The BRAND NEW Thalys - Review of the Ruby on the inaugural trip to Paris
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Date: 2024-01-09
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Comments and reviews: 35
-georgegeiger53
I usually like your videos, but this is not one of them.
If you are really trying to give all of us information, which I believe you are, you should try not to be so fan boy for the railway.
For example, the leg room is less, but they give you a hole to stick you legs, so that is okay. The tray is smaller, but it is okay. The cafe car is replaced with vending machines, but that is okay because it is a short trip. The seats are hard, but they should get softer as they wear out.
The bathrooms are small, but at least things work and are clean on its very first trip that has not even left the station yet. And you didn't really say if the food you got is typical of what the average traveler will get or just what they put out there for the press to see. Will I get champagne if I go premium class?
This is not meant to trash you. You seem like a very nice guy that I would enjoy knowing. But you always ask for feedback and I think all of this falls into the same category, less for more tied up with a pretty bow. As you said at the end there is a very good chance that if we choose this route we won't even get the new cars. That won't be for years to come.
Press junkets are tough as a reporter, yet alone a content provider. The company is trying to get you to convince all of us that this is a great way to travel by bribing you with bags of goodies and food and drink. It is not real, so give us the truth. The leg room is less, the table is small, the seats are hard, the cafe car is gone and the bathroom is small, but it does work on its very first run with media on board. That is what I got from your report, but you kept making excuses for them. That is a content provider and not a reporter. Just my thoughts.
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I usually like your videos, but this is not one of them.
If you are really trying to give all of us information, which I believe you are, you should try not to be so fan boy for the railway.
For example, the leg room is less, but they give you a hole to stick you legs, so that is okay. The tray is smaller, but it is okay. The cafe car is replaced with vending machines, but that is okay because it is a short trip. The seats are hard, but they should get softer as they wear out.
The bathrooms are small, but at least things work and are clean on its very first trip that has not even left the station yet. And you didn't really say if the food you got is typical of what the average traveler will get or just what they put out there for the press to see. Will I get champagne if I go premium class?
This is not meant to trash you. You seem like a very nice guy that I would enjoy knowing. But you always ask for feedback and I think all of this falls into the same category, less for more tied up with a pretty bow. As you said at the end there is a very good chance that if we choose this route we won't even get the new cars. That won't be for years to come.
Press junkets are tough as a reporter, yet alone a content provider. The company is trying to get you to convince all of us that this is a great way to travel by bribing you with bags of goodies and food and drink. It is not real, so give us the truth. The leg room is less, the table is small, the seats are hard, the cafe car is gone and the bathroom is small, but it does work on its very first run with media on board. That is what I got from your report, but you kept making excuses for them. That is a content provider and not a reporter. Just my thoughts.
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-Lodai974
15: 06 Ahhh, a good old Z20500 series (refurbished ) of the RER D. signal of arrival in Paris.
If only the PBKA fleet is provided in -Rubis-, this means that the PBA fleet will be replaced (after all, they are network TGVs, so with almost 40 years of service.
The only point that bothers me is the fact that the motor cars have not been updated from a technical point of view (with the Euroduplex engines and control system. Less consumers and more powerful would have helped Thalys.
Having taken Thalys several times, in terms of benefits, nothing to say. And obviously the Rubis maintains this quality, which has nothing to envy to other TGVs and Shinkansen.
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15: 06 Ahhh, a good old Z20500 series (refurbished ) of the RER D. signal of arrival in Paris.
If only the PBKA fleet is provided in -Rubis-, this means that the PBA fleet will be replaced (after all, they are network TGVs, so with almost 40 years of service.
The only point that bothers me is the fact that the motor cars have not been updated from a technical point of view (with the Euroduplex engines and control system. Less consumers and more powerful would have helped Thalys.
Having taken Thalys several times, in terms of benefits, nothing to say. And obviously the Rubis maintains this quality, which has nothing to envy to other TGVs and Shinkansen.
