First Time Taking A Train, A Couple of Questions

[ersrose3]

Hey Everyone. I will be taking the Crescent Train going from Wilmington, Delaware to Atlanta, Georgia sometime in either June or July for a week trip, and I will be taking the coach seats, since it's the best I can afford. I never took a train before so I have a few questions.

1. I'm a young female, and just wanted to know how safe it will be for me.

2. I heard there are other lounges to go to, away from the coach seat, I wanted to know how safe my bags will be if I go to these certain lounges on the train, and what are their dining prices.

3. I know there are alot of stops on my train, how will I know when mines is coming up, and are the sections divided up based on where your going?

4. Is there a way I can book a seat next to the window.

Sorry if these questions may seem kinda dumb, but I'm really knew too all of this, and I'm just curious. I did a lot of research on a lot of the questions I had before, but just wanted to your guys opinions and knowledge on these. Thanks in advances for anyone who can help.

 

[Big Iron]

Hey Everyone. I will be taking the Crescent Train going from Wilmington, Delaware to Atlanta, Georgia sometime in either June or July for a week trip, and I will be taking the coach seats, since it's the best I can afford. I never took a train before so I have a few questions.
1. I'm a young female, and just wanted to know how safe it will be for me.

2. I heard there are other lounges to go to, away from the coach seat, I wanted to know how safe my bags will be if I go to these certain lounges on the train, and what are their dining prices.

3. I know there are alot of stops on my train, how will I know when mines is coming up, and are the sections divided up based on where your going?

4. Is there a way I can book a seat next to the window.

Sorry if these questions may seem kinda dumb, but I'm really knew too all of this, and I'm just curious. I did a lot of research on a lot of the questions I had before, but just wanted to your guys opinions and knowledge on these. Thanks in advances for anyone who can help.

I'll give your questions a shot with the knowledge that I've never ridden the Crescent. Many procedures hold true for all trains but there are always variations.

1) You will be safe. In a fair amount of train riding I've done I've never seen anyone harrased. If you feel threatend seek out one of the train crew and raise your concerns.

2) There will be a lounge car and full diner on this train. The diner is only occupied by passengers that are eating, at other times you're not allowed to sit there. The lounge car will be next to the diner and you can sit there at your leisure. You should find out when the lounge attendant goes off duty for the evening and plan accordingly. You can sit in the lounge car when the attendant is off duty but you won't e able to purchase food. The prices are a bit expensive and you can always bring your own snacks to eat at your coach seat. The Amtrak website has a sample diner menu that is for the diner only.

3) Atlanta is a major stop and you should not worry about missing it. When the conductor takes your ticket he will put a seat check on the luggage rack above you with your destination. This will inform the crew as to your stop and they should notify you about 10 minutes before the stop. If you can move to another seat remember to take this seat check with you. The train crews typically board passengers that are going to the stops in close proximity in the same car.

4) You cannot book a specific seat, the car attendant will likely assign you a seat upon boarding. You can ask then to be assigned a window seat if one is available.

That's the best I can do. Enjoy your trip.

 

[pennyk]

Welcome. I am a not so young female, and have often traveled alone. I have always felt safe. I have never traveled on the Crescent, but I assume the experience will be similar to other trains. Enjoy your trip!

 

[Chatter163]

All stops will be announced over the loudspeaker and/or by your car attendant walking down the aisle. Going north, Wilimington is the second stop after the lengthy Washington service stop.

 

[Everydaymatters]

I'm a senior who usually travels alone. Most of your questions have already been answered, except the one about your baggage. If you have anything of value, take it with you when you leave your seat - just in case. There's always that one-in-million chance, but that being said, I have never had a problem with leaving my things at or above my seat when I have left to go elsewhere on the train.

 

[Bill Haithcoat]

Anothr thing,go to the Amtrak site. Click on Explorer and you will find something called downloadable route guide. This will help you follow your schedule , know if you are on time, and know when you are near Atlanta.

As others have pointed out Atlanta is a major event for the Crescent so there is no way you will miss it.

Thre is a certain amount of "padding" built into schedules to help trains maintain schedule or make up time if they are delayed. If the Crescent leaves Gainesville, Ga., the last stop before ATL, on time, it could arrive ATL as much as 25 minutes early. So do not be surprised if that happens.

It stays several mnutes in the ATL station as there is so much unloading to do. However, returning to Wilmington, it will not stay there long so be more worried about getting off there than ATL.It can even leave Wilmington early since all stops from Alexandira northbound to NYC are discharge only, nobody to take on, thus nobody to wait for

All this talk about schedule, do not worry this train has a good on time record.

 

[ersrose3]

Thank you guys so much for your answers. It's really helped me out alot, and I feel more safe, ready and prepared for my trip.

Again thanks for your answers

 

[EB_OBS]

It's advisable to keep a wallet with you with your money in it. If you travel with a camera or iPod, etc. take those with you. For the most part though your bags will be perfectly fine. IF you get the opportunity to engage in conversation with those seated around your seat, it's a safe bet they'd notice anyone disturbing your stuff if you're away from your seat.

