I love how eclectic your videos are Andy. Not only am I a huge Cold War nerd, but I also love trains. I imagine 90% of what I watch on TH-cam is either Cold War related, train related, military analysis by Perun, or tanks being restored on the Australian Armour Museum. Thanks for putting this together for us. If you ever find yourself here in Australia, I'll have to buy you a pint.
@@AndyMcloone I love the cold-war content. I'm old enough to remember the "last days" of the cold war, but was too young to "be part of it". I find the politicial and military posturing, and the diplomacy that made it not go hot.
I could listen to you talk about anything for hours mate, great video, would love to see more travel content and more Cold War content. Having been born post Cold War I’m fascinated by the time period and the intricacies of Germany’s division. On a side note, it’s incredibly frustrating how they’ve effectively turned the Eurostar into a flight service. I get the need for security and passport checks but the organization around the waiting area and oddly strict arrival timings feels over-complicated, at that point might as well just fly since generally airports are more well organized, especially as the prices are so obscene for the train. What the route needs is an operator like Flixtrain or Ouigo to come in and disrupt the monopoly Eurostar enjoys so that the pricing actually makes sense.
Nice video Andy - informative for people travelling and want to move around without flying, sorry to hear the beer is over priced on the train. Cheers and take care.
Great video. Had a similar experience a month ago travelling from Amsterdam to St. Pancras via regional Eurostar to Brussels and a conventional Eurostar through the tunnel. A 15 minute delay on the first leg leaving Amsterdam caused a 3 hour delay in Brussels waiting for an available seat on the second leg. Eurostar wouldn’t hold the advertised connecting St. Pancras train even for 5 minutes to allow the 300 or so passengers to make an adequate transfer through passport control and security. One hour in Brussels is definitely not adequate, especially in the case of a regional delay. It’s a good job Avanti in London was accommodating for my onward delayed journey to Liverpool.
I am going to NL and UK for the first time and on a solo trip. For arriving in London, I can’t just leave at St Pancras International? I have to go on to St Pancras afterwards as the route says? And do I have to take St Pancras tube to St Pancras International?
It’s the same station. The international part is for Eurostar trains to continental Europe. The station also has trains which go to destinations in the UK.
I took the train(s) from London to Berlin last year on my first-ever visit to Europe (from Canada) inspired by your previous Eurostar vid! I'd love to visit Amsterdam next time I'm in Europe, but having had the experience once, I might go for a flight next time. I hear Ryanair is its own experience...
No fun boarding at St Pancras. And departure is no joke. And a huge amount of walking. And a fight to get on board. They really need to have a controlled boarding process. And the carriages are austerity compared to the cushy older ones.
I've done this journey a few times and it's always a pleasant experience and I've never had an issue with Customer Service. And if you book at the right time on Standard, the pricing can be comparable to a flight if you need to bring luggage - as luggage on Eurostar is included. Most/All of the Airlines will now charge you a premium to bring anything more than a small backpack. As for timing, when you add all the extra sunk time around getting to an Airport, doing check-in, security, departures lounge, waiting at the gate, boarding, taxi, then having to deal with arrivals, immigration and baggage reclaim, and then figure out how you're going to get to your onward destination, the Eurostar has probably already got you there. The worst bit is probably doing departures from Brussels back to London - it's a very poorly designed area, but for what it's worth, you're not supposed to be waiting there for very long.
I've done London to Brux and with Premier. Much better than the Standard Ticket but I got lucky with the prices I believe. Made it a nice occasion but I couldn't afford to make a habit of it. I did a video called 'Europrost' if you ever get really bored 😂. Great vid as always
BTW I stayed in art hotel in Amsterdam and my room was HUGE! And there is a gym, pool and sauna and gym sharing with Park hotel next door. The restaurant is Portuguese style and it was great. I enjoyed it but not cheaper than Hilton at all…
Hi Andy, I don't know you but you seem like someone I'd have a beer with. I love your video's. Especially the Cold War stuff since I'm guessing we're from the same era. Cheers Mate.
Travelled from Rotterdam to London last week on the Eurostar on a Standard Premier ticket. You're right to point out it's better to get food and drinks before checking in, because facilities after the gate are pathetic. Especially in Rotterdam, where there's only a boring waiting room with some food/drink vending machines. You point out the toilets in Business Premier are huge, but that's only because you visited the accessible toilet (for disabled/wheel chair people). Pretty sure it also has the regular, smaller toilets. During my trip the toilet stank and there wasn't any toilet paper!
Mr Mcloon, I’m glad London to Amsterdam on Eurostar is still running, despite hearing a romour of withdrawal or suspension. I used to take this train to Brussels like every year but 1st time also from St Pancras, after a decade or so, finally a year ago, I joined a Saga group to catch a river cruise from Amsterdam. Thanks for reminding me a fond memory of my economy return journeys. June of London
From this summer (15 June) Amsterdam-London direct services stop running for a couple of months (likely until late December) because of engineering works at Amsterdam Centraal. Border procedures will take place in Brussels, trough tickets whiff a transfer time less than an hour are offered for sale. Direct London-Amsterdam services keep running. During this engineering works.
