£11,000-per-couple journey cancelled once again due to faulty door mechanism, marking latest chapter in troubled luxury train launch.
Belmond’s ambitious Britannic Explorer has suffered another major setback, with its latest luxury rail journey ending abruptly near Milton Keynes. The three-day Lake District experience, commanding prices from £11,000 per couple, was terminated just hours after departing London Victoria due to technical issues.
“Due to an isolated new issue related to a door mechanism on board the Britannic Explorer on Friday evening, the remainder of the trip was cancelled and all passengers were transferred to London hotels,” a Belmond spokesperson said. “An investigation into the door mechanism will be conducted by an independent body.”
The company has offered affected passengers full refunds and complimentary future journeys, along with coverage of related expenses. The train has been temporarily removed from service while technical teams address the issues.
This latest incident follows a series of challenges for what was meant to be Britain’s most prestigious rail service. The train, which features bespoke interiors by London-based Albion Nord designers, represents Belmond’s first venture into luxury rail travel across England and Wales.
The troubled service has faced repeated setbacks since its planned launch in July. Its inaugural journey was cancelled due to maintenance issues, forcing the cancellation of its maiden voyage to Cornwall on 11th July. The latest issue adds to mounting concerns about the service’s reliability, casting a shadow over Belmond’s ambitious vision for ultra-luxury British rail travel.
