Train Facilities

• What electrical chargers will I need to bring with me?
The Golden Eagle is equipped with a 220v European plug socket. Please ensure that you have the correct adaptor for any electrical items that you may wish to charge while on board the train.

• Is there a First Aid kit on board?
We have a designated “Doctors Surgery” on board the train and this will contain a fully stocked first aid kit. There is also a first aid kit in each car, however, it is your responsibility to ensure that you have adequate supplies of any ongoing medication that you will need for the duration of the journey.

• Is there a safe in the cabin / onboard the train?
Gold & Silver class cabins have a safety deposit box located inside the wardrobe.

• Is there a shop on board?
There’s no such shop on board but most of these items can be purchased in the cities during the stops. Foreign newspapers are only available in Moscow.

• Is there a DVD, book & game library on board?
There are games like scrabble and chess and a selection of books and DVDs on board.

• Is smoking permitted?
Smoking in the cabins is strictly prohibited. You can smoke in specific designated areas at the ends of the train.

• Is there a laundry facility?
There is a laundry service on board. These are charged per item at the end of the trip. Payment can be made by cash or credit card.

• Are there any sort of communication links while we are on board?
Mobile phone coverage can now be found virtually along the entire Trans-Siberian Express route, however it is not continuous. We do not have a satellite phone on board the train, but the Tour Manager can be contacted in emergencies on the mobile telephone number provided on the 24 hour emergency card provided in the travel wallets.

• Is there an internet and fax facility on board and if so, how much does this cost?
There is no internet or fax facility aboard the trains; however it is possible to check emails during certain stops en route. This may mean missing the excursion programme for that day.

• Where is luggage stored?
There is room to store luggage inside the cabin. It is also possible to store luggage at the end of each carriage, however there will be limited access to this.

• How many people work on the train?
64 people normally work on the train, however this may vary slightly depending on the individual departure and the number of passengers

• What is the evening entertainment programme?
We have a pianist in the bar car, and provide a selection of other entertainment through the journey. The evenings also provide the opportunity to socialise with other passengers.

Cabin Facilities

• What are the main differences between Gold and Silver Class cabins?
Gold and Silver Class cabins on the Golden Eagle are amongst the most spacious and luxurious cabins available in rail accommodation anywhere in the world. They both contain bunk style beds, the lower of which is multi purpose. At 4’ 5” (1.35 m) for Gold (4 ‘ or 1.2 m for Silver) this double bed is converted into a comfortable sofa by your friendly cabin attendant on a daily basis. The cabins also feature state of the art facilities which include a DVD/CD player, LCD screen, wardrobe, individual air conditioning and en-suite bathroom facilities which include a power shower, w.c and sink (as well as bathrobe, slippers hairdryer and complimentary toiletries).

There are two key differences between Gold and Silver for you to consider when choosing your cabin type. The first, the size of the cabins, is often a very important consideration, as this will be your home for the journey. Gold is 77sq ft and Silver is a more compact 60sq ft.

The other main difference between Gold and Silver is the bathroom. Gold en-suite facilities include a separate shower cubicle and state of the art under-floor heating to make sure your feet are always warm when walking on the tiles. The Silver en-suite is in the more modern “wet room” style, which means that the shower is within the bathroom but not in a separate shower cubicle.

• Do the cabins have en-suite facilities?
Both Gold and Silver class cabins have ensuite bathrooms. Gold en-suite facilities include a separate shower cubicle and state of the art under-floor heating to make sure your feet are always warm when walking on the tiles. The Silver en-suite is in the more modern “wet room” style, which means that the shower is within the bathroom but not in a separate shower cubicle.

• What style of beds are there in the cabins?
Gold and Silver Class cabins on the Golden Eagle are amongst the most spacious and luxurious cabins available in rail accommodation anywhere in the world. They both contain bunk style beds, the lower of which is multi purpose. At 4’ 5” (1.35 m) for Gold (4’ or 1.2 m for Silver) this double bed is converted into a comfortable sofa by your friendly cabin attendant on a daily basis.

• Is there a hairdryer for use?
We provide hairdryers in each cabin.

• Is there a shaver point and electrical points inside the cabin?
There are electrical and shaver points in each cabin.

