Thanks. We will be doing lots more train travel as well as some long distance walks in Europe. And we will be doing some local walks here in Winnipeg...because traveling is something that starts at our front doors.
My husband and I will be in a bedroom for a round trip on the Texas Eagle in October; sounds like it should be pretty comfortable! I've heard plenty of complaints about the Flex dining on the "Eaglette" and most East Coast Amtrak trains, but hopefully it'll be better than the Cafe Car food we ate on our Kansas City trip last year. The "traditional dining" offered on most Western Amtrak routes (including the Texas Eagle west of San Antonio) is probably the closest to that available in VIA Rail's dining cars -- although the VIA meals sound even tastier!
You will enjoy the bedroom. You are likely correct about the Flex menu. We haven’t had a chance to try it but have heard it is not as good as the traditional menu (great steaks!). Our unbiased Canadian opinion is that the food and dining experience on the Canadian is the best of the lot.
I’m heading west on the CZ this July 4th with my son in 2 roomettes, which was cheaper than a bedroom and give us better views on both sides of the car.
This was very helpful. Thank you! Can you go up and down the steps to the upper bunk while the door is closed, or does it have to be open while climbing up and down?
Thanks! Yes, you can go up and down with the door closed. It’s good to have slip on footwear set up on the floor since it’s difficult to bend down with the door closed. The steps are easy to navigate but try to sleep in the upper bunk with your feet facing the steps. I’ve noticed that the upper bunk linens tends to be set up so your head faces the steps but it’s very difficult to turn yourself around up there in order to get down the steps.
We’ve never been asked for ID, except when crossing the US/Canada border (passport required). But not for travel inside the US. However, you will need your train ticket in all cases. Best of luck!
The Flex-Dining menu SUCKS (I can get better food via Uber-Eats or Door-Dash) on the overnight trains East of the Mississippi and the Snack-Car Attendants will not mix your adult-beverages. All the ingredients will be tossed into a cardboard box and shoved in your face for $20...
Thank you for your thoughtfulness regarding rail staff
Thanks. Everyone on the trains work hard and deserve recognition.
LOVE THOSE CANUCKS!!!
Thanks from two Canadians!
I am really enjoying your channel..Please continue to introduce new travelers to the awesomeness of train travel..
Thanks. We will be doing lots more train travel as well as some long distance walks in Europe. And we will be doing some local walks here in Winnipeg...because traveling is something that starts at our front doors.
Thanks for the helpful and informative presentation. David, you are a chivalrous upper bunker. And Gail, the Black Bowler Derby suits you.
Thanks for your continued support. We enjoy your comments. Keep them coming!
My husband and I will be in a bedroom for a round trip on the Texas Eagle in October; sounds like it should be pretty comfortable! I've heard plenty of complaints about the Flex dining on the "Eaglette" and most East Coast Amtrak trains, but hopefully it'll be better than the Cafe Car food we ate on our Kansas City trip last year. The "traditional dining" offered on most Western Amtrak routes (including the Texas Eagle west of San Antonio) is probably the closest to that available in VIA Rail's dining cars -- although the VIA meals sound even tastier!
You will enjoy the bedroom. You are likely correct about the Flex menu. We haven’t had a chance to try it but have heard it is not as good as the traditional menu (great steaks!). Our unbiased Canadian opinion is that the food and dining experience on the Canadian is the best of the lot.
I’m heading west on the CZ this July 4th with my son in 2 roomettes, which was cheaper than a bedroom and give us better views on both sides of the car.
That is a very good tip, one we had not thought of. The only real downside is the lack of a private bathroom.
@@TravelIntently that’s true. But since it saved us about $500, I’ll deal with it for 2 days.😀
I have to agree. I’ll gladly trundle down the aisle to use a bathroom if it saves that much!
Y’all are sooo sweet
Thanks!
This was very helpful. Thank you! Can you go up and down the steps to the upper bunk while the door is closed, or does it have to be open while climbing up and down?
Thanks! Yes, you can go up and down with the door closed. It’s good to have slip on footwear set up on the floor since it’s difficult to bend down with the door closed. The steps are easy to navigate but try to sleep in the upper bunk with your feet facing the steps. I’ve noticed that the upper bunk linens tends to be set up so your head faces the steps but it’s very difficult to turn yourself around up there in order to get down the steps.
Did they ask you for a id I’m supposed to board but I forgot my id
We’ve never been asked for ID, except when crossing the US/Canada border (passport required). But not for travel inside the US. However, you will need your train ticket in all cases. Best of luck!
Amtrak old Viewliner 1 cars and new viewliner 2 cars.
Yes, there are two versions of the Viewliner cars with slightly different configurations and features. Something to keep in mind for sure.
The Flex-Dining menu SUCKS (I can get better food via Uber-Eats or Door-Dash) on the overnight trains East of the Mississippi and the Snack-Car Attendants will not mix your adult-beverages. All the ingredients will be tossed into a cardboard box and shoved in your face for $20...
We haven’t had an opportunity to try the Flex menu. We’ve heard it’s not as good as the Traditional menu on western trains.