Reintroduction of Boat Trains

[AussieVoyager]

I saw this article in relation to a Boat Train running to meet QV in January 2009. Did anyone here travel on it? And has anyone heard of plans to reintroduce the run (as suggested in the article?)

 

Quote:

Train Chartering makes tracks

& makes waves with The Cruise Saver

Travel Express to Queen Victoria

9th January 2009

Train Chartering has provided Cruise Saver Travel with an exclusive First Class Pullman dining train from Manchester, Birmingham and Oxford to and from Cunard's Queen Victoria in the Port of Southampton, the first time for decades that a 'boat train' has visited the Western Docks' Mayflower Terminal, pulling up alongside a cruise ship or liner.

The private train's First Class air-conditioned intercity carriages have panoramic windows, sound-proofing, good suspension, armchair seats and full-size tables, all of which contribute to a comfortable environment for Pullman dining and good conversation.

Train Chartering provided a more appropriate way than coaches or normal train travel for customers to join Queen Victoria for a luxury Christmas and New Year cruise.

Luggage was loaded into the train's baggage cars on arrival at each station and then delivered direct to passengers' cabins on Queen Victoria.

From the comfort of their First Class seats, passengers were checked in by Cunard personnel travelling on the train, which avoided queuing in the Mayflower terminal.

A brass band playing Christmas favourites greeted the train as it arrived, on time, beside Queen Victoria at the red-carpeted platform dressed with festive decorations.

The return journey went without incident, the train providing a direct, hassle-free and relaxing end to a perfect 3-week cruise on one of the world's most luxurious ships.

Nearly 200 passengers on each journey all enjoyed fine dining, chef-prepared on board and served by uniformed stewards. Several customers commented that the standard of the cuisine and service was comparable to that onboard Queen Victoria.

Simon Pielow of Train Chartering believes that the time is now right for the re-introduction of the Ocean Liner Express service, For over 10 years, Train Chartering's private trains have been making tracks - the best way to travel on earth; now we are also making waves, with the Cruise Saver Travel Express to Queen Victoria! What better way is there to join a cruise?

[capnpugwash]

What a fantastic idea, the ultimate way to travel to the cruise terminal. I live too close to Southampton to use it, but I would love to try it out.

[guernseyguy]

the first time for decades that a 'boat train' has visited the Western Docks' Mayflower Terminal, pulling up alongside a cruise ship or liner.

 

Not quite that long ago.....I've taken it three times in the past five years. Cunard used to offer it - but they never marketed it properly so did not have the volume of business for VSOE to want to run it. Its an excellent way to arrive - unfortunately the train tracks only run to the QEII Terminal - not the new Ocean Terminal which is where QM2/QV/QE will generally sail from.

 

Peter

[david,Mississauga]

Although last winter's test run of the boat train was successful, the promise of further boat trains is not likely to be achieved in the near future. The November issue of Railway Magazine has an article about the "Ocean Liner Express."

 

A few excerpts from this article: "UK Railtours (UKR) had planned to re-introduce the services this year ... The first coach (a First Open) to carry the new 'Ocean Liner' livery was displayed at the 'Eastleigh 100" event in May with the promise by DRS to operate a series of trains in conjunction with cruise liners from Southampton ... But DRS then had difficulties getting the train ready for the 'Ocean Liner' work and Cunard decided not to run the trains, which were to have operated from this autumn."

 

From our first trip to the UK in 1973 up until the early 1990s we usually used boat trains to and from Southampton. This convenience is sorely missed. They were quite cheap as well, offering both first class and second/standard carriages. As we almost always travel with a Britrail Pass, there was no surcharge for these trains, although the trains operated in conjunction with P&O's Canberra became first class only by the late 1980s. Sadly, we did not get a chance to use the VSOE boat trains that met Cunard ships for a few years. I know Cunard offer a convenient motor coach transfer to and from London (for US$80) but we prefer the train, even though we now have to take a taxi to or from Southampton Central.