Luckily the Escape Lounge was right next to our gate and we could spot our 787 parked...not at our gate. For a bit I thought the gate might have changed, but as it turns out, for international flights, the planes go through a security inspection at a separate gate before being towed over - or at least that's what the gate agent claimed.
The Norwegian staff was also waiting to board and prep the plane with the ground staff being contract OAK employees who apologized for the chaotic situation.
Eventually our plane was towed to the gate and the crew boarded.
At that point, everyone started to create a mob scene so I decided to just join the fray and stand in line with the Premium cabin passengers.
This was beyond a gate lice situation.
As boarding commenced, several non-Premium pax tried to board and much to both MsFlamingo's and my surprise, the gate agent turned them away and only let Premium cabin pax board.
We boarded through L2 and headed left into the Premium cabin.
The Premium cabin is arranged in a 2-3-2 configuration with basically domestic First seats, it was actually a really open feeling cabin.
With plenty of legroom and good width.
Our seats 4A and C with the nice and large Dreamliner windows.
I was "that" person and changed into PJ bottoms I brought from one of my CX flights, figure why not be comfortable?
With all the bins closed, a nice cabin ambiance.
The lady in front of me reclined at the gate and there's plenty of room even if the person in front reclines, except if you have to get out into the aisle.
Pushback was quick after boarding commenced. Great views of the Rolls engine.
Another Norwegian Dreamliner preparing to go to somewhere...
Look at those gorgeous fan blades!
A quick taxi at OAK for takeoff.
And soon enough we were airborne with a smooth and quick climb out.
Heading to the north bay and watching the tankers and cargo ships below in the bay.
Soon enough, the beverage service started.
I kicked things off with a glass of prosecco, needless to say somebody here has become quite spoiled with his premium cabin travels and after having come off polishing off almost 2 bottles of P2, this was quite a shocker. Being fair though, I'm not a prosecco fan in general, finding it too sweet and this was no exception.
The seats have Android based tablets with entertainment and worked fine. Not the biggest selection of content, but we managed.
The meal service was served in boxes, not the typical trays like on most airlines. It definitely made things a bit cramped, but was functional. MsFlamingo ordered the gluten free meal and they included Udi's bread and cookies, a nice touch and much appreciated!
My regular meal with salad, cheese and entree.
I went with the beef filet and after lifting the foil off thought whoa the presentation was interesting and figured I'd have a block of beef drenched in disgusting sauce.
But shockingly it was the most perfect filet I've ever had on an airplane in any class of service. The sauce, while a lot on top, was flavorful and everything tasted fresh. Definitely impressed and great job Norwegian! Honestly if there was more room to move around instead of being confined to a narrow box, it'd make eating much easier and the quality was shockingly good, better than a lot of business class meals in terms of quality.
As we wrapped up dinner, watching the beautiful sunset through our huge windows.
The mood lighting starting to get us ready to rest.
Before they turned out the lights, they passed out Bailey's, I actually hadn't had any in a while and forgot how tasty it was.
Watching a documentary and some cactus on the screen for @Zuerichspotter ;)
Needless to say, despite my best efforts and ambien, I wasn't ever able to actually fall asleep, only napping on and off for bits of time. I think at one point I was able to fall asleep for 2-hours, but despite the large recline, it's not a flatbed. Also compared to the CX 77W premium economy seat, there wasn't much padding contributing not as much comfort.
One of the times when I woke up and checked where we were, noticed we had some mighty tailwind and quite the cruising speed!
Eventually I just got up to use the bathroom and snapped this pic while waiting for the lav. I always love seeing these operations type screens.
Back at my seat and passing time watching the in flight progress feed.
Soon enough the cabin lights went through a wakeup scene and breakfast was served. A box similar to dinner with meat, cheese, bagel and fruit. All were fresh and fine, but nothing special.
Then just watching the scenery out the windows as we began our descent into Arlanda.
Great engine and wing views!
On final into ARN.
And on the ground!
Pulling up to ARN Terminal 5 the international terminal.
And deplaned after a 9.5 hours flight.
Overall I liked Norwegian Premium, taking into account the price, it's a great deal. With that being said, if you can ever redeem miles or get a good deal on a business class ticket, definitely do that. But when that's not an option, I wouldn't hesitate to fly them again. The fact they fly new 787's is a huge plus in my book
Trip links:
- Project
- Dorsia
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