Extravigator - Luxury Rail Roads

The 'secret' luxury travel option

jewel fiend — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 00:23:24 -0400

I forget the name of it, but there's a luxury train running through India where you can book your own private car and the ticket comes with a personal servant.

TGV Est

The Rover — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 22:56:53 -0400

The French have not only been building new TGV lines, but they have also been investing heavily in new bi-level TGV trainsets, thereby substantially increasing the TGV network's passenger carrying capacity in two ways. In these days of high oil prices, this looks like a winning strategy, as it takes far less fuel to transport a passenger a given distance by train than by plane.

With the third generation of high-speed, luxury TGV trainsets, bi-level cars were introduced that greatly increased the number of passengers that could be carried in a passenger car of a given length:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SNCF_TGV_Duplex

In the early days of the TGV, single-level passenger cars were employed. When looking at such early TGV trainsets, you could see that the height of those single-level cars was significantly lower than that of the locomotives at each end of the train. By just simply raising the height of the third-generation cars to a height equal to that of the locomotives, the French engineers and designers were able to find enough additional space to accomodate two levels for passenger seating, without sacrificing passenger comfort in any way.

We took a trip on a high-speed, bi-level TGV trainset in France a few months ago, traveling in the first class compartment, and it was delightful!

How to get a good night's sleep on a train

Jtilly — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 16:40:20 -0400

I love it. I'm sure that would do the trick. Although I think I might bring my own wine in that case!

How to get a good night's sleep on a train

Nanoose — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 17:37:45 -0400

My Uncle travels by train from California to New Mexico fairly frequently. He says to get a bed on the train, it's $700 while a regular seat is $100 (round trip). So, he goes to the dining cart and has some nice wine, then goes to a regular seat and he sleeps splendidly!

How to get a good night's sleep on a train

Simon Pielow — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 08:56:31 -0400

Great advice, succinctly put. I give it a ZZZZ rating.....

How to get a good night's sleep on a train

Jtilly — Tue, 06 May 2008 14:17:47 -0400

Thanks for the tip. I never considered the position of room to the wheels. But now that you mention it, I would also point out that the middle of the cars don't swing out as widely on turns as the ends of the cars do. In other words, the middle of the car takes a much straighter path on curves than the ends of the cars do, so I'm sure that would help in terms of sleeping.

How to get a good night's sleep on a train

The Rover — Thu, 01 May 2008 15:00:42 -0400

Jtilly - thanks for the tips. I agree with you that the best recipe for a good night's sleep is to have a berth that is positioned parallel to the tracks, rather than perpendicular. You indicated that "on sharp turns, the blood may rush to your head or your feet as the pitch of the train changes." I would say that even more annoying, if your bed is situated perpendicular to the tracks, is having the top of your head slammed into the bulkhead when the train makes a sharp turn, particularly if it's traveling at relatively high speed.

Another tip that I would pass on would be, if possible, to get a sleeper room that is located in the middle of the passenger car, as opposed to being at the end of the car. If you're at the end of the car, you'll be located directly over the car's "trucks," where the wheels and the brakes are located. Being in the middle of the car puts you further away from the noise of the brake shoes, when they are engaged, and from the "clickety clack" of the wheels going over the rails and switches. (Nevertheless, it should be pointed out that some people find the "clickety clack" noise to be quite soothing and say that it actually helps them to sleep. As they say, "it takes all kinds.") Finally, I should also note that, when traveling on trains such as the TGV in France and the Shinkansen (bullet train) in Japan, the tracks frequently employ welded rail, rather than individual sections that are bolted together, and the "clickety clack" sounds are virtually eliminated.

To summarize, I would recommend trying to get a compartment in the middle of the sleeping car that has a bed positioned parallel to the tracks!

How to get a good night's sleep on a train

Jtilly — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 10:43:15 -0400

After a week of traveling on various overnight sleepers, often in first class, I wanted to share a few tricks I've learned on how to get a good night sleep.

My number one tip is to try to get a bed that runs parallel to the tracks. Any time you have a bed that runs perpendicular to the tracks you will likely not have a good night sleep. The reason for this isn't always apparent, but once you've experienced it, you can see why. When a bed is perpendicular to the tracks, you end up rolling backwards and forwards -- left or right -- as the train speeds up or slows down. And on sharp turns, the blood may rush to your head or your feet as the pitch of the train changes.

