Also, I am bringing a power bar for my computer and digital camera. The bar has a regular 3 prong socket that should fit into the recessed outlet; however, it has a polarized plug (one of the leads is a little wider than the other) - will this plug into the train's outlet?

Thanks,

In your room there isn't really a great deal of room. Even a 6-pack cooler will take up quite a bit of room. You can lower the top bunk if you're on your own and store stuff there.

The closet is at least 5 feet tall if not more but incredibly narrow (4" sounds about right). The Superliner IIs (which are not often on the CZ as you may have read recently) have just a hanger - no closet.

Plug - not certain, but I think they are polarized.

So judging from your list, you have two large bags, one small, that makes three. One will probably have to go in the baggage car. If they count the cooler as a bag, two will hhave to go in the baggage car. The laptop is fine, of course.

In my experience, the on-board luggage racks tend to get pretty full, but I've never seen one overflowing. Your experience may vary.

As for the power strip, make sure it is a surge protector. The train's a/c voltage may be a little uneven for sensitive electronics. I got an inexpensive four-outlet surge protector at Staples for that purpose.

A polarized plug should be fine. Many years ago when I worked in a hardware store I learned that polarized outlets have actually been the standard since WWII. Our house was built in 1949, and even the older outlets are all polarized.

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Sing to the tune of Humoresque:
Passengers will please refrain,
From flushing toilets while the train,
Is standing in the station,
I love you.

On our trip on the Empire Builder two weeks ago the lower level luggage rack did indeed overflow. There was a couple traveling with a small child and they had a stroller, etc. That and a pretty full car made it a tight fit. We each had a 22" roll aboard and a smaller bag for toiletries, etc. We just took what we would need for the two days out of the larger bags and left the rollaboards down below. The closet, though narrow, held an amazing amount of stuff including a box of wine, jackets, etc.!

The space under the couch is pretty much wasted. Not big enough for a suitcase but it is handy for shoes, etc.

Have a great trip! There were at least three or four kids aged two to five on board and they were having a great time!

Best,

Traveling with small children looks like moving. When our crowd was small, I used to say we could not get out of the house in less than 45 minutes if it was on fire.

With nice weather on both ends, no children and no particular dress requirements, yes, it is possible to make an international trip with only a carryon. Usually things don't work that way.

When it is your once a year trip to "home" and there are always have things you want to get from one end to the other because you can't get it there or can't get it there reasonably, baggage limits are not academic exercises. You also learn which airlines and which particular agents or locations are nit-pickers about weight limits and avoid them. We usually max out in both directions.

If anything more than a carry-on needs to be brought, I say simply check the baggage. One should not require access to all of one's luggage while on the train.

Sorry, but that just semems to be the sensible way to handle it.

quote:

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Originally posted by Brian Keefer:
I keep reading alot about this top step that goes to the upper bunk. Where is this step?
Brian

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Brian, check this pic of the Superliner (II) Standard Bedroom steps: http://www.amtraktrains.com/cgi-bin/photo?/stepsuprecon.jpg

Steps are the same on Superliner I equipment, just not as new-looking.
Hope this helps.

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_________Thë Çhîeƒ
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[This message has been edited by The Chief (edited 05-06-2004).]

Also, it looked like there was a place to put a day pack or small bag of some kind on the floor under the steps. Is this true? What will fit in that space?

Does this seem reasonable for in a superliner standard room? I am used to having stuff crammed all around us in a car or van and I have dimensions for under the superliner seats:

small soft rolling luggage under one seat
toiletries bag and laptop case under other seat
A small soft rolling luggage bungied on step
daypack under steps
hip pack on hook or in closet
Maps in pocket between window and table

What do you think?

Are there any other nooks, crannies, hooks or pockets things can be stuffed in?