I dont understand this bizarre and unprecedented concept that marketing should be based on reality.
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Caledonian Sleeper
- Thread starter Essexman
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nlogax
Established Member
Marketing should at least have some sort of vague link to the product it supports.
It does. They have had to aim for high spenders to make the economics even vaguely credible, so the marketing has to appeal to them.
"Its an OK way to get to Edinburgh really early" isnt going to work.
They need to fix the problems, not the marketing. Whatever you market it as the customers arent going to pay that much and then tolerate all the bits falling apart on the train and the lack of food etc.
nlogax
Established Member
By all means the product needs fixing but even if that happens I'd argue that the product will still bear no resemblance to some of the marketing. It's closer to a Premier Inn on bogies, not a Waldorf Astoria. No amount of high spending clientele will fix that.
If the high spending clientele keep turning up it doesn't need fixing.
We are in an event culture now. Tick it off, stick the photos on Instagram - its almost more important than whether you actually enjoy it!
nlogax
Established Member
Can't disagree with that statement, though it's a part of society I completely struggle with on a daily basis!
I'd argue that it does need fixing, but only to the point that what is provided is better than the average train service, not necessarily to the point that it's better than the average hotel. As long as it's "good enough" to be something different then they'll be able to keep the event-driven clientele happy. The people who "do" the Sleeper, rather than the people who use it as a regular means of transport.
Butts
Veteran Member
Very perceptive, just look at those soap powder adds on TV and a multitude of other products.
At least with the CS you won't get from London to Edinburgh like I did last night and find your baggage (or anyone else's) hasn't accompanied you on the journey
trainbow
Member
- Joined
- 14 May 2019
- Messages
- 20
To be honest, in my experience it's a bit of both. On the journey I mentioned, it was Serco who could have provided some kind of customer service recovery from not being able to offer the service that I had paid for, but chose to just say 'sorry' and do nothing except just get me to the destination by bus. That would not have cut it in my past hospitality jobs.
On a happier note, I got moved from room 10 to room 7 on my journey back down, and slept like an absolute dream, arriving in London actually feeling refreshed. It can happen!
(So much so that I was still awake in the pub at midnight that day...)I was room 6 but moved to room 10. Any reason why they do this? Is it because I'm on a cheaper ticket ?To be honest, in my experience it's a bit of both. On the journey I mentioned, it was Serco who could have provided some kind of customer service recovery from not being able to offer the service that I had paid for, but chose to just say 'sorry' and do nothing except just get me to the destination by bus. That would not have cut it in my past hospitality jobs.
On a happier note, I got moved from room 10 to room 7 on my journey back down, and slept like an absolute dream, arriving in London actually feeling refreshed. It can happen!
Probably something not working properly in your original room.
Or they're sadists who believe you should be located nearer the door sounder
And next to the toilet!Probably something not working properly in your original room.
Or they're sadists who believe you should be located nearer the door sounder
John Bishop
Member
………and above the bogies!Probably something not working properly in your original room.
Or they're sadists who believe you should be located nearer the door sounder
Yes, was quite noticeable at times. I did wonder if we were on jointed track at times. I did get some sleep!
Door sounder wasn't as loud as feared, but did notice the sound of water sloshing about. The lounge car was out of action I think, confusing wording in text. Was room service only by the text.
Ear plugs are the answer to most of these issues!
Forgot all about them. I haven't been able to sleep with them in before. Compared to previous sleeper journeys I didn't notice much movement while in the bed.Ear plugs are the answer to most of these issues!
nlogax
Established Member
Certainly not the ones supplied in the CS amenity packs. Recommend going with noise cancelling earbuds.Ear plugs are the answer to most of these issues!
Deepgreen
Established Member
Nothing is impossible - we did coast-to-coast by train in Canada several years ago and our luggage was left on the platform at Halifax. It was flown to us in Montreal!Very perceptive, just look at those soap powder adds on TV and a multitude of other products.
At least with the CS you won't get from London to Edinburgh like I did last night and find your baggage (or anyone else's) hasn't accompanied you on the journey
Ran empty as 5M16 to join up with the other portions from Edinburgh.
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:93763/2021-12-27/detailed#allox_id=0
John Bishop
Member
Fault with the set so ran empty.
backontrack
Established Member
From this thread I seem to get the impression that the Caledonian Sleeper is permanently dysfunctional. Is this the case?
Siemens Trains
Member
- Joined
- 29 Nov 2018
- Messages
- 626
No, not permanently dysfunctional. There are quite a few posts on this thread outlining why readers can form such an incorrect impression.
Amongst the bad reviews you should also have found examples of trips completed according to schedule and reviews from satisfied guests.
backontrack
Established Member
That's good to hear! Thank you.
Many posts in This thread are heavily against the sleeper, but look elsewhere and you'll find much more balanced and actually many positive reviews. YouTube is a good place to find multiple trip reports.
I noticed that this Sunday/Monday they are diverting via the North London line between the ECML and Wembley Yard.
Has this happened before? I don't think it will happen again in the current timetable up to 8 May, but any idea if it might later in the year?
Has this happened before? I don't think it will happen again in the current timetable up to 8 May, but any idea if it might later in the year?
It usually happens on Sunday Night / Monday Morning around June but also at other times when the WCML is closed at a point where a more localised diversion isn't feasible.
There are various ECML works for the January to March period so sleeper diversions aren't likely in the short term.
Looking at RTT, the sleepers appear to be going via the ECML on the weekend of 2/3 April and the following five weeks. This, for Newcastle, on the morning of 4 April.
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/se...4/0000-2359?stp=WVS&show=all&order=wtt&toc=CS
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Is there anything due to be diverted via Manchester/Bolton at anytime