 South
Africa boasts a major international tourist attraction with
the re-launch (September 26/27, 1997) of a magnificent new
Blue Train, voted "The World's Leading Luxury Train"
at the World Travel Awards, for four consecutive years.
This is not merely a train but combines the luxury of one
of the world's leading hotels with the charm of train travel.
Think of it as an all inclusive luxury rail cruise with
an opportunity to view  South
Africa's spectacular landscapes and visit interesting tourist
attractions along the way. Once you are on board The Blue
Train, you will not need an extra penny except to acquire
personal gifts such as exquisite jewellery and The Blue
Train branded momentos.
Take a journey into a timeless world of
grace, elegance and romance, where spectacular scenery
stirs your imagination and luxurious comfort soothes your
body and soul. Sit back, de-stress and relax. This unique
luxury recreation and business experience takes you where
you want to go in an endless, five-star splendour. It
pauses only to pick up prestigious  World
Travel awards for being a cut above the rest and the Diner's
Club accolade for its connoisseur selection of South African
wines. The Blue Train cuisine puts sheer good taste on
a plate while butler personal attention puts you
on a pedestal. It's a journey of a lifetime for those
who appreciate finer things in life. .........
Southern Africa has always attracted adventurous and romantic
souls - discerning travellers who crossed the land in
as much comfort as possible. But it was not until 1928,
when the first luxury train was introduced between Johannesburg
and Cape Town that truly, luxurious train travel became
a reality.
Facts About The Blue Train
- The Blue Train is owned by Transnet
Limited, a South African state owned public company through
its subsidiary, Spoornet.
 -
Hospitality planning consultants on the re-designing
of the new Blue Train project included Trisha Wilson,
chief executive officer of Wilson & Associates, a
world renowned interior design company responsible for
hotels such as the Grand Floridian in Disneyworld and
The Palace of The Lost City at Sun City in South Africa.
- The
most frequent route for The Blue Train is between Pretoria
and Cape Town, where on average it travels three times
a week. It also operates between Pretoria and Victoria
Falls in Zimbabwe, Cape Town and Port Elizabeth (Garden
Route), and Pretoria and Hoedspruit in Mpumalanga/Eastern
Transvaal (Valley of the Olifants/Safari land) on a less
frequent basis. Pretoria is The Blue Train's central departure
station.
- The
Pretoria-Cape Town is an overnight journey of 1 600 kilometres
(994 miles) long. The route is a 27 hour journey through
some of the most diverse and spectacular scenery the sub-continent
has to offer. Southbound off-train excursions include
the diamond town of Kimberley, explore the Big Hole and
the Diamond Museum. Northbound, visit the small town of
Matjiesfontein, which includes the famous Lord Milner
Hotel and the Old Car Museum.
-
The Pretoria-Hoedspruit is
another overnight journey stretching over 530 kilometres
(329 miles).
-
The Pretoria-Victoria Falls
journey is 1596 kilometres (991 miles) long; guests get
to spend two nights in the lap of luxury.
-
The Cape Town-Port Elizabeth
journey offers two nights on board and covers a total
of 1068 kilometres (663 miles). The Blue Train takes you
on a 2-night, one-day journey between Cape Town and Port
Elizabeth over the majestic Outeniqua Pass - stopping
at Oudtshoorn for a memorable off-train excursion, explore
the Cango Caves and an Ostrich farm, ending at a local
restaurant which prides itself on serving typical South
African cuisine.
- Over
the next 25 years, the two Blue Trains are expected to
cover approximately 12 million kilometres (7,5-million
miles).
-
The Blue Train sets can travel
up to a speed of 110 kilometres per hour (68 miles per
hour).
-
One Blue Train set with 11
guest coaches can accommodate up to 82 passengers, while
the second one with 10 guest coaches can accommodate up
to 74.
-
Each Blue Train set is 380
meters (416 yards) long and has 18 carriages.
From coupling to coupling the coaches are 21,168 meters
(68 feet, 8 inches) long, 380 millimetres (I foot, 3 inches)
longer than the standard stock.
