Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
The journey on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience! To prepare for your journey, please see commonly asked questions and answers below. You should have received a voucher with your reference number, which you will provide at the check-in counter at the station. Once onboard, your welcome package will be waiting for you in your cabin.
Q: What do I wear on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train?
A: You can never be overdressed on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train! For dinner, we ask for formal evening attire and many guests like to don black ties and wear their most glamorous finery for the occasion. Smart daywear is appropriate during the day. At lunch, for example, a jacket/tie or equivalent is suitable. Jeans are not acceptable at any time.
Q: Can I confirm dining reservations in advance?
A: To comfortably accommodate all passengers, meals have multiple seating times and reservations will be confirmed once onboard.
Q: How should I plan to pack?
A: Despite having luggage racks in the cabins, space constraints require that luggage is limited, per passenger, to one suitable piece of hand luggage, one suit carrier or overnight bag (to be placed in your cabin), and one suitcase to be stored in the baggage car, where it will not be accessible until you reach your destination.
Q: What currency do I need on board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train?
A: It is recommended that passengers have a small number of Euros for onboard purchases. However, most major currencies are accepted, as well as major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners Club and JCB). The exchange rate on board is displayed in the Bar Car.
Q: Will I need to tip the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express staff?
A: Any gratuities you wish to give are entirely at your discretion.
Types of Luggage:
Hand Luggage (Ex: purses, passports, tickets, cameras, medication, jewellery):
These items must be kept by the passenger at all times and not checked in. Passengers travelling to or from London must carry their hand luggage on and off the cross-Channel transport as porters are not available at the Channel ports.
Cabin Luggage:
We suggest that items required during the journey are packed separately in an overnight bag or suit carrier. This will also be taken from the passenger at check-in and delivered to your cabin on the continental train by the staff.
Checked Luggage:
We suggest items not required for the journey should be packed separately in sturdy baggage. At check-in, this luggage will be labelled appropriately by the staff, stored in the baggage van and will not be accessible until the passengers reach their destination. Skis/Golf Clubs/Bikes: These should be packed in their appropriate cover and checked in with your checked luggage. These must be advised in advance and are subject to approval. Only foldable bikes in a protective case can be stored on board.
