Just joined the forum after making my *first* AMTRAK reservation. In November, my wife & I are taking the Silver Meteor to from Newark Orlando and returning on the Silver Star. It's our first trip on AMTRAK.
We're going to Disney. After checking air fares and seeing how exorbitant they've become, we took a look at the train. We found that, with the cost of air fare, buying food, etc. at the airport, extra "surcharges" for baggage and soft drinks on the plane (grrrrrr), the cost is just a little higher. Plus, we don't have to put up with the BS at the airport -- security, delayed planes, crowded seats.
We have a roomette on the train both ways.
We're *really* looking forward to the train. We believe we'll arrive a *lot* less hassled. And it'll be a more scenic ride than at 30,000 feet. :-)
My questions are: How are the roomettes? I've read that they're "about the size of three phone booths." I'm going to "assume" that there's enough room for both of us. and if there's not, we can always spend some time in the lounge car.
If we were to upgrade, can we do it on the train, provided there's no one booked in the bedrooms?
I'm sure I'll have more "dumb questions" as time passes.
Thanks for your help.
-------------------- I touch the future. I teach Christa McAauliffe Posts: 7 | Registered: Jun 2008
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You will get all kinds of answers to your questions, most of them thoughtful. There is no dumb question here, although there can be dumb answers.
I will say this about the roomettes: If you are youngish (under 50), fairly limber, and not too tall (6 feet and under), you will find the roomettes adequate, if somewhat tight.
Some will tell you under no circumstances settle for anything less than a bedroom. But will your wallet go along with that?
If bedrooms are unsold, yes, you can upgrade en route -- but Amtrak trains have become so popular lately that it is likely the sleepers will be booked full weeks before departure date. If you really feel that a bedroom will make the difference between an enjoyable trip and a merely tolerable one, book NOW.
But I think you'll have lots of fun either way.
Finally, congratulations on choosing the most civilized way to travel.
Posts: 2236 | From: Evanston, Ill. and Ontonagon, Mich. | Registered: Feb 2007
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Tom, you'll get lots of different views, but I enjoy the roomettes for two people. I find them big enough for my wife and I to sit and relax, and at night it is tight, but the beds work. When sitting together (opposite) one can generally straighten one's legs out along side the other. As you plan to do, going to the lounge car provides a nice break. We are both active, late 40s and early 50s, and have no mobility problems.
Posts: 406 | From: La Grange, CA | Registered: Sep 2007
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Of course Mr. Conlon, you will get contrary thoughts, but then what's a forum all about?
A Roomette is a single person accommodation that happens (wisely) to have two beds. Accordingly, I can only suggest either to book a second Roomette or a Bedroom. Two Roomettes are often less expensive than a Bedroom.
In addition to the quite cramped space (Roomette dimensions are reported at the Amtrak website), there is also the "potty problem' to consider in the Viewliner Sleeper that is assigned to the Florida trains.
Oh why two beds? that is for an adult traveling with a small child, two adolescents whose family has other space on the train, or two adults who have been clearly briefed that what they are booking is essentially "indoor camping".
Finally, I note your comment regarding scenery; the best this "Ol' Florida hand" who uses Auto Train regularly, can tell you regarding such is "if you've seen one Pine Tree, you've seen 'em all". The route is, save a few vistas between Richmond and Wash that you will see from your Northward journey, a scenic zero. Why any railroad ever spent a dime for sightseeing cars to be assigned to the route simply escapes me (Atlantic Coast Line was the only one avoiding such folly).
Posts: 9975 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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I strongly disagree with Mr. Norman in this instance. My husband and I traveled in roomette space cross country many times until we could afford a bedroom. (obviously a better choice). We never had a problem.He is 6'. I slept in the bottom bunk . since I am only 5'4" there was room at the bottom of the bed for carryons. As I memtioned in another thread he would go to the upstairs restroom to shave and get dressed while I could manage nicely in the rooom.I think you will find that you work out your own ways to manage the space and your needs. another thing to consider is that Gil being unmarried is accustomed to having his own space while those of us who are couples are more accustomed to sharing. Whatever relax,enjoy and find things to laugh about.
