Travel Agent - June 23, 2008 - (Page TA-66) TR ANSPORTATION ROYAL RAIL JOURNEY Elegance abounds on this trip through the Scottish countryside BY SUSAN J. YOUNG A cabin on the Royal Scotsman A FEW YEARS BACK, I boarded the Royal Scotsman train with a press group and rode the rails while the train’s guests were off touring the Scottish countryside. Our brief journey took on a country house-party atmosphere as we mingled, gazed at the landscape and sipped tea or wine with our “upper crust” friends. Today, the Royal Scotsman (www.royalscotsman.com) boasts new features and plies the Scottish countryside on two- to seven-night rail journeys between April and October. “Following many comments from guests, we introduced [in recent years] the option for guests to do longer journeys and introduced five- and seven-night journeys,” notes Alistair Ballantine, regional director–sales and marketing, The Americas, for Orient-Express Hotels, Trains & Cruises (www.orient-express.com), which owns the train. 66 | TravelAgent June 23, 2008 The seven-night “Grand North Western” itinerary offers a sample of Scotland’s best— from Highlands to Lowlands, mountain to sea. Most popular is the four-night “Classic” itinerary, which this year features new visits to Scone Palace (www.scone-palace.net); Dalmore Distillery (www.thedalmore.com/distillery); and Eilean Donan Castle (www.eileandonan castle. com). On the “Classic,” guests have the new option of playing golf at Ballindalloch, home of Clare Macpherson Grant Russell, Laird of Ballindalloch, and her husband Oliver. “The owners themselves usually host our guests,” says Ballantine. Per-person fares for a twin or single stateroom are $10,090 for the “Grand North Western” and $6,250 for the “Classic.” Twin stateroom pricing is based on double occupancy; a 60 percent single supplement applies for singles booking a twin stateroom. Fares include accommodations, meals, alcoholic and other beverages, taxes, day trips and entertainment. Gratuities are not included. While onboard, all 36 guests can relax in the forward Observation Car, which boasts multiple windows, an open veranda, convivial atmosphere and entertainment. Guests dine in elegant, mahogany-paneled dining cars. The train doesn’t travel at night, so guests sleep comfortably in 16 twin cabins and four single cabins. The accommodations feature fixed lower beds; a dressing table; a full-length wardrobe; individually controlled heating; ceiling fans; windows that open; a service call button; and a private bath with sink, toilet and shower. “This trip is the perfect antidote for busy executives looking for an escape from the pressures of daily life,” says Ballantine. “It’s also popular with those who have retired and who want to experience lots of culture, but don’t want the hassle of unpacking their luggage every night.” Base commission is 8 percent on Royal Scotsman-only bookings, but agents may earn an extra 2 percent if they book an OrientExpress holiday that includes this train. Bookings are up more than 20 percent this year vs. last at the same point. Although individual U.S. bookings are down slightly, group and charter business have increased. “We are certainly being helped by three direct daily flights from the New York area (two from Newark and one from JFK) into Edinburgh,” says Ballantine. So, if your clients seek a luxury train journey with a Scottish flair, the Royal Scotsman awaits. I CONNECTING YOU For more information on railroad travel, visit www.travelagentcentral.com/rail-travel http://www.scone-palace.net http://www.thedalmore.com/distillery http://www.royalscotsman.com http://www.eileandonancastle.com http://www.eileandonancastle.com http://www.orient-express.com http://www.travelagentcentral.com/rail-travel
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