RAILforum: Going on the Sunset Limited!

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Posted by Buslady (Member # 1266) on :

10 more days and we're outta here!
Just a few questions..

Are there power sockets at the coach seats? I want to bring my laptop so me and my son can play games and I can download the hundreds of digital pics off my camera.
When we leave our seat, how do I keep my laptop safe? I'm gonna have a small pilots's case with us, should lock it in there?

How's the food? Whats reccomended? and the average price so I know how much to bring?

Any other advice is welcome, this is our first long ride. I've already got the blanket ready!

Posted by Eric (Member # 674) on :

I'm not sure about the power outlets, but I've seen people with computers before, so you should be able to plug it in somewhere.
I usually store my things under the seat. If you put down the leg rest, everything is hidden pretty well. But I wouldn't worry too much. If you're concerned, you can return to your seat before station stops just to check on things.
The meals I've had aboard Amtrak have always been excellent. For breakfast, I recommend the French Toast. I believe that lunch selections include several kinds of sandwiches, and some other choices of meals. At dinner, there is a steak, chicken, a vegetarian meal, and I think lasagna is on there, too. Dinner is served with a salad, roll, and choice of vegetables. The desserts are also very good. Prices range from about $6 to $20, depending on the meal. Tipping is about the same as you would give in a regular restaurant. Prices are kind of high, but the food is really good.
Spend time in the Sightseer Lounge car. The views are great, and you usually get to meet some nice people. There is a snack bar on the lower level of that car if you would rather have a snack instead of a full meal.
The temperature aboard the train is comfortable, but good call on the blanket. It's always nice to have one with you. Amtrak will provide small pillows for you, but you could take your own along if you have room to store them.
I don't want to say anything negative, but the 'Sunset' runs late quite often. Just relax, and try not to let delays bother you. Before you leave, you can check on your train's status at: http://tickets.amtrak.com/JBookIt?function=handlers.amtrak.AmtrakTrainStatusHandler&storefront=1003 or call 1 800 USA RAIL . Besides that, you should have a great trip!
-Eric

Posted by Geoff Mayo (Member # 153) on :

Regarding power sockets, there are a few scattered around, certainly not at every seat. Some are inaccessible depending on the seat orientation (the seats can be turned by the crew). As for using a laptop with it, I've heard two conflicting statements about them: "Don't use them, you get spikes and it'll kill your laptop" and "They're fine for laptops". A surge protector may be all you need.

Don't forget a pillow!

Geoff M.

Posted by RRRICH (Member # 1418) on :

A comment for Eric - the lunch menu does not include "several kinds of sandwiches" -- your choice will be limited to the steakburger, the reuben sandwich, and one other choice (which I forgot what it was, since I never have it -- probably a vegetarian meal of some kind)

Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :

I still say, if your trip involves overnight travel and you can possibly "spring it", a sleeper, if still available, will make all the difference between a trip on which there is a greater expectation of enjoyment than endurance.

With a small child, a Standard Room would be just fine. In fact, a small child might even get a "kick" out of an Upper Bunk.

Also, remember that meals in the dining car, which apparently you intend to use, are included, except for gratuity and alcoholic beverages, with the admittedly steep surcharge for a sleeper accomodation.

Posted by Kairho (Member # 1567) on :

Here is a summary of the new menu:

BREAKFAST
. Two Fresh Eggs
. Classic French Toast
. Pancakes
. Continental

LUNCH
. Steak Burger
. Grilled Reuben Sandwich
. Southwest Chicken Salad
. Vegetable Stir-Fry
. Mediterranean Vegetable Soup

. Desserts: Vanilla Ice Cream, NY Style Cheesecake, Apple Pie

DINNER
. Grilled NY Strip Steak
. Chicken l'Orange
. Center-cut Pork Chop
. Regional Seafood Selection
. Penne Pasta
. Desserts: As lunch plus Amtrak Signature Dessert (the chocolate truffle)

Posted by Buslady (Member # 1266) on :

Maybe I'll getta surge protector! or just pack it in the big suitcase and just read a book with my son

quote:
Originally posted by geoffm:
Regarding power sockets, there are a few scattered around, certainly not at every seat. Some are inaccessible depending on the seat orientation (the seats can be turned by the crew). As for using a laptop with it, I've heard two conflicting statements about them: "Don't use them, you get spikes and it'll kill your laptop" and "They're fine for laptops". A surge protector may be all you need.
Don't forget a pillow!
Geoff M.