 

[ersrose3]

It's advisable to keep a wallet with you with your money in it. If you travel with a camera or iPod, etc. take those with you. For the most part though your bags will be perfectly fine. IF you get the opportunity to engage in conversation with those seated around your seat, it's a safe bet they'd notice anyone disturbing your stuff if you're away from your seat.

OK thanks for that. I will defiantly be listening to my Ipod, majority of the trip, depending on my surroundings.

Do you know if the Crescent has outlets next to the seats? I heard some trains don't.

 

[EB_OBS]

Do you know if the Crescent has outlets next to the seats? I heard some trains don't.

Unfortunately I cannot answer that definitively. Currently about less than 50% of Amtrak coaches have power outlets at all seats and there is no way to know if your train will have a coach with outlets.

 

[hippyman]

I just stumbled onto this topic, and I thought I'd put my 2 cents in. First off, yes, trains are very safe places, so your bags should be fine. I am glad you already mention the lounge car, b/c on my first amtrak trip, I made the mistake of staying in my coach seat the entire trip. DONT MAKE THIS MISTAKE!!! I cannot emphasize this enough, whatever you do, get up, walk around, and meet people. On my second I explored almost every part of the train I could, and ended up having one of the best experiences of my life.

 

[ersrose3]

I just stumbled onto this topic, and I thought I'd put my 2 cents in. First off, yes, trains are very safe places, so your bags should be fine. I am glad you already mention the lounge car, b/c on my first amtrak trip, I made the mistake of staying in my coach seat the entire trip. DONT MAKE THIS MISTAKE!!! I cannot emphasize this enough, whatever you do, get up, walk around, and meet people. On my second I explored almost every part of the train I could, and ended up having one of the best experiences of my life.

OK, At times I can be a quiet person, depending on my mood, but I have no problem with meeting new people. Thanks for the advice.

 

[gregoryla]

Do you know if the Crescent has outlets next to the seats? I heard some trains don't.

Unfortunately I cannot answer that definitively. Currently about less than 50% of Amtrak coaches have power outlets at all seats and there is no way to know if your train will have a coach with outlets.

If having a power outlet is important to you, consider taking a power strip. That way you can share an outlet at a nearby seat if yours doesn't have one.

 

[sunchaser]

Hey Everyone. I will be taking the Crescent Train going from Wilmington, Delaware to Atlanta, Georgia sometime in either June or July for a week trip, and I will be taking the coach seats, since it's the best I can afford. I never took a train before so I have a few questions.
1. I'm a young female, and just wanted to know how safe it will be for me.

2. I heard there are other lounges to go to, away from the coach seat, I wanted to know how safe my bags will be if I go to these certain lounges on the train, and what are their dining prices.

3. I know there are alot of stops on my train, how will I know when mines is coming up, and are the sections divided up based on where your going?

4. Is there a way I can book a seat next to the window.

Sorry if these questions may seem kinda dumb, but I'm really knew too all of this, and I'm just curious. I did a lot of research on a lot of the questions I had before, but just wanted to your guys opinions and knowledge on these. Thanks in advances for anyone who can help.

Hi, welcome to the board..

You can find menu pricing for the Crescent here.

You may want to keep an eye on the pricing for roomettes-sometimes someone will cancel & you can get a lower price. Sometimes you can do an onboard upgrade-but that's not always available. You can ask the Conductor when you board. Remember that your meals will be included with the roomette/bedroom price.

You may want to bring a small blanket & pillow, eye mask & earplugs.

I always put little locks on my luggage if they are in a public area.

Enjoy your trip!!

 

[ersrose3]

Hey Everyone. I will be taking the Crescent Train going from Wilmington, Delaware to Atlanta, Georgia sometime in either June or July for a week trip, and I will be taking the coach seats, since it's the best I can afford. I never took a train before so I have a few questions.
1. I'm a young female, and just wanted to know how safe it will be for me.

2. I heard there are other lounges to go to, away from the coach seat, I wanted to know how safe my bags will be if I go to these certain lounges on the train, and what are their dining prices.

3. I know there are alot of stops on my train, how will I know when mines is coming up, and are the sections divided up based on where your going?

4. Is there a way I can book a seat next to the window.

Sorry if these questions may seem kinda dumb, but I'm really knew too all of this, and I'm just curious. I did a lot of research on a lot of the questions I had before, but just wanted to your guys opinions and knowledge on these. Thanks in advances for anyone who can help.

Hi, welcome to the board..

You can find menu pricing for the Crescent here.

You may want to keep an eye on the pricing for roomettes-sometimes someone will cancel & you can get a lower price. Sometimes you can do an onboard upgrade-but that's not always available. You can ask the Conductor when you board. Remember that your meals will be included with the roomette/bedroom price.

You may want to bring a small blanket & pillow, eye mask & earplugs.

I always put little locks on my luggage if they are in a public area.

Enjoy your trip!!

I never thought about bringing a blanket and pillow , forgot the ride is going to be overnight (and of course lengthy), lol. But thanks for the advice

My limit is around $150 (not including anything extra), I did not find anything around that price, would this be possible?

And thanks for the Menu Link, helpful in deciding what food to bring or not.

