I have traveled on Amtrak’s roomettes several times, both solo and with my wife. As a former U S Navy Submariner, I found the experience similar to living as I did on my Submarines. There were “close quarters” and the rocking of the train as it travels the rails. My response the first time we traveled by train was “I’m home.” 🙂. Speaking only for myself, I like the roomettes. There usually is enough room for both of us to somewhat stretch out our legs and the beds are reasonably comfortable. All in all, I like train travel, but you have to be ready for delays or the train not being on time. If you need to be at your destination in a hurry, air is best. However, if you “care more about the journey,” and don’t have to worry about when you arrive, IMO the train wins hands down.
As a fellow mariner, on sailboats and ships, train berths are fine. No leaks from the overhead or bad hatches, halyards slapping against the mast, or sails flogging during a sail change. They're not a quiet as a turbine steamship, but those are long gone.
The roomettes are very nice.....BUT....They've become "out of my price range". I go coach now. Curling up on two coach seats is not the most comfortable...but....the impact on my wallet is much MUCH less.
Trains are the future. Back to the future that is. The fascination with highways, cars, and planes is finally dying. and hopefully the damage they have wrought too. The Earth can’t take their destruction much longer.
Being a Bostonian, I love the NE Regional when heading to DC or back home. My only overnighter was in a reclining seat which was surprisingly comfy. I prefer traveling during the day because I love the NE stations and coastline views.
@@MC-342 Haven't done a long enough trip yet to give you advice. I've been following Jeb because I'm hoping to do a Boston to CA trip early next year. Roomettes, depending on the cost, seem best to me because I'll be traveling alone which is normal. Happy traveling 🚉
I did a reclining seat from Champagne to Memphis. It was better than how I typically do on red-eyes, when I sleep like 2 hours.. I didn't need a roomette for that. Nor did I need the roomette the leg from Memphis to New Orleans, which is basically 6:45 am to 3:45pm.
These roomettes are a rip off. You pay 800 dollars or more. There's no privacy, you usually end up sharing it with a total stranger. Last week I purchased a coach ticket for 342. I asked about the roomettes, was quoted 1100. for one. I asked is it "private" she said not usually. For that price, I think it would be private. So coach it is. Be prepared, if you travel coach-- the restrooms are filthy! I was a custodian at a school district for 22 years, and these rest rooms were gross and unserviced. Good luck.
LAX based Amtrak train attendant & av geeek! Thank you for your positive enthusiasm for American passenger trains! Working #4 SWC tonight! I'm appalled the cafe attendant was a poor representation of our product.
@@theatremusician There IS competition for positions though. Because of the union though it's hard to fire people for having a shitty attitude. To some degree I think it's good that people can't be fired willy nilly (although a bunch got furloughed due to COVID), but I wish the union would self-police better to keep its membership on mission.
I'm an old coot who frequently rode sleepers fifty years ago. My reaction to this video (which is well thought out and well presented, BTW) is: (1) Roomettes today differ very little from the roomettes of the 1960s and 70s. There are a couple of added amenities like charging ports, WiFi (if it works), and showers that don't sound inviting; and the removal of the in-room toilet is (IMO) a mistake. The reason is my point (2): I never, ever, would have considered a roomette as a comfortable travelling space for two people. For two, the only reasonable option then (and -- it seems -- these days) is a bedroom. In fact, when my wife and I took a transcontinental train trip and found that there were no bedrooms available for our dates, we booked a pair of roomettes across the corridor from each other. That enabled us to join one another when we wanted company and to retreat to our own spaces when we didn't. That solved the toilet problem, we each had plenty of room to move around, and we were able to sleep comfortably. So I don't think it's fair to evaluate roomettes as accommodation for two people. They weren't designed for that purpose. Technically you can fit two people into the room, but you're not going to travel comfortably.
@@TheEnd-eg6wq Honestly, very little difference. The old ones never had a shower, always had a toilet, and I wouldn't have shared one with a medium-sized cat -- otherwise, pretty much the same story.
Try sleeping in the fo'cs'le of a sailboat underway at sea. Compared to that, a railcar roomette is a luxury, even for two. Both people can stretch out on clean, dry sheets with no likelihood of being thrown from their rack by a bad roll. lt's all a matter of what one has experienced for comparison.
@@frankmiller95 The way you compared/contrasted those two sleeping experiences was very effective! And your last sentence raises an excellent point and is applicable to so many things in life.
Sounds like you guys ran into the poor track quality between New Rochelle and New Haven. Amtrak does not actually own that part of the NEC and therefore has no real say in the way it’s maintained. Connecticut frankly does a pretty poor job of it.
It's also pretty bad going into NY from New Jersey as all the lines merge to go into the Hudson tunnel. That tunnel project has been in their planning for years but only now does it look like it'll get funded.
CT DoT has done a pretty good job with its section since the derailment by Bridgeport. Unlike the Amtrak owned sections south of NYC, the catenary is all constant tension, and the alignment is checked regularly. There is a lot of track work, especially at night when traffic is low.
