BT
Blue Train
Unclaimed Business
BT
Blue Train
Unclaimed Business
0 Reviews (last 12 months)
Does not respond to reviews
Performance(last 12 months):
Ranked In Travel & Vacation
#9NPS Score
0Unlikely
Ranking
#9
in Travel & Vacation
NPS Score
0
Recommended: Unlikely
Recent reviews (0)
Used this business recently? Share your experience to help others decide.
Used this business recently? Share your experience to help others decide.
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JP A
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
4 Sept 2021, 14:02
The Blue Train is another South African Airways in the making: derailing is a matter of time
I have been trying for 5 weeks to get hold of the Blue Train staff. I have emailed, whatsapped, phoned staff and even sent messages on their website. Out of the numerous attempts I got hold once of a staff member, since then they vanished in a black hole. It is quite clear that the Blue Train is another South African Airways in the making but then on rails or should we say derailed. There are already rumors that this once South African icon is on the brink of bankruptcy and that is not a surprise knowing that its owner has 26 billion+ debts (yes, double than the other government owned enterprise Eskom). I would be very unwise to book the Blue Train as you will likely end without a refund, just like SAA pulled customers a leg. It is the end of an era and another South African government failure.
Helpful (0)
|Replies (0)JA
JP A
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
4 Sept 2021, 14:02
The Blue Train is another South African Airways in the making: derailing is a matter of time
I have been trying for 5 weeks to get hold of the Blue Train staff. I have emailed, whatsapped, phoned staff and even sent messages on their website. Out of the numerous attempts I got hold once of a staff member, since then they vanished in a black hole. It is quite clear that the Blue Train is another South African Airways in the making but then on rails or should we say derailed. There are already rumors that this once South African icon is on the brink of bankruptcy and that is not a surprise knowing that its owner has 26 billion+ debts (yes, double than the other government owned enterprise Eskom). I would be very unwise to book the Blue Train as you will likely end without a refund, just like SAA pulled customers a leg. It is the end of an era and another South African government failure.
0
Replies (0)LB
Lindie B
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
1 Sept 2021, 06:08
Blue about the Blue Train
Adverts look great, YouTube videos look fantastic... However, the lounge needs an upgrade and whilst the entertainment was very good, the canapés were just not up to even 4-star standard (and cold). Worst part: We were supposed to board at 13:30 with no other communication. Then at 14:00 an announcement was made with a lame excuse that all passengers will be transported with busses (Covid-19!) to the Sheraton for a lunch whilst waiting for the train to arrive and will be kept updated.... no commitment to timelines. What a pity once an aspirational bucket list item has become the victim of poor management.
Helpful (0)
|Replies (0)LB
Lindie B
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
1 Sept 2021, 06:08
Blue about the Blue Train
Adverts look great, YouTube videos look fantastic... However, the lounge needs an upgrade and whilst the entertainment was very good, the canapés were just not up to even 4-star standard (and cold). Worst part: We were supposed to board at 13:30 with no other communication. Then at 14:00 an announcement was made with a lame excuse that all passengers will be transported with busses (Covid-19!) to the Sheraton for a lunch whilst waiting for the train to arrive and will be kept updated.... no commitment to timelines. What a pity once an aspirational bucket list item has become the victim of poor management.
0
Replies (0)JH
Johan H
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
23 Jun 2021, 08:23
BLUE TRAIN NOT THE 5 STAR THEY ADVERTISE TO BE
We were booked through OnHoliday.co.za to travel on the Blue Train from Cape Town to Johannesburg Thursday 6th to 8 May 2021 As required we were at the Cape Town Blue Train Reception Lounge by 11:00 on 6 May. Where we were forced to stay for about 6 hours. The only refreshments available was coffee, tea and sparkling wine ,with very limited supply of eats. We asked for cool drinks or juice but was told it was on the train. At boarding time of 13.30 and on enquiry we were told there is a slight delay as they were waiting for the arrival of the chefs and some crew. That turned out not to be the case as in fact the train had not been able to reach Cape Town from Paarl due to cable and signal challenges. But that they already knew on Wednesday as it was reported on the news. I phoned Onholiday offices on Wednesday to enquire about this but was told everything is in order . With proper planning a bus(es) could have been arranged to depart from Cape Town at 13:30 to take us to Paarl/Muldersvlei where we could have arrived just after 14:00. Instead we left Cape Town at about 17:00 in ubers in peak traffic to arrive at Muldersvlei after 19:00. Next thing there was no water in the couch and no alternative arrangement was made. Water could only be replenish at 10:00 on Friday 7th May at Beaufort West Causing another hour’s delay on the journey. The Blue Train indemnifies them by saying nothing is guaranteed. But they do advertise “breath-taking views of the country side”. Travelling through the vineyards at night, we did not see these views and did not experience the thrill of the tunnels. The Kimberley excursion which everyone looked forward too was cancelled, but we still experienced a lengthy wait at Kimberley . The next disaster was waiting somewhere south of Johannesburg from 10:00 on the 8th due to “challenges.” They told as about the challenges and that it could take 4 to 5 hours to resolve with an expected time of arrival in Pretoria of between 15:00 and 16:00. If they had arranged a bus(es) then we could have been in Pretoria before 13:00. At 12:30 (our expected arrival time in Pretoria) we re-arranged our pick up