 

[sunchaser]

I never thought about bringing a blanket and pillow , forgot the ride is going to be overnight (and of course lengthy), lol. But thanks for the advice
My limit is around $150 (not including anything extra), I did not find anything around that price, would this be possible?

And thanks for the Menu Link, helpful in deciding what food to bring or not.

I would book coach asap, then when watch the pricing for the roomettes. No one can guarantee that low of a price for the total of a $150, but if you have the ticket first & you see a good deal on a roomette, you could grab it.

I really recommend at least having dinner in the diner. You can bring a cooler onboard with snacks & drinks too.

Another hint: pack a washcloth in a ziplock bag for a quick wash up in the AM. If you get a roomette, you will have access to a shower.

 

[Bill Haithcoat]

Yes, dinner in the diner can be quite a special occasion. It is nice to say one has done that. You will probably be seated with strangers but do not fear, that can be one of the most fun parts of the trip.

 

[EB_OBS]

You will probably be seated with strangers but do not fear, that can be one of the most fun parts of the trip.

The dining car uses community seating in order to accommodate as many passengers as we can that wish to eat in the diner. It really is a nice aspect of dining on a train. It's the best way to meet some of your fellow passengers and engage in good conversation. It's rare but occasionally someone is very apprehensive about sitting with strangers and will ask to be seated alone. Unfortunately, most of the time we cannot accommodate that request. What's funny is that usually it's those apprehensive passengers who end up having the greatest time and in depth conversations with the people they just met. Sometimes we even need to scoot them out to seat the next guests.

 

[ersrose3]

You will probably be seated with strangers but do not fear, that can be one of the most fun parts of the trip.

The dining car uses community seating in order to accommodate as many passengers as we can that wish to eat in the diner. It really is a nice aspect of dining on a train. It's the best way to meet some of your fellow passengers and engage in good conversation. It's rare but occasionally someone is very apprehensive about sitting with strangers and will ask to be seated alone. Unfortunately, most of the time we cannot accommodate that request. What's funny is that usually it's those apprehensive passengers who end up having the greatest time and in depth conversations with the people they just met. Sometimes we even need to scoot them out to seat the next guests.

LOL.

Yeah I was looking at the menu, since my trip is overnight, I'm defiantly going to get the dinner. How good are the meals btw?

I'll eat breakfast when I meet up with my people in ATL.

 

[Cristobal]

You will probably be seated with strangers but do not fear, that can be one of the most fun parts of the trip.

The dining car uses community seating in order to accommodate as many passengers as we can that wish to eat in the diner. It really is a nice aspect of dining on a train. It's the best way to meet some of your fellow passengers and engage in good conversation. It's rare but occasionally someone is very apprehensive about sitting with strangers and will ask to be seated alone. Unfortunately, most of the time we cannot accommodate that request. What's funny is that usually it's those apprehensive passengers who end up having the greatest time and in depth conversations with the people they just met. Sometimes we even need to scoot them out to seat the next guests.

LOL.

Yeah I was looking at the menu, since my trip is overnight, I'm defiantly going to get the dinner. How good are the meals btw?

I'll eat breakfast when I meet up with my people in ATL.

The meals can be pretty darn good. Not Michelin 3-star by any means but as good or better than most dine-and-dash places.

 

[GG-1]

The meals can be pretty darn good. Not Michelin 3-star by any means but as good or better than most dine-and-dash places.

Aloha

I've had Michelin meals, and most of my Amtrak meals were as good, just not as generous. I am surprised to see Michelin mentioned most people don't know them.

 

[Cristobal]

The meals can be pretty darn good. Not Michelin 3-star by any means but as good or better than most dine-and-dash places.

Aloha

I've had Michelin meals, and most of my Amtrak meals were as good, just not as generous. I am surprised to see Michelin mentioned most people don't know them.

They make good tires. :lol:

 

[Big Iron]

You will find both the dining experience and food to be wonderful.

 

[Bill Haithcoat]

Like a lot of other oldtimers, I would tell you that meals on he train used to be better than they are today. That was from a generation where a lot more of the public proportionately rode trains. It is pretty much the truth that the railroads often bought the finest steaks,etc.

But things are still quite good today. I would just say the food is not as consistently good as it was in the past. But it is nothing to sneeze about and it beats heck out of a bag of peanuts or chips, and one soft drink.

Oh yes, there used to more regional delicacies, but Amtrak is actively working on improving that.

Yep, all in all the unique experience of eating in a moving restaurant seated with hopefully pleasant strangers can be very neat. So can a sleeping car room but I realize finances are not good these days.

 

[Guest]

My limit is around $150 (not including anything extra), I did not find anything around that price, would this be possible?

The onboard upgrade price for a roomette is $120 from Washington to Atlanta so maybe $125-130 in Deleware. They pretty much never sell the roomettes before the train leaves at this price, but this price point does exist in the system. Don't even waste your time checking for this price as it is essentially only available for onboard upgrades. Do check to see if roomettes are available before you leave though so you can have an idea if some may be available, but the Crescent is a popular train so they do sell out very often. There also may be no shows that the conductor may sell to you as well so always ask. Lots of things working against you so its about like shooting the moon in hearts.