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-jlust6660
I'm a little conflicted. This is clearly an big improvement as the age of the interior was one of the weak points of the old Thalys, and this looks way more modern. And as you said, extra luggage space and bike space really was needed. However, leg room has never really been a strong point in Thalys standard class, so to see seat pitch being reduced is worrying. Allthough it must be said that capacity was a problem on the previous Thalys interior. I don't really have an opinion on the bar disappearing as I've never really seen it full nor have I visited it often. I also wonder what will happen to this interior since the Thalys brand is set to disappear.
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I'm a little conflicted. This is clearly an big improvement as the age of the interior was one of the weak points of the old Thalys, and this looks way more modern. And as you said, extra luggage space and bike space really was needed. However, leg room has never really been a strong point in Thalys standard class, so to see seat pitch being reduced is worrying. Allthough it must be said that capacity was a problem on the previous Thalys interior. I don't really have an opinion on the bar disappearing as I've never really seen it full nor have I visited it often. I also wonder what will happen to this interior since the Thalys brand is set to disappear.
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train
I have a different way of thinking about -seat pitch. - I am a great fan of the seats on Amtrak NE Corridor. It is not simply a measure of the distance between my knees and the seat in front of me but also the ease of getting in and out of the seat. On Amtrak, one can stand upright between the seats. One can move from the window seat to the aisle without discomfiting one's fellow passenger. There are few metrics on which American trains are better than European ones but on the space between seats, there is simply on comparison.
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I have a different way of thinking about -seat pitch. - I am a great fan of the seats on Amtrak NE Corridor. It is not simply a measure of the distance between my knees and the seat in front of me but also the ease of getting in and out of the seat. On Amtrak, one can stand upright between the seats. One can move from the window seat to the aisle without discomfiting one's fellow passenger. There are few metrics on which American trains are better than European ones but on the space between seats, there is simply on comparison.
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-marcvandyck8052
I don't believe that this new train deserves so many good comments. Bar is gone, seat pitch is reduced in both classes, seats are harder, and still not aligned with windows, so you can end up facing a wall for your whole trip (even in premium class! . I do not see any improvement from the previous version, excepted that it looks a bit fresher, but that won't last very long. It's about time that Thalys gets some competition. For the moment, it's just low cost service at premium price.
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I don't believe that this new train deserves so many good comments. Bar is gone, seat pitch is reduced in both classes, seats are harder, and still not aligned with windows, so you can end up facing a wall for your whole trip (even in premium class! . I do not see any improvement from the previous version, excepted that it looks a bit fresher, but that won't last very long. It's about time that Thalys gets some competition. For the moment, it's just low cost service at premium price.
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-Jacob-jl8dk
I'm super impressed at the ride quality, hardly any vibrations at high speed! I remember when I took the new Eurostar train, the shaking and rattling was pretty bad and my dad and I both got motion sickness. Hats off to Thalys for an impressive product!
As for the dinning car removal, I have mixed feelings, but Japan seems to be ok with just vending machines and a trolly service on the Shinkansen so if they can make it work, I'm sure Thalys can as well -
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I'm super impressed at the ride quality, hardly any vibrations at high speed! I remember when I took the new Eurostar train, the shaking and rattling was pretty bad and my dad and I both got motion sickness. Hats off to Thalys for an impressive product!
As for the dinning car removal, I have mixed feelings, but Japan seems to be ok with just vending machines and a trolly service on the Shinkansen so if they can make it work, I'm sure Thalys can as well -
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-typicalexpat4670
So strip it back and there is-less legroom in all classes, more seats crammed into the train, less soft seating. a far less attractive and light bar car, a coffee machine instead of a person and bar (wait for the machine to be. not working as it should) and the ugliest weirdest new table -lamps- in first. More luggage space is the big benefit. Oh and some engraving on the leather headrest. To be honest, this is not a great upgrade.
