posted
I haven't been on the AOE, however, as soon as I win the lottery, my wife and I will spend the next 3 weeks riding it. (wherever it happens to be going)
Posts: 1418 | From: Houston, Republic of Texas | Registered: Jan 2001
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I think any of the trains routes they offer would be a great trip, but I don't like some of their itineraries for the 2002-2003 year. They seem to hit the best scenic areas wile travelling at night (i.e. Albany to Montreal on Amtrak's Adirondack route is at night!). And I liked their old southern route better. They do seem to switch up the routes a little very year - which is nice. I wouldn't mind doing the Canadian portion through Thunder Bay (the old route of the Canadian). The dome observation car that they added seems like a nice addition. The Rocky Mountaineer (in Canada) domes may be a little nicer though, as it can fit more passengers and are more plentiful on a particular consist.
Posts: 337 | Registered: Jun 2003
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I took the Seattle-Salt Lake AOE trip and it was great. The scenic areas were traveled in daylight. The ground transportation in Glacier Park, Yellowstone and Grand Teton vicinity and Helena to Great Falls was 1st class and the overnight stay at Jackson Park Lodge was a fine addition.
With two (2) diners, three (3) lounge cars including the round end car from the 20th Century Limited there was ample time for viewing and visiting over libations or great food. No extra charges for the off-train trips and very nice sleeping accomodations made this comparable to a fine ocean cruise.
Pick you intenary and enjoy, the AOL people do a great job and I am reminded of the fine service of the Super Chief, 20th Century. Broadway Limited, Empire Builder, Panama Limited and other great trains long gone.
Posts: 467 | From: Prescott, AZ USA | Registered: Mar 2002
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What concerns me about the AOE is not only the high fares, but the fact that they seem to park the train at night, and bus the passengers on various daylight sight-seeing tours. If I am going to pay all that money for this fabulous train, I want to stay on the train day and night. After all the purpose of the trip is the train itself. I'm not too concerned about the scenery, if the train and service are superb I wouldn't care if the outside view is a toxic waste dump. I would pay the high fares if I were truly receiving a total train adventure--no busses and with the train moving during the night. For those fares, I would rather book the QE2.
Posts: 524 | From: Toronto Ont. Canada | Registered: Mar 2001
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Royaltrain, I understand your position and its well that we do not all want the same things because it would be very crowded, wouldn't it.
The AOE package is designed like many cruise ships with their Ports Of Call while the QE2 can be only a transatlantic trip, although it does have other itenaries.
AOE is elegant, professionally done and offers a relaxed way to travel and see many different locations while enjoying great food and hospitality. The lounge cars provide an opportunity to meet interesting people, enjoy lectures about the location currently being seen, and even has a baby grand piano in two of the cars.
To each his own, but I like AOE
Posts: 467 | From: Prescott, AZ USA | Registered: Mar 2002
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Looks like the Pacific Coast Explorer tour offers 5 nights out of 7 on the train and on only one night is the train NOT moving enroute. Seems like getting off the train for a night or two would let you appreciate sleeping abord the train even more. As for high fares, you get what you pay for. And it appears comparing the AOE to Amtrak is like comparing Carnival to Raddison.
Posts: 218 | Registered: Apr 2003
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I have not ridden on the AOE yet, but do want to some time. I think I would very much enjoy the trip, especially since the AOE routes go through many scenic places out west that AMTRAK does not go to. As far as sleeping on the train, I have seen shows on Travel Channel about the AOE, and you DO spend several nights on the train as well as a few nights off, which is fine with me. On my AMTRAK trips, I usually end up (primarily due to scheduling problems) with at least one or 2 nights in a hotel anyway, and I do appreciate that (better showers, a bed that does not move, etc.). Another thing I appreciate about the AOE is that they go through the most scenic areas by train during the day.
And yes, the AOE is expensive, but I feel it is worth it -- as someone else here said, the prices are comparable to a 7-day ocean cruise.
[This message has been edited by RRRICH (edited 07-31-2003).]
Posts: 2428 | From: Grayling, MI | Registered: Mar 2002
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