• How often is the cabin cleaned during the tour?
Car attendants clean the cabins daily.

• Can the attendant make up/down the beds suitable to my sleeping requirements?
Yes

• How often do the towels get changed?
Every three days

• What toiletries are provided and what brand are they?
Shampoo and shower gel are provided. They are our own exclusive brand

• How is my cabin temperature and lighting controlled?
They are both individually controlled within the cabin and can be altered to suit your needs.

• Is there one bed or two in a single compartment?
Each cabin has an upper and lower birth.

• Is it noisy? Are ear plugs required?
The sounds of a moving train may disturb you, especially on the first night on board. However we have not had any comments about guests finding it difficult to sleep while on board, rather the motion rocks you to sleep!

• Can a wheelchair be used on board, or can one be provided for off train-tours?
The passage inside the carriage is too narrow for a wheelchair but we have it on board and it can be used for off train tours.

• Is alcohol permitted inside the cabin?
Yes

• Are cabins checked on the border crossings?
Border officials come on board the train as we cross into Mongolia but may enter your cabin

• Can we lock the compartments?
It is safe to leave compartments open since the car attendants are always in the carriage but if you want to lock the cabin it is possible.

• What sort of on-board entertainment / educational talks are provided?
A variety of lectures and entertainment is provided during the journey.

• Are there tea & coffee making facilities inside the cabin?
There are no facilities within the cabins, however tea and coffee can be provided by the car attendant 24 hours a day.

• Is it safe to stand up in the shower whilst the train is moving?
Yes it safe to stand up. As this train has been built to GW Travel’s specifications we also provide grab handles in the shower for stability we can also provide a stool if your clients would feel more comfortable sitting down whilst showering.

• Are the toilets eco-friendly or do they flush onto the tracks?
All the toilets are eco-friendly.

• Are the train windows cleaned daily to allow for good photography / general viewing?
We ensure that the train windows are kept clean to ensure that you can enjoy the interesting scenery that we pass.

• Is hot water available at all times?
Yes

• Is it safe to leave valuables in my cabin, especially when I am on a day excursion?
Yes. Each car has two attendants, one of whom is always on duty and they remain on the train during the city tours. However, all passengers should take their passport with them whenever they leave the train.

• How many people does the attendant look after?
There are 2 attendants in each carriage who look after a maximum of 10 passengers in Gold class, and 12 passengers in Silver class.

Meals

• Are all meals included?
Yes, three meals are included daily - breakfast, lunch and dinner.

• Are there complimentary snacks available if hungry outside meal times?
Yes. There is also a fresh fruit basket in each carriage.

• Can I buy extra snacks on board?
You can always get some extra snacks in the bar or from your car attendants without charge. However, your clients may wish to take their favourites with them!

• Is cabin-service available 24 hours per day?
Yes

• Can GW Travel cater for special dietary requirements?
Please inform our reservations department about any special dietary needs when you make your booking. Our restaurant staff can cater for most special diet requests.

• Are meal times set?
Yes. Breakfast is normally between 8am and 10am. If however there is an off train tour leaving the train before 10am the Tour manager will advise all passengers so that they have eaten prior to the off train excursion. Lunch is scheduled around the off-train excursion arrangements, however it is normally between 12:30 and 2pm. Dinner is served at 7pm most evenings.

• Is it a set menu or are the meals buffet style?
We offer set meals with a choice of main course.

• What type of food is provided on-board
Both international and local Russian food is served. The menu is decided by the Head chef.

• How many chefs are there on board?
There is 1 executive chef and 5 sous chefs.

• Is there a fully stocked bar at all times?
Yes

• Are all drinks free?
Tea, coffee, draft beer and mineral water are free for all Passengers.
Wine is complimentary for all passengers at meal times.
We have a tariff in the bar car that details the full drinks price list if you would like to purchase any other drinks.

• Is the water safe to drink?
The water on all trains is not drinking water. Your attendants, who are on duty 24 hours a day, will provide you with fresh bottled water around the clock. There is also bottled water in the bathrooms for brushing your teeth. Food on board is washed with bottled water so please don’t worry about compromised standards of hygiene.