Mainliner
Member
Another short report, which I thought might be of interest to anyone who is thinking of using the Caledonian Sleeper for the first time.
My journey was on Sunday 6 October. I had to be in Windsor for 9am on the Monday morning, which meant that I either had to travel down and stay overnight on the Sunday night or (thinking laterally) try using the sleeper from Edinburgh. (I had no wish whatsoever to get up half way through the night to catch the first flight to Heathrow, and I prefer using the train anyway.) I had wanted to try the sleeper for a while, so this was a good excuse, and I could leave home (North Tyneside) later than if I'd travelled south to stay over.
I caught an EC Mk IV train to Edinburgh (sadly no views of the coast in the dark) and arrived with over an hour to spare, so I firstly had a wander up to Princes St to admire the view up to the floodlit castle, walk past the Scott monument, and check out whether the tramway seemed ready
(which it did)!
Going back down to the station via the new-ish Waverley steps escalators (one flight of which was out of action), I headed for the East Coast lounge, having been told at the booking office I could use it as a sleeper passenger - not sure whether this strictly only applied to 1st class passengers (which I wasn't, but the friendly and helpful person at the lounge didn't ask).
A coffee and biscuit later, I headed out for the train, crossing the road which intriguingly runs between the platforms. I was admitted to my cabin and told that I'd be sharing. After leaving my stuff, I made for the lounge car, which I'd been looking forward to, having read about it.
The lounge was quite well occupied on leaving Edinburgh. I opted for a cheeseboard - quite nice, with four cheeses, grapes and crackers, and a half bottle of Chablis. After that, I selected a Highland Park whisky, which went down very nicely Following the shunting operation at Carstairs the lounge started to empty, and some of the Edinburgh/Glasgow staff came in for a chat.
Eventually heading back to my cabin, I found that I was not sharing after all, which I was rather relieved at, as it would certainly have been more than cosy to wash and dress in
I don't know whether there is any etiquette amongst regular travellers, but I would have unpacked what I was going to wear in the morning and taken it along to one of the loos, and washed and dressed there.
I wouldn't say I had an unbroken sleep, but the bed was comfortable enough, and as I enjoy travelling by train I didn't mind waking up now and again. I think in general terms the coaches are (not surprisingly) showing their age a bit, but it was a bit quieter and smoother than I had expected, although you do feel the curves! It will be interesting to see whether the winner of the new franchise decides to refurb or go for new stock. At any rate, it's good that the future of the sleeper is assured for another 15 years.
The morning coffee and biscuit were delivered on time, and I enjoyed these in bed. I was rather disappointed with the 'overnight pack' which consisted only of a 'towel' and soap (perhaps I'd expected more after reading about GWR's more generous provision). The 'towel' was the smallest and thinnest I'd ever seen, and I was glad not to be sharing, as I used the other one too. Memo to self and other users - take own towel in future.
Arrival at Euston was a bit late (over 20 mins I think), and the warning knock on the door came about 10 minutes before the 7.45 time given for leaving the cabin.
Overall, quite enjoyable, and I'd do it again, albeit better prepared, as mentioned. Plenty of scope for the new operator to add low cost enhancements such as a better overnight pack, and even a minimal breakfast, such as a roll or croissant.
My journey was on Sunday 6 October. I had to be in Windsor for 9am on the Monday morning, which meant that I either had to travel down and stay overnight on the Sunday night or (thinking laterally) try using the sleeper from Edinburgh. (I had no wish whatsoever to get up half way through the night to catch the first flight to Heathrow, and I prefer using the train anyway.) I had wanted to try the sleeper for a while, so this was a good excuse, and I could leave home (North Tyneside) later than if I'd travelled south to stay over.
I caught an EC Mk IV train to Edinburgh (sadly no views of the coast in the dark) and arrived with over an hour to spare, so I firstly had a wander up to Princes St to admire the view up to the floodlit castle, walk past the Scott monument, and check out whether the tramway seemed ready
(which it did)!Going back down to the station via the new-ish Waverley steps escalators (one flight of which was out of action), I headed for the East Coast lounge, having been told at the booking office I could use it as a sleeper passenger - not sure whether this strictly only applied to 1st class passengers (which I wasn't, but the friendly and helpful person at the lounge didn't ask).
A coffee and biscuit later, I headed out for the train, crossing the road which intriguingly runs between the platforms. I was admitted to my cabin and told that I'd be sharing. After leaving my stuff, I made for the lounge car, which I'd been looking forward to, having read about it.
The lounge was quite well occupied on leaving Edinburgh. I opted for a cheeseboard - quite nice, with four cheeses, grapes and crackers, and a half bottle of Chablis. After that, I selected a Highland Park whisky, which went down very nicely
Following the shunting operation at Carstairs the lounge started to empty, and some of the Edinburgh/Glasgow staff came in for a chat.Eventually heading back to my cabin, I found that I was not sharing after all, which I was rather relieved at, as it would certainly have been more than cosy to wash and dress in
I don't know whether there is any etiquette amongst regular travellers, but I would have unpacked what I was going to wear in the morning and taken it along to one of the loos, and washed and dressed there.I wouldn't say I had an unbroken sleep, but the bed was comfortable enough, and as I enjoy travelling by train I didn't mind waking up now and again. I think in general terms the coaches are (not surprisingly) showing their age a bit, but it was a bit quieter and smoother than I had expected, although you do feel the curves! It will be interesting to see whether the winner of the new franchise decides to refurb or go for new stock. At any rate, it's good that the future of the sleeper is assured for another 15 years.
The morning coffee and biscuit were delivered on time, and I enjoyed these in bed. I was rather disappointed with the 'overnight pack' which consisted only of a 'towel' and soap (perhaps I'd expected more after reading about GWR's more generous provision). The 'towel' was the smallest and thinnest I'd ever seen, and I was glad not to be sharing, as I used the other one too. Memo to self and other users - take own towel in future.
Arrival at Euston was a bit late (over 20 mins I think), and the warning knock on the door came about 10 minutes before the 7.45 time given for leaving the cabin.
Overall, quite enjoyable, and I'd do it again, albeit better prepared, as mentioned. Plenty of scope for the new operator to add low cost enhancements such as a better overnight pack, and even a minimal breakfast, such as a roll or croissant.