Posts: 1577 | From: virginia | Registered: Jun 2005
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I agree with train lady on the roomettes. I feel sorry for Mr. Norman when he says that "if you've seen one Pine Tree, you'v seen 'em all." What he must have missed in life. I know I have quite a few years on him but I still enjoy Pine Trees and all the other scenery you can see from a train window in this country. If you look carefully it is all different.
Posts: 8 | From: Mesa, AZ | Registered: Jan 2008
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The Viewliner roomettes have much better ceiling clearance than the Superliners we ride on the western trains. You'll even enjoy the privilege of having a panoramic window with your upper bunk.
A full bedroom is like a mini hotel room. Sleeping in a roomette is more like a camping trip, but with climate control. The daytime configuration is cozy, but comfortable, and the view makes it feel a lot bigger than it is.
The bottom line is that couples travel in roomette's on every sleeping car every day on every Amtrak long distance train, and many of them have done it multiple times. It is certainly doable.
My standard advice to a first timer is to expect to have fun, but don't expect perfection. Most Amtrak trips involve a few glitches. If you roll with them you'll be fine. The people who enjoy Amtrak most go into it with a sense of adventure. Those who go into it with inflated expectations of luxury and pampering tend to be disappointed.
Posts: 2649 | From: California's Monterey Peninsula | Registered: Dec 2000
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"The bottom line is that couples travel in roomette's on every sleeping car every day on every Amtrak long distance train, and many of them have done it multiple times. It is certainly doable."
Mr. Toy, Groucho Marx would have been delighted at that double entendre!
Posts: 2236 | From: Evanston, Ill. and Ontonagon, Mich. | Registered: Feb 2007
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Mr. Conlon, it should be made clear that there is a considerable difference in the plumbing between Superliner (double-decker) sleepers and Viewliner (single-decker) sleepers.
In the Superliners, there are no toilet facilities in the roomettes. Occupants use one of several available toilets in the corridors. But in Viewliners, there is a toilet in each roomette -- but it is adjacent to the lower bunk. It has a discreet lid, but use of it is unfortunately visible to the other occupant. This may not matter to couples accustomed to, uh, intimate proximity, but for others it's an aesthetic impossibility.
Posts: 2236 | From: Evanston, Ill. and Ontonagon, Mich. | Registered: Feb 2007
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Mr Conlon, you are in for a fine time on Amtrak as long as you go into the trip with you eyes . My wife and I first experienced the Zephyr in 2005 and have done three other long distance trips. All have been good, one, the Empire Builder, superb. You have room on the train to move about and the food is more than acceptable.Most of the staff have been extremely helpful, positive and cheerful, something you cannot say about air-travel. You actually feel the staff in the sleepers and diners care about you. Probably because you are on the train even the so-called dull bits of scenery take on a new fascination. I found Montana much more interesting than people said I would and even the afternoon section on the Zephyr through semi-desert to Green River was fascinating. There will probably be delays, but you get those when you fly too. The first time we came to the US in July 2001 our plane from Paris was cancelled, next day we arrived late in Cincinatti, but because of a delay caught our plane to Denver. On the return the Denver plane was late leaving, we missed our connection in Cincinatti, the only plane to leave on time! had to spend another night there and then flew via Atlanta back to Europe. Most of that time we were not informed by air port staff or air-crew about what was happening. In fact we were frequently mis-informed or lied to, and had to work very hard at the airports to find out what arrangements were being made. When the track between Chicago and St Pauls last year was flooded Amtrak took good care of us and actually told us how to get a refund for the part of the trip we were missing. Sorry about that folks, but when I think of how Amtrak has to struggle for funding the airlines seem to get away with blue murder and are baled out at every opportunity.