With a bed that runs parallel to the tracks, many of those issues are reduced. You'll notice that it's very easy to fall asleep even in a sitting position, as long as you are parallel to the tracks. Any turns or swaying of the train feel more like a rocking motion, and changes in the speed of the train are not as noticeable as you will not roll out of your bed because of them.

Finally, it helps to minimize the noise in the cabin. If you can, ask for extra towels and then look for places where noise originates and plug up the holes with those extra towels. On my last overnight train trip, I found that sound was coming in from the sink, which looked directly down into the tracks. There was a small cover over the sink, but the noise wasn't completely eliminated until I stuck a towel into the sink.

Last but not least, I recommend bringing a blindfold and earplugs to reduce light and extra noise that you cannot eliminate. I found those tips worked well for me, but I'd like to hear if anyone else has additional tips!

TGV Est

snapper — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 21:38:00 -0400

If you haven't heard about it yet, France's TGV network has recently expanded its reach into the Northeast of France. You can now reach Reims in only a 45 minute TGV trip from Paris! High-speed trains now run on to Verdun, Colmar, Strasbourg. Strasbourg can now be reached in 2 hours and 20 minutes. If you have often disregarded that region of France in the past, these trains now make it a lot easier to visit, even for just a day or two.

The 'secret' luxury travel option

Simon Pielow — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 04:30:36 -0500

I am off to the massive ITB show in Berlin next week to speak to as many train owners as possible. I will try to give a report on how it goes and what I learnt.

The 'secret' luxury travel option

Simon Pielow — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 04:27:43 -0500

Hello dd67,
I agree that these are very special trains but your point raises the question - what is a luxury train? Are these excellent first class trains with first class services? Can they be considered true luxury? Or is luxury simply what the passenger considers it to be, rather than the subjective judgement of the travel or rail industry? These are the questions that we face when we consider adding a train to the Luxury Train Club. Fortunately we change a wrong decision!

The 'secret' luxury travel option

dd67 — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 16:15:04 -0500

Some other luxury train rides include:

The trains to Machu Picchu from Cusco in Peru, also run by Orient Express, was a very enjoyable experience.

Rocky Mountaineer also offers 3 different routes through the Canadian Rockies (Vancouver, Calgary, Jasper). The service is excellent and the scenery is simply stunning. However, I agree with the aforementioned comments about a good night's sleep. These tours are during the day. Overnight accommodation is with various hotels (mid price to luxury) in stops along the way.

The 'secret' luxury travel option

DonPablo — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 14:34:24 -0500

Hello, Simon. It was good to hear from you again. (Better late than never.) Anyhow, you are absolutely right, as long as the passengers benefit, who cares?

The 'secret' luxury travel option

Simon Pielow — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 06:55:01 -0500

Don,
Apologies for the long silence. Networking on other sites --- perhaps that should be whispered!
Double-tracking is of course great news. Promoting freight on the rails requires better infrastructure - signalling too - and as you say this benefits passengers traffic. It may work the other way around elsewhere but who cares?

The 'secret' luxury travel option

DonPablo — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 18:36:39 -0500

With respect to Simon Pielow's question as to whether there is any hidden rail investment news from the U.S., the answer is "yes," but it's really hidden. In the western part of the U.S., railroads such as the Union Pacific and the Burlington Northern Santa Fe are literally investing hundreds of millions of dollars to double-track large portions of their right-of-way that are currently single-tracked. While they are making these substantial investments to greatly improve the efficiency, throughput and capacity of their freight operations, a very substantial benefit will also be experienced by passenger trains, which typically run on the same tracks and which are routinely held on sidings for long periods of time, while freight trains (which are the railroads' "bread and butter") are given higher priority to move down the main line. This bodes well for luxury train travel in the western part of the U.S.A., as well as for Amtrak. It will reduce the amount of time that such passenger trains stay on the siding, thereby improving overall schedules and, in general, making the trip more enjoyable for travellers. (I remember once sitting on a passing track while on a trip on the old American Orient Express, while five or six freight trains barreled by.) If this double-tracking trend continues, it will not only make the railroads' freight operations more efficient, but it will also result in a much more pleasant journey for us passengers!

