Q: How long has GrandLuxe Rail Journeys been in business?
A: GrandLuxe Rail Journeys, (formerly American Orient Express) has been in operation since 2006. A private company, GrandLuxe Rail Journeys operates independently of Amtrak and the various North American rail lines, but works closely with these companies for locomotive power and access to scenic routes throughout the United States and Canada.
Q: Is the GrandLuxe Rail Journeys affiliated with the Venice-Simpleon Orient Express or any other international or domestic rail companies with similar names?
A: GrandLuxe Rail Journeys is not affiliated with VSOE or any other rail company.
Q: How large are the cabins, and how much luggage should I bring?
A: Our cabins range from the original Pullman Car upper-and-lower bed accommodations to our Grand and Classic Presidential Suites, which are larger cabins and appointed with showers and lower beds (all cabins are appointed with private sink and water closet). Closet and storage space is limited; therefore, a modest amount of clothing is sufficient. We recommend one medium-sized bag and a small carry-on. Soft-sided luggage is strongly encouraged for storing purposes.
Q: What do I wear while on board the train?
A: Both day and evening attire is casual. In other words, pack comfortable clothes and walking shoes. For safety reasons, open toed shoes and high heels are not recommended. Dresses and jackets are not required at dinner; however, some passengers prefer to "dress-up" in the evening.
Q: What will the weather be like while on tour?
A: We make a point to travel through regions when the weather is mild. During the early and late periods of certain seasons, a coat may be handy.
Q: Kitchens on trains are small. How do you prepare such exquisite gourmet meals?
A: In the tradition of the great streamliner trains, the GrandLuxe Rail Journeys has given much consideration to menu preparation and presentation. The logistics of maintaining a fine quality dining experience for up to 120 passengers daily presents specific challenges for the chefs, but they pull it off exquisitely. They are masters of innovation and what is served a plate garnish one day might be utilized in a soup, chutney or glaze the next. Each culinary staff member functions in multiple capacities and roles. With a kitchen that, at times, travels the tracks at speeds of up to 80 miles per hour, the culinary staff may find themselves performing amazing feats of balance and precision. Remarkably small in size, the fully appointed stainless-steel kitchens aboard the train can be found buzzing with activity well before dawn and into the late-evening hours, preparing as many as 400 meals a day.
Q: What type of entertainment is provided on board?
A: We consider the great scenery of the United States as the best possible form of entertainment, but we also have an accomplished pianist on board who performs an extensive repertoire of background music and sing-along tunes. All trips also feature experienced tour lecturers.
Q: What is the recommended gratuity for the staff?
A: Aboard the GrandLuxe Train, the gratuities received are pooled and distributed, by a formula, among the service staff. Although tipping is very much a personal choice, passengers frequently ask for general guidelines. We find that on average each passenger provides $15 per day gratuity for the staff as a whole.
Q: Is the train wheelchair-accessible?
A: The GrandLuxe Train was refurbished before the American Disabilities Act; and therefore, it does not comply with ADA standards. Certain safety regulations affecting the design of the train may cause difficulty for persons with limited mobility. The carriages cannot accommodate wheelchairs or most walkers. The hallways in the sleeping carriages are 23 inches wide, and doorways leading into the cabins are 18 inches wide.
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Q: Is smoking allowed on board?
A: The GrandLuxe Train is a smoke-free train. However, smoking is permitted in the open-air vestibules between select cars.
Q: Do cabins have bathrooms in them?
A: All cabins feature a private toilet and basin. Both the Grand and Classic Presidential Suites also feature a private shower. Each sleeping car offers a comfortable shower room located at the end of the hall.
Q: How can one become a member of the Golden Rail Club?
A: Once passengers have traveled aboard the GrandLuxe Train, they automatically become members of the Golden Rail Club. This membership affords special savings, added-value and unique experiences on future tour packages. A few of the value-added features of the Golden Rail Club include a $300 per person savings, which can be combined with the Early Booking Discount for even greater savings, a 10-percent savings on on-board purchases including liquor and souvenirs, and an additional $100 per person savings per rail journey for each family member or friend that books and travels with them on the GrandLuxe Train.
Q: Are children allowed onboard?
A: We welcome children, ages 8 and older, on board the train. Children, ages 8-17, will receive a 50% discount off the published fares, when sharing a cabin with two full fare adults. A 25% discount, off the published fare, will be given to children 8-17 if sharing a cabin with one full fare adult.
Q: Are all meals included?
A: Most meals are included in the cost of the package. Meals that are included are noted at the end of each day’s itinerary. (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner).
Q: Are special diet entrees available?
A: In order that we may do all that is possible to accommodate your request, special diets should be specified either at the time of booking or on the Personal and Health Information Forms included in the Preliminary Document Package mailed prior to travel.
Q: Are pets allowed onboard?
A: No pets or animals are permitted on board the train.
Q: What happens if I need to cancel my trip?
A: Deposits are refundable, less a $250 per person cancellation fee, until 60 days prior to departure. Less than 60 days prior to departure, no refunds can be made (including, but not limited to, additional components such as hotel nights, airfare and optional tours). GrandLuxe Rail Journeys highly recommends trip insurance coverage for its passengers.
Q: What is included in the price?
A: First day welcome orientation • introductions and briefing • nights on board the GrandLuxe Train • farewell reception on the train • all meals as described in the brochure • soft drinks on board the train • complimentary house wine with dinner • all excursions and other group activities as described in the brochure • complete program of lectures and presentations • qualified tour managers throughout the trip • baggage handling • gratuities to local guides, escorts and drivers • amenities package • live entertainment on train
Q: What isn’t included in the price?
A: Airfare and taxes • accident / baggage / cancellation insurance • airport or hotel transfers • personal expenses such as laundry, telephone, fax charges and taxis • liquor • traditional gratuities to train staff
Q: How can I make reservations?
A: To reserve your place on a GrandLuxe Rail Journeys program, please contact your travel agent or call toll-free 1 (800) 320-4206. A deposit of $500 per person is required within 7 days of making your reservation. Please make checks payable to GrandLuxe Rail Journeys and indicate your trip name, departure date and reservation number. GrandLuxe Rail Journeys also accepts all major credit cards.
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