I’m glad they only allow the business premier people in the departure lounge because in the airport in the lounges, they not only allow the business people traveling, they allow people with American Express cards, premium platinum or whatever and so it becomes often very overcrowded.
Seems like a very expensive weekend. Doesn't seem enjoyable at all. Pushed around by security, fleeced at every turn. And that's before you leave the country!
Business Class eurostar travel was fairly good, but I agree Standard class is very expensive compared to Easyjet or Ryanair, and you get the same cattle like treatment. But it should be done at least once simply for the experience.
@@AndyMclooneE* is expensive to Netherlands, Andy. As the former CEO said a year or so ago it is the high infrastructure costs which means (to Netherlands) E* cannot compete on price with LCCs.
pointless journey. You can fly from any of the UK airports including LCY in 30 mins, and a lot cheaper! Look at the prices! Don't even THINK about doing this!
Great video. Had a similar experience a month ago travelling from Amsterdam to St. Pancras via regional Eurostar to Brussels and a conventional Eurostar through the tunnel. A 15 minute delay on the first leg leaving Amsterdam caused a 3 hour delay in Brussels waiting for an available seat on the second leg. Eurostar wouldn’t hold the advertised connecting St. Pancras train even for 5 minutes to allow the 300 or so passengers to make an adequate transfer through passport control and security. One hour in Brussels is definitely not adequate, especially in the case of a regional delay. It’s a good job Avanti in London was accommodating for my onward delayed journey to Liverpool.
This is the most informative Eurostar trip report I've seen in years! Earned yourself a sub good Sir!
Awesome video, really liking the content. Thank you!
Very well explained. Thank you from 🇸🇽🇸🇽
Great video. Thanks.
I love how eclectic your videos are Andy. Not only am I a huge Cold War nerd, but I also love trains. I imagine 90% of what I watch on TH-cam is either Cold War related, train related, military analysis by Perun, or tanks being restored on the Australian Armour Museum. Thanks for putting this together for us. If you ever find yourself here in Australia, I'll have to buy you a pint.
Another nice and interesting travel video, thank you Andy.
Thanks Andy, I look forward to these videos.
Great stuff. Thanks
Wish there is more coverage for the business class luggage space
Perfect Thank You , Am taken this Train in October
Wow! Wonderful video!
Just the other day I was thinking it's been a while since last you posted, and here you are with a new video! 😁
Another couple of videos from this trip coming soon - Cold war Based Content
@@AndyMcloone I love the cold-war content. I'm old enough to remember the "last days" of the cold war, but was too young to "be part of it". I find the politicial and military posturing, and the diplomacy that made it not go hot.
Very informative video. Thank you. Not a lot there that's going to convince me to stop using the ferry.
I could listen to you talk about anything for hours mate, great video, would love to see more travel content and more Cold War content. Having been born post Cold War I’m fascinated by the time period and the intricacies of Germany’s division.
On a side note, it’s incredibly frustrating how they’ve effectively turned the Eurostar into a flight service. I get the need for security and passport checks but the organization around the waiting area and oddly strict arrival timings feels over-complicated, at that point might as well just fly since generally airports are more well organized, especially as the prices are so obscene for the train. What the route needs is an operator like Flixtrain or Ouigo to come in and disrupt the monopoly Eurostar enjoys so that the pricing actually makes sense.
Thx !!
Nice video Andy - informative for people travelling and want to move around without flying, sorry to hear the beer is over priced on the train. Cheers and take care.
Great video, haven't been to Amsterdam for yonks. Must pay a revisit.
Great video. Had a similar experience a month ago travelling from Amsterdam to St. Pancras via regional Eurostar to Brussels and a conventional Eurostar through the tunnel. A 15 minute delay on the first leg leaving Amsterdam caused a 3 hour delay in Brussels waiting for an available seat on the second leg. Eurostar wouldn’t hold the advertised connecting St. Pancras train even for 5 minutes to allow the 300 or so passengers to make an adequate transfer through passport control and security. One hour in Brussels is definitely not adequate, especially in the case of a regional delay. It’s a good job Avanti in London was accommodating for my onward delayed journey to Liverpool.
what is a regional eurostar? I think you mean eurostar red
I am going to NL and UK for the first time and on a solo trip. For arriving in London, I can’t just leave at St Pancras International? I have to go on to St Pancras afterwards as the route says? And do I have to take St Pancras tube to St Pancras International?
It’s the same station. The international part is for Eurostar trains to continental Europe. The station also has trains which go to destinations in the UK.
Brilliant and honest review. Just subscribed. 👍
I took the train(s) from London to Berlin last year on my first-ever visit to Europe (from Canada) inspired by your previous Eurostar vid! I'd love to visit Amsterdam next time I'm in Europe, but having had the experience once, I might go for a flight next time. I hear Ryanair is its own experience...
it is, but not in a good way...
No fun boarding at St Pancras. And departure is no joke. And a huge amount of walking. And a fight to get on board. They really need to have a controlled boarding process. And the carriages are austerity compared to the cushy older ones.
