Caledonian Sleeper Train: When Expectations Meet Reality!

Embarking on the Caledonian Sleeper train from Inverness to London Euston was meant to be a memorable anniversary journey. However, our experience was marred by unexpected challenges, from last-minute cabin changes to claustrophobic accommodations, closed lounges, and missing menus. In this video, we share our candid review, highlighting the difference between promotional promises and our reality. Join us as we delve into the highs and lows of this overnight adventure, offering insights for future travellers considering the Caledonian Sleeper.

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[barbaradace]

One of these days we need to have a Foxes Afloat Gathering near a station so we can all holler in unison: 😄

[scottgoode]

You both work together, you both support each other and you are in it together. If Shaun doesn’t want to be with you then he would not be by your side.
Sometimes the big wide world is telling you not to leave the beautiful Scottish highlands!! This is your life now. Very true perspective of your trip.

[kathyrapiejko]

Thank you, Colin, for being honest, open & very real. This was life up close & personal. Love you & Sean even more now! xoxo❤

[isobelchapman]

I am so very vexed for both of you……..healing will happen but so very very vexed you’ve had to go through this. Take good care, both. God bless xx

[lordbisnick]

I was absolutely gutted watching this episode and totally understand your stress. I immediately contacted customer service and asked them to view your video. I hope they reach out to you. Keep safe.

[melissapowell]

It's so disappointing when you plan something special for someone then one thing after another starts going wrong and you can't break the cycle. Thank you for sharing and I know you will both be alright. Like you, i have a husband who has to deal with the meltdowns and like you I know we'll be alright. ❤❤❤

[marilynfranks]

I completely understand panic attacks and anxiety (from personal experience). You had done your very best with this trip and wanted so much for it to be a good experience. As far as the whole trip, If you learned things then it wasn't all in vain. I hope you're doing better now. It was a lovely, truthful, informative video, Colin. From the States, love to you both.

[jwinte]

Love the honesty - thanks. You are both STARS!!

[emilybispham]

Thank you for being so honest about your experience, I’m sorry it was so traumatic.

[msvaleriah]

Sending you a huge hug, Colin. I can relate to your anxiety, and I'm grateful to have a loving partner like your Shaun, who understands my meltdowns. It's hard on them, but bless them, they just keep right on loving us. Hugs for Shaun too. xx

[JohnfromEngland]

Those of us that know you Both appreciate you for being yourselves and saying things as they are
Just look after each other because No one else matters and stay strong as you can
I always like watching both of you in a vlog or live because no matter how I feel you make me face myself and it never as bad as it seams
, for me anyway.
Always look after each other and don’t bother about anyone else if it gets tough then Drop out and take some SELF TIME for yourselves and heal yourselves FIRST then slowly slip back
Love from John to you BOTH

[sallie-annboyle]

At the start, I was wishing we had a sleeper train like that between Sydney and Melbourne. At the end all I wished was to hug the two of you.

[betamax]

I'm autistic, I have been considering the "wonderful" caledonian sleeper experience, and have watched many videos about it. With every video I was thinking to myself "it would only take one thing to go wrong for me to really struggle with this". Your honesty at the end there has given me insight that indeed things can go wrong and it can be hard to adapt to them. I fully understand how it feels, I'm often unsettled for a good week after a serious event like this. Thank you.

[lizpegden]

Soooo sorry all your plans went awry. I would battle in a small place like that and I don't suffer with either adhd or autism. I can well imagine how freaked out you were by it all. Shaun is the first person to support you I know and thank goodness you have such a wonderful person as a partner - he would understand totally I know. You are both still fabulous guys and love you both to bits xx

[grandmasmagic]

back in 06 when I did my very first trip to the UK from Australia I caught the Caledonian sleeper train from London to Inverness..that was a beauty of a trip..that was my first overnight rail journey in my life..I then caught the train from Inverness up to Wick..I was attending my first ever clan gathering, Clan Gunn..I've now been to the UK four times, every time making it all the way up to Scotland...Kirkwall in the Orkney Isles is the furthest north that I have been..

[stevewareing]

Colin, some people see a glass half full and some see it half empty. I simply see it as there is room to fill it up, point is despite all the setbacks beyond your control and you knowing full well what could happen you were selfless enough to try and go that extra mile so as not to spoil Shaun's experience. That's proof of the love and commitment you have to your relationship and though you did have a meltdown. I'm sure Shaun would have been well aware that might possibly happen and the sacrifice you chose to risk to make the trip work. I get the sense he was most appreciative of your efforts. He did have an advantage over you on a trip like that though, being ex Navy he was far more prepared to be tossed around in a small space than you. 😉. Thanks for a very informative and honest video. 👍.

[peterbrabender]

Sorry you had such a bad experience on the Train Colin, I had a meltdown yesterday over Robin who’s been gone nearly 21 months now, people that don’t have them don’t realise when they happen you have absolutely no control of your mind, hope you and Shaun are hugging each other again, sending love to you both. xx

[stetomlinson]

Bravely done sir. Well no. Bravely done both of you. We go through this life taking suff for granted that other people properly struggle with. I hope you can both laugh about it one. day. We had a similar disastrous 10th anniversary on a visit to Bute. Short version. We unwittingly booked into Fawlty Towers! How we laughed! I'm happy you are both coping with it. Stay strong and remember the love you have for each other. ❤💪

[igal]

What a brilliant truthful vlog. Colin, I can totally understand your frustrations and understand also how this stresses you out. You are soooo right, this was a special trip and you should have got what you booked. Then all the little things like Inverness lounge being closed, the menu choice being unavailable, just multiplies the issues. Pretty uncaring attitude from Caledonian Sleeper staff too. Stay strong, its now a memory which in time you may laugh at. Give each other a big boazy (Aberdeen slang for cuddle). Take care 🥰 xx

[amandamonaghan]

So sorry you had to go through the disappointment of the trip on the train. Especially it was for your anniversary. The trip looked enjoyable on the vlog but when things go wrong it puts a strain on the trip. You are always so real and frank about the stress and anxiety it caused you and Shaun. I hope that you are both ok and one day look back and find the funny side of the ❤experience