3.5
A vast improvement, but still some way to go.
This was my first trip on board the new Caledonian Sleeper rolling stock. Having used the previous rolling stock on a regular basis, I was excited to see what this one had in store, accessibility wise. The booking process was easy, I booked about 2 weeks in advance and secured a double accessible cabin (I asked for this) for the princely sum of £108.90 for a changeable ticket, including breakfast. Which isn't bad!
I've taken a video tour and uploaded it to YouTube, but for the benefit of my visually impaired friends, here are some points:
* The new accessible cabin is huge compared to the old one, with plenty of turning space and a spacious double bed.
* Although the Caledonian Sleeper boasts new en-suite rooms with showers, it seems this isn't applicable to disabled guests. There is an accessible toilet next door to the room, but no shower is to be seen. I had to request a shower token to shower at Euston Station where I arrived (although it's not all bad as it means I'm writing this review from the first class lounge!).
* Access into the double cabin is via a large automatic door which is opened with a key card.
* Access to the lounge car from my cabin was very simple (through one set of doors and you're there), but the doors to get there are very narrow and I don't know if larger powerchairs would get through it.
Some more specific points are covered below in the relevant sections.
This was my first trip on board the new Caledonian Sleeper rolling stock. Having used the previous rolling stock on a regular basis, I was excited to see what this one had in store, accessibility wise. The booking process was easy, I booked about 2 weeks in advance and secured a double accessible cabin (I asked for this) for the princely sum of £108.90 for a changeable ticket, including breakfast. Which isn't bad!
I've taken a video tour and uploaded it to YouTube, but for the benefit of my visually impaired friends, here are some points:
* The new accessible cabin is huge compared to the old one, with plenty of turning space and a spacious double bed.
* Although the Caledonian Sleeper boasts new en-suite rooms with showers, it seems this isn't applicable to disabled guests. There is an accessible toilet next door to the room, but no shower is to be seen. I had to request a shower token to shower at Euston Station where I arrived (although it's not all bad as it means I'm writing this review from the first class lounge!).
* Access into the double cabin is via a large automatic door which is opened with a key card.
* Access to the lounge car from my cabin was very simple (through one set of doors and you're there), but the doors to get there are very narrow and I don't know if larger powerchairs would get through it.
Some more specific points are covered below in the relevant sections.