17:47 That isn't Rotterdam as the text suggests. It's probably still Brussels from the look of it.
Yes it's Brussels. You can tell by the huge Palace of Justice in the background.
That was not Rotterdam but Antwerp.
I've done this journey a few times and it's always a pleasant experience and I've never had an issue with Customer Service. And if you book at the right time on Standard, the pricing can be comparable to a flight if you need to bring luggage - as luggage on Eurostar is included. Most/All of the Airlines will now charge you a premium to bring anything more than a small backpack.
As for timing, when you add all the extra sunk time around getting to an Airport, doing check-in, security, departures lounge, waiting at the gate, boarding, taxi, then having to deal with arrivals, immigration and baggage reclaim, and then figure out how you're going to get to your onward destination, the Eurostar has probably already got you there.
The worst bit is probably doing departures from Brussels back to London - it's a very poorly designed area, but for what it's worth, you're not supposed to be waiting there for very long.
11:00 & 12:15 So was Dr Lecter the Man in Seat 61?...
🫣
I've done London to Brux and with Premier. Much better than the Standard Ticket but I got lucky with the prices I believe. Made it a nice occasion but I couldn't afford to make a habit of it. I did a video called 'Europrost' if you ever get really bored 😂. Great vid as always
BTW I stayed in art hotel in Amsterdam and my room was HUGE! And there is a gym, pool and sauna and gym sharing with Park hotel next door. The restaurant is Portuguese style and it was great. I enjoyed it but not cheaper than Hilton at all…
From cold war videos to train videos. Hmm.. Jokes aside, please keep on posting your cold war content. It's fascinating. :D
I’m channel covers history and travel (often combined). More on its way. Thanks.
Hi Andy, I don't know you but you seem like someone I'd have a beer with. I love your video's. Especially the Cold War stuff since I'm guessing we're from the same era. Cheers Mate.
Travelled from Rotterdam to London last week on the Eurostar on a Standard Premier ticket. You're right to point out it's better to get food and drinks before checking in, because facilities after the gate are pathetic. Especially in Rotterdam, where there's only a boring waiting room with some food/drink vending machines. You point out the toilets in Business Premier are huge, but that's only because you visited the accessible toilet (for disabled/wheel chair people). Pretty sure it also has the regular, smaller toilets. During my trip the toilet stank and there wasn't any toilet paper!
Every time Andy crosses a border, an East German guard randomly pops out of nowhere to scream "Halt! Hier Grenze" to him.
😜
Mr Mcloon, I’m glad London to Amsterdam on Eurostar is still running, despite hearing a romour of withdrawal or suspension. I used to take this train to Brussels like every year but 1st time also from St Pancras, after a decade or so, finally a year ago, I joined a Saga group to catch a river cruise from Amsterdam. Thanks for reminding me a fond memory of my economy return journeys. June of London
From this summer (15 June) Amsterdam-London direct services stop running for a couple of months (likely until late December) because of engineering works at Amsterdam Centraal. Border procedures will take place in Brussels, trough tickets whiff a transfer time less than an hour are offered for sale.
Direct London-Amsterdam services keep running. During this engineering works.
I’m glad they only allow the business premier people in the departure lounge because in the airport in the lounges, they not only allow the business people traveling, they allow people with American Express cards, premium platinum or whatever and so it becomes often very overcrowded.
Andy be sitting in Eurostar pretending in his mind that he's in cold war express. xD
🤫
Bellevideohenri😂😂😂
If travelling in standard class I bring a tray of mice for the journey. I agree the cafe is poor.
Another great video - I personally prefer your videos on war related things and like another commenter I could listen to your voice for hours 😂💕
More Cold War history content coming very soon !
I like your accent, is it a Russian accent?
yay
Seems like a very expensive weekend. Doesn't seem enjoyable at all. Pushed around by security, fleeced at every turn. And that's before you leave the country!
Business Class eurostar travel was fairly good, but I agree Standard class is very expensive compared to Easyjet or Ryanair, and you get the same cattle like treatment. But it should be done at least once simply for the experience.
@@AndyMclooneE* is expensive to Netherlands, Andy. As the former CEO said a year or so ago it is the high infrastructure costs which means (to Netherlands) E* cannot compete on price with LCCs.
pointless journey. You can fly from any of the UK airports including LCY in 30 mins, and a lot cheaper! Look at the prices! Don't even THINK about doing this!
Great video. Had a similar experience a month ago travelling from Amsterdam to St. Pancras via regional Eurostar to Brussels and a conventional Eurostar through the tunnel. A 15 minute delay on the first leg leaving Amsterdam caused a 3 hour delay in Brussels waiting for an available seat on the second leg. Eurostar wouldn’t hold the advertised connecting St. Pancras train even for 5 minutes to allow the 300 or so passengers to make an adequate transfer through passport control and security. One hour in Brussels is definitely not adequate, especially in the case of a regional delay. It’s a good job Avanti in London was accommodating for my onward delayed journey to Liverpool.