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So strip it back and there is-less legroom in all classes, more seats crammed into the train, less soft seating. a far less attractive and light bar car, a coffee machine instead of a person and bar (wait for the machine to be. not working as it should) and the ugliest weirdest new table -lamps- in first. More luggage space is the big benefit. Oh and some engraving on the leather headrest. To be honest, this is not a great upgrade.
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-ferryschoew7656
The food of Thalys Premium tastes like carton. It is horrible. Bring your own food like I always do. Because if your train leaves at 2 PM they won-t serve lunch, even though you payed full price. All they propose are some lousy tasting snacks. Prepared by famous chefs if you have to believe the menu. It is a scam. Go for the middle class seats that are as comfy and bring your own sandwich and drinks!
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The food of Thalys Premium tastes like carton. It is horrible. Bring your own food like I always do. Because if your train leaves at 2 PM they won-t serve lunch, even though you payed full price. All they propose are some lousy tasting snacks. Prepared by famous chefs if you have to believe the menu. It is a scam. Go for the middle class seats that are as comfy and bring your own sandwich and drinks!
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-irresistibleguy72
I was on it 3 weeks ago its amazingly quiet, like floating on a cloud and plenty of room and comfortable as i am a bigger guy and had no issues with comfort. I fell asleep on it a few times. The only thing i dont get is instead of reducing the bar capacity why did they not engineer another coach to increase capacity instead of reducing the size of the bar.
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I was on it 3 weeks ago its amazingly quiet, like floating on a cloud and plenty of room and comfortable as i am a bigger guy and had no issues with comfort. I fell asleep on it a few times. The only thing i dont get is instead of reducing the bar capacity why did they not engineer another coach to increase capacity instead of reducing the size of the bar.
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-osasunaitor
It seems to me that this video was somehow sponsored by Thalys, despite them saying the opposite.
-He was happy about the decreased seat pitch, something that always upsets him in other trains.
-He was happy about the cafeteria being substituted by two crappy vending machines, when he's always very vocal against this type of measures
-.
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It seems to me that this video was somehow sponsored by Thalys, despite them saying the opposite.
-He was happy about the decreased seat pitch, something that always upsets him in other trains.
-He was happy about the cafeteria being substituted by two crappy vending machines, when he's always very vocal against this type of measures
-.
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-ositomaron
I always enjoy your trip reports. The ruby looks really good, great seats, new carpets. They should keep the full bar car on the longer journeys to Amsterdam, Cologne and Dortmund. I have never travelled Thalys before and I would like to do it premium class. The food looked really delicious, complimented by chouffe beer. Thanks for sharing.
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I always enjoy your trip reports. The ruby looks really good, great seats, new carpets. They should keep the full bar car on the longer journeys to Amsterdam, Cologne and Dortmund. I have never travelled Thalys before and I would like to do it premium class. The food looked really delicious, complimented by chouffe beer. Thanks for sharing.
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train
Honestly it looks so tight in 2nd class. I just took a trip on an Hitatchi GWR class 800 trainset and the seats were horrible, like a park bench. Designers of the world - how hard is it to make a comfortable seat. For the passenger it's the most important part of being on board. Please, do better - even the Victorians understood this.
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Honestly it looks so tight in 2nd class. I just took a trip on an Hitatchi GWR class 800 trainset and the seats were horrible, like a park bench. Designers of the world - how hard is it to make a comfortable seat. For the passenger it's the most important part of being on board. Please, do better - even the Victorians understood this.
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-6cibim
I am a regular Thalys traveller between Amsterdam and Paris, and i have to say that if you are tall, you will no longer fit, as the gap has become smaller. I travelled few times already with 'Ruby' and yes it is prettier, but the old one is defenetly more comfortable and looking less cheap.
Btw i am 193cm and i no longer fit.
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I am a regular Thalys traveller between Amsterdam and Paris, and i have to say that if you are tall, you will no longer fit, as the gap has become smaller. I travelled few times already with 'Ruby' and yes it is prettier, but the old one is defenetly more comfortable and looking less cheap.
Btw i am 193cm and i no longer fit.
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train
The new livery makes Englands New South Western livery look rather sad.
