It’s a blustery, cold and thoroughly miserable Amsterdam morning as I wheel my suitcase from my Viking ship towards Centraal Station.
I’ve just enjoyed a whirlwind four days celebrating Viking’s spectacular naming ceremony for seven new river ships and, rather than flying straight back to Sydney, I’ve decided to spend a few days in good old Blighty.
Time is of the essence, but frankly, I’m tired of flying.
So instead of another airport, another security queue and another battle for overhead locker space, I’m taking the train.
And not just any train. I’m travelling Eurostar Premier.
Admittedly, the journey from Amsterdam to London takes just over four hours, longer than the flight itself.
But factor in airport transfers, security queues, baggage collection and getting into central London and suddenly the train looks rather attractive.
Amsterdam Centraal is just a short walk from my ship and, although Premier passengers can arrive considerably closer to departure, I allow myself a comfortable hour to clear security and passport formalities.
Better still, there are no airline-style liquid restrictions or agonising over whether my suitcase is a few kilos overweight.
A Window Seat Worth Celebrating
Stepping into the Premier carriage, the first thing that strikes me is the space.
My enormous, wonderfully comfortable window seat is a world away from the cramped confines of economy air travel.
There’s generous legroom, a spacious table, USB charging ports and power sockets, and enough room to stretch out without becoming intimately acquainted with my fellow passengers.
Complimentary Wi-Fi means I can catch up on emails, finish a story or simply sit back and watch Europe unfold through my oversized window.
And what a lovely change that makes.
Instead of staring at the back of someone’s head at 35,000 feet, I’m watching the countryside glide past.
Champagne, Cheesecake and Changing Scenery
Of course, one of the great pleasures of Premier travel is the onboard dining.
And what better way to start than with a glass of Champagne?
Lunch is a surprisingly sophisticated affair, beginning with aubergine and feta accompanied by a fresh sourdough roll. Next comes a delicious pork stir-fry with bok choy and rice, followed by a rather indulgent macadamia and chocolate cheesecake.
All washed down with a glass of Terroir de Sainte Cécile wine.
Not bad for train food!
The service is relaxed and attentive, and there’s something wonderfully civilised about enjoying a proper three-course meal while travelling across Europe.
Outside, the rain is still racing across the windows as we speed through Belgium, but by the time we reach France, the clouds have parted and sunshine is streaming into the carriage.
It’s a lovely moment. Champagne, excellent food, a comfortable seat and the French countryside whizzing past.
Who needs an airport lounge?
London Calling
Perhaps the greatest luxury comes at the end.
Rather than landing at Heathrow or Gatwick and navigating another lengthy journey into London, Eurostar delivers me directly into magnificent St Pancras International.
No baggage carousel, no airport transfer and no arrival immigration queue. Just grab my suitcase and head into the city.
There’s also the environmental bonus, with rail travel producing significantly fewer carbon emissions than flying.
After four action-packed days with Viking, it’s exactly the sort of civilised travel experience I needed.
Would I do it again?
In a heartbeat.
Sometimes the best way to travel isn’t to fly faster. It’s to slow down, stretch out, enjoy a glass of Champagne and let the world whizz by.
