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I am going to do the route from LA to New Orleans spend two nights and then rail back home again late September. Any recomendations? I will have a bedroom (one with my own facilities)
Posts: 89 | From: Redondo Beach, CA | Registered: Jun 2004
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My first recommendation: Arrive at the station before the train leaves. That always helps.
Posts: 2236 | From: Evanston, Ill. and Ontonagon, Mich. | Registered: Feb 2007
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Shame on me for being so smartass. As Geoff said, what do you have in mind, Scott? We're glad to help here, but we need a bit of guidance.
Posts: 2236 | From: Evanston, Ill. and Ontonagon, Mich. | Registered: Feb 2007
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Well, for instance...the last time I did the route was 1992 between Houston and NO. I have never done an overnighter on Amtrak only on Britrail. I am not expecting a cruise but any suggestions on extra items to bring along? Has the Diner improved? It was pretty bad back then with a steak on styrofom and little dainty plastic coffee cups. The service back then overall was pretty bad where they could care less if you rode them again. I may have been lucky and had a bad crew.
Posts: 89 | From: Redondo Beach, CA | Registered: Jun 2004
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IMO, the south side of the train has a bit better scenery (Salton Sea, Mexican border at El Paso, New Orleans from the Huey Long Bridge). But the scenic highlight (again IMO) is the crossing of the Pecos River high bridge; while it is equally spectacular from both sides of the train the foundations of the original bridge are visible from the north side of the train if you like that sort of thing.
The food could be a whole lot better, but it also could be a whole lot worse. It still beats the stuffings out of anything you might be offered on an airliner. Do expect paper cups and disposable plastic plates, but as of last notice they still had real tableware.
Do bring a power strip in your carry-on luggage; there is only one outlet in your bedroom and it is semi-recessed and may not hold a "brick" type charging adapter. Duct tape is always recommended, although I have never yet brought (or needed) it. Amtrak does supply soap, towels and washcloths for your on-board shower but if you want shampoo and conditioner, bring your own. I have never traveled in a full bedroom but I understand that the toilet interferes somewhat with the use of the in-room shower; if that is the case you may use the slightly larger communal shower downstairs.
Have a great trip!
-------------------- --------Eric H. Bowen
Stop by my website: Streamliner Schedules - Historic timetables of the great trains of the past! Posts: 413 | From: Houston, Texas | Registered: Mar 2006
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Scott, the food's much better these days. Nothing to write home about, but it's palatable and sometimes quite good -- a lot depends on the chef.
Everyone will tell you: DO NOT HAVE THE SPECIAL.
The styrofoam plates are gone, replaced by much sturdier (and more aesthetic) hard plastic plates.
If you are a wine lover you might want to bring along a bottle or two of your favorite plonk, for consumption in the privacy of your sleeper room. Ask the sleeper attendant for a bucket of ice if you need to chill the wine (and give him a decent tip).
If you are a reader, bring a book or two. If you are not a reader, then a portable DVD player and a few movies would be suitable. If you are neither, head for the lounge car and strike up conversations if you are gregarious.
I'm not sure about the little dainty plastic coffee cups. They may be bigger than they were in the 1990s. I haven't really noticed.
Crews are better than they used to be, especially since Congress passed the Lott/Lautenberg act and Bush signed it -- morale has improved. You will still encounter the lazy and the clueless, although they are fewer and farther between, at least in my experience.
EHBowen's right about the electric outlet in some of the sleeper rooms -- it is often recessed. But you may not need to bring a bulky power strip; I use a common $1.49 plastic three-outlet plug available at hardware stores.
Posts: 2236 | From: Evanston, Ill. and Ontonagon, Mich. | Registered: Feb 2007
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So it sounds like right side going in each direction so I get a different view each direction (south going and north coming). I am sure the pillows are not hotel quality probably more airline quality so I will bring my own. Being Superliner should I go for upstairs if I can?
Posts: 89 | From: Redondo Beach, CA | Registered: Jun 2004
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If you are booking a Bedroom, all such in a Superliner are on the Upper Level. Roomette is my normal accommodation, for which I prefer Lower Level RM #11-14.