-
The Blue Train coaches are
2,9 meters (9 feet, 5 inches) wide, 50 millimetres (2
inches) wider than the standard South African passenger
train rolling stock. With thinner body sides, there is
an interior gain of 88 millimetres (3,5 inches). This
was invaluable to the interior designers who, given extremely
confined spaces to work with, valued every extra millimetre.
-
All the public cars are fitted
with gas filled air-conditioning systems. The temperature
is centrally adjusted to a desired coolant temperature,
between 18°C to 24°C.
-
The accommodation cars are
fitted with water cooled systems. Each suite has its own
fresh air intake and individual coolant systems. All suites
and passages have temperature adjusters (between 18°C
to 24°C) and air speed regulators.
During cold periods, all the systems are provided with
heating cycles, not only from the air conditioning unit
but also via under floor heating. Heating systems have
been fitted to most of the bath rooms, these are fitted
under the marble tiles.
Each suite has its own bathroom with either shower or
bath. Two luxury coaches with three suites per coach have
bathrooms with tubs; while the other nine de-lure coaches
with four suites per coach, have one suite with a bath
and the other three with showers.
-
The beds have been custom-designed
for The Blue Train. A butler pulls them out ready-made
from a space in the suite wall, converting the lounge
into a comfortable bedroom. White cottons sheets and duvets
are standard throughout. 10 suites feature double beds
on the first train set and 9 on the second.
-
Guests on The Blue Train
get to receive special branded gifts at the end of the
journey.
-
There is a first-aid worker
on board and a contingency medical plan should an emergency
arise, as well as doctors on standby en route.
-
The Dining Saloon provides
seating for 42 people. There are two sittings for lunch
and dinner. Lunch is smart-casual, dinner is jacket and
tie for men and elegant for ladies, while breakfast is
casual and free-flowing.
-
Each Blue Train set has two
lounges: the main Lounge Car in which high tea is served
each afternoon, and the Club Car, where guests can relax
over a post-prandial cognac. The club car is the only
public area available to smokers. The second Blue Train
set also has a conference coach which can accommodate
up to 22 delegates, offering modern audio visual and technical
equipment for a high level business meeting or small conference.
When not utilised for the primary purpose, it can also
be converted to an observation lounge car
-
Each train set carries 31
000 litters (6 820 gallons) of fresh water for guest use.
-
Luxury suites have hi-fi,
CD and video systems.
-
Fax facilities are available
in the train manager's office. Also, facilities for mailing
letters are available on the train as well as stamps and
The Blue Train postcards.
A camera mounted on the front of each train gives guests
a driver's-eye view of the scenery ahead. The unfolding
journey is shown on a giant screen in the Club Car and
on one of the TV channels for private viewing in the suite.
Also, each suite is equipped with a cellular communication
telephone which can also be used to reach train staff.
-
On each journey, The Blue
Train is run by a team of highly qualified and specially
trained hospitality staff. These include, train manager,
rooms division supervisor, restaurant supervisor, executive
chef, sous chef, butlers, waiters/barmen as well as kitchen
staff. Staff are accommodated in coaches in the middle
and end of the train.
-
To ensure the comfort of
The Blue Train guests, two technicians accompany each
train to perform maintenance and service functions en
route.
-
The Blue Train has a central
intercom system which is used for making relevant announcements.
Suites
With interiors created by a leading interior architectural
design company, The Blue Train will rival many a five-star
hotel in terms of elegance, grace, comfort and style.
The suites have been superbly redesigned to offer discerning
guests the best that modern technology and superior craftsmanship
can provide. Each Blue Train suite has a fully appointed
en-suite, featuring either a bath or a shower. All suites
are equipped with telephone, television monitor and individually
controlled air-conditioning. A video channel allows guests
to access short documentaries about the area through which
the train is travelling.
The suites are fitted with water cooled
air-conditioning system. Each suite has its own fresh
air intake and individual coolant system. The passages
are also air-conditioned with the same systems. Both suites
and passages have the temperature adjusters and air speed
regulators for individual preferred setting. During cold
periods, all the systems are provided with heating cycles,
not only from the air conditioning unit but also via under
floor heating.
De-Luxe Accommodation:
Choice of twin-beds suite with a shower or a double-bed
suite with a three-quarter size bath.
