Blue Train mess

I

Insider

Senior Member
Joined
Apr 13, 2005
Messages
570
Reaction score
0
Location
Roodepoort
I've heard this story second hand and wonder if anyone can confirm it.

Recently the luxury blue train left Johannesburg with all its 5 star guests on board - only they forgot to hook up the kitchen or dining room coach. Halfway to Cape Town the conductor realises the mistake, stops the train at some godforsaken town and treats everyone to Kentucky. The same guests could not return on the blue train as something broke and they were then flown back to Johannesburg. Also - the guests did not get a refund after this fiasco.

Questions: Surely the kitchen staff would realise they are left behind and ask the control room to call the train back within a few minutes.
or
The railways can send a locomotive with the units to catch up.
or
Dinner and breakfast can be booked at decent restaurants in town along the way.
and
A full refund is paid.

I cannot believe such a prime attraction will drop to such standards?
 
I'm sorry Ma'am, you asked for an extra piece, but we can only offer you a streetwise 2.

Btw, are you going to eat those chips?
 
I find this story quite odd. I have been on the blue train a while ago and read that all the coaches are connected, and due to the build cannot be easily detached. Besides the kitchen was somewhere in the middle coach.
http://www.africasafari.co.za/Blue_Train/facts.htm


The service was excellent. Staff really go out of there way to help, with 7 star service, so even if the kitchen was left behind or disfunctional, i dont think KFC would be the meal of choice. I find the allegation quide hard to believe- sorry.
 
Insider said:
I've heard this story second hand and wonder if anyone can confirm it.

Recently the luxury blue train left Johannesburg with all its 5 star guests on board - only they forgot to hook up the kitchen or dining room coach. Halfway to Cape Town the conductor realises the mistake, stops the train at some godforsaken town and treats everyone to Kentucky. The same guests could not return on the blue train as something broke and they were then flown back to Johannesburg. Also - the guests did not get a refund after this fiasco.

Questions: Surely the kitchen staff would realise they are left behind and ask the control room to call the train back within a few minutes.
or
The railways can send a locomotive with the units to catch up.
or
Dinner and breakfast can be booked at decent restaurants in town along the way.
and
A full refund is paid.

I cannot believe such a prime attraction will drop to such standards?
Click to expand...

It has to be a joke, right?
I cannot believe it is true!!!
Do you have a link to a source? article or anything?
 
Yeah I doubt such a luxury train would treat them to KFC, or not offer a refund.
 
Its about R10 to R20k per person depending on season and coach chosen (Ct to PTA). but just check for discounts. That price includes everything from good meals to very expensive drinks and cigars.

Its a bit over rated for locals though, and its usually full of foreigners.
 
Still, its like 2 days and 1 night. Doesnt seem worth it.
 
cbrunsdonza said:
Its about the experience like Rovos Rail. Also book yourself into a 5 star hotel for 2 nights and your bill would also be in this range.
Click to expand...

The Rovos Rail far outstripped the Blue Train. I dont even think its fair on the Blue Train to compare it to the Rovos Rail.

I'm hoping to take my wife on the Rovos up to Vic Falls next year for our 8 year anniversary.
 
Madman88 said:
The Rovos Rail far outstripped the Blue Train. I dont even think its fair on the Blue Train to compare it to the Rovos Rail.

I'm hoping to take my wife on the Rovos up to Vic Falls next year for our 8 year anniversary.
Click to expand...

With the price of petrol in Zimbabwe, you may as well take the train..

I heard Rovos is marginally better, but the 5 star train thing just doesnt do it. Rooms and everything else is small, narrow and cramped (as you would expect it to be). I'd prefer a 5 star hotel or camp: Ulusaba, Sabi etc
 
Madman88 said:
The Rovos Rail far outstripped the Blue Train. I dont even think its fair on the Blue Train to compare it to the Rovos Rail.

I'm hoping to take my wife on the Rovos up to Vic Falls next year for our 8 year anniversary.
Click to expand...

I've always wanted to go on Rovos - its still my dream to do it one day
 
muzee said:
Its about R10 to R20k per person depending on season and coach chosen (Ct to PTA). but just check for discounts. That price includes everything from good meals to very expensive drinks and cigars.

Its a bit over rated for locals though, and its usually full of foreigners.
Click to expand...

...and I thought the Bergen train-ride in Norway was expensive. :eek:
 
muzee said:
Its about R10 to R20k per person depending on season and coach chosen (Ct to PTA). but just check for discounts. That price includes everything from good meals to very expensive drinks and cigars.

Its a bit over rated for locals though, and its usually full of foreigners.
Click to expand...

They often have "Local" specials that are discounted for SA residents.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top
Sign up to the MyBroadband newsletter
X