GWR take notes. That is what the interior oh an intercity train should look like. Not the stark harshly light uncomfortable tripe you are running. If you were running trains like this I would go back to taking the train for my trips to the west country.
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The new livery makes Englands New South Western livery look rather sad.
GWR take notes. That is what the interior oh an intercity train should look like. Not the stark harshly light uncomfortable tripe you are running. If you were running trains like this I would go back to taking the train for my trips to the west country.
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train
I-m getting the train in Ho scale and we-ll I had to see the real thing. Never been to Europe but I-m fascinated by the passenger trains how sleek and nice they are. And I have to say if I ever go to Europe I would look forward to riding this train. And also got to say I love the video definitely subscribing
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I-m getting the train in Ho scale and we-ll I had to see the real thing. Never been to Europe but I-m fascinated by the passenger trains how sleek and nice they are. And I have to say if I ever go to Europe I would look forward to riding this train. And also got to say I love the video definitely subscribing
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-c63amg81
Honestly, I don't see the point of doing a second renovation on the Thalys, the interiors of the first renovation of 2009-2010, were still clean and pretty without the slightest dilapidation, with 2nd class cars already equipped with electrical outlets. for me this second renovation is totally useless,
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Honestly, I don't see the point of doing a second renovation on the Thalys, the interiors of the first renovation of 2009-2010, were still clean and pretty without the slightest dilapidation, with 2nd class cars already equipped with electrical outlets. for me this second renovation is totally useless,
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-senzen2692
I think when you have earned the trust of viewers with relevant aspects like Thibaud and Benjamin it's ok to do sponsored reviews like this, as long as they remain useful; of course it might get interesting if things went wrong. Companies still don't get this -talk to customers, not at them- thing.
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I think when you have earned the trust of viewers with relevant aspects like Thibaud and Benjamin it's ok to do sponsored reviews like this, as long as they remain useful; of course it might get interesting if things went wrong. Companies still don't get this -talk to customers, not at them- thing.
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-fickdich9918
My question is what will happen to the PBA sets? Will they be phased out so only Ruby PBKAs will be used by Thalys or will PBAs be refurbished in a similar way in the future?
I know it makes little difference to the journey as both cabins are similar but I personally do prefer PBA sets.
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My question is what will happen to the PBA sets? Will they be phased out so only Ruby PBKAs will be used by Thalys or will PBAs be refurbished in a similar way in the future?
I know it makes little difference to the journey as both cabins are similar but I personally do prefer PBA sets.
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-HumbertoMesa
It does not seem to me enough space for the legs, it gives the sensation of being cramped. And the fact that there is no bar, only machines, subtracts a lot of points. If the service is going to be machines, there is no need for the space that was there before. Thanks for the presentation.
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It does not seem to me enough space for the legs, it gives the sensation of being cramped. And the fact that there is no bar, only machines, subtracts a lot of points. If the service is going to be machines, there is no need for the space that was there before. Thanks for the presentation.
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-johnvanhal2450
Leg room seems very little. Maybe good for South Europeans, but surely not for Nordic people. I myself am 1. 97m tall, and that's hardly an exception in the Netherlands. It's like flying with Transavia here; I can't even fully put my butt on the seats. So I'm half standing up.
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Leg room seems very little. Maybe good for South Europeans, but surely not for Nordic people. I myself am 1. 97m tall, and that's hardly an exception in the Netherlands. It's like flying with Transavia here; I can't even fully put my butt on the seats. So I'm half standing up.
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-deusvult7559
A dining car isn't required for a one hour trip and couldn't possibly be profitable. (I love dining cars, btw) As far as commuter trains go it looks lovely. I was really impressed at how modern and comfortable even the second class looked. Nice job Thalys.
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A dining car isn't required for a one hour trip and couldn't possibly be profitable. (I love dining cars, btw) As far as commuter trains go it looks lovely. I was really impressed at how modern and comfortable even the second class looked. Nice job Thalys.
