All about the Super Luxurious BLUE TRAIN of SOUTH AFRICA

The Blue Train is one of the world’s most unique and luxurious experiences, a beautiful combination of classic elegance, old world charm, and contemporary service and cuisine.  The train is so much more than a journey, it truly is a once in a lifetime experience that is absolutely ideal for adventurous clientele that seek true luxury in an extremely exotic and intriguing destination.  The overnight journeys are roughly 27-hours in length, and include beautifully appointed cabin accommodations with en-suite bath or shower, private butler/valet service, exquisite gourmet meals, unlimited premium wines and liquors, cigars, use of lounge and club car, as well as a side excursion during a brief stop along the way.

The Blue Train travels an approximately 1,600 kilometer (1,000 mile) journey in South Africa between Pretoria and Cape Town. It is one of the most luxurious train journeys in the world. It boasts butler service, two lounge cars (smoking and non-smoking), an observation car, and carriages with gold-tinted picture windows, in soundproofed, fully carpeted compartments, each featuring its own en-suite (many of which are equipped with a full-sized bathtub). The service is promoted as a “magnificent moving five-star hotel” by its operators, who note that kings and presidents have travelled on it.

Facts about Blue Train South Africa

History of Blue Train
The Blue Train’s origins date back to the Union Limited and Union Express trains which began in 1923, taking passengers from Johannesburg to the ships departing from Cape Town to England. The Union Express introduced luxury features such as a dining saloon in 1933 and air-conditioned carriages in 1939. After a break in service in World War II the service returned in 1946. With the reintroduction of the train, the colloquial “Blue train” moniker, a reference to the blue-painted steel carriages introduced in 1937, was formally adopted as the new name. In 1997 it was refurbished and re-launched.

Operations of Blue Train
The Blue Train is operated by Luxrail, a division of Transnet Freight Rail, South Africa’s national railway operator; plans are underway to privatize it.

Operations currently require two Blue Trains in operation. One is Northbound and the other in opposite direction, Southbound – allowing for daily departures from both ends of the route. The first train accommodates 74 guests in 37 suites. The second accommodates 58 guests in 29 suites and features a conference or observation car at the back of the train. The trains travel at a speed of 90 kilometres per hour (58,2 mph).

Blue Trains Luxury Experience

Lounges
The elegant lounge car with its large windows allows for panoramic views of the passing countryside. The interior, resplendent with original works of South African art adorning the walls, plush and comfortable couches and bouquets of flame lilies complementing the plush décor, makes the lounge car the ideal setting for sharing an apéritif with fellow guests, an interlude between meals, or after-dinner conversation over coffee.

The club car has the relaxed atmosphere of a gentlemen’s club, with card tables, a small library and a fully-equipped bar. Guests can watch a short film about the train’s route or enjoy a Cuban cigar and cognac before retiring for the night.

Suites
The Blue Train is the ultimate definition of luxury in motion. You’ll note it from the moment you step into your suite, which is transformed from an elegant, spacious lounge by day into a sanctuary of comfort at night.

The Luxury suites are more spacious, offering a choice between twin or double beds with bath facilities. The luxury suite also boasts a selection of compact discs and movies on DVD. They are equipped with 100% percale cotton linen, goose down duvets and pillows and private bathrooms with marble vanity basins, marble wall and floor tiles, gold fittings, and a choice of shower or bath.

Each suite is a world on its own, with individually controlled air-conditioning and an entertainment centre with a choice of movie and radio channels. The suites also have under-floor heating in the rooms and bathrooms.

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Best Train Journey's Around the World - II

In a time when the public are quickly losing faith in the railway networks due to continuous delays and increasing ticket prices (yet no apparent increase in service quality); we’re going to take a look at five of the best train journeys, and attempt to recapture the romance, adventure and luxury that railway trains used to (and still can if you know where to look), possess.  

The Toy Train, New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling, India

With its status as a World Heritage Site, the Toy Train - Darjeeling remains one of the most sacred vehicles in the steam engine industry. Travelling 30 miles from the steaming plains of Bengal to the edge of the Himalayas, the journey takes a staggering 9 hours, as the train never surpasses walking speed. This gives you plenty of time to take in the wonders of the Indian countryside, full of scenic landscape and sleepy villages. Built in 1881, its purpose was to escort the elite of the Raj out of an unbearably hot Calcutta to cooler climates. After gently chugging through India through the night, you are greeted towards the end of your journey by the sun, rising over Everest; a sight that a 9 hour train journey would definitely be worth sitting through.

The Blue Train, Cape Town to Pretoria, South Africa

 Built in 1946, The Blue Train is the longest established luxury train that still remains today. Its history is entwined with the gold and diamond discoveries of the 1940’s and 50’s, and continues to pass through the diamond capital of Kimberley. With recently refurbished carts, it offers exquisite luxury and comfort, while being able to take in the dusty plains of South Africa, with its plethora of Sahara trees and wild beasts. The experience is like a steam ran safari, allowing you to mix luxury travel with adventure.

Oriental and Eastern Express, Bangkok to Singapore, Eastern Asia

The iconic Orient express is still in service today. Departing Bangkok, the magnificent and legendary steam engine glides through the tropical landscapes of Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore. With scenery full orient mystery and adventure, on view are ancient temples, rubber plantations and rice paddies, as well as many bustling villages. One of the main attractions of the journey is the passing over the glorious river Kwai, with its rapid and glistening waters. The Orient Express is made up of 22 carriages, which includes 2 restaurants, an observation cart and 6 pullman cars. Ultimately it is a luxurious hotel on wheels. At night when the stars are on full view in the clear sky, fireflies can be seen wafting above the passing jungle’s canopy.

 

Article Credits: Authored by Lewis Corner on gentrystyle, For complete article read here