The 'secret' luxury travel option

Simon Pielow — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 13:39:16 -0500

I have spent a couple of days at the World Travel Market finding out about luxury trains. There’s a lot happening!

Russian Railways have a new Trans-Siberian in mid-2008;
The Chinese Tangula Trains (managed by Kempinski Hotels) start in October 2008;
The Blue Train in South Africa is enjoying the benefits of remodeling;
The Golden Chariot in India launches January 2008;
There's a new 'imperial-class' Palace on Wheels in building;
And more besides a number of ‘first class’ trains.

The fact is that we are seeing the new age of rail around the world (except for North America as yet). Perhaps someone knows about some hidden rail investment news from the US?

Have a look at the Pullman Orient Express for an authentic Orient Express experience, which (those who cannot sleep on a moving train take note) does not offer sleeping accommodations. Paris has some great hotels……

The 'secret' luxury travel option

gilvalz — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 11:37:37 -0500

I traveled on the Eastern & Oriental Express from Singapore to Bangkok several years ago and absolutely loved the experience. It really transports you to another time... it's not only luxurious, but very "elegant" and the passengers really get into the whole idea of dressing black tie for dinner, etc.

I didn't have any of the reported problems sleeping. The train rocks me to sleep. My sister (who was with me) did have problems sleeping because of her nerves.

It was one of my most memorable experiences and I would highly recommend it.

The 'secret' luxury travel option

marcie — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 11:19:41 -0500

While I've never slept on the the trains listed above, I have taken a number of first class sleepers overnight throughout Europe. Each time, I've been mostly impressed by the accommodations: private room, complimentary Champagne, crisp white linens, etc, etc.

But, I've never had a good night sleep. Not even once. Usually the driver of the train is driving too fast, or too slow. Or, the trains stop and start too often or too quickly. And the cars always creak too much. If your bed is positioned perpendicular to the tracks, it's even worse because you invariably roll towards back and forth as the train speeds or slows too quickly.

It's bizarre because you'd think that you'd be rocked fast asleep, like a baby. But, for me, it's just not conducive to sleep. For some reason, I have a better time sleeping on a train if I'm sitting upright in an uncomfortable seat. I know that makes no sense because on an plane I just can't sleep unless it's a lie-flat bed.

My feeling is that few people ever get a good night sleep on a train. If they did, it probably wouldn't be a "secret."

The 'secret' luxury travel option

Uluru — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 18:54:12 -0500

I think you probably are right about that. My understanding (admittedly, very limited) is that there aren't too many trains that attain the level of service and accommodations as the trains that you listed. The only other high-end trains I know about are the Northern Belle, the Royal Scotsman and Rovus Rail.

Are there many others that are rated as highly?

Are en suite bathrooms essential for a luxury train?

Uluru — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 18:45:14 -0500

I agree. Though, I may be wrong, but I don't think that Eurostar or TGV or any highspeed trains have any sleeper cars. It's not that often that you're on a high speed train for 7 or more hours.

So, I think it would depend on how long the trip is. If you are doing an overnight sleeper, a private bathroom and sink is a must.

I've done a number of overnight First Class sleepers in Europe. Every First Class overnight compartment that I've been in had a private bathroom. Some even had a shower where the entire bathroom was the shower! For me, it's not a question of luxury. Private bathroom are a necessity for overnight trips.

But, for daytime trips, you usually don't need a shave and a shower, so the private bathroom is not as important.

Are en suite bathrooms essential for a luxury train?

DonPablo — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 18:02:03 -0500

I've taken trips on the TGV, the Eurostar, the American Orient Express and, many years ago, even on the New York Central's 20th Century Limited. While I consider riding first class on any and all of these trains to definitely be "luxury" travel, I have NOT taken the TGV and Eurostar trains on overnight trips. So, at the end of the day (no pun intended) I guess that, if I'm going to be sleeping on the train and if I don't have a compartment with its own bathroom, I wouldn't consider that a luxurious experience.

Are en suite bathrooms essential for a luxury train?

Simon Pielow — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 09:02:39 -0500

Some luxury trains do not have full en suite bathrooms. They are nevertheless considered luxury.
What do you think?

