The Blue Train
A Window to the Soul of South Africa
The Blue Train - Luxury Train
Journeys in South Africa
The Blue Train has an aura of
mystique about it. Kings and presidents have travelled on this magnificent
moving five-star hotel. Its very name has become synonymous with the ultimate in
luxury and personal service.
The routes of The Blue Train - both scheduled and chartered - take guests
through some of the most breathtaking countryside to be found anywhere in the
world. As the ever-changing scenery flashes past the windows, guests can savour
exquisite meals freshly prepared on board by top chefs. Our meals are
complimented by the best wines South Africa has to offer.
The suites on The Blue Train live up to its reputation for magnificence and
splendour. The finest bed linen, marble tiles and gold fittings in the bathrooms
and sheer opulence all ensure that guests will never forget the time they spend
on The Blue Train.
When you choose to travel on The Blue Train, you choose to travel in a world of
grace, elegance and romance.
Blue Train
In ensuring that your experience is
as reliable and sound as it is luxurious, safety and technical excellence are of
paramount importance on The Blue Train.
All the suites, and every public area on the Blue Train, are fitted with constantly monitored
smoke detection systems. Two highly qualified technicians are always on board,
and the trains are thoroughly serviced at the Pretoria depot after every return
trip.
The Blue Train's suspension, braking, lighting and under-floor heating systems
have been designed and customised with our guests' comfort as the primary
consideration, allowing them to savour the experience of a smooth, pleasurable
ride.
Every modern convenience, including a telephone service and a choice of digital
entertainment channels, serves to make the journey all the more memorable.
The Trains
Our luxurious journeys are made
possible by two Blue Train sets. The first train accommodates 82 guests in 41
suites. The second accommodates 74 guests in 37 suites and features a conference
or observation car at the back of the train.
The trains travel at a speed of 90 kilometres per hour (58,2 mph). Both are 336
metres (433 yards) long and consist of 18 carriages, 11 of which are for the use
of the guests. The weight of each train is approximately 825 metric tons,
excluding the locomotives.
They each carry 31 000 litres (6820 gallons) of water. Two diesel-powered
generators - one of which is always on standby - are used to supply The Blue
Train's demanding power requirements.
The kitchen car is a masterpiece of stainless-steel design. The fully
air-conditioned car features walk-in cool rooms and freezers, ensuring that
wines and hors d'oeuvres remain at optimum temperatures.
Luxury Blue Train Experience
All the public cars are fitted with
gas-filled air-conditioning systems. A standard internal temperature of between
20 to 21°C (70 to 72°F) is maintained throughout the journey.
For the comfort of guests, each suite has individual temperature controls which
range from 18 to 24°C (65 to 77°F). These systems are water-cooled and each
suite has its own fresh air intake.
During cold periods, all systems are provided with heating cycles from the
air-conditioning units, as well as under-floor heating. Heating systems have
been fitted under the marble tiles of most of the bathrooms.
EMERGENCIES
There is a first-aid worker on board and contingency medical plans
have been put into place should an emergency arise. There are also doctors on
standby en route.
FACILITIES
Fax facilities are available in the train manager's office. There are also
facilities for mailing letters, as well as stamps and The Blue Train postcards.
A camera mounted on the front of both trains gives guests a driver's-eye-view of
the scenery ahead. The unfolding journey is shown on a TV screen in the club car
and on one of the TV channels so guests can view it in their suites.
Each suite is also equipped with a cellular communication telephone which can be
used for phone calls and to reach train staff.
The Blue Train has a central intercom system which is used for making relevant
announcements.
STAFF AT YOUR SERVICE
On each journey, a team of highly qualified and specially trained
hospitality staff run The Blue Train. These include, train manager, rooms
division supervisor, restaurant supervisor, executive chef, sous chef, butlers,
waiters/barmen as well as kitchen staff.
The Blue Train management team is at your service to ensure that each guest has
a memorable experience on the journey.
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