Recent content by jiml

Overnight is almost less of an issue than daytime travel. Strangers are separated while sleeping, but must share a very confined space during the day. If you think an Amtrak roomette is cramped with two people who know each other, you really won't like a section with a stranger.

Interesting idea. Not sure how well they'd sell, considering uppers and lowers were discontinued in the interest of privacy. BTW, without trying to sound pedantic, a viola is a stringed musical instrument resembling a large violin whereas the French word "voila" might be a better fit if you're...

You've listed all the reasons why this is perfect for those of us not wanting to climb ladders anymore. If only you could book this online without a follow-up phone call to get across-hall rooms.

Great report! Some very helpful tips as well. Travelling vicariously with you and longing to be able to start road-tripping again.

Well said.

What if the Starlight simply had its times flip-flopped with PM departures at both ends? It's not like connections with it are a major factor currently. New Daylight fills the void. Just a curiosity question from someone who has arrived after midnight on Starlight trips in both directions.

This fact gets lost to people on both sides of the mask argument.

Not a bad idea, although the timekeeping of the southbound Star-late would have to improve to be ideal.

Really good advice from @SarahZ. As a "tech" person I've used it all my life - you can even stick cables to carpet with it and pull it up without residue. The problem is that it costs 4x more than duct tape and you really need to go to a specialty store to buy it. A large quantity of what's sold...

They used to try to position the Family Bedroom facing forward, which meant bedrooms forward/roomettes to the rear of the car. Lately consists have been reconfigured, so all bets are off.

This was certainly the experience in Amtrak's inherited 10-6's as well.

The 747 Combi. Both KLM and Air Canada had several as well.

http://saskatoonberryinstitute.org/saskatoons/ Not exactly the same thing, but similar. Usually called Juneberries in the US.

On the Ocean, during off-peak season, there were a total of 4 or 5 staff in the diner and adjacent lounges - depending on direction. The sleeper lounge attendant/bartender also plated and warmed the pre-prepared food, there were 2 or 3 waitstaff and an attendant/bartender in the coach lounge...

Do you think they're picking up food enroute? As of last word, all VIA commissaries in the country are closed until further notice, along with all lounges. Food service on all trains recently has consisted of either a bag of chips or a granola bar (depending on time of day) and one bottle of...