Posts: 168 | From: uk. northumberland | Registered: Jun 2007
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My wife and I have traveled now on six different long distance Amtrak adventures and have had a roomette on all of them. I am 6"6" and my wife is 5"6". We are both over 55 and really enjoy the sleepers. Yes, it is crowded, but like the others have stated, its like a camping trip without the tent. If you are flexible (in both thought and physical structure ) you will have a great time!!
Posts: 87 | From: Ohio | Registered: Apr 2007
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quote:Originally posted by Mesaman: I feel sorry for Mr. Norman when he says that "if you've seen one Pine Tree, you'v seen 'em all." What he must have missed in life.
Mr Mesa, we should note that my comment applies specifically to the East Coast-Florida routes. It does not apply to routes "out your way". By no means with any kind of sound mind could or would I make a comment to the effect of "if you've seen one mountain range, you've seen 'em all".
On that point, and assuming that SP was still "pro-passenger" when they plunked down investor $$$ for the Sunset equipment, why Domes were not included in the order escapes me. I found when I last rode the Sunset during Dec 1970 NO-El Paso and Dec 1963 El Paso-LA (never ridden since Amtrak; only Sunset East) the scenery to be fascinating watching the terrain evolve from swampland to farmland, and to "high desert" from Sanderson and Westward.
Finally, Ms. Train Lady (who I have now met face-to-face, and hope to have the pleasure of doing so again) does have a point; I never married in this life and at my age, I expect my space. When I visit family or friends, I stay in a hotel - and the family "doesn't exactly' reside in a "low cost of living" area - and I don't stay at The Dive Inn.
Posts: 9975 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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I've not done much travel east of the Mississippi. I have, however, travelled the Santa Fe and the Union Pacific Overland Route, both more than once.
I respectfully disagree with Mr Norman on scenery. I can look out the window at the world going by from a train for endless hours and be utterly fascinated.
According to the Amtrak public timetable, the sleeper you will have is a Viewliner. I can accept the two of you being in a single room. The footprint Amtrak calls a Roomette was that which the Pullman Company once called a section. With upper berth windows, and sufficient headroom for the upper berth occupant, life in your space will be ok.
I do have to caution you that the upper berth is narrow! If there is one thing I could change about the design of sleepers, it's the width of the upper berths!
Posts: 1404 | Registered: Oct 2001
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Mr. Conlon - While Mr. Norman disparages our pine trees (did you know there are 35 varieties in North America, and I don't dobut that he has seen them all), he is correct that the scenery will not glue you to the window like the western trains. However, I do find fascinating the glimpses of everyday life as the train saunters through small southern towns. I know you will enjoy it.
My wife and I recently took the Silver Star to Orlando/West Palm from North Carolina. While a shorter trip than yours, the roomette worked well for us. For a longer trip (2 nights) a bedroom is in order though.
We had a great trip. It was on time (but don't count on it), the food was good and the service was great. We like the viewliners because they have more headroom in the upper bunk than superliners and the toilet is a nice convenience. Very easy for one of us to step into the hall. I wish they had them in superliners rather than share a communal toilet.
When you get to Orlando are you renting a car? Hertz has a rental booth in the station. Although on our trip where we returned the car to West Palm, we found Avis very convenient (they meet you at the train) and half the cost. This was the result of a suggestion by another forum member.
Posts: 2397 | From: Camden, SC | Registered: Mar 2006
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Well with comparing scenery on long distance Florida trains to the the long distance trains of the western lands there is great difference. I understand Mr.Norman's comment, "when you see one pine tree you've seen them all" It can be boring. But It is the whole experience which is to be considered here. Especially with a sleeper accommodation. Hopefully you will enjoy the difference from flying. It's been years since I have traveled in a sleeper on a long distance train.