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-MyTrainVideos
Great video, thanks! But it was really time for an internal renewal, at least for that Thalys that I went from Aachen to Paris and back last November. I hope that the new Thalys coaches will soon make it to German destinations, too! -
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Great video, thanks! But it was really time for an internal renewal, at least for that Thalys that I went from Aachen to Paris and back last November. I hope that the new Thalys coaches will soon make it to German destinations, too! -
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train
This new upgraded train looks very nice. The one and only time I rode Thalys was from Paris to Cologne in 1999. I don-t remember much about the interior design, but the macaroni and cheese with ham was very good, lol
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This new upgraded train looks very nice. The one and only time I rode Thalys was from Paris to Cologne in 1999. I don-t remember much about the interior design, but the macaroni and cheese with ham was very good, lol
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-grambo4436
I'm very surprised for Thayls families to make all these improvements let alone the quality service. If only thier routes could spread more onto northern or eastern europe.
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I'm very surprised for Thayls families to make all these improvements let alone the quality service. If only thier routes could spread more onto northern or eastern europe.
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-petergilbert72
Thank you for this. Surprise to me is that Thalys is refurbishing their -old- livery instead of adopting the Eurostar brand. But maybe the merger isn-t approved yet?
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Thank you for this. Surprise to me is that Thalys is refurbishing their -old- livery instead of adopting the Eurostar brand. But maybe the merger isn-t approved yet?
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-likklej8
Thats a really nice looking Thalys train. Ive travelled on the old units from Brussels to Rotterdam. Great press gifts Im envious. Great video thanks and respect.
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Thats a really nice looking Thalys train. Ive travelled on the old units from Brussels to Rotterdam. Great press gifts Im envious. Great video thanks and respect.
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-antejl7925
Thalys is boring the EC trains with Eurofirma wagons and restaurant cars from Paris to Bruxelles and EC Paris Charleroi Namur Liege Aachen Koln were much nicer.
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Thalys is boring the EC trains with Eurofirma wagons and restaurant cars from Paris to Bruxelles and EC Paris Charleroi Namur Liege Aachen Koln were much nicer.
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-holygooff
Such a shame that Thalys will be swallowed by Eurostar. I much prefer the colours and livery of Thalys over the boring grey/blue of Eurostar. Save Thalys!
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Such a shame that Thalys will be swallowed by Eurostar. I much prefer the colours and livery of Thalys over the boring grey/blue of Eurostar. Save Thalys!
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-gpeg3076
The cup holders look like they would be difficult to use if there were two drinks. Doesnt seem there is a way to adjust the spacing
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The cup holders look like they would be difficult to use if there were two drinks. Doesnt seem there is a way to adjust the spacing
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-marcdich9066
i wish american trains were like this, the light well its just cute the whole train is awesome oh i want one of those gift bags
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i wish american trains were like this, the light well its just cute the whole train is awesome oh i want one of those gift bags
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-hommedterre1
I personally find too much red colour quite aggressive and would bother me on a long train ride. Definitely not impressed.
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I personally find too much red colour quite aggressive and would bother me on a long train ride. Definitely not impressed.
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-johandebondt8328
the ruby pba livery is my sec favourite liverie from Thalys, but I will always set the 2008 livery on the first place
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the ruby pba livery is my sec favourite liverie from Thalys, but I will always set the 2008 livery on the first place
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-almerarnapi7742
is the service only specifically for the inaugural trip or that is the normal thalys premium class service?
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is the service only specifically for the inaugural trip or that is the normal thalys premium class service?
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train
Quand le personnel de la SNCf comprendra que -bonjour Monsieur, bienvenue- existe, les poules auront des dents
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Quand le personnel de la SNCf comprendra que -bonjour Monsieur, bienvenue- existe, les poules auront des dents
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train
Is there a buffet car staffed by a real human? If I can't get a bottle of Belgian beer, I'm not travelling!
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Is there a buffet car staffed by a real human? If I can't get a bottle of Belgian beer, I'm not travelling!
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