First time on Acela NYP-BOS round trip

[Cal]

First time on Acela, writing this as I’m waiting to depart NYP.
I’ve been wanting to take an Acela trip for many years, and today is that day. Booked about a week and a half ago for a good fare between NYP-BOS in business class. Luckily, I was able to upgrade both trips to first class with coupons. I’m traveling with one other.

Woke up early and got ready at the hotel, which is a short walk from the station. Arrived at Moynihan train hall a few minutes later. I had seen the new station yesterday, but hadn’t seen the lounge. It’s an impressive space, and the desk agent printed out our tickets.

I was pleasantly surprised to see the food counter in full stock with two employees, and we got some juice and I got cereal. Took a seat on the terrace and relaxed. I also connected to the Moynihan Wifi which was good. Better than other Amtrak wifi I’ve used

The train arrived about 8 minutes early, and a lounge-only announcement stated the track member a few minutes early (also to my pleasant surprise). Went down to track 11 and boarding begun shortly after.

I was surprised how big the train itself is, I didn’t realize its this big. We took our seats and were greeted by the attendant who gave us the menu. The seats seem to be recently refurbished, which is great. The doors just closed and we are on the move!

 

[Cal]

As soon as we begun moving our attendant asked if we wanted food or drinks. My traveling partner got a hot chocolate which was rated positively and I passed.

We soon saw sunlight and we’re getting settled in, I was still pretty excited to be on Acela. A few minutes before Stamford I walked the train, which was pretty full. I wasn’t paying attention all that much, but it looked like everyone was wearing masks. One announcement was made about masks shortly after departing Stamford.

I enjoyed the scenery, which was pleasant, and tracked the speed the whole way. It was a bit cold for me, so I put on a sweater about two hours in.


As the train approached Kingston, I realized we were approaching the first stretch of track where 150 was allowed, and monitored our speed closely. I was thrilled when we finally hit it.

I enjoyed watching the scenery zip by as we were doing speeds upwards of 100. Soon enough we were approaching Back Bay, and then South Station. At Boston we got lunch and now are waiting to board 2169 in the Metropolitan Lounge.

 

[Cal]

Now seated, and we were given water bottles and split a coke. Unfortunately, they turned the train and we are seated on the same side as the way here. Specifically tried to get seats on opposite sides of the train. Oh well.

 

[Cal]

Departed on time, a few minutes after a NER which we will pass at Providence. This time we have two attendants (one is apparently high up in the Union, said he was the chairman of this section?). Both were great and handed out waters and menus. We decided to wait to order.

Like the trip there, the table was all to ourselves the whole trip so we were able to sit on both sides. Although one passenger accidentally sat there after misreading her ticket.

Enjoyed the speedy ride through Massachusetts and Rhode Island, although still a bit irritated about the seating. Before I knew it, we were back along the coast and around Mystic is when we ordered. We both opted for the short ribs and split a soda. It was decent for a flex meal, very similar to the red wine braised beef although the mashed potatoes are much better than the polenta. The beef was better IMO as well.

After lunch/dinner (linner?) I walked through the train. Pretty full as well, although the quiet car wasn’t as full as the way there. Everyone was wearing masks that I saw (although there was a person in first class who kept it down at least 25% of the time). On both trips I saw that the door of the power car was open, is this normal?

Once I returned to my seat I ate a little bit of the Blondie, which I had set to the side and enjoyed the now green scenery. Hot towels were handed out as well

The rest of the trip was spent staring out the window while monitoring the speed off and on. As we were approaching Hell Gate Bridge I went to an empty seat and enjoyed the stunning New York skyline and stayed until we went into the tunnel. Saw my Cardinal consist tomorrow sitting in Sunnyside (should have room #2 on the left ). Once arrived we quickly got off and went into the old penn station. It was crowded, and obviously isn’t at nice as Moynihan, but didn’t look all that bad.

Quick walk back the hotel, relaxed, then got dinner. Now watching Chopped and enjoying the NY skyline.

 

[Cal]

Forgot to post these in the previous message.

 

[mediaman]

Thank you for your report and pictures! What were the food options in the Metropolitan Lounge at South Station?

 

[acelafan]

I enjoyed reading your report. Sounds like you had a much better experience than my last two times on Acela. One train had very loud creaks from the overhead compartment and the other one had a broken tilt mechanism so our top speed was restricted. Glad you enjoyed it.

 

[Cal]

Thank you for your report and pictures! What were the food options in the Metropolitan Lounge at South Station?

 

[stx]

Thanks for the info on what to expect right now. I’m surprised that passengers aren’t discouraged from wandering the train or switching seats, as that increases the risk of exposure to others, but it must have been a nice treat to see inside the power engine! You have a great way with words; I could picture the things as you described them. Enjoy the rest of the trip!

 

[jis]

At least in Business Class, disallowing inter-car movement would mean no access to the Cafe Car, which would be weird. Even First Class passengers sometimes pick up stuff from the Cafe too. So i can't see movement from one car to another being disallowed, specially when everyone is wearing masks.

 

[Cal]

Thanks for the info on what to expect right now. I’m surprised that passengers aren’t discouraged from wandering the train or switching seats, as that increases the risk of exposure to others, but it must have been a nice treat to see inside the power engine! You have a great way with words; I could picture the things as you described them. Enjoy the rest of the trip!

Thanks