Posts: 498 | From: New Hope, PA, USA | Registered: Jan 2003
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Oh well, so long as we are "playing Pine Tree" around here, here goes with a few of the thirty five noted by Mr. Palmland:
Chickamauga Georgia Tennesee Slash Pitch Loblolly Pond Alabama Curly Deep Woods Green Holiday Kentucky Light Lonesome Long Leaf Louisiana Mississippi Mountain Plantation Rocky Creek Short Leaf Southern Tall Towering Whispering White Wild Yellow
Oh, where did I get these? from Wayner. What does that have to do with railroads? These were the names, "--Pine", of a PSCM built (from vestibule) 6RM-4BR-6SEC car delivered to the NC&STL, C&EI, and L&N railroads during 1953.
But to close, please don't ask me what kind of Pine I was looking at out the window from my hotel room at Marriott Courtyard in Roswell GA during April, or what kind of Pine is in the backyard of my friends who reside near Fort AP Hill VA and that I visited earlier this month.
Posts: 9975 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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Well done Mr. Norman. I might add those Pines also saw service on the Pan American, Humming Bird, and Gulf Wind. At least one is preserved at the nicely restored Bowling Green, KY station.
Sorry about the lack of connection to Mr. Conlon's post. But as we get older, our mind does wander in mysterious ways.
Posts: 2397 | From: Camden, SC | Registered: Mar 2006
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Maybe next we could go after Southern Railway's 'River' series 10&6 sleepers!
-------------------- David Pressley
Advocating for passenger trains since 1973!
Climbing toward 5,000 posts like the Southwest Chief ascending Raton Pass. Cautiously, not nearly as fast as in the old days, and hoping to avoid premature reroutes. Posts: 4203 | From: Western North Carolina | Registered: Feb 2004
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Here's what I know about pine trees: they are a nuisance! The first thing we did on our three acres is have about two dozen of the damn things removed. The remaining dozen or so we have left make excellent lightning rods and homes for their archenemy, the pine beetle.
What I don't know about pines is if Maine is the Pine Tree State, how come we have so many pines in Florida?
Please don't "needle" me about posting this, Gil; I know we're way OT, but I agree with your assessment, "If you've seen one, etc."
-------------------- Ocala Mike Posts: 1530 | From: Ocala, FL | Registered: Dec 2006
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Palmland's comment about the glimpses of small town life you get from the train is most appropriate. That's what I found particularly fascinating the first afternoon on the Zephyr out of Chicago. These towns probably would not exist were it not for the railway. You also get a glimpse of the way local economies /communities have changed/are changing.
Posts: 168 | From: uk. northumberland | Registered: Jun 2007
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GBN, you left out my favorite tree, the distinctive and rare Monterey Pine!
The above is from my website. I did a Google search for Monterey Pine images, but most of them were not even the right tree. Many had mislabeled the Monterey Cypress as Monterey Pine.
Posts: 2649 | From: California's Monterey Peninsula | Registered: Dec 2000
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Isn't the extent of the creep on this thread a delight? Some moderators are terribly anal about that, and it's hard to blame them, but where else can you begin a backyard chat about trains and wind up with a delightful bucket of knowledge about pine trees?
As for myself, being an Upper Michigander a good chunk of the year, I am partial to the lordly white pine. I like it even better than the sugar maple. I wish Amtrak had a train from Chicago to Porcupine County. (Just keeping this thread on track.)
Posts: 2236 | From: Evanston, Ill. and Ontonagon, Mich. | Registered: Feb 2007
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If we're discussing southeastern scenery, don't forget the mighty palm tree also!!!! Gil, wasn't there also a class of Pullman cars named "________ Palm" also?
So, in Florida - "seen one palm tree, seen 'em all" For the SE - "seen one pine tree, seen 'em all" For the Midwest - "seen one decaying rust belt town, seen 'em all" For the desert - "seen one salt flat, seen 'em all"
OK, OK -- I know I'm getting ridiculous! Just kidding!!! I too enjoy ALL scenery on ALL AMTRAK routes!!!
