Eurostar, London to Amsterdam, with a Twist

Sleek Eurostar trains await the tunnel trip from London to Amsterdam.
Sleek Eurostar trains await the tunnel trip from London to Amsterdam.

Autumn News from Eurostar

More reasons than ever to skip the airport and cross the Channel on a high-speed train!

Eurostar, the high-speed rail service linking the UK and mainland Europe, is celebrating the autumn season with a new cocktail bar and drinks menu in London, a program of itineraries with introductory savings of up to $500 through a partnership with Railbookers, special trains that will head to the ski slopes in the French Alps, and continued fun and convenience on the new route from London to Amsterdam and Rotterdam.

New deals on vacation packages and easy-to-book itineraries: Eurostar and Railbookers, the leading operator of independent rail vacations, have announced a strategic partnership called Eurostar Vacations by Railbookers that directly links the UK to France, Belgium and the Netherlands, with simple connections to more than 100 European destinations.

To launch the partnership, Eurostar Vacations by Railbookers is currently offering $300 off per couple on any six to seven-night vacation or $500 off per couple on any eight –plus-night vacation, valid for any new bookings made by November 2, 2018 for travel in 2019. A new 2019 brochure features more than 46 itineraries offering a variety of ways to discover the best of Europe on independent trips with just one easy booking for all the legs of the trip.

A new bar in London: Eurostar’s Business Premier Lounge at London’s St. Pancras station has come up with a new reason to check in early. Located upstairs above the Lounge and designed by global architects, Softroom, the new pre-trip spot is a chic and circular black and gold bar edged by plush velvet chairs.

A selection of complimentary cocktails designed exclusively for the bar by the London Cocktail Club features a range of Dutch, French, Belgian and British spirits and ingredients to toast Eurostar destinations, plus a Gin & Tonic menu and a signature drink by Eurostar’s Business Premier Culinary Director, Raymond Blanc, called Lavender Dusk. Reminiscent of the French countryside, Chef Blanc’s drink is a distinctive mêlange of delicate florals, punchy fruit flavors and piquant undertones mixed using Eurostar’s very own gin, Toujours 21.

Handy new services right in St Pancras: The recent introduction of Chop-Chop, the express hair salon (20-minute haircut for £20 or approximately $22) in the London departure lounge, is a new Eurostar convenience along with eGates to speed-up the security process and World Duty-Free boutiques for shopping.

Trains to ski slopes in the French Alps: Eurostar is thinking ahead to ski season with a schedule for its trains from London to Bourg-Saint-Maurice in the heart of the beautiful French Alps. Skiers and snowboarders board the train in London’s St. Pancras International station and arrive in the Alpine charm of Bourg-Saint-Maurice where some stay to conquer the nearby slopes and others take waiting for buses to the region’s famed resorts including Val Thorens, Val d’Isere, Courchevel, La Tania, Tignes, Meribel and Les Menures.

Bookings are now open for Eurostar’s ski trains that will travel overnight on Friday and by day on Saturdays starting on December 21, 2018. Return to London the following Saturday with either a morning or evening (overnight) departure. Fares start at approximately $000 to France and approximately $000 back to London for a Standard ticket. Standard Premier and Business Premier fares with extra perks are also available.

For all passengers, there is no charge for one pair of skis or one snowboard (in a covered case) plus two pieces of luggage per person. Passports are checked in London before departure so it is off to the ski villages without delay upon arrival in Bourg Saint Maurice.

Eurostar’s new Service to Amsterdam and Rotterdam has been Eurostar’s big news for 2018 and is off to a popular start. After passport control in London, the journey is non-stop from London St. Pancras to Rotterdam and Amsterdam. The return currently requires a train change in Brussels for passport control but stay tuned for news of nonstop service back to London with pre-trip passport control, all to fall into place in late 2019.

For more information and to book tickets, visit www.eurostar.com.