Caledonian Sleeper services

anti-pacer · 5 Jun 2013

Had a look at FSR's website today and was reading about their sleeper services. Having never used one, I was intrigued as to how SAFE the Standard Class berths are.

It seems apparent that you may have to share the cabin with a fellow passenger. Now, if I was sharing with a complete stranger, I would be worried about leaving my belongings in a 'cabin' whilst I went off to the lounge car, knowing that said stranger could be rifling though my bag/case.

Do they have many issues with this on their sleeper trains?

I would however, if travelling alone, be inclined to travel First Class to avoid this.

RailUK Forums

cjp · 5 Jun 2013

anti-pacer said:
Had a look at FSR's website today and was reading about their sleeper services. Having never used one, I was intrigued as to how SAFE the Standard Class berths are.

It seems apparent that you may have to share the cabin with a fellow passenger. Now, if I was sharing with a complete stranger, I would be worried about leaving my belongings in a 'cabin' whilst I went off to the lounge car, knowing that said stranger could be rifling though my bag/case.

Do they have many issues with this on their sleeper trains?

I would however, if travelling alone, be inclined to travel First Class to avoid this.

I have never worried about it in my youth but now I would hate to share.

From today's Scotsman

Jill McNicol, development manager with Moray Tourism, who also runs holiday accommodation near Inverness, said: Its a really disappointing service.

If it was up to scratch it would be fantastic, such as with showers and only single cabins so you did not have to share with someone you had never met before. It does not put Scotland in the best light, although the staff are great.

http://www.scotsman.com/news/transport/caledonian-sleeper-train-will-be-scotland-on-wheels-1-2747896

The premium for a First Class Berth is high and it makes it marginal as to either travel by day time train and be wined and dined or to get a budget flight.

I have no trouble sleeping in them and enjoy the experience - it almost like a "Beam me up Scotty" method of transportation.
Perhaps they are missing an advertising trick?

??

yorkie · 5 Jun 2013

anti-pacer said:
I would however, if travelling alone, be inclined to travel First Class to avoid this.

Or pay for a Standard Solo supplement (~£50), which will probably be cheaper than an inclusive 1st ticket.

The cabins are identical. But, in an attempt to differentiate them, the top bunk is still in position in Solo, while in 1st it's folded up.

Also you get something rubbish like a cheap bacon roll in 1st, but you're better off buying something better when you arrive anyway.

Essexman · 5 Jun 2013

Personally I wouldn't want to share, but there is a choice - possibility of sharing with cheapest tickets, own berth with solo or first class, or seats for lowest price. Offerring choice seems best to me.

Comments from Moray Tourisn bloke are disappointing. You don't have to share and there are showers on Inverness station. He should be encouraging use of sleeper not putting peopel off.

sheff1 · 5 Jun 2013

cjp said:
I have never worried about it in my youth but now I would hate to share.

Quite. I travelled round Europe without a qualm in my youth, but now I wouldn't even want to share with a mate, never mind a stranger. Nothing to do with perceived safety ... just that I value my privacy more now.

Cheds · 5 Jun 2013

anti pacer

So you go off to the buffet worried that your 'sharer' is going through your stuff. Meanwhile, perhaps your sharer doesn't dare to go to the buffet in case you do the same..........

Do we sit next to strangers on planes? Yes. Do we go to the loo? Yes. Do we worry about people going through our things?

I really don't see the difference. And meeting new people is part of travelling for me. Sad to see so little trust and acceptance.

Chapeltom · 5 Jun 2013

I've stopped in dorm rooms in hostels abroad and never had an issue with stolen items. Just make sure all money is on my person and any electronics are too, that's not paranoia, its common sense. I'd do the same in this country, if I had 100 quid in cash I'd not leave in my room, just as I wouldn't leave the front door open whilst I go to the shop!

anti-pacer · 5 Jun 2013

Cheds said:
anti pacer

So you go off to the buffet worried that your 'sharer' is going through your stuff. Meanwhile, perhaps your sharer doesn't dare to go to the buffet in case you do the same..........

