Ultra-luxury train operator Belmond has cancelled its inaugural UK journey for the second time this month.
The Britannic Explorer, a ‘pioneering new sleeper train’, was due to depart from London Victoria yesterday (Monday, July 21) at 3.45pm, on a scenic journey to Wales through the west of England and the Cotswolds.
However, the night before, passengers were informed that the trip had been cancelled.
This isn’t the first time the train dubbed ‘The New British Icon’ has run into problems.
On July 4, a three-day journey to Cornwall – which was supposed to be the launch – was also cancelled.
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While it’s not clear why, Belmond did reveal that all passengers received a refund.
Associated travel costs were also reimbursed, alongside assistance in rebooking a new journey. Which, for many, was meant to be yesterday.
Ticketholders were expected to be drawn from across Europe, as well as Asia and North America.
A spokesperson told Metro that, after careful consideration, they had made the ‘difficult decision’ to postpone the inaugural journey, originally scheduled for July 21st, to a later date this summer.
They revealed that during the routine pre-trip protocol checks over the weekend, they encountered unforeseen technical issues related to the door mechanism.
Despite the ‘dedicated efforts’ of Belmond’s engineering team, the issue could not be resolved in time.
‘As a result, we had to make the difficult decision to cancel the trip. As always, guest welfare and reliability of our train operations remain paramount.’
The spokesperson said affected guests were once again offered a full refund, along with a complimentary future journey aboard the Britannic Explorer in 2025 or 2026.
Related expenses incurred as a result of the cancellation will also be covered by the company.
‘Our team worked closely with each guest to arrange immediate alternative accommodation where needed,’ they concluded.
So, as passengers wait for news about the next trip, here’s everything we know about the luxury locomotive.
How much does the Britannic Explorer cost?
Travellers can choose between three and six-night journeys, both of which come at eyewatering cost.
For example, a three-night trip from London to Wales, travelling through Eryri National Park (Snowdonia) to the Pembrokeshire coast, starts from £6,300 per passenger. This is based on a Twin Suite.
A six-night journey through Welsh and Cornish landscapes starts from £12,600 per passenger, based on the same suite.
And for the top-class Grand Suite, it’s a staggering £61,200 for the full six nights.
What can passengers expect on the sleeper train?
The train is a revamped version of the Grand Hibernian train, which originally operated by Belmond between 2016 and 2021 in Ireland.
Guided by the prices, travellers can expect to live in the lap of luxury for the duration of their trip.
According to the website, the train is ‘lavish yet laid-back,’ and offers the ‘best of British contemporary design, innovative cuisine and wellness.’
The train has two dining cars: Malva and Samphire, which are inspired by the English meadow. The menu has been curated by British Michelin star chef, Simon Rogan, and includes seasonal menus and locally-sourced ingredients.
There’s also a botanical-inspired bar in the Observation Car serving cocktails and craft beer. It’s described on the website as the ‘stylish social epicentre.’
Of course, there’s also an on-board spa, where passengers can enjoy a massage while passing through the English countryside.
As for the accommodation, there are three 9.6m² Grand Suites available that come with a personal butler.
Private arrival and departure transfers are also part of this package, alongside an en-suite bathroom with a marble basin and shower cubicle.
Grand Suites start from £15,300 per person.
Double and Twin Suites can be purchased, too. These start from £6,300 and £5,200, respectively.
Though a private butler is out of the question here, passengers can marvel at signed art by English visual artist and designer Luke Edward Hall.
What journeys are available on the Britannic Explorer?
Have lots of cash to splash? The Britannic Explorer offers a series of journeys curated to ‘experience the beauty and diversity of England and Wales.’
These include the aforementioned three nights in Wales, three nights in the Lake District, and three nights in Cornwall.
The longer six-night journeys travel through Wales and Cornwall, or the Lake District and Wales.
Passengers won’t be stuck indoors the whole time, either. Ticket prices also include off-train activities, all of which showcase the local culture of each region.
From wild swims and yoga sessions in Cornwall to mastering the art of pint pulling in the Cotwolds, there are also galleries and rugged hikes on the agenda, too.
When it eventually sets off, of course.
