or in DBX. If I stopover in DBX I would probably take Emirates from SIN-DBX-FRA, otherwise it would be Singapore Airlines with SIN-FRA (nonstop). Also, maybe some German could advise me if we need special visa for the United Arab Emirates?
2nd Q:What about the Y class of these airlines. Is Emirates better ?
Thanx!
2nd Q:What about the Y class of these airlines. Is Emirates better ?
Thanx!
Feb 7, 2004 | 5:46 pm
#2
Join Date: Aug 2001
Posts: 3,673
Q.1: Enter your specifics here for visa details.
Q.2: Emirates has just about the worst long-haul economy class in its 772/3, with 3-4-3 seating (almost all other carriers have 3-3-3 or 2-5-2); their Airbuses have 'normal' seat arrangements, but are mostly used on regional (332) or ultra-long-haul (345) routes. SQ's pitch is an ungenerous 31", but the other aspects of their Y service are very good.
[This message has been edited by monahos (edited Feb 07, 2004).]
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">
Visa required, which can be obtained on arrival for a stay of max. 30 days.
Extension by Immigration headquarters of another 30 days possible. Fee AED 500.-.
</font>
Visa required, which can be obtained on arrival for a stay of max. 30 days.
Extension by Immigration headquarters of another 30 days possible. Fee AED 500.-.
</font>
Q.2: Emirates has just about the worst long-haul economy class in its 772/3, with 3-4-3 seating (almost all other carriers have 3-3-3 or 2-5-2); their Airbuses have 'normal' seat arrangements, but are mostly used on regional (332) or ultra-long-haul (345) routes. SQ's pitch is an ungenerous 31", but the other aspects of their Y service are very good.
[This message has been edited by monahos (edited Feb 07, 2004).]
Feb 7, 2004 | 8:29 pm
#3
Join Date: Sep 2003
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Are you planning to actually leave the airport? If yes, I would suggest that SIN is boring but DBX is even more boring, so go for SIN -- the food and climate are better, and there's plenty of nice tropical beaches in the vicinity.
Feb 8, 2004 | 12:39 am
#4
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Regarding visas, Monahos answered very accurately.
I had a nice experience with Emirates, although not in Y, so I don't know. I'd choose DBX over SIN. The markets are very interesting, there very good hotels to stay at, a try at arabic food worth the while, shopping is excellent at almost duty free prices, the modern architecture is very interesting. Some of the nicest buildings ever seen. It is just different and therefore worthwile.
I had a nice experience with Emirates, although not in Y, so I don't know. I'd choose DBX over SIN. The markets are very interesting, there very good hotels to stay at, a try at arabic food worth the while, shopping is excellent at almost duty free prices, the modern architecture is very interesting. Some of the nicest buildings ever seen. It is just different and therefore worthwile.
Feb 8, 2004 | 4:44 am
#6
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EK's Y seat is narrow, but has good legroom - around 34" which is pretty hot.
As commented above, both locations are quite dull. If you've never visited the Middle East, I'd recommend DXB as if you takwe a few hours to tour around the souks and creek area you'll get a 'lite' experience of the region.
The food is better in SIN, and there is enough to occupy you for 24 hours.
And if you are not going out the airport, either are fine with great facilities outside the J/F lounges. SIN maybe slightly nicer.
As commented above, both locations are quite dull. If you've never visited the Middle East, I'd recommend DXB as if you takwe a few hours to tour around the souks and creek area you'll get a 'lite' experience of the region.
The food is better in SIN, and there is enough to occupy you for 24 hours.
And if you are not going out the airport, either are fine with great facilities outside the J/F lounges. SIN maybe slightly nicer.
Feb 8, 2004 | 11:31 am
#7
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Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: DRS, UA PremEx
Posts: 254
Thank you for your suggestions guys!
I planned a 48/72 hour stopover. Actually, I am tending more to DBX as there are some nice packages at the Emirates homepage and I have never been to the middle east. I have another week before I need to decide, lets see.
silver
I planned a 48/72 hour stopover. Actually, I am tending more to DBX as there are some nice packages at the Emirates homepage and I have never been to the middle east. I have another week before I need to decide, lets see.
silver
Feb 8, 2004 | 2:29 pm
#8
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I'd do Dubai since I never been there before 
But SIN's a boring city.... if you've never been there before I would suggest skipping it, most major/capitol cities in Asia are more interesting.
But SIN's a boring city.... if you've never been there before I would suggest skipping it, most major/capitol cities in Asia are more interesting.
Feb 8, 2004 | 5:16 pm
#9
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I enjoyed a weekend in SIN far more than 2 (airport only) stopovers in DXB in late 2002, though admittedly I was on the way back from 3+ weeks in Vietnam and Cambodia. Singapore was like coming home--clean sanitation, plentiful and good food, stores that charged only posted prices, and all the rest. Coming from SFO, it's probably more like a poor imitation of home. As you note, DXB would at least be something different.
Feb 27, 2004 | 2:49 pm
#11
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I've been to both many times. I'd go for Singapore as there's more to do and see - and the price level is about the same in the off season as Dubai. Spend a few days in Tioman Island (malaysia) which can be reached from Sin. by ferry or plane. Dubai has a nioce Arabian flavor and good food - but it is more a shopping destination than anything else. Dessert jeep safaris are nice but not worth a massive detour.
Feb 27, 2004 | 7:46 pm
#12
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Hmmm. I wonder about some of the info here. I've been to Dubai many times including twice in the last two months. Americans and western Europeans do NOT need a visa. That's very outdated info. Dubai is fantastic for tourism. They have several great new golf courses. The Dubai classic is being held next month with the worlds top golfers at the Majlis (which I played last month) and Montie has a great new course nearby. Wadi-bashing is a blast. I prefer to rent my own 4-wheeler and head off to the dunes and dry creek beds. Of course there is the beach, shopping, nightclubs, etc. too. DXB has the worlds most luxurious hotel (Burj Al Arab) and a soon to be built underwater hotel.