Do we sit next to strangers on planes? Yes. Do we go to the loo? Yes. Do we worry about people going through our things?

I really don't see the difference. And meeting new people is part of travelling for me. Sad to see so little trust and acceptance.

A friend of mine suffered a robbery in the sleeper car of a Polish train.

It is sad you're right, and whenever we go camping there seems to be unconditional trust towards your fellow campers. However, not all people are honest and I would be cautious in this situation.

On a plane you just have hand luggage, and there are also several other passengers within eyeshot of your seat if you leave it, reducing any pickpocketing risk.

Cheds · 5 Jun 2013

anti pacer

If you travel on the sleeper you will find that the chances of anything more than hand luggage in the cabin are EXTREMELY limited! Cheers.

anti-pacer · 5 Jun 2013

Cheds said:
anti pacer

If you travel on the sleeper you will find that the chances of anything more than hand luggage in the cabin are EXTREMELY limited! Cheers.

I'll bear that in mind Cheds.

cjp · 5 Jun 2013

I like to have my own compartment not for reasons of fear.

I just like my privacy, being on my own, going to bed when it suits me getting up when it suits only me, having a midnight drink / snack reading, computing without having to think of someone else.
Selfishly doing as I want without troubling anyone else.

Be3G · 5 Jun 2013

The Caledonian sleeper has to be the most genteel method of transport in the UK; I wouldn't be surprised if not a single crime has ever been committed on it. My understanding is that most people don't even bother with the locks on their cabin doors.

yorkie said:
Also you get something rubbish like a cheap bacon roll in 1st, but you're better off buying something better when you arrive anyway.

There's a continental option too, which is pretty good croissant+jam+butter, fruit salad, yogurt, juice, hot drink, biscuits

Welshman · 6 Jun 2013

I don't think its so much a matter of fearing being attacked/robbed by a stranger, but of simply valuing our own personal space.

Hence those who can afford it may travel 1st Class instead of being crammed-in with everyone else [and certainly not for the standard of food offered, if another thread on this forum is anything to go by!]. On boarding a bus, even on our own, we make for the double empty seats first [although may offer to move if a couple arrive later and have to sit separately]. Even when queuing for the bus, we feel uncomfortable if someone stands too close to us.

And again, for something as personal as sleeping, we value our personal space, unless, of course, we know the other person intimately, and then it's a different matter!

work-traveller · 6 Jun 2013

I've travelled on the Highland Sleeper on my own (in a 1st berth) and with a friend (in a twin berth). Also travelled on the Cornish Sleeper with a friend (in a twin berth and solo cabins with interconnecting door).
Every time I've spent most the evening up until 12ish in the lounge, having left the cabin unlocked. Never felt uneasy about it and never had a problem.

38Cto15E · 6 Jun 2013

anti pacer
The Caledonian Sleeper has a 33% discount for First Class if you book before June 14th and travel before the end of August, great deal, check out their web site.

Waverley21 · 6 Jun 2013

Yes, even if you travel First or Solo, you can't lock/unlock your cabin door from the corridor without the assistance of the attendant. So, anyone could wander in while you're in the lounge. Best not to think about these things!

MacRae13 · 6 Jun 2013

Unless the capacity is required the staff will keep people in solo berths. So, travelling at the start/end of the week you're more likely to be sharing - how likely I don't know. Midweek I'd be surprised if you share.

cjp · 6 Jun 2013

Be3G said:
The Caledonian sleeper has to be the most genteel method of transport in the UK;
There's a continental option too, which is pretty good croissant+jam+butter, fruit salad, yogurt, juice, hot drink, biscuits

Not so good Wednesday morning:
No biscuits - were there ever?
The croissant is now a roll.
It is still very civilised if taken in comfort in the lounge watching the world go by and getting a top up for the hot drink

amcluesent · 6 Jun 2013

I'm on GLC-EUS this weekend, but travelling on a £99 FC return ticket for Advance members.

