America by Rail-Escorted Rail Tour information request

[SANSR]

My lovely bride and I will be celebrating 5 years in the not too distant future. She has suggested that we do something 'out of the ordinary'. She knows that I am a train affectionado and is open to the idea of a multi day rail trip with no particular destination in mind, but with the intent of sharing some memorable moments watching the scenery unfold across an ever changing vista. (Yes, I'm a romantic at heart,an d how do you improve on romance than being on a train in the privacy of your bedroom with the one you love???) So, having set THAT stage, now to the realities of the here and the now. America by Rail puts out some incredibly enticing advertising material, in both hard copy as well as on line. Many of the offered trips would fit my (our) intent. My concern is the relative unreliability of the Empire Builder of late. Several of the tours that I have considered include the EB; with the scheduling delays and freight interruptions from the oil fields in ND how does one 'plan' around those hiccups? I should stress the point that the language in the 2014-2015 July-May America by Rail timetable includes the disclaimer: "The routing and features described in tour descriptions may be altered to adjust to rail schedules in effect at the time of the tour. America by Rail reserves the right to substitute motorcoach or air travel for unavailable rail schedules, misconnections, delays or other causes.'

I completely understand the disclaimer; the question I post to the forum is, 'Has anyone ever taken one of these package tours and if so, what happened when there were schedule disruptions?'

Before I consider handing over a serious chunk of change (certainly 4 figures for 2 of us, or more depending on the selected tour) it would be nice to know if anyone else has lost a significant amount of brain matter to even consider one of these tours. Grin. (Ain't love grand?!?)

Any and all commentary is most welcome. Be brutally honest. Thank you in advance!

Scott

 

[pianocat]

I took a "Vacations By Rail" tour in summer of 2011. CHI-SLC on the CZ, motorcoach to Glacier National Park, then planned EB back to CHI. This was the summer that the Missouri and Mississippi rivers flooded so badly, and shortly after departing CHI, the EB was cancelled due to the phenomenal flooding at Minot, ND. We found out after arriving in SLC from the tour director that we'd have to make other arrangements after the time in Glacier, to get back to CHI. What a mess!!! The director was really great about making sure everyone had a plan, and most of us ended up taking the westbound EB from GPK to SEA, then flew home. I'm sure this will spark controversy again......but I speak from my own experience here - if I had NOT bought the $28 travel insurance offered ahead of time, I would have been totally out of pocket for my flight back to the midwest. As it happened, the hotel in SEA as well as meals and flight were covered. You can imagine how upset the passengers who hadn't bought the insurance were. Amtrak was refunding nothing, because it was a 'group' tour issue. I wish you luck and a wonderful anniversary trip, and hope all goes well with EB. Though others will say it's a waste of money...I'll tell you this - for myself, the travel insurance paid off in SPADES for me on my pkg. trip.

 

[Andy]

I haven't done such a package tour but perhaps you could include a leg on Pullman Rail Journeys (http://www.travelpullman.com/) between Chicago and New Orleans. You're attached to an Amtrak train but at least you're assured of better service, proper cocktails, and finer dining. It's something is love to do at some point.

 

[ChrisJ]

I have taken 7 trips with them, and have #8 booked for September. Guess they must be doing something right !!!!

The only disruption I've experienced was in 2013 when the Zephyr did not run between Denver & Salt Lake City due to track washouts from flooding in Colorado, but it was known about & planned for in advance. It was a bus ride from Denver to Green River, UT. (For me, personally, it was a "who cares", since I'd traveled the Moffat Route several times.)

All of the trips have been very enjoyable. Great tour directors - they really look after everyone quite well. I can definitely recommend them.

Chris

p.s. A month or so after the 2013 trip, they issued a partial refund for the "bustitution" after they received same from Amtrak, then they also issued a Travel Certificate good for $100.00 on a future trip.

Also, the previous poster mentioned 'Vacations by Rail'. That is a different company, although I think they sometimes contract with & use America by Rail.

 

[Ryan]

Really, 5 years already?

I'll bet we can plan something better and cheaper.

When are weyou going? How long a trip are you looking at?

 

[AmtrakBlue]

Really, 5 years already?