Luxury Accommodation:
Choice of twin-beds or double bed, and a full size bath
with hand shower. Luxury suites are also equipped with
CD players and video machines.
Important Pre-Departure Information
All-inclusive rates
With the exception of Caviar, French Champagne and external
telephone calls, everything else on board The Blue Train
is included in the all-inclusive rate.
Beds
The beds fold out of the panel concealing the seats under
it. Should guests require their bed to be made during
the day, please ring for a Butler.
Boutique
Souvenirs and gifts are available for sale in the Boutique
situated in the first luxury suite in coach 13. Guests
are advised to speak to their Butler with regards to operating
hours or a private appointment with the Boutique Manager.
Should any international guest make a purchase of R500
or more they will be entitled to a 14% vat refund.
Butlers
Each coach has a Butler whose pleasure it will be to ensure
that guests enjoy a memorable experience. Butlers are
available 24 hours a day for the duration of the journey.
Check-in
Please check-in one hour prior to departure. Check-in
takes place in The Blue Train VIP lounges situated at
Cape Town and Pretoria stations. Guests embarking on The
Blue Train’s Port Elizabeth to Cape Town route will
be welcomed and checked-in at a hotel in Port Elizabeth,
before being transferred by bus to the station.
Check-out
Half an hour before you reach your destination, the Train
Manager will announce the procedures regarding luggage
collection and disembarkation. Should you require assistance
with land arrangements, please contact the Train Manager.
Children
Children aged 2-years and younger is to share with parents
or responsible adult supervision. No special meal menus
are available for children. A strict children policy is
applicable on board the train.
Climate
The train is fully air-conditioned and the temperature
is individually controlled within the suite. The temperate
in the public areas (e.g. lounges and dining car) is centrally
controlled. With the exception of the Cape Peninsula,
southern Africa is a summer rainfall area with an average
daily maximum temperate of between 25 and 30 degrees Centigrade.
Although winters are generally mild, temperatures can
drop to below freezing over night.
Conferences
The conference facility seats up to 22 delegates, offering
technical support systems in the aid laptop ports, multimedia
outlets, photocopying, fax and projectors. Special rates
apply.
Dining
All meals and room-service snacks are included in the
rate. Should guests require a snack please contact the
butler. Lunch and dinner are usually served in two sittings
and caters for 42 guests per sitting, while breakfast
is served between 7am and 10am at your leisure.
Disabled people
One train set is compatible for disabled persons. Customised
wheelchairs on board The Blue Train have been specifically
designed to negotiate the train’s corridors. A Butler
will be on-hand to assist guests should they require.
Double beds
Due to the limited number of double beds it is advised
that guests specify their preference upon reservation.
Dress code
In keeping with tradition it is a compulsory custom to
dress formal for dinner to match the sheer elegance of
The Blue Train. Eveningwear is elegant and gentlemen are
requested to wear a jacket and tie. During the day dress
is smart casual.
Drinking water
Bottled water is supplied in suite. Butler will provide
more water on request.
Electricity
The electricity supply on board is 220 volts. Light switches
are located at the door and the bedside table.
First aid
Trained first aid personnel are on-board at all times.
In the event of an emergency, doctors and first aid personnel
can be contacted at the various stations en-route.
Gratuities
To show appreciation at the end of the journey, guests
may leave a gratuity in the box located in the Lounge
Car. Gratuities are shared on a points system between
The Blue Train personnel on board.
Guest amenities
Basic guest amenities are provided in the bathroom of
the suite.
Languages
South Africa has 11 official languages. English is widely
spoken and understood.
Laundry
A limited on-board laundry and valet service is available
and is included in the rate. Please contact a butler for
assistance.
Lounge Car
The Lounge Car is designed as a meeting place for pre-lunch
and dinner drinks and afternoon tea and is a no smoking
area, while the Club Car is ideal for a post-dinner Cognac
or Cuban cigar. The bar opens as soon as the train commences
its journey and closes when the last guest departs.
Luggage
It is advisable to pack an overnight case for the journey,
as only a limited amount of luggage can be stored in suite.
Butlers will store additional baggage in the luggage car.
Although great care will be taken, it is recommended that
luggage be insured.
