Go Back  FlyerTalk Forums > Community > Trip Reports
Reload this Page >

The Best Time a Son Can Have With His Father: Amtrak's Crescent to New Orleans

Community
Wiki Posts
Search

The Best Time a Son Can Have With His Father: Amtrak's Crescent to New Orleans

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jun 20, 2012, 12:55 pm
  #46  
FlyerTalk Evangelist
 
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Anywhere I need to be.
Programs: OW Emerald, *A Gold, NEXUS, GE, ABTC/APEC, South Korea SES, eIACS, PP, Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 16,046
Originally Posted by CMK10
It's funny you mention Via Rail Canada, my Dad and I are considering doing Toronto-Vancouver at one point. I believe it's over 3 days. He's hesitant because there aren't en suite showers. I'm telling him to go ahead and pretend like we're back in college.
I've only done Via Rail to Jasper from YVR and YYZ-YOW/YUL.
AA_EXP09 is offline  
Old Jun 20, 2012, 8:04 pm
  #47  
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: LAX
Programs: DL, AS, Marriott, Hyatt, National
Posts: 862
This was a lot of fun to read! I've never taken a train trip like this, but you've inspired me to plan one. And, since I'm an airport geek, it's always a pleasure to see pictures of RDU, one of my favorite US airports.
trek87 is offline  
Old Jun 21, 2012, 10:50 am
  #48  
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Durham, NC (RDU/GSO/CLT)
Programs: AA EXP/MM, DL GM, UA Platinum, HH DIA, Hyatt Explorist, IHG Platinum, Marriott Titanium, Hertz PC
Posts: 33,857
Originally Posted by trek87
This was a lot of fun to read! I've never taken a train trip like this, but you've inspired me to plan one. And, since I'm an airport geek, it's always a pleasure to see pictures of RDU, one of my favorite US airports.
I'm glad to hear it! Being by Washington you have several trains you could try, The Crescent like I did, or the Cardinal or Capitol Limited to Chicago, or up to New York and the Lake Shore Limited to Chicago from there. Or you could go south to Florida on the Silver Star or Meteor. Flyertalk's own Amtrak forum is very helpful for questions about trains and you can always PM me.
CMK10 is offline  
Old Jun 24, 2012, 9:54 pm
  #49  
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: IND/NYC/MEX
Programs: AA PPro BA Bronze SPG Gold HH GLD Hyatt Exp
Posts: 1,134
I enjoyed your report and your dad's phone comments. It sounds like traveling with my father. What is all included in the sleeper service? Were meals and booze?
saltytheseagull is offline  
Old Jun 24, 2012, 10:52 pm
  #50  
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: YYC
Programs: BA bronze, Aeroplan peon
Posts: 4,746
Originally Posted by CMK10
It's funny you mention Via Rail Canada, my Dad and I are considering doing Toronto-Vancouver at one point.
I did that trip a few years ago, well worth it. No the shower is not ensuite, but I prefer it that way as there is a dedicated shower room that is more spacious. I really like the Budd cars Via uses on the Canadian, they have been well maintained and upgraded while keeping the flavour of a 50's streamliner train.
Jagboi is offline  
Old Jun 25, 2012, 11:25 am
  #51  
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Durham, NC (RDU/GSO/CLT)
Programs: AA EXP/MM, DL GM, UA Platinum, HH DIA, Hyatt Explorist, IHG Platinum, Marriott Titanium, Hertz PC
Posts: 33,857
Originally Posted by saltytheseagull
I enjoyed your report and your dad's phone comments. It sounds like traveling with my father. What is all included in the sleeper service? Were meals and booze?
Thank you! All meals are included and that means entree and dessert as well as coffee, tea, water, soda or juice, with the meal. Alcohol is not included so we brought our own hard liquor and purchased wine (not a bad price) with dinner.

Jagboi I appreciate your comments too, I need all the ammo I can get to convince my Dad it's worth doing!
CMK10 is offline  
Old Jun 27, 2012, 5:55 am
  #52  
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Boston, USA
Programs: AA EXP, TK Elite, HH Gold, SPG/Marriott Gold
Posts: 939
Great report and a question..

Hi CMK10,

Excellent report. You have good sense of writing and your honesty
percolates in the reporting. Good job !

Just wondering if there are different sizes of sleeper cars ? Is
there one for family of four (parents and couple of kids ?) I am
assuming that the fares are comparable to airfares.. Do they
allow breaking journeys ? So if I wanted to see Atlanta, I could
stop and take the same train couple days later ??

Just curious...F.A.
flyalways is offline  
Old Jun 27, 2012, 7:24 am
  #53  
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: DCA
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, Delta SM, Marriott Plat , Hilton Gold, Hertz 5*, IHG Spire
Posts: 259
Great trip report. Not sure I could handle a trip with my father. Also, enjoyed your funny writing and your lack of shame at taking 300 photos a day. I wish I had your courage. Keep them coming sir.
Dreamworks is offline  
Old Jun 27, 2012, 10:43 am
  #54  
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Durham, NC (RDU/GSO/CLT)
Programs: AA EXP/MM, DL GM, UA Platinum, HH DIA, Hyatt Explorist, IHG Platinum, Marriott Titanium, Hertz PC
Posts: 33,857
Originally Posted by flyalways
Hi CMK10,

Excellent report. You have good sense of writing and your honesty
percolates in the reporting. Good job !