Finally in railroad parlance, right side facing forward is "Engineer's Side"; left is "Fireman's Side" (never mind the position of Fireman started to phase out on October 27, 1972).
Posts: 9977 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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I saw on the website that there is a bedroom at the end of the car and I can see advantages and disadvantages depending on where that car is hooked up. Advantage: Closer to the engine for grade crossing horn blasts (love that) Dont have people walking past your door all night. (only if the last car and is turned so that room is the last room) Disadvantage: People walking past your room all night The sound of the hall door opening and closing all night.
Posts: 89 | From: Redondo Beach, CA | Registered: Jun 2004
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End of car rooms are rougher riding that mid-car rooms.
Surprised the Huey P. Long Bridge crossing of the Mississippi River just out of New Orleans is not mentioned as a scenic highlight.
If Los Angeles / Southern California is your definition of "normal", then the swamp and bayou country of southern Louisiana will be very exotic territory.
Posts: 2808 | From: Olive Branch MS | Registered: Nov 2002
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AS to the Special, I never believe in generalizations . It can be bad, or it can be as good as anything on the menu. Sometimes the regular items are not very good, other times they are. As stated, seems to depend on the chef. I find the roomette just fine for one person.
Posts: 406 | From: La Grange, CA | Registered: Sep 2007
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BECAUSE THE SPECIAL IS ALMOST ALWAYS AWFUL.
(Throwing an overdone Flat Iron Steak at RR4Me.)
This is what is known as a Folk Truism. Never play cards with a man named Doc . . .
Posts: 2236 | From: Evanston, Ill. and Ontonagon, Mich. | Registered: Feb 2007
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I have to disagree with those who complain about the roomette. My husband and I travele in one for a long time before we could afford a bedroom. We worked out our own logistics and were quite comfortable. I must admit the first time he saw it he was stunned. "you expect us Both to fit into that rabbit hole?" When he finally settled in he had to admit he was quite comfortable much to his surprise and " It sure beats the devil out of coach". The bedroom you do not want if it is possible to avoid is "A". It is smaller than the others and certainly not as comfortable.
Posts: 1577 | From: virginia | Registered: Jun 2005
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I actually saw a preview menu on Amtrak that apparently the only appetizer they know how to make are spicy wings...lunch and dinner a choice of do you want them or not.
Posts: 89 | From: Redondo Beach, CA | Registered: Jun 2004
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make sure if you are in bedroom E to not have hanky panky on board because the people in room D will hear everything! Also, i pluged my phone into the outlet just fine and didnt have any problems. the bedroom is quite nice, i must say. just enough room. take along a pillow though, the railroad pillows leave alot to be desired, i always have to ask for 2 more. take wine, some snacks, and I always take some linen for the table, and my own flowers as I like to bling bling it up a bit. haha call me nuts.I want to take this train next, from chciago on the texas eagle to las angeles connecting with the sunset limited in san antonio. that and ride the slt-den portion of the zephyr. ah, to dream. a bedroom on the chi-lax via sat would be fun, but i wouldnt eat all the food in the diner, i gained so much weight this last time it was nuts
Posts: 54 | From: Saint Louis | Registered: Jan 2008
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While on the west bound Sunset in October I was delighted with some buritto's being sold on the platform in El Paso. The Mexican lady selling them was wonderful. I bought one and after eating it tried in vane to find her for more.
Posts: 139 | From: myrtle creek oregon | Registered: Jul 2006
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If you can afford a bedroom, I would strongly advise it over a roomette. My favourite bedroom is "E" as it is dead centre in the car, which I think is in the best riding position, and usually (but not always) the sofa faces forward.
Posts: 524 | From: Toronto Ont. Canada | Registered: Mar 2001
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Mr ScottC, the one point I have not seen mentioned here but I believe bears so doing is that think of this journey as an adventure. Even though timekeeping has improved of late (simply because Class I traffic is so depressed and not because of any 'seeing the light" on the industry's part), something will not go according to plan.
If you simply want to get there, which in this instance I don't think is the case, make your arrangements with Big Bird.
Finally, I note you have relocated to Redondo Becah, CA; possibly you already have noted such, but we have another active member, Hopeful Rail User aka Miss Vickie, also from same.
Posts: 9977 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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quote:Originally posted by wayne72145: While on the west bound Sunset in October I was delighted with some buritto's being sold on the platform in El Paso. The Mexican lady selling them was wonderful. I bought one and after eating it tried in vane to find her for more.
That would be Maria! She meets the train almost every time it comes through, and her burritos are extremely good. (I highly recommend the bean & cheese)
Posts: 250 | From: Texas State University-San Marcos, Texas (Hometown El Paso, TX) | Registered: Jul 2005
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Ok I know I have posted and posted I am doing Sunset LTD and I not do anything about it but enough is enough. I AM GOING! I will go for my birthday and fly to New Orleans on 6/4/09 and rail out on train 1 on 6/5 the day of my birthday. Due to price and it being only me myself and I, I think I can get away with a roomete. I am just getting back into being a train nut since living in Vegas is either too hot or too windy to get out and trainspot. Are there preferences to upper or lower levels? If I bring my own booze (hard stuff) will I be able to consume in my room? I know wine yes but not sure about the other stuff. What sort of in room entertainment is there on a roomete? If there is a music chanel, will someone who works at a Classical Radio Station find something to my liking?
Posts: 89 | From: Redondo Beach, CA | Registered: Jun 2004
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Sound slike you will have a nice trip. I agree with an earlier post that you do NOT want bedroom "A" as it is right by the end door and is smaller than the other bedrooms. As you state, a roomette will be fine since it is just you. In fact, I like roomettes when alone as the facing seat is good for putting your feet up. There is less luggage space in a roomette so either bring a suitcase with a lock that can be stowed on the downstairs luggage rack or plan to stow it in the upper berth. I prefer the upstairs roomettes as you have a better view upstairs and they ride smoother in my opinion. Roomettes 2-10 are upstairs (the car attendant uses # 1). Rooms 9 & 10 are beside the end door and they and 7 & 8 are above the wheels so try for a lower number (2-6) when booking. Rooms 11-14 are on the lower level. Book soon as room charges increase as rooms sell. If they try to give you a room with a higher number (usually in the 20s) this is in the dormitory sleeper. I don't like it as that car has less attentive service when you want your room made up plus the whole car setup is not as nice. It is closer to the engine and you'd hear horns for sure but not that much better than the regular sleeper. The duct tape advice is good as it stops squeaks and can hold curtains in place. I also like a small fan to circulate the air better and an extension cord is a must due to the recessed plugs in many Superliner sleepers.
Posts: 561 | Registered: Jul 2003
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A roomette is better than a bedroom when traveling alone (and not bad for 2 on a short trip). You can switch seats easily to see the best scenery and if the roomette across from you is unoccupied, it's easy to see out the other side.
While an upper level roomette might be better on a very scenic trip, we usually prefer lower level ones. I like to hop out to check out towns and stations at stops -easier at lower level. The showers downstairs are nicer than the ones in bedrooms and very close as is your luggage if using the storage area downstairs.
On the downside, it can be a little noiser on the lower level, but I find that a plus if you enjoy listening to the clickety-clack of jointed rail as on the SWC in western KS and CO. On the other hand, you won't have the disruption from people walking by on the way to the diner or lounge.
Also, all bets are off if you have a loud family in the family room - but had that problem only once. No problem having your favorite libation in the room, the attendant will bring you ice and glasses (don't forget to tip).
Posts: 2397 | From: Camden, SC | Registered: Mar 2006
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quote:Originally posted by ScottC4746: If there is a music Chanel, will someone who works at a Classical Radio Station find something to my liking?
As a one time "Willy Jock" (WILL 90.9), allow me to note the answer is negative on both points. The only Amtrak train with on-board audio is Auto Train - and that is tuned to XM's "Music of your Life' channel. I guess that is for benefit of us oldsters who want to think of our "Giddy up giddy up 409" days. I recall asking the Attendant "if we HAVE to have this, how about WETA 90.9 and when we get down below how about WFME 90.7". She said she couldn't change it.
Finally, while we have discussed this here in the past, allow me to note that from the "classical' repertoire, 'Fortuna Imperatus' from Karl Orff's "Carmina Burana' is quite the "listen" as your train ascends a "think I can" mountain range.