Malaria
If you plan to travel across the South African border,
guests are advised to consult their medical advisor about
anti-malarial precautions and other necessary medication
pertaining to the time of travel and destination.
Off-the-train excursions
Excursions offered as part of The Blue Train experience
are included in the all-inclusive rate. Guests are advised
to wear comfortable shoes during the excursion. To enquire
about the itinerary, please contact the Butler.
Room service
Room service is available free of charge, except for the
speciality menu.
Safes
Safes are provided in all suites. While every precaution
is taken, The Blue Train cannot be held liable for loss
of valuable items left unattended in suites.
Smoking
Smoking is only permitted in the Club Car. All Suites,
the Lounge and Dining Cars are strictly smoke-free zones.
Special dietary requirements
Kindly specify any special dietary requirements at the
time of booking. The Blue Train is happy to accommodate
all culinary requests.
Suite facilities
All suites offer en suite facilities featuring either
a private shower or bath. Guest may choose between a De
Lure or Luxury suite. Individually controlled air-conditioning,
remote controlled television, telephones and room safes
are standard in each suite. Hairdryers are available on
request. The television is concealed above the armoire.
A remote control and individual headsets are located in
the nightstand.
Telephone calls
The international telephone in suite will allow guests
to dial the Train Manager or butler 24-hours a day. Should
guests wish to make an outside call, please contact the
Train Manager or Butler, who will assist. The costs for
external calls and facsimiles are not included in the
rate.
Technical
Two technical representatives are on board to ensure a
trouble-free experience. They will happily share their
knowledge with train enthusiasts.
Time
South Africa is +2 hours GMT (summer time).
The Train Manager
The Train Manager is on call at all times. Please do not
hesitate to contact him/her should guest require assistance
or information pertaining to the journey.
Visas
Guest’s travel agent or tour operator will assist
in obtaining the necessary visas for destinations. The
Blue Train offices are regrettably unable to assist with
visas. Our reservation personnel will, however, gladly
direct guests to the relevant authority.
RATES
Bookings can be made up to 12 months in advance. A 10% deposit (25% for 5 suites or more) is due within 7 working days after confirmation. The Blue Train must receive full payment at least 60 days (weekends and public holidays included) before the date of travel if the reservation is made more than 60 days prior to the date of travel. If bookings are made on or earlier than 60 days before the date of travel, full payment is due within 5 working days after confirmation of the booking is received from The Blue Train. Payments may be made by bank guaranteed cheque, internet transfer, credit card or bank draft drawn in SA Rands.
- Rates are per suite, inclusive of all meals, high tea, drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) and off-the train excursions (excluding French Champagne, caviar and external telephone calls). Reservations for children on request only.
- Maximum two guests per suite
- Arrival times and off-the train excursions cannot be guaranteed
- Special requests for meals (e.g. Kosher and Halaal) to be specified at time of reservation
- Bed preference (double or single) to be specified when making a reservation, as double beds are limited
- Guests are requested to check-in 1 hour prior to departure at The Blue Train lounges in Pretoria and Cape Town. Guests departing from Port Elizabeth are checked in at a hotel and transferred to the station. Please enquire about the location of hotel when making your reservation.
2008 RATES
Pretoria - Cape Town/Cape Town - Pretoria (One Way, 1 night & 1 day) 01 September - 15 November
Luxury Per Person Sharing: R11,550
Luxury Per Person Single: R17,170
Deluxe Per Person Sharing: R10,605
Deluxe Per Person Single: R15,900
01 January - 31 August & 16 November - 31 December
Luxury Per Person Sharing: R9,285
Luxury Per Person Single: R13,925
Deluxe Per Person Sharing: R8,595
Deluxe Per Person Single: R12,890
2009 RATES
Pretoria - Cape Town/Cape Town - Pretoria (One Way, 1 night & 1 day)
01 September - 15 November
Luxury Per Person Sharing: R12,380
Luxury Per Person Single: R18,405
Deluxe Per Person Sharing: R11,370
Deluxe Per Person Single: R17,045
01 January - 31 August & 16 November - 31 December
Luxury Per Person Sharing: R9,955
Luxury Per Person Single: R14,930
Deluxe Per Person Sharing: R9,215
Deluxe Per Person Single: R13,820
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