V-Flyer

Well the day had finally arrived for my little trip to the newly opened Atlantis Hotel in Dubai. Unfortunately I couldn't get out of work so was stuck in Birmingham until 1500 which rather limited my use of The Clubhouse. Finally got out of the office and took the train (first class of course) to London from New Street. Trip was pleasant enough as very quiet and early into Euston. Short hop to Paddington for an extremely busy Heathrow Express to T3.

Check-in was empty with no queue so it took less than 5 minutes for me to acquire my first ever purple boarding pass! Up in the lift and very impressed with the private security channel. Through in no time at all and even waved past the shoe carnival with no argument or explanation needed! [y]

Quick bit of shopping and then off for my first look of The Clubhouse. First impressions were very good and decided to get a table to eat. I opted for the burger and a beer (very common I know but just what I fancied!) and my girlfriend had the salmon which she was very impressed with. As time was getting on we decided to take a quick shower as we both had treatments booked at 1900. Shower was lovely and well needed after being up since 0400. I then went and had my shave which was nice and relaxing and I had a nice chat with the beauty therapist who used to be an IFBT and said she couldn't yet decide what she preferred. Unfortunately my girlfriends hair cut had been booked for the wrong date. September instead of October despite our confirmation clearly stating October! As annoying as this was, the lady on the desk was fantastic and and incredibly apologetic and when there was a cancellation she was able to have a massage instead so all was not lost. Suitably refreshed we retired to the bar for a Mojito. Well it is rude not to!

Flight was called at around 2015 from Gate 42 (every time I fly from LHR I get this gate [n]) so started the long trek to see G-VWEB Surfer Girl waiting for us. Boarding was already well under way when we arrived and there was only a small queue on the jetbridge. Welcomed on board and settled into 8/9K and obviously looked like we knew what we were doing as weren't asked if it was our first time! Luckily everything was fairly self explanatory and enjoyed having a quick play! Champagne and sleep suits given out straightaway so took advanatge of this and got changed before departure. Thought the fit was pretty good, had a large as 6 foot and quite stocky and seemed ok. Captain advised of a flight time of 6 hours and 32 minutes. Pushed back spot on 2100 and soon airborne after not a bad taxi and wait by LHR standards. Seat belt signs stayed on for quite a while as quite bumpy for the first 40 minutes or so. Found taking off sideways slightly strange but sure you get used to it! FSM came round and introduced herself whilst giving out the goodies. She was very pleasant and chatty and had a good rapport with the passengers. Orders then taken for dinner and breakfast. Didn't bother with dinner as had already eaten in The Clubhouse so I converted my seat into a bed and went to sleep. Found the suite comfortable and managed a few hours kip in between being woken up by screaming baby and child just across from me [V]! Was woken up about 90 mins before landing by the Cabin Crew with breakfast. Had coffee, OJ, toast and the omelette. Food was not great and not cooked wonderfully well bet better than anything I can remember in PE. Smooth descent and landed bang on time for the very long taxi to our remote stand.

Off the aircraft quickly and onto the waiting bus. Was very glad of the air con as even at 0700 it was still very hot. Queued for arounf 15-20 minutes at Immigration even with the fast-track voucher handed out by the Crew prior to landing. Bags out quickly but to our dismay one of our cases was quite badly damaged with clothes threatening to spill out everywhere. So this cost us a further 30 minutes in the Terminal whilst we reported this. Through customs very quickly and into our car to Atlantis.

I really enjoyed my flight and first taste of Upper Class. Cabin Crew were excellent, V-Port behaved all the way through (although all I used was the I-map!) and I found the suite more comfortable than I expected and slept better than I have ever done on an aircraft in the past. Definately lived up to my expectations after some disappointing and distinctly average recent trips in PE. The only problem is I can't see me wanting to fly any other way with Virgin in the future which is sure to diminish my already depleted bank balance!!

Really nice and honest TR, i felt the excitement of flying in upper for the first time all the way through your report, isnt it a shame the flight is only 6hours ish, really makes you wish you had a good few hours more. Thanks
again.

cheers
alex

Thanks for a great TR, glad UC lived up to you you expected. Hope you had a great time in DXB and at Atlantis.

Dominic

Thank you for the very imformative TR.[y]

As I'm someone who dreams of going UC, I just loved your first impressions of the experience.

Great TR. I also find tha the effect that flying U/C has on my bank balance hurts! Many thanks. [y]

Regards
Bryan

Great TR reminded me of the excitement I had last January. The sentiments of having now to go UC all the time is so right hence the wife will not go unless we turn left on the aircraft. Hope you enjoy Atlantis.

Jurgen and Sue

Hi

Great trip report - hooked now?

How was the Atlantis?

Boo

Thank you for such a wonderful TR which fully captured your excitemnt of travelling in UC for the first time[y]

For a novice your certainly made sure you enjoyed all the facitities on offer and I can only hope that what you have read on V-Flyer did not disappoint[:D]

Please let us know what you thought of the Atlantis

buns

Atlantis was good. Still a bit of a building site as is most of Dubai. I shall do a hotel review and post it along with my return TR.