Posts: 9977 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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Q to all: I thought in a full bedroom it doesn't matter what side you are on, you can see out the other windows too? And you can only BE on one side in a full bedroom anyway; they are not on both sides of an aisle the way the smaller sleeperettes are.
Re what to bring: I strongly recommend a walkman and CDs or an IPod or whatever you do for music. It is much more fun looking out the windows and listening to music than trying to read and look out windows (but reading is good at night). Also be sure to bring extra batteries; it's a long trip, and they don't always have them for sale in the snack bar.
Once when I was on the SL, the SL sleeper (as opposed to the Texas Eagle sleeper at the other end) was kinda last leggy, and the A/C was not up to snuff. If you shut the door, it was too hot, so we wound up keeping our doors open all night! In general, I advise bringing clothing preparing for too cold A/C--like a pair of warm socks--and A/C not up to snuff--like a real summery T-shirt. I also like to bring little slipperettes to slip on my feet but that's in the smaller sleepers, when I want to put my feet up on the facing seat . . .
I do not have a problem with the pillows in sleepers (and I am pretty fussy cuz I have a wonky back and neck) so I don't think you need to bother bringing pillows unless you really want to carry them. But if you do have one it might make it easier to have 3 (they will give you 2) if you want to sit up and read in bed when the bed is made up. However, in the big sleeper I think you don't really need to worry about this. . . . You may want to bring a little bottle (hotel size) of shampoo if you use it; that is not supplied (anyway, I actually use it to rinse out clothes).
Re adapters or whatever, I just bring a longer extension cord and plug that into my cellphone charger (it's useful in hotels too, because the plugs are always so far away and I like to keep the charger on my bed so I don't forget it in the morning!!!)
Re food: The breakfasts tend to be good. The cheese omlets are my choice, with the free sausage (though it's not English, it's still pretty good), but after 1 night of that I often switch to French toast (still pretty good, though no more strawberry sauce) or Continental. For dinner, the pasta is often dry, the fish usually stinks (literally) but can be OK, it depends. The steak has beomce harder (it's called iron steak tee hee). So I personally always stick with the chicken (or game hen, not as good) for dinner, mashed potatoes (as they no longer were doing baked my last trips). The cheesecake is generally the best dessert except of course Haagan Daaz ice cream, now that they have it, is also good, though they tend to run out. In general, the earlier you eat, the less chance they will run out of things.
The lunches are esp disappointing. I was getting the veggie burger but they were called back to the factory; hope they are up to snuff again! You can get dessert at lunch too.
I find the coffee excellent, also the wine and beer choices quite good, though you pay for them. I wouldn't bother carrying my own unless I were drinking a lot (cuz then it's cheaper).
You might take advantage of the MAgnollia lounge for sleeper passengers in New Orleans. I've nver been, but hey, it's free! You can use it in both directions!!!
I would not check luggage in a bigger sleeper by myself, no need to tempt fate. . . .
All I can think of for advice now.
Posts: 2642 | From: upstate New York | Registered: Mar 2004
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In the bigger rooms you have to lean forward and look out the door and across the hallway to see out the other window. I find it easier to just go out in the hall and look out the window. I have never been on a super liner that had audio. I bring my walkman and tapes. I always bring several BIG safety pins to close the window shade completely. For some reson they never seem to go all the way across.If you need more blankets or pillows just ask the attendent. Usually they can get you extras
Posts: 1577 | From: virginia | Registered: Jun 2005
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In addition to what train lady says about bringing safety pins to close the curtains completely, I also suggest duct tape. The curtains on your bedroom/roomette/whatever door have velcro on the curtain so that you can close them on the other side with the matching piece of velcro. Unfortunately, these velcro piece almost never match up (or are missing entirely). So to have privacy when the curtain is closed, you will need the tape to hold the curtains closed.
