Virgin Voyager First Class Questions

[drevil0208]

I am in the midst of planning a trip using BritRail 1st Class passes for myself and my 2 kids.

I’ve done this numerous times before, but this is my first time with kids.

Anyway, I’m planning a day trip from London to Chester Zoo. I was looking at the 7:10 from Euston to Chester (weekday in March). From Virgin’s reservation system this looks to be a 5 car Voyager.

How busy are 5 car Voyagers with only the single first class car? Do they have non-reservable seats like the Pendolinos?

I’m hoping that you can still make free seat reservations with a BritRail pass once I’m there and can get a table seat for my kids and I.

Thanks

 

[Bletchleyite]

If you want a table you're more likely to manage it by asking for a reservation in the "hybrid coach" next to First Class. It's Standard, but it's entirely tables for 4.

 

[drevil0208]

If you want a table you're more likely to manage it by asking for a reservation in the "hybrid coach" next to First Class. It's Standard, but it's entirely tables for 4.

We have a first class rail pass though.

 

[Bletchleyite]

We have a first class rail pass though.

In the UK, First Class tickets are valid in Standard accommodation if you so choose.

At 7am on a Tuesday northbound you'd probably have a more than reasonable chance of walking up and claiming one of those "hybrid coach" tables without reservation.

 

[gsnedders]

I've only once been on a Voyager on the WCML, and that was at the northern end, but leaving Glasgow there were only two people in 1st, and it later got up to about half a dozen people. I wouldn't be overly worried about getting a seat, based on that experience!

 

[Merseysider]

Virgin will make free reservations for you if you contact their telesales.

Bookings may not yet be open for March though.

 

[gordonthemoron]

as the 7:10 only goes as far as Chester, I doubt it'd be that busy

 

[Polarbear]

There may be a few business types on their way north (Chester does have a number of companies based there, MBNA bank and M&S finance being two), but I doubt first class would be fully occupied.

As advised, I suggest making seat reservations as there aren't many tables or bays of four in 1st on a Voyager.

 

[p.d87]

On voyagers available seating for walk up passengers tends to be seats 4 to 12. All others are used for reservations.

 

[tiptoptaff]

In the UK, First Class tickets are valid in Standard accommodation if you so choose.

At 7am on a Tuesday northbound you'd probably have a more than reasonable chance of walking up and claiming one of those "hybrid coach" tables without reservation.

Although the OP would be unlikely to get their breakfast service, which is a major plus point of first class.

 

[Andrew*Debbie]

As advised, I suggest making seat reservations as there aren't many tables or bays of four in 1st on a Voyager.

Agree.

Seat bookings may only be available 12-weeks out.

The 9:10 is a 10-car voyager with two first class carriages. It is more popular though as it is the first off-peak train and it goes through to Holyhead.

 

[Bletchleyite]

Although the OP would be unlikely to get their breakfast service, which is a major plus point of first class.

That is true.

 

[Andrew*Debbie]

Although the OP would be unlikely to get their breakfast service, which is a major plus point of first class.

I wouldn't turn breakfast down, especially on the 7:10. TBH the food isn't that good. Fine but not special in any way. VT recently changed coffee suppliers. The new stuff is better.



I only book 1st if there is a bargain advance fare. We usually reserve two seats at a standard class table in Coach D.

 

[tiptoptaff]

I wouldn't turn breakfast down, especially on the 7:10. TBH the food isn't that good. Fine but not special in any way. VT recently changed coffee suppliers. The new stuff is better.



I only book 1st if there is a bargain advance fare. We usually reserve two seats at a standard class table in Coach D.

The OP is getting a Britrail pass so is obviously a tourist, and for a tourist I would guess having a full meal (for which they have paid) is all part of the experience.

 

[Andrew*Debbie]

For the OP:

First Class menus here --> https://www.virgintrains.co.uk/experience/first-class/menu
My last 1st class weekday trip was in September. I haven't tried the current menu.

Weekends just have a snack and tea, coffee or water. VT keep changing the weekend food. My last 1st class weekend (June) the snack was inedible. On other trips it was surprisingly good.

The First Class Lounge at Euston opens at 07:00. Thats about the same time as they will announce a platform for the 07:10.

 

[Andrew*Debbie]

The OP is getting a Britrail pass so is obviously a tourist,

Often I feel like a tourist even though I've lived here 10 years.

I've been trying to find a good excuse to take Y Gerallt Gymro/Gerald of Wales* Business Class Bangor <--> Cardiff . It is one of the very few trains that still has an on-board chef. At the moment it is locomotive hauled with refurbished Mark 3 carriages. Changes coming in 2019???


Maybe the OP can come to North Wales after the Chester Zoo and then travel business class down to Cardiff?


https://tfwrail.wales/business-class

We offer Business Class on selected services between Holyhead and Cardiff. Enjoy a complimentary cooked breakfast on the southbound morning service, and a 3-course meal on the northbound evening service. Our on-board chefs use fresh produce, much of it sourced in Wales. And we have a range of wines, champagne and spirits available to buy.

* I know Arriva changed the name to Premier Service. Boring. I hope TfW change it back.

 

[Bletchleyite]

I've been trying to find a good excuse to take the Y Gerallt Gymro/Gerald of Wales* Business Class Bangor <--> Cardiff . It is one of the very few trains that still has an on-board chef. At the moment it is locomotive hauled with refurbished Mark 3 carriages. Changes coming in 2019???

3 trains per day (I think) in each direction using Mk4 rather than Mk3 sets.

 

[Andrew*Debbie]

That would be a nice improvement over the 2 carriage DMUs we sometimes get. I never take the Cardiff trains past Chester but even the 3 carriage sets can be standing room only.

My introduction to The Gerald was around 2009 when it pulled into Chester. I had a standard return to Bangor. I was completely surprised. Guard let me peek into First Class. It was like stepping back in time.

 

[krus_aragon]

On personal experience, the evening catering northbound is more substantial than the breakfast southbound. I've only done the latter once, but asked after another round of toast to fill me up (which was provided without hesitation).

The expected 3 trains each way come the end of 2019 haven't had their catering provision confirmed publicly yet: there might not be lunch served on the middle train, for example. But that all feels like the distant future compared to the rolling stock shortages we've got at the moment.

 

[Chrism20]

For the OP:

First Class menus here --> https://www.virgintrains.co.uk/experience/first-class/menu
My last 1st class weekday trip was in September. I haven't tried the current menu.

Weekends just have a snack and tea, coffee or water. VT keep changing the weekend food. My last 1st class weekend (June) the snack was inedible. On other trips it was surprisingly good.

The First Class Lounge at Euston opens at 07:00. Thats about the same time as they will announce a platform for the 07:10.

May also be worth pointing out to the OP that the picture of the first class breakfast on the website is for the Pendolinos rather than the voyagers.

Voyager great British breakfast looks more like the one in the link below.

https://www.railforums.co.uk/attachments/img_1147-jpg.31706/