TBH, I couldn't cope with sharing with a stranger in that tiny cabin. I reckon Cat A prisoners would have more room in their cell, plus they have ensuite lavvy

bkhtele · 6 Jun 2013

Sharing is fine, often I have had cabIn to myself, empty berth. Really like sleeper, especially a beer & cheeseboard in the lounge car as you leave London.

Be3G · 6 Jun 2013

cjp said:
Not so good Wednesday morning:
No biscuits - were there ever?
The croissant is now a roll.
It is still very civilised if taken in comfort in the lounge watching the world go by and getting a top up for the hot drink

No biscuits!

I definitely got a shortbread finger or two when I travelled last summer. Scottish, naturally.

bnm · 7 Jun 2013

yorkie said:
Or pay for a Standard Solo supplement (~£50)

I'd say ~£60 as the actual price is £59.40.

IanXC · 8 Jun 2013

yorkie said:
Also you get something rubbish like a cheap bacon roll in 1st, but you're better off buying something better when you arrive anyway.

Its more of a mini cooked breakfast. Bacon, tomato, couple of mushrooms, small sausage, omelette, bread roll, orange juice and tea/coffee. I rather enjoyed it!

Be3G said:
There's a continental option too, which is pretty good croissant+jam+butter, fruit salad, yogurt, juice, hot drink, biscuits

Yep thats a good summary of the continental option.

causton · 8 Jun 2013

Waverley21 said:
Yes, even if you travel First or Solo, you can't lock/unlock your cabin door from the corridor without the assistance of the attendant. So, anyone could wander in while you're in the lounge. Best not to think about these things!

Somebody doesn't read the leaflets as thoroughly as me then

The attendant is more than happy to unlock your cabin for you if you lock it (rightly, you should, these days!) while you are gone, that is, if you don't have a member of railway staff with a key with you already! But seriously, the attendants are more than happy to unlock the doors (when I went a long time ago I remember them unlocking the door to give the wake up call and breakfast - good thing I was clothed!

IanXC · 8 Jun 2013

causton said:
But seriously, the attendants are more than happy to unlock the doors (when I went a long time ago I remember them unlocking the door to give the wake up call and breakfast - good thing I was clothed!

Although in 2011 I was "told off" by an attendant for locking my door. "You only need to do that when we are in London"!!

anti-pacer · 8 Jun 2013

IanXC said:
Although in 2011 I was "told off" by an attendant for locking my door. "You only need to do that when we are in London"!!

Why when you're in London?! :?

IanXC · 8 Jun 2013

anti-pacer said:
Why when you're in London?! :?

The implication was that London was the only part of the route where you were at risk of being the victim of crime!

matchmaker · 8 Jun 2013

Nan Dingle said:
I'm on GLC-EUS this weekend, but travelling on a £99 FC return ticket for Advance members.

TBH, I couldn't cope with sharing with a stranger in that tiny cabin. I reckon Cat A prisoners would have more room in their cell, plus they have ensuite lavvy

My last experience of a prison cell involved the use of a chamberpot!

amcluesent · 9 Jun 2013

I'm on the 21:40 GLC-EUS tonight (Sun 9th), anyone know when boarding is likely to commence with the early dept. due to WCML engineering?

Edit, it was 21:10

gunn13 · 9 Jun 2013

Took the GLC-EUS sleeper on Friday night there with my girlfriend and daughter. Was a lovely journey. I find it very hard to believe there could be any crime on the sleeper; just cannot imagine it.
It was our first sleeper journey so I did think about how safe it would be before we went; but it was absolutely fine.
I actually did bring my key just in case I wanted to lock the door if we went for a wander around the train but never ended up using it.

Caledonian Sleeper services

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