Not sure if this is the forum or the rail travel one would be more appropriate but I'm looking for some info on the E and O. My parents have always dreamed of traveling on this train so I'm thinking about booking a trip for my parents as a gift. So couple quick questions:

Anyone ever travel this route?
I've read it's quite formal. Black tie at dinner? Any thoughts on the best way to book this trip? Looking at doing time in Bangkok and Singapore before so don't know if anyone has any recs for someone to put together a package for this. As always I hate paying rack rate so if anyone can point me in the right direction that would be great.
Thanks


Fdw