A Luxurious Train Journey Hits a Halt
A three-day rail trip to Cornwall, which costs more than a holiday on the Orient Express in Venice, might lead one to expect a smooth and timely journey. However, the maiden voyage of Britain’s newest luxury sleeper train, the Britannic Explorer, has faced unexpected challenges. This has left its affluent passengers, who paid at least £22,400 for a ‘curated’ luxury weekend tour of the West Country, disappointed.
The launch of the rebranded 1970s train was marked by a glitzy three-hour champagne-fueled party led by actress Keira Knightley at London Euston station last Thursday. The inaugural trip was originally scheduled for the following day. Instead, the ten-coach train, now featuring bespoke carpets, plush furnishings, and commissioned artworks, was returned to a depot near Southampton for “final refinements.”
Some passengers reportedly paid up to £50,000 for a three-night stay in one of the train’s three ‘grand suites.’ Despite this, the train operator, Belmond, which also manages the Orient Express, has offered a full refund to affected passengers, including associated travel costs. However, they have not disclosed the exact reason for the delay of the Britannic Explorer’s first journey from London’s Victoria station to Penzance.
An enthusiast who attended the Euston station launch party noted that the train is an expensive venture in the UK. He said, “There’s obviously been some complications. But if I had paid £55,000 – which is what the most expensive cabin was for the trip – and then been told it was cancelled, I’d probably be a bit cheesed off.”
The train was seen at the Euston station launch party, with its top speed of 75mph. By Friday morning, it had already left Euston and returned to Eastleigh works near Southampton.
Train enthusiasts noticed issues during a test run on June 13 when the Britannic Explorer was brought to Victoria station. They observed problems with the retro-fitted automatic doors.
Belmond, owned by French luxury goods giant LVMH, states on its website that the Britannic Explorer will now be “introduced” on July 21 with a journey from London to mid-Wales. A company spokeswoman explained, “The adjustment to the schedule was due to final refinements being made to ensure the train operates at the highest possible standard. Our team is committed to delivering an exceptional experience.”
Despite the setbacks, the company remains focused on providing a high-quality service. The Britannic Explorer represents a significant investment in luxury rail travel, and its eventual success could redefine the standards of train travel in the UK. For now, passengers are left waiting for the promised journey, hoping that the delays will not affect their overall experience.