The 'secret' luxury travel option

Simon Pielow — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 09:00:28 -0500

I think that the large majority of those that could travel on luxury trains have very little knowledge about them.
I believe that these travellers may well have a hazy idea that the Orient Express travels between Venice and London, and could possibly have heard of the Blue Train and The Palace on Wheels.
However I would be very interested to know if I am right.

Eurostar - Luxury Rail Travel in Europe

Simon Pielow — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 08:49:00 -0500

The Eurostar name is not in fact a Europe-wide label. It is indeed used in Italy, and there are Eurostars travelling between London,Paris, Brussels and a small number of other destainations -however these are all operated by the cross (under) - channel Eurostar.
While preaching about trains (apologies), have a look at the fantastic but virtually unknown Pullman Orient Express, which operates out of Paris. They have great excursions (no overnights) in the highest quality carriages with gourmet dining.
www.pullmanorientexpress.com.

Your 'preacher' is ex-Eurostar (under channel variety) and has www.trainchartering.com as a business. We launch the Luxury Train Club in December at the Int'l Luxury Travel Market in Cannes.

Eurostar - Luxury Rail Travel in Europe

Vanessa — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 12:50:21 -0500

Actually, whether you can get to the train early depends on what station you're boarding. Trains that start in a certain city will be waiting at the curb hours ahead of schedule, and usually with open doors. However, if you're boarding in one of the station en route (major hubs of transit include Bologna, Florence, and sometimes Rome), your train might be arriving at the curb just in time and you might only have a few minutes to board and unboard with your luggage. If you plan to use the train in Italy, the best recommendation is to travel light- one suitcase per person max. in addition, trains are not usually equipped to accommodate the needs of the physically disabled. The steps to mount the train are usually pretty tall, so heavy/ bulky luggage can be a hassle.

That said, I still travel mainly by train when I can in Italy, as the roadways are not only full of Italians (!) but they're also in pretty bad shape, with congestion and traffic. I used to commute between my hometown, on the Adriatic coast, and Bologna by train every day!

Also, the Eurostar is a European-wide label for trains that connects main European cities. The one that connects London and Paris is one (and probably the first), but there are Eurostar trains in the whole European rail system. :)

Eurostar - Luxury Rail Travel in Europe

MrKhaki — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 00:03:03 -0500

Just to clarify, you're speaking of Eurostar Italia. The "proper" Eurostar operates from London to Paris and Brussels via the Channel Tunnel.

They've also done quite a bit to improve service and luxury, especially in First Class and Premium First. Terminals have been upgraded and the new St. Pancras station in London is quite an improvement.

Eurostar - Luxury Rail Travel in Europe

Sean K. Keane — Sun, 04 Nov 2007 17:46:52 -0500

Try the Orient Express. Pure luxury service and a slower pace but I consider it the only train ride in Europe!

Eurostar - Luxury Rail Travel in Europe

DonPablo — Sun, 21 Oct 2007 06:28:38 -0400

We have been in Italy for the past few weeks and, after having flown directly to Venice from New York, we've been travelling from city to city by Eurostar, the European high-speed rail network. Similar to the well-known TGV trains in France, or the bullet trains in Japan, these trains routinely can whisk you from city to city in Italy at speeds higher than 250 km per hour, in quiet comfort, while you sit back, relax, look out the window and just enjoy the beautiful scenery whizzing by. Eurostar in Italy operates as part of the "Trenitalia" rail system. (Poets can now take notice - yes, there is now at least one other word that rhymes with "genitalia".) You can select either second class (equivalent to business class) or first class service, and even the first class tickets are remarkably reasonable, providing you with transportation between almost all of the major Italian cities at a cost that would be far less than flying or driving yourself. Today, there are similar high-speed rail networks operating throughout Europe: high-speed "Intercity" trains in England and Germany, the AVE network in Spain and, as previously mentioned, the TGV service in France. The only drawback that I can see to using any of these services is that, if you're bringing a large number of heavy bags with you, you usually will have to load them on and off the train yourself and there is limited space available on each car for such heavy and large bags. But, if you get to the train station early and are among the first to board, that is usually not a problem. There are, of course, some train delays from time to time. However, it has been our experience that such delays are, in general, much less in frequency and duration than those delays experienced if you are traveling by air.