I remember when they used to play music in the Superliner sleeping cars. There was a multi-track tape machine downstairs in the electrical cabinet (across from the luggage rack) where there were (I think) three different audio channels. Unfortunately, that music never played smoothly---it always sounded like a reel-to-reel Marlin Perkins movie that I used to watch in grade school. The only thing the audio control does now is adjust the volume of the PA, or turn it off completely. Some of the newer refurbished Superliner I sleepers have NO audio control in the room, and the speaker is turned up full blast. If you're on the California Zephyr from the Bay Area to Reno, you have to listen to that God-awful sightseeing stuff that the volunteers read the whole way up there. It blasts in your ear for HOURS and there's no way to turn it off.
Posts: 2355 | From: Pleasanton, CA | Registered: Apr 2007
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Some wonderful ideas. I will have to remember these when I book. I will talk to my supervisor tomorrow and hopefully will work out.
Posts: 89 | From: Redondo Beach, CA | Registered: Jun 2004
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Smitty is right about the tape. I was thinking in terms of the window curtains.
Posts: 1577 | From: virginia | Registered: Jun 2005
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I just booked and got room 6 car 103. Is this good or should I move. I don't mind clity-claks or woo-woo of the horn...this is a train after all.
Posts: 89 | From: Redondo Beach, CA | Registered: Jun 2004
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OK, I just now finished gnawing that overdone Flat Iron Steak. It was bad!
Posts: 406 | From: La Grange, CA | Registered: Sep 2007
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I've read travelogues wherein the author has complimented the flat iron steak as tasting great, cooked just the way they wanted it. From what I've read and experienced, it sounds like luck of the draw on your server and the cook.
Posts: 406 | From: La Grange, CA | Registered: Sep 2007
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I've had the flat iron steak 3 times. Twice it was horrible, and once it was just okay. I don't know why these steaks are so iffy when you order them. Some people say they are great, but most people kinda go "eh". Back before Simplified Dining Service when steak was a normal menu item, I thought they did a good job with it. But with this new flat iron steak, I will not order it any more. The lasagna is pretty good, so I just stick to that now.
(ScottC: Yes, you can order your steak cooked to order. However, I have found that it's complete luck if you get it the way you ordered it. It depends on the mood-o-meter of the guy or gal standing at the grill)
Posts: 2355 | From: Pleasanton, CA | Registered: Apr 2007
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Going back to my original question, I just booked Sunset Ltd #1 in June and luck of the draw got car 103 room 6. For someone who does not mind the wheels or horn, is this good or should I have them move me?
Posts: 89 | From: Redondo Beach, CA | Registered: Jun 2004
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Room 6 should be fine. The way it works is this:
Imagine the car split in half (where the stairs are in the middle of the car). As you come up the stairs and turn right, you will have a restroom on your left and coffee pot on your right. Continue walking down the hallway. The first room you come to on your left is Room #1 (the attendant's room). Across from that is Room #2. Continue walking down the hall, and the next two rooms you come to are Room #3 (on the left) and Room #4 (on the right). Continue walking down the hall and the next two rooms you come to are Reoom #5 (on the left) and Room #6 (on the right). Continue doing this until you get to Room #10---then you are at the sliding door that takes you into the next car.
The other half of the car (on the other side of the stairs) are the deluxe rooms. You would turn left at the top of the stairs to reach these rooms. The first room you come to is Room E, followed by Room D, then Room C, then Room B, and finally Room A---now you are at the door at the other end of the car.
I do not know where sleeper car 0103 is placed in the consist---maybe someone else knows.
Posts: 2355 | From: Pleasanton, CA | Registered: Apr 2007
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Looks like I should keep this...I have a cushion of 2 rooms to the end, restroom, and stairs no matter how I look at it.
Posts: 89 | From: Redondo Beach, CA | Registered: Jun 2004
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Now here is an old fashioned question...I recall on Sunset Limited the diner was split in half with a waiter station dead center. They tried to keep coach passengers on coach side and sleeper passengers on sleeper side. I just do not recall how the sleeper passengers dressed for the dinner in the evenings. I know it was not tux as this is not a cruise, but if I brought business casual, would I be the only one dressed in this manner? This is at night I am referring to.
Posts: 89 | From: Redondo Beach, CA | Registered: Jun 2004
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. It can be bad, or it can be as good as anything on the menu. Sometimes the regular items are not very good, other times they are. As stated, seems to depend on the chef. I find the roomette just fine for one person.
