Maharajas’ Express vs. Venice Simplon-Orient-Express: Eastern vs Western

Luxury trains have been old, trusted, and experienced partners of tourists for ages. Once again, this luxurious travel medium is making headlines for its incomparable luxury and comfort offers onboard. The allure of slow travel in a luxury train with facilities ceding the comfort of a premium hotel is attracting tourists back to the time-tested mode of travel, a train with all the opulent facilities available on a moving train that one cannot expect.

Luxury train travel started in the early 20th century in Europe but slowly made its way to Asia as well. Now India is leading the charge of luxury train rides not only in Asia but also competing worldwide and setting the benchmark for luxury train rides. In this article, we will look into which is the ultimate luxury experience – Western nostalgia or Eastern opulence.

Overview of Each Train

To get the right picture of Western vs Eastern luxury trains. Let’s pick the leading trains from the continents and compare them. In this case, we choose Maharajas’ Express vs. Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.

Maharajas’ Express – India’s Crown Jewel

Maharajas’ Express was introduced by the IRCTC in the year 2010 to offer the unheard and unseen sites of India and the rich culture, tradition, and diversity, which makes it one of a kind.

The Maharajas’ Express covers different locations across the country to offer unique sites that hold great importance in Indian history, like Udaipur, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Varanasi, Agra, Delhi, Bikaner, Khajuraho, etc.

Over the years, Maharajas’ Express has won various awards and accolades from well-known institutes and organizations around the world such as the 7-Star Luxury Awards and the World Travel Award for leading luxury trains.

Maharajas’ Express is designed to showcase the rich history of India through its interior and decor, which reflects the crafts and finery of the bygone eras of royals and maharajas. Its royal interior gives you glimpses of India centuries ago.

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express – The Icon of Europe

The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is one of the major luxury trains of Europe that offers an opulent journey across Europe, taking you to the countryside and historical places. The journey takes you to different locations across Europe, such as London, Venice, Paris, and other major cities.

This luxury train is renowned for its vintage carriages, exquisite dining, and nostalgic ambiance of the golden age of train travel in the early 20th century. The elegant cabins, fine dining, and attentive and committed staff are some of the key features of this train.

The restored vintage cars from the 1920s and 1930s, a historical carriage, offer a glamorous travel experience.

The journey’s highlight of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is the scenic views of the European countryside, historic towns, and landmarks along the way.

The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express offers different routes for its guests to choose whether they prefer the London to Venice route, Venice to Paris, or other options such as custom and themed journeys.

When we compare these two trains, they are similar in meeting the needs of their guests. It is just a matter of choice whether you love to explore the East’s vibrant luxury vs the West’s classic elegance.

Routes and destinations

Popular routes of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express:

London to Venice: This is the classic route passing through the Channel Tunnel, the French countryside, and the Alps.
Venice to Paris: This route includes a journey across northern Italy and France.
Other options: There are other options like custom and themed journeys, including holiday specials and private charters.

Maharajas’ Express speciality:

Maharajas’ Express has different routes and gives a different picture and social diversity of India to its guests.
There are four major routes: the Heritage of India, the Indian Splendour, the Indian Panorama, and the Treasure of India. These routes cover different historical cities in Rajasthan, U.P., Delhi, M.P., and Maharashtra.
Maharajas’ Express is suitable for people who want to visit spiritual, historic, and regal destinations, while VSOE is more of the capital culture of Europe, covering destinations like Paris, Venice, Budapest, and Istanbul.

Onboard experience

Now, let’s look into the heads up between Maharajas’ Express vs.Venice Simplon-Orient-Express:

Cabin and suites:

Maharajas’ Express has four different types of suites- the presidential suite, deluxe suite, suite, and junior suite. The presidential suite is the main highlight of the Maharajas’ Express. It is the most expensive suite, covers an entire carriage with the royal treatment, and best facilities possible on a moving train.

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is known for its historic twin cabins, grand suites, and elegant restraint, which reflect the European grandeur.

Dining:

The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express offers French haute cuisine and 3 dining cars with vintage themes.
The Maharajas’ Express has two dining carriages, namely Rang Mahal and Mayur Mahal, which offer Indian and international cuisines and serve a wide range of food to satisfy your appetite.

Ambiance and Decor:

The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express reflects the original art deco of the 1920s with a romantic and cozy touch to the decor.
Whereas the Maharajas’ Express reflects the royal past of the Maharajas and emperors through the interior of the train.

Pricing and value

The Maharajas’ Express journey can cost between $5000 to$25000, depending on the route and cabin you select.
Whereas the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express costs between $3000 to $20000 for overnight journeys.

Service and hospitality

Both trains are renowned for their services and hospitality, but if we look at the staff-to-guest ratio to compare Maharajas’ Express vs Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. It is 3:4 for Maharajas’ Express and 2:1 for VSOE.
Both these trains offer personalized services for their guests, especially the ones in grand suites. Some of those facilities include a personal butler, a private car for outdoor excursions, private In-suite dining, and many more.
Maharajas’ Express review from its guests is often described as a one-of-a-kind lifestyle experience.

Cultural Immersion & off-Train Excursions

If we look into Maharajas’ Express vs. Venice Simplon-Orient-Express in terms of cultural immersion. Both trains offer some of the best off-board excursions, which allow you to indulge in the culture of that place. It might be different because the two societies (India vs. Europe) are different from each other. Therefore, it is all about liking what you prefer.

The Maharajas’ Express offers Palace tours, tiger safaris, and private dinners in the Palace, whereas VSOE offers city walking tours, fine wine tasting, and exclusive events.

Choosing Your Dream Luxury Train: Maharajas Express vs. VSOE

When we compare Maharajas’ Express vs. Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, both trains give unparalleled experiences to their guests. It is not about which one is the best because both trains cater to different tourists to meet different experiences. The VSOE gives its guests a glimpse of the early 20th century, whereas the Maharajas’ Express offers the royal treatment and opulence of an era of kings and maharajas. Guests who chose the Maharajas’ Express wanted to explore the history of Indian society and culture and seek spirituality. Whether it’s silk and spices or champagne and chandeliers, both journeys redefine what it means to travel in luxury. So, if you want to explore the journey of silk and spices, book your ticket to the Maharajas’ Express now.