(4 days until we embark on our big AMTRAK trip!!!)
Posts: 2428 | From: Grayling, MI | Registered: Mar 2002
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On a drive from Atlanta to Chicago, I was in Bowling Green this past April, and got as close to Downtown as their Convention Center on the perimeter of their airport (checked into a Marriott Courtyard about 5PM; didn't leave it until next AM)
Posts: 9975 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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quote:Originally posted by RRRICH: If we're discussing southeastern scenery, don't forget the mighty palm tree also!!!! Gil, wasn't there also a class of Pullman cars named "________ Palm" also?
AT&SF had ACF built 10-6's "Palm--".
Amtrak has six 10BR, 4RM, 1FM, 1SR S-II sleepers named "--Palm" that are assigned to Auto Train. However, one was lost at Crescent City April 2002.
I do not recall any railroad "Heritage" (to use Amtrakese for benefit of our younger readers who never knew the "real deal") line with fleet name of "--Palm", but I'll research Wayner on that point.
Oh and finally, next time you are in Boca, sweet talk the Guard ("I'm on a Palm Tree study tour' or whatever) at this gated community, drive around and you will get an update of every Palm Tree varietal. Such was part of servicing the "Florida Branch' of my practice, i.e. clients who were with me 'up here' and still wanted me to take care of them when they chose to retire "down there".
Posts: 9975 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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Well, after wandering about the flora, I will come back to comment on the scenery in general. I know there can be boring views out the train window for some, but part of the reasons I like traveling by train is because of the routes. I like looking at backyards, graveyards, junkyards, trainyards, lumberyards and no yards. The key will be attitude; for a first timer with an ability to avoid worry about the small things and inevitable glitches, I think the entire journey will be exciting.
Posts: 406 | From: La Grange, CA | Registered: Sep 2007
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Mr. Norman Thanks for that great link to the L&N station in Bowling Green (can't bring myself to call it a museum). I highly recommend a visit on your next trip down to Music City. In addition to the train and museum, there is also a very good model railroad layout, a branch of the library (digital variety), city offices and the main concourse used for civic events and weddings.
Probably we have exhausted our pine tree discussion, but as much as you enjoy pines, you should obtain a bristlecone pine. We saw them in Great Basin NP and they are supposedly the longest living tree in the world. One specimen in CA is 4700 years old.
Posts: 2397 | From: Camden, SC | Registered: Mar 2006
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Tom, to wander from the interesting discussion on pine trees ( and no I am not being sarcastic).I reread your post. I notice you mentioned soft drinks on planes. They are also expensive on Amtrak so If you like them I suggest you stick a few in your carry on baggage. There is ice available in your sleeping car. They used to ba free but no longer and the cans are mimi cans to boot.
Posts: 1577 | From: virginia | Registered: Jun 2005
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Can't let a discussion of sleeping car accommodations go without comment. . .I am nearly 60, definitely not small (short but not small) and I have pretty severe arthritis in both knees and one hip. My wonderful husband, a bit younger than me, is nearly 6 ft and about 75 lbs on the far side of slender. We have experienced every type bedroom that AMTRAK offers except the accessible room and we're fine with any of them. We rode the EB from CHI-SEA and back in a roomette and we were just fine. I't not for everyone but it does work for us.
Posts: 149 | From: Joliet, IL USA | Registered: Aug 2004
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Back to railroad scenery -- if you look carefully (through the palm trees and pine trees), you often see some very interesting sights while traveling on AMTRAK -- does anyone rememebr the "Santa's Flying Rocket" that used to be visible in Wisconsin from the Empire Builder in a scrap yard next to the tracks? (the last time I rode that route, the flying rocket was still there, but had been moved and mostly covered with other junk, so was very hard to see if you weren't looking for it) -- or the alligator farm just W of Mobile on the (boo-hoo! May she rest in peace!) Sunset East
Posts: 2428 | From: Grayling, MI | Registered: Mar 2002
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