Posted by Buslady (Member # 1266) on :

Do they have a kiddie menu? Chris is 7 and I dunno if he'll eat anything other than the breakfast stuff. He loves eggs and french toast.

quote:
Originally posted by Kairho:
Here is a summary of the new menu:
BREAKFAST
. Two Fresh Eggs
. Classic French Toast
. Pancakes
. Continental
LUNCH
. Steak Burger
. Grilled Reuben Sandwich
. Southwest Chicken Salad
. Vegetable Stir-Fry
. Mediterranean Vegetable Soup
. Desserts: Vanilla Ice Cream, NY Style Cheesecake, Apple Pie
DINNER
. Grilled NY Strip Steak
. Chicken l'Orange
. Center-cut Pork Chop
. Regional Seafood Selection
. Penne Pasta
. Desserts: As lunch plus Amtrak Signature Dessert (the chocolate truffle)

Posted by Eric (Member # 674) on :

Thanks RRRICH and Kairho for the menu comments and list.

Posted by mho357 (Member # 1204) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Buslady:
Do they have a kiddie menu? Chris is 7 and I dunno if he'll eat anything other than the breakfast stuff. He loves eggs and french toast.

There is a kid's menu available for lunch and dinner. I know that they offer mac and cheese. I think that the menu also has chicken strips and probably one or two other choices but I don't remember for certain (my kids have it memorized).

Have a good trip!

Mark

Posted by RRRICH (Member # 1418) on :

Bus Lady - where are you going on the Sunset? Here's a real quick summary of the scenic highlights of the trip:

Gulf Coast between Pensacola, FL and New Orleans -- lots of long neat bridges and interesting swamps to see, plus you can see the casinos of Biloxi and Gulfport

New Orleans-Houston -- more swamps, but a lot of interesting little Cajun towns along the way

San Antonio-El Paso -- lots of high desert country, but the eastern half of that segment passes through some pretty scenery, such as crossing Amistad Reservoir (Del Rio area) and the Pecos High Bridge

El Paso -- just west of the station you are within about 50 ft of the Mexican border and can see a little Mexican village from the train

Marfa, TX (eastbound) -- Marfa is west of the Alpine station, and this area is passed at night eastbound -- look for the mysterious "Marfa lights" south of the railroad

east of Benson, AZ (westbound) -- you can see lights from the city of Benson in the evening above and far to the east of town, which is rather pretty

southern California (westbound) - if the train is several hours late (which it often is), you can see the Salton Sea, which is a couple hundred ft below sea level -- also if the westbound train is late, look for the "windmills" at the Palm Springs station, which are used to generate electicity

Have a great trip!!
--Rich

Posted by Buslady (Member # 1266) on :

I'm a goon, I should have mentioned I'm starting in LA So I'll see all that except Fla. I also goofed cause I should have got my ticket to Talahasse, I'm really going up the Atlanta, we're getting off at New Orleans and mom's b/f is picking us up. Oh well, I'll see lots of scenery!
I'll get this right someday.

quote:
Originally posted by RRRICH:
Bus Lady - where are you going on the Sunset? Here's a real quick summary of the scenic highlights of the trip:
Gulf Coast between Pensacola, FL and New Orleans -- lots of long neat bridges and interesting swamps to see, plus you can see the casinos of Biloxi and Gulfport
New Orleans-Houston -- more swamps, but a lot of interesting little Cajun towns along the way
San Antonio-El Paso -- lots of high desert country, but the eastern half of that segment passes through some pretty scenery, such as crossing Amistad Reservoir (Del Rio area) and the Pecos High Bridge
El Paso -- just west of the station you are within about 50 ft of the Mexican border and can see a little Mexican village from the train
Marfa, TX (eastbound) -- Marfa is west of the Alpine station, and this area is passed at night eastbound -- look for the mysterious "Marfa lights" south of the railroad
east of Benson, AZ (westbound) -- you can see lights from the city of Benson in the evening above and far to the east of town, which is rather pretty
southern California (westbound) - if the train is several hours late (which it often is), you can see the Salton Sea, which is a couple hundred ft below sea level -- also if the westbound train is late, look for the "windmills" at the Palm Springs station, which are used to generate electicity
Have a great trip!!
--Rich

Posted by RRRICH (Member # 1418) on :

You're not connecting to the Crescent in New Orleans to head for Atlanta?

Posted by Buslady (Member # 1266) on :

quote:
Originally posted by RRRICH:
You're not connecting to the Crescent in New Orleans to head for Atlanta?

Nah, I don't know why, I've never made reservations and was trying to keep the price down. NEXT TIME I'll get it right. I can't change it now, it was some Mastercard/Amtrak special and it was the cheapest special running.
Either way, road trips are fun!I'm a driver by profession, so from NOL to ATL I'll see lots of cool stuff, take photos with my new DigiCam, so it's not a total loss. It's my vacation, I'm gonna kick back and enjoy it. Hell this is my first vaca to the east in 12 years.

Posted by Buslady (Member # 1266) on :

quote:
Originally posted by RRRICH:
You're not connecting to the Crescent in New Orleans to head for Atlanta?

i remember why now, it would have come in the next day and taken another day to get here(im in georgia now)