I'll bet we can plan something better and cheaper.

When are weyou going? How long a trip are you looking at?

What!?! He didn't consult you!?! How dare he go to another source for rail travel advice! :lol:

 

[Bob Dylan]

Congrats, its great to have a spouse that's willing to share your interests especially travel by rail!

Pianocat was really spot on about the Insurance if you take an expensive trip! I also think Ryan has a good idea about planning your own itinerary, Andy"s suggestion about the Pullman from NOL-CHI is excellent if you can get one of those special deals!

I'd avoid the Empire Builder totally due to the Mess on the Hi-Line! You can ride the Zephyr to California then visit the Bay Area, the Beautiful Napa-

-Sonoma Valleys, go to Yosemite, ride the Starlight down to Santa Barbara ( a really cool place but expensive) then to LA, down to San Diego on a Surfliner and perhaps ride the SWC back to CHI??? Lots of possibilities depending on your schedules, amount you want to spend and must sees versus Train time!

You could also ride the Canadian from Toronto to Vancouver if you can find an Express Fare or a 50% off Deal!Vancouver and BC are Very Special Places to see and visit!

 

[SANSR]

Really, 5 years already?

I'll bet we can plan something better and cheaper.

When are weyou going? How long a trip are you looking at?

Not sure, and, yes, you and your significant other can come along as well........we'll have Aunt Nikki babysit all of the offspring. One caveat: get your own damn bedroom! We are looking at 5 to 10 days, train and location time. Realistically, this is 12 to 18 months in advance.

 

[Ryan]

Dang, I thought that we were going to share!

Really, 5 years already?

I'll bet we can plan something better and cheaper.

When are weyou going? How long a trip are you looking at?

What!?! He didn't consult you!?! How dare he go to another source for rail travel advice! :lol:

He knows that you guys are smarter than I am.

 

[chakk]

The Via Rail Canadian between Vancouver and Edmonton would be an excellent addition, plus Amtrak's Coast Starlight between LA and Portland or Seattle

Sent from my iPhone using Amtrak Forum

 

[SANSR]

Ryan, have you been on VIA? I know my Mom (the ever after elder Travel Agent) has been promoting VIA for cross Canada treks for a number of years now. I have to admit I'm somewhat curious about their (VIA) offerings. I'm not too crazy about disembarking from the train proper to be transported to a land locked hotel room only to have to jump in the AM to make sure we get back on board at whatever station we are temporarily tied up at. Thoughts?

Thanks,

S

 

[andersone]

Travel Insurance,,, I never leave home without it

 

[zephyr17]

Ryan, have you been on VIA? I know my Mom (the ever after elder Travel Agent) has been promoting VIA for cross Canada treks for a number of years now. I have to admit I'm somewhat curious about their (VIA) offerings. I'm not too crazy about disembarking from the train proper to be transported to a land locked hotel room only to have to jump in the AM to make sure we get back on board at whatever station we are temporarily tied up at. Thoughts?

Thanks,

S

SANSR, have you been on Via? Because you are not talking about the Canadian across Canada. It does not stop overnight anywhere. On Via, the "Jasper-Prince Rupert Train" (formerly the Skeena) does stop overnight at Prince George, but that is a completely different route than the Vancouver - Toronto Canadian.

The Rocky Mountaineer stops overnight at Kamloops, BC. But that isn't a Via train.

 

[SANSR]

Zephyr,

I have not been on VIA or any of the Canadian rail options. I apparently have mixed up my venues. Which trip offers the 'Gold' or 'Silver' service? I think this train is the one that does not have onboard overnight accomodations for the passengers; offers several origination / destination points and coordinates hotel facilities as part of a package deal.

Thanks for your input. I appreciate the feedback.

Scott

 

[Ryan]

Is that the Alaska RR?

The Canadian is "the trip" to take, but that's quite a bit of coin.

 

[pennyk]

Zephyr,

I have not been on VIA or any of the Canadian rail options. I apparently have mixed up my venues. Which trip offers the 'Gold' or 'Silver' service? I think this train is the one that does not have onboard overnight accomodations for the passengers; offers several origination / destination points and coordinates hotel facilities as part of a package deal.