Just wondering if there are different sizes of sleeper cars ? Is
there one for family of four (parents and couple of kids ?) I am
assuming that the fares are comparable to airfares.. Do they
allow breaking journeys ? So if I wanted to see Atlanta, I could
stop and take the same train couple days later ??

Just curious...F.A.
Hey Flyalways. I don't know the answer to your question about breaking journeys as I never though to do that, but I'm sure someone in our wonderful Amtrak forum would. There are specially designed Family Bedroom sleepers which could handle your family, they're usually a little more expensive though.

Originally Posted by Dreamworks
Great trip report. Not sure I could handle a trip with my father. Also, enjoyed your funny writing and your lack of shame at taking 300 photos a day. I wish I had your courage. Keep them coming sir.
Ha, I bet you could handle a trip with your Dad, sometimes getting even the most difficult people into a fun environment shows you a whole new side to them. Thanks for the compliment on my writing and photos too, trust me, it took me a long time to get comfortable photographing as much as I do. Some people give you some really dirty looks for doing it.
CMK10 is offline  
Old Jun 27, 2012, 7:12 pm
  #55  
FlyerTalk Evangelist
 
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: SGF
Programs: AS, AA, UA, AGR S (former 75K, GLD, 1K, and S+, now an elite peon)
Posts: 23,194
Originally Posted by CMK10
Hey Flyalways. I don't know the answer to your question about breaking journeys as I never though to do that, but I'm sure someone in our wonderful Amtrak forum would.
Amtrak will consider a stopover of less than 24 hours (i.e. 23:59 or less) as a continuous journey for fare purposes. You'll run into two hurdles, though: one, accommodation charges can't be carried through like this (so you'll pay two separate upfares for the bedroom), and two, the Crescent only operates once per day, so your connection ends up being exactly 24 hours (i.e. one minute more than the 23:59 or less requirement).

You can still break up your journey, but you'll end up paying more for it.
jackal is offline  
Old Jun 28, 2012, 1:14 pm
  #56  
FlyerTalk Evangelist
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Northeast Kansas | Colorado Native
Programs: Amex Gold/Plat, UA *G, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott LT Gold, NEXUS, TSA Disparager Unobtanium
Posts: 21,603
Great trip report ^ I'm looking to take a cross-country train trip (first time) later this year, so I appreciated the detailed description of the trip and the photos.
FriendlySkies is offline  
Old Jul 4, 2012, 5:01 pm
  #57  
 
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Rio Rancho, NM - USA
Programs: DL, UA, WN, Amtrak, Hyatt, Accor
Posts: 1,793
A fine report and very nice photos that show what train travel is like. I hate airport security so try to go by Amtrak whenever possible, even when it costs twice as much. Your descriptions of dining on Amtrak are spot on. Just a note for those who don't drink Pepsi products, BYO on the train. I always take a lunchbox full of Diet Dr. Peppers on train rides.
Dianne47 is offline  
Old Jul 6, 2012, 11:42 pm
  #58  
FlyerTalk Evangelist
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Programs: AA Gold AAdvantage Elite, Rapids Reward
Posts: 38,321
Originally Posted by FriendlySkies
Great trip report ^ I'm looking to take a cross-country train trip (first time) later this year, so I appreciated the detailed description of the trip and the photos.
Well, enjoy the train ride. Hope you have a great time. I never rode on Amtrak before. Maybe someday in the future. I will definitely that we will take on Amtrak.
N830MH is offline  
Old Jul 17, 2012, 1:36 am
  #59  
FlyerTalk Evangelist
 
Join Date: Apr 2003
Programs: UA*Lifetime GS, Hyatt* Lifetime Globalist
Posts: 12,331
I have been so busy recently that I have not had opportunities to read many of the fine TRs that have been posted here recently. I specifically marked this report for reading when it first came out.

I am glad I did! Nice job and heart warming read.

I did a similar trip a few years back with my folks and I must say it was the best trip I have had.

Thanks for sharing!
UA_Flyer is offline  
Old Jul 18, 2012, 11:50 am
  #60  
FlyerTalk Evangelist
IHG Contributor Badge
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: PHX & AGP
Programs: AA Lifetime PLT, Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium, Hilton Gold
Posts: 11,453
Excellent report I have a good friend who works Secuirty for AmTrack out of Newark, the best Prime Rib ever was on a trip I took with him from Newark to DC.

New Orleans is a place to go for a weekend of indulgence, lots of excellent food and drinks. I was lucky enough to go to NO after katrina to help taking care of the sick, after that I have a connection to that city that i cherrish. The people have a warmth about them and they love to talk about the city they love.
FlightNurse is offline  


Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

This site is owned, operated, and maintained by MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Designated trademarks are the property of their respective owners.