Direct Rail Services, the UK’s leading rail freight operator, continues to expand its portfolio of rail activities with the addition of First Class passenger services to the port of Southampton in partnership with Cruise Saver Travel of Poole, Dorset.
Following the inaugural DRS operated service in 2008; the 2011/12 programme will see trains depart from Glasgow Central and Edinburgh Waverley stations, transporting passengers to meet luxury Cunard, P&O and Princess Cruise liners.
Arriving directly into the Port of Southampton, adjacent to the waiting Cruise Liner, passengers will enjoy a full dining service in first class coaching stock, with luggage taken on arrival at the railway station and seamlessly transferred to the vessel at Southampton. The first class journey from Scotland to Southampton transports passengers away from the hassles and stress of air travel or motorway traffic and provides a perfect start and end to these special holidays.
The first train of the 2011 season will depart from Edinburgh Waverley on the 19th April 2011 calling at Newcastle, Leeds and Solihull. Glasgow services will call at Preston and Manchester (Stockport).
Steve Finn, DRS’ Business Development Manager commented – “DRS are renowned in the rail industry for our reliability and excellence in service performance, and we are delighted to provide these services with Cruise Saver Travel. Aside from the relaxed environment, the train reduces carbon emissions and road congestion associated with passengers travelling to Southampton”.
John Capel – Manager of Cruise Saver said – “We want our passengers holiday to commence the moment that they board our train at the station. They are embarking on a luxury cruise, so our train and staff has to be able to provide the first-class service that they will receive once they have boarded their ship. It is all about enhancing our passengers ‘cruise experience’ and we are committed, along with our friends at DRS, in providing an unrivalled choice of transport to the port of Southampton”.