transport to collect us in Pretoria at 16:00. Only much later and after further enquiry after 17:00 we were told it would be 20 minutes from Koedoe****rt. By we were not told about the delay to move the Engine to the other side of the train. We again had to re arrange our pick up transport which was already waiting at Pretoria station. This time for 18:30. No facilities were provided by the Blue train for people waiting at Pretoria station. The Blue Train reception was locked and there was almost complete darkness when the train eventually arrived there. During this whole ordeal there was very limited communication and progress/planning information provided to travellers. Unlike the logistics the hospitality and kitchen staff, the food and drinks on the trail was absolutely brilliant and we cannot thank them enough for that. The train itself also needs attention if it is to be regarded as 5 star. After two letters we did receive an letter of apology from the Blue Train. Apologising for the things out of their control but no apology for the things under their control as listed above. We asked for a refund but they offered us a gift which we have not received yet. Thing is being the Blue Train we just expected so much more. Yours sincerely JOHAN H HAUPT +27825741656
Helpful (0)
|Replies (0)JH
Johan H
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
23 Jun 2021, 08:23
BLUE TRAIN NOT THE 5 STAR THEY ADVERTISE TO BE
We were booked through OnHoliday.co.za to travel on the Blue Train from Cape Town to Johannesburg Thursday 6th to 8 May 2021 As required we were at the Cape Town Blue Train Reception Lounge by 11:00 on 6 May. Where we were forced to stay for about 6 hours. The only refreshments available was coffee, tea and sparkling wine ,with very limited supply of eats. We asked for cool drinks or juice but was told it was on the train. At boarding time of 13.30 and on enquiry we were told there is a slight delay as they were waiting for the arrival of the chefs and some crew. That turned out not to be the case as in fact the train had not been able to reach Cape Town from Paarl due to cable and signal challenges. But that they already knew on Wednesday as it was reported on the news. I phoned Onholiday offices on Wednesday to enquire about this but was told everything is in order . With proper planning a bus(es) could have been arranged to depart from Cape Town at 13:30 to take us to Paarl/Muldersvlei where we could have arrived just after 14:00. Instead we left Cape Town at about 17:00 in ubers in peak traffic to arrive at Muldersvlei after 19:00. Next thing there was no water in the couch and no alternative arrangement was made. Water could only be replenish at 10:00 on Friday 7th May at Beaufort West Causing another hour’s delay on the journey. The Blue Train indemnifies them by saying nothing is guaranteed. But they do advertise “breath-taking views of the country side”. Travelling through the vineyards at night, we did not see these views and did not experience the thrill of the tunnels. The Kimberley excursion which everyone looked forward too was cancelled, but we still experienced a lengthy wait at Kimberley . The next disaster was waiting somewhere south of Johannesburg from 10:00 on the 8th due to “challenges.” They told as about the challenges and that it could take 4 to 5 hours to resolve with an expected time of arrival in Pretoria of between 15:00 and 16:00. If they had arranged a bus(es) then we could have been in Pretoria before 13:00. At 12:30 (our expected arrival time in Pretoria) we re-arranged our pick up transport to collect us in Pretoria at 16:00. Only much later and after further enquiry after 17:00 we were told it would be 20 minutes from Koedoe****rt. By we were not told about the delay to move the Engine to the other side of the train. We again had to re arrange our pick up transport which was already waiting at Pretoria station. This time for 18:30. No facilities were provided by the Blue train for people waiting at Pretoria station. The Blue Train reception was locked and there was almost complete darkness when the train eventually arrived there. During this whole ordeal there was very limited communication and progress/planning information provided to travellers. Unlike the logistics the hospitality and kitchen staff, the food and drinks on the trail was absolutely brilliant and we cannot thank them enough for that. The train itself also needs attention if it is to be regarded as 5 star. After two letters we did receive an letter of apology from the Blue Train. Apologising for the things out of their control but no apology for the things under their control as listed above. We asked for a refund but they offered us a gift which we have not received yet. Thing is being the Blue Train we just expected so much more. Yours sincerely JOHAN H HAUPT +27825741656
0
Replies (0)NP
JR
Jean R
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
11 Feb 2020, 17:47
Wonderful trip - appalling administrative managment
The Blue Train trip was a wonderful experience. Luxury accommodation, excellent food and wine, fresh flowers and a live saxophonist playing in the lounge. The staff were well trained and very friendly. Unfortunately the Blue Train's office is appalling. The train arrived 7 hours late, so we missed our connecting flights. Also they lost an item of our baggage. For 4 weeks I have been trying to get a response from them in this regard, so that I can institute an insurance claim. But they have been completely unresponsive.
Helpful (0)
|Replies (0)JR
Jean R
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
11 Feb 2020, 17:47
Wonderful trip - appalling administrative managment
The Blue Train trip was a wonderful experience. Luxury accommodation, excellent food and wine, fresh flowers and a live saxophonist playing in the lounge. The staff were well trained and very friendly. Unfortunately the Blue Train's office is appalling. The train arrived 7 hours late, so we missed our connecting flights. Also they lost an item of our baggage. For 4 weeks I have been trying to get a response from them in this regard, so that I can institute an insurance claim. But they have been completely unresponsive.
0
Replies (0)