Tourism Sectors:Train Industry Part 2 Flashcards
What do luxury trains offer in terms of accommodation?
They offer only sleeper accommodation with luxurious options and different sized compartments. Compartments usually have their own en-suite bathrooms. They also have luxurious lounges and dining cars.
Example of luxury trains include The Blue Train, Rovos Rail, Shongololo Express, and Premier Classe.
What additional services do luxury trains offer besides transportation?
They offer accommodation, meals, laundry services, and many other luxury services.
These trains are known for providing ‘transport as tourism’.
What are some features of the Blue Train?
Some features include card tables, ceiling fans, hot and cold water on tap, en-suite bathrooms with Italian marble, gold-plated fittings, under-floor heating, personal butler and 24-hour room service, GPS system, TV monitor, and interactive entertainment system.
The Blue Train can accommodate 74 guests in 37 suites in the first train set and 58 guests in 29 suites in the second train set.
What is unique about Rovos Rail?
Rovos Rail is a private railway company that operates from Capital Park Station in Pretoria. It runs on various routes throughout Southern Africa, from South Africa to Namibia and Tanzania. The train can carry 72 passengers in 36 suites.
Rovos Rail has two lounges, two restaurant cars, private sleeping compartments with en-suite facilities, and an observation car with open-air balconies.
What are some features of Shosholoza Meyl Premier Classe trains?
Premier Classe trains travel the routes Johannesburg- Cape Town- Durban- Johannesburg on a weekly schedule. They are air-conditioned and offer single-berth coupés, 2-berth coupés, and 4-berth family compartments. The fare includes bedding, luxury amenities, towels, and a classy meal package.
Premier Classe passengers use VIP lounges at the stations, and motor car transport is available for private cars on certain routes.
What are the accommodation options on Shosholoza Meyl trains?
Tourist Class sleeper cars have 2-berth coupés and 4-berth family compartments that convert to seating for daytime use. Solo travelers are booked into a 4-berth compartment. The trains are not air-conditioned but have windows that open for cool air circulation.
Each sleeper-coach has hot showers, lockable shower cubicles, and changing areas.
Seating for daytime use on Tourist Class trains
The leatherette benches convert to bunk beds at night. A washbasin with hot and cold water is stowed under the table.
Example: The benches can be converted into bunk beds for sleeping.
Facilities in each sleeper-coach on Tourist Class trains
Each sleeper-coach has a hot shower at the end of the corridor, with lockable shower cubicle and changing area.
Additional information: The shower facilities are shared among passengers.
Accommodation arrangements for solo travellers on Tourist Class trains
Solo travellers will be booked into a 4-berth compartment, sharing with three other passengers of the same gender.
Additional information: Solo travellers may share a compartment with other passengers.
Facilities in the Tourist Class restaurant car
The Tourist Class restaurant car serves snacks, drinks, and affordable meals. Selective convenient foods are available from the trolley service during the day and you may take your own food and beverages onto the train.
Example: Passengers can purchase snacks and drinks from the trolley service.
Information provided on train schedule
A train schedule provides information such as when the train will travel, the destinations it will travel to, and departure and arrival times.
Example: The train schedule indicates the specific dates of travel for each route.
Fares on luxury trains
Luxury train fares include the transportation and the luxurious accommodation, as well as all meals, drinks, and off-train excursions.
Additional information: Luxury train fares are higher due to the premium services provided.