Thanks for your input. I appreciate the feedback.

Scott

I think the Rocky Mountaineer offers silver and gold service in the Canadian Rockies.

 

[SANSR]

I concur on the amount of coinage required; regardless the venue. Be that as it may, I'm still of the mindset that if I am going to be going first class (whatever THAT means today), then I want the bed, the turn down service, maybe even the obligatory chocolate mint on my pillow........and I want it while gliding over the silvery steel rail looking out on the moonlit countryside. I'm dangerously close to looking at the impossible costs associated with travel on a private rail car. While my theory is sound from a cost basis, the plain fact of the matter is that our offspring (all of them) would be seriously lacking in the potential of inheriting any of the left over coinage after Dear Wife and I depart to the next life. (Ironically enough, she and I met with my attorney this morning regarding will prep, power of attorney, medical POA, etc.) Funny how things seem to meld into the discussion. Then again, a few glasses of white wine make my fingers type silly words............not to mention silly gestures....but you good people can't see those so all is well. Dear Wife, on the other hand is sitting here right next to me shaking her head in an apparent 'digital apology' to anyone that gets all the way thru this tome. (It isn't long, but it is certainly disjointed........hey....one has to practice what they excel at, right?) Grin.

 

[pennyk]

I concur on the amount of coinage required; regardless the venue. Be that as it may, I'm still of the mindset that if I am going to be going first class (whatever THAT means today), then I want the bed, the turn down service, maybe even the obligatory chocolate mint on my pillow........and I want it while gliding over the silvery steel rail looking out on the moonlit countryside. I'm dangerously close to looking at the impossible costs associated with travel on a private rail car. While my theory is sound from a cost basis, the plain fact of the matter is that our offspring (all of them) would be seriously lacking in the potential of inheriting any of the left over coinage after Dear Wife and I depart to the next life. (Ironically enough, she and I met with my attorney this morning regarding will prep, power of attorney, medical POA, etc.) Funny how things seem to meld into the discussion. Then again, a few glasses of white wine make my fingers type silly words............not to mention silly gestures....but you good people can't see those so all is well. Dear Wife, on the other hand is sitting here right next to me shaking her head in an apparent 'digital apology' to anyone that gets all the way thru this tome. (It isn't long, but it is certainly disjointed........hey....one has to practice what they excel at, right?) Grin.

If you are still willing to spend a lot of coin after your wife tries to talk some sense into you, you may want to consider one of these trips:

http://www.vacationsbyrail.com/canada/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=ppc&utm_campaign=canada_by_rail&utm_term=canada+by+rail

 

[Ryan]

the plain fact of the matter is that our offspring (all of them) would be seriously lacking in the potential of inheriting any of the left over coinage after Dear Wife and I depart to the next life.

Dear Wife, on the other hand is sitting here right next to me shaking her head

I'm familiar with that look.

Have you looked at the Pullman Rail Ventures? CONO is kind of a junk route, but if they expand elsewhere, that may be a good option for you.

 

[Ryan]

If you are still willing to spend a lot of coin after your wife tries to talk some sense into you, you may want to consider one of these trips:

http://www.vacationsbyrail.com/canada/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=ppc&utm_campaign=canada_by_rail&utm_term=canada+by+rail

http://www.vacationsbyrail.com/canada/canada-coast-to-coast/canada-coast-to-coast-eastbound

This 16-day train adventure takes you on a 6400 km (4000 miles) journey across the world's second largest country, Canada. Explore the scenery and culture which have made Canada famous. You'll see Vancouver on the Pacific Coast, Halifax on the Atlantic Coast, and many points in between.

Continuing with the theme:

 

[pennyk]

Ryan, I became aware of that trip because my friend was considering it (for a minute or 2).

 

[Green Maned Lion]

I thought decency banned all futurama memes.

 

[Ryan]

 

[dlagrua]

On our last trip though CUS there was an entire section of the Acela Lounge cordoned off for an outfit called Great Rail Journeys. There must have been 40 people in that section. The lounge attendant says that organization is there with a group every day. Ever wonder why sleeper fares are so high? The travel agency probably sucks up all the tickets early, driving prices into high bucket from the gitgo.