Recent content by Sunrobber

Pascagoula has a train station. Go ahead and work with that as the terminus. Mobile thinks they have something special worth big buck government spending. Service them with buses. Amtrak knows how to do that quite well. Treat Mobile as a step-child. Start the service and let Mobile figure it...

We live in New Orleans and like to travel to the coast frequently—routinely two to three times a month. Being able to go without the hassle of being behind the wheel and not having to be constantly looking for parking spaces is what I'm looking forward to. I can't believe those in Mississippi...

https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Employer=Amtrak_(The_National_Railroad_Passenger_Corporation)/Hourly_Rate#

IF I get assistance with my bags, etc while boarding (I pay for bedroom—not roommate), I tip half of what I plan for the trip immediately. I tell them I appreciate the help and want them to have something in case I don’t see them at the end. I find they show up to assist during and at the end of...

One of our cats has an absolute fit and goes on attack mode when I put the train up under the Christmas tree. It gets to be quite the hissing contest—and the train gets derailed!

We just finished New Orleans to Los Angeles, and a connecting ride from LA to Portland in a bedroom. I have two observations that are, or will become huge problems for us to continue to travel by rail. 1. The mattresses are WAY TOO FIRM—triggering muscle spasms in my back. Unless I decide to...

We just finished taking the Sunset Limited from New Orleans to LA. Our tablemates were always enjoyable. One was a couple on their way to see their daughter and husband who is an Airline pilot. The enjoyment with this couple is they had little English just as we had little of their language. We...

I just completed New Orlewnscto Los Angeles on the Sunset limited. Train set upgrades will be welcome. What isns’t addressed is upgrading track beds, which is “the elephant in the room”. While there are many places the ride was acceptably smooth, none of it is to a standard where speeds can...

Comunnal dining is usually fun—even with sometimes “difficult” people. I try to find out why. Taking a late seating to avoid feeling rushed is my preference. It is relaxing and if the “difficult” person chooses to leave, then the table becomes ours for a bit of quieter time.

One doesn't need to remain in the bedroom and sight see only from there. Get out and explore the train. Try the sightseer lounge and play your cards right in the dining car and you might also get your chosen view to enjoy while eating.

After reading all the negative comments about flex dining, I’m thinking as we have started traveling by train in retirement that we’ll stick to routes with traditional dining. We’re leaving on the Sunset Limited this Wednesday and have a trip following that on the Coast Starlight. My personal...

Fat fingers the the “a x.” that should be “and”😃

My handle is pieces/parts of my first, Nick name and last name. Sun is the first part of my last name, Robber is my nickname a x the “er” is taken out of Robert.

Thanks! We’re taking the Sunset Limited mid-November, We knew we could use the lounge, but didn't know they would come get us and escort us outin advance. We thought we’d be on our own in NOLA, since questions about red cap is murky at best, mostly hearing it isnt available. Nice to know at...

We’re doing two first-ever long-haul rides starting November 15. The first will be the Sunset Limited from NOLA to LA. After a few days with friends there, we board the Coast Starlight going to Portland. I'll report back what I find on cleanliness. Should I pack my own cleaning supplies or...