German ICE train.

[Stuwhu]

What do you get if you travel first class on the ICE train between Brussels and Koln/Cologne?? Any free food/drink??

 

[lemonic]

It is the usual ICE First Class offer between Brussels and Koeln. No free food or drink unlike Thalys (although in my experience the food can be hit and miss with Thalys). You do get at-seat service if you want to purchase food or drink though. However, you do get to use the DB Lounge at Koeln with free drinks, namely Coke/Fanta/Sprite/water and hot drinks.

 

[WestCoast]

That route is operated by the ICE3.

The first class accommodation is certainly more comfortable than second class. The wide leather seats are good with ample legroom.

You also have the choice of a compartment or the forward/rear viewing lounge.

Food and drinks are not included in the price, although you will receive a complimentary newspaper. However, an at-seat service is provided, as staff will deliver refreshments to your seat if you wish. This includes a proper meal from the dining car.

These ICE3 services have a dining car that 2nd class passengers are welcome to have a sit-down meal in, the food is quite good too.

www.seat61.com/ice.htm - scroll down to ICE3 for more info.

Thalys also operate on this route, and they offer free refreshments, but personally I prefer the ICE service (certainly in 2nd class).

 

[50041]

I used ICE1 and ICE2 trains both standard and first class this summer. It was a world away from the cramped ******-poor plastic tat that we have to put up with in this country.

 

[lemonic]

I used ICE1 and ICE2 trains both standard and first class this summer. It was a world away from the cramped ******-poor plastic tat that we have to put up with in this country.

Exactly and the ICE 3 proves that you can have a world class EMU if you want to. With lots of legroom, a good variety of large tables and airline seats, wide and spacious seats, Ihr Reiseplan... and this all in 2nd class!

Even the announcements are sensible, being roughly:
On departure from a station - Welcome, this train is going to x (if the train is splitting en-route a bit of extra information is given)
On arrival at a station - The next stop is y, all connections will be made (or if not, connectional info), the doors will open on the left/right side, thank you for travelling with DB.

 

[gordonthemoron]

AFAIR, the at seat service in ICE 1st Class is drinks & snacks, not full meals. The menu card available in the 1st class coaches is limited

This is the 1st class menucard

 

[STEVIEBOY1]

ICE trains are great, even in 2nd class, they also have screens showing the speed it is going.

 

[Goldfish62]

Exactly and the ICE 3 proves that you can have a world class EMU if you want to. With lots of legroom, a good variety of large tables and airline seats, wide and spacious seats, Ihr Reiseplan... and this all in 2nd class!

Even the announcements are sensible, being roughly:
On departure from a station - Welcome, this train is going to x (if the train is splitting en-route a bit of extra information is given)
On arrival at a station - The next stop is y, all connections will be made (or if not, connectional info), the doors will open on the left/right side, thank you for travelling with DB.

I agree - my favourite InterCity trains. Just a shame that DB is incapable of running on time.
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AFAIR, the at seat service in ICE 1st Class is drinks & snacks, not full meals. The menu card available in the 1st class coaches is limited

This is the 1st class menucard

And they serve you Weissbier in a proper glass! Yum!

 

[lemonic]

Just a shame that DB is incapable of running on time.

I agree that sometimes their punctuality isn't brilliant, though they are still normally on time. I think it is partly down to a lack of padding and also sometimes the willingness to hold connections (though I don't think this is a bad thing) that makes them seem later than British trains, though of course you have the usual problems e.g. signal failures from time to time too.

 

[WestCoast]

In Germany, I don't think they have the "it's not late until it's 5 or 10 minutes past the scheduled time" rules.

I agree that sometimes their punctuality isn't brilliant, though they are still normally on time. I think it is partly down to a lack of padding and also sometimes the willingness to hold connections (though I don't think this is a bad thing) that makes them seem later than British trains, though of course you have the usual problems e.g. signal failures from time to time too.

Their punctuality has slipped, although I don't think they are any worse in general than UK trains. The holding connections thing is a factor, which can be good or bad depending on your circumstances. In short, you won't please everyone.