Viewliner showers are undoubtedly used less than those on Superliner routes, just based on the fact that none of the trains which use Viewliners are longer than one night. Add to this, aside from either the regular Amtrak sleeper passenger or one who has done their homework in knowing what facilities are to be expected, I think a significant number of those in sleeper on a Viewliner-equipped route might not even be aware that a shower exists for their use. One such case was on our Cardinal trip this last December. Had breakfast with an older couple who were riding Amtrak for the first time, had gotten on in the middle of the night, and were amazed to hear of a shower after inquiring about my wet hair. Yes, you walk past it on the way through the car, but aside from the frosted glass and the small plastic sticker stating SHOWER in both English and Braille , it looks just like any other roomette when the door is closed. And like has been noted above, a lot of SCA's use it for storage.
In order of my preference:
- I like the new/refurbished shower on the Superliner I's the best. It seems to be the largest and most user-friendly, especially when the SCA sets it up correctly (small used towel bin that does not take up the whole room; several fresh towels but not a huge stack that again takes up too much space; plenty of soap; patrolled on a regular basis to make sure it is clean and tidy.)
- The Viewliner shower, as it is also a touch generous on space, is somewhat user-friendly, and has the built-in used towel bin (which seems to be hit-or-miss on its use by the SCA.)
- The original Superliner shower, found on both unrefurbished I's and all II's. Just feels uncomfortable, crampt, and I hate shower curtains in public settings. Just gross. :excl: