The Blue Train General Information
Check – In :
Guests are kindly requested to check in one hour prior to departure. Check – in takes place in The Blue Train VIP lounges situated at Cape Town and Pretoria stations. There are also welcome desks at the Victoria Falls, Hoedspruit and Port Elizabeth stations.
Suite Facilities :
Individually controlled air-conditioning, remote-controlled television monitor, telephones, room-safes and hair dryers are standard in each suite. The television monitor is concealed above the wardrobe.
Safes :
Safes are provided in all suites. While every precaution is taken, The Blue Train cannot be held liable for items left unattended in suites.
Luggage :
It is advisable to pack an overnight case for the journey as only a limited amount of luggage can be stored in your suite. Your butler will store additional baggage in the luggage van. Although great care will be taken, we recommend that you take travel insurance to cover any eventuality.
Electricity :
The electric supply on board is 220 volt. Light switches are located at the door and the bed-side table.
Telephone Service :
The telephone in your suite will allow you to dial the manager or a butler 24 hours a day. Should you wish to make an external call, please contact the Train Manager or your butler, who will gladly assist you. The cost of your external calls and faxes are not included in the fare.
Laundry :
Limited on board laundry and valet service is available to ensure that The Blue Train guests look their best for dinner. Please contact your butler for assistance.
Dining :
All meals and snacks are included in the fare. Should you require a snack please contact your butler. Lunch and dinner are usually served in two sittings, while breakfast is at your leisure.
Special Dietary Requirements :
Kindly specify any special dietary requirements at the time of booking. We would be delighted to accommodate culinary requests.
Drinking Water :
It is advisable that The Blue Train guests do not drink water from the tap. Bottled water is supplied in each suite. Your butler will provide you with more on request.
Dress Code :
The stylish luxury of The Blue Train is conducive to dressing up for dinner. Evening wear is elegant for ladies and gentlemen are required to wear jacket and tie. For other meals, dress is casual.
Lounges :
The lounge car is designed as a meeting place for pre/post lunch and dinner drinks. Afternoon tea is also served in the lounge car while the club car is ideal for a post-prandial cognac or cigar. The bar opens as soon as the train commences its journey and closes when the last guest departs. All drinks are included in the fare, except for certain imported beverages which can be purchased from your butler.
Smoking :
Smoking is only permitted in designated suites and the Club Car. The lounge and dining cars are smoke-free zones.
First Aid :
Trained first aid personnel are on-board at all times. In the event of an emergency, doctors and emergency personnel can be contacted at the various stations en-route.
Gift Shopping :
Jewellery pieces, souvenirs and various gifts are available for sale in The Blue Train boutique on the train.
Gratuities:
Guests who wish to show their appreciation may leave a gratuity in the box located in the lounge car, at the end of the journey. Gratuities are shared on a points system among The Blue Train personnel on board.
Malaria :
Guests who plan to travel across the South African borders are advised to consult their pharmacist/doctor regarding their planned time of travel and destination.
Passports and Visas :
A ten-year British or EU passport is essential for travel to South Africa and must be valid for at least six months after your intended date of return. In addition, your passport must contain two blank pages. British Citizens travelling to South Africa do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days. It is your responsibility to ensure that all your travel documents are in order and in your possession when travelling.
However, regulations can change and it is the responsibility of the traveller to check that they have all the appropriate documentation prior to travel. Further information can be found at https://www.worldtravelguide.net and further UK passport information can be found at www.ukpa.gov.uk. Any non UK nationals should check with the South African Embassy for passport/visa regulations.
Political and other conditions can also vary over time in different countries and travellers are advised to check with the Foreign Office regarding any travel advice prior to travelling.
Insurance :
Travel insurance is essential for ensuring peace of mind. Luxury Trains will be happy to supply you with details of an applicable insurance cover.
Technicians :
Two engineers always accompany The Blue Train to ensure a trouble-free journey at all times. They will happily share their technical knowledge with train enthusiasts.
The Train Manager :
The Train Manager is on call at all times. Please do not hesitate to contact him should you require assistance or information pertaining to your journey.
Languages :
South Africa has 11 official languages. English is widely spoken and understood.