How excited are you for the new trains that are going into service soon starting with the zephyr and bringing back the traditional dining experience!? I already know youre planning a vid on it I cant wait for it!
Northeast Regional does have some rough track sections which might have kept you from sleeping. NE corridor is heavily trafficked which contributes to wear & tear. As a frequent regional rail & long haul rail user, I do hope some railroad infrastructure help is coming soon.
Glad I didn’t see your video before my Arizona to Houston trip on Saturday😊. Mine was fine; the railway tracks are probably better maintained. The cafe attendant made me a fresh pot of coffee, even though there was enough in the pot for one cup.
My first trip on Amtrak (I'm from England so flew out the night before) was The Cardinal (New York - Chicago) straight onto The California Zephyr to Emeryville then straight onto The Coast Starlight to Portland and I did all of this in Coach (non stop for 5 nights!). I was soooo ready for my hotel in Portland and that shower in the hotel felt amazing! I then got onto the Cascades and travelled up to Vancouver. I maxed out my rail time that holiday and by then end of it felt like I knew Amtrak inside out! Would love to do it again though and now I'm 10 years older might treat myself to a Roomette!
How it should be: "I'm sorry sir, but the Cafe is not open yet. Please come back at XX o'clock when I'll be all ready for you!" Amtrak: "Get out! I'm not open yet! Go!" (Snaps fingers and points)
I as a single woman who booked a roomette on the CA Zephyr back in the late 70's worked perfectly for me. I think it might have been not so perfect with 2.
When we moved from NYC to the Bay Area we did a similar thing. Our POD was going to take a week to arrive, California hotels are expensive so we figured the train would be a nice adventure. We travelled via the California Zephyr, three of us in a room. Was tight but not uncomfortable. Enjoyed meeting people in the dining room (most times we had a extra person added to our table). We love meeting new people
I just did a 40 hour round trip on the City of New Orleans with my girlfriend in a super liner roomette. We had a blast, but we will splash the cash for a bigger room next time. Sorry y’all had such a rough experience!
Great video! I appreciate your honest review. After our overnight experience on The City of New Orleans we now pack foam ear plugs. It drowns out the horn enough that it makes it easier to sleep.
I work unusual hours at work (night shifts, late afternoon, early morning etc) and I totally feel "jetlag" when working a lot. For me, your spot on with your not enough sleep in a 24h period theory.
You’re a lucky man. I think a lot of people travel w a partner and/or family. Having reviews that incorporate that is a more realistic portrayal of the challenges and experiences people are looking for. Look forward to seeing more of you both :)
Thank you for highlighting your experience with the cafe attendant. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gotten onto an Amtrak train and had the same experience. I feel that the price of your ticket should include access to the cafe car at all times during the journey. I think Amtrak should work on having the cafe car open and ready for business prior to departure to avoid situations like that.
A couple of times in business class they told us to show our ticket in the cafe car for a discount. I made the mistake of waiting until after I placed my order and then showed the ticket, and then I got yelled at. I thought it was a simple mistake but apparently this is a big hassle for them. I was embarrassed though and probably should have sent feedback to customer service after the trip.
There's no excuse for the cafe car attendant to yell and be rude. On one or two occasions in the past I have found them to be a little curt, though most are friendly.... Overall the video was fun and interesting. I am so eager to ride the Acela to Boston or DC again when I am able to.
@@jttraina4516 In my case when I did not show my business class ticket to the cafe car guy in time he clearly raised his voice and showed a good amount of anger. It's not like he screamed but I thought it was an overreaction.
Have ridden the overnight Lakeshore Limited in a roomette from NYC to Chicago. Loved the rocking motion on the top bunk. Great sleep, so it just depends on what lulls you to sleep or keeps you up. Dining car for breakfast was fabulous, and the company was interesting too.
Thank you for doing Amtrak videos! My son and I ride Amtrak frequently and have experienced some of the same issues, I hope your voice will bring change.
The tracks around New York through into New Haven are a lot rougher and are constantly undergoing repairs and a replacements to make everything smoother. I believe your rail car was one of the early generation cars and probably needed some repairs. thus also more than likely some flat spots on the wheels. The newer cars that are getting placed into service are much better. I hope you have a better experience in the future. You should try out the Amtrak Vermonter. I took it over 50+ times for college and was always an amazing trip through the forests and countryside of Vermont. It is operated by 3 different Crew's and they always are a blast! If you do Amtrak Vermont and you get my favorite conductor, count the amount of times he says "folks".
the Vermonter is amazing. I always got on in Essex and went down to Philly to visit grandparents. unfortunately that time has passed but with other family still in the Philly area I hopefully can still take the Vermonter. it is one of the best routes
Something nostalgic about the old name 'Night Owl' as it was known when Amtrak named all their trains. It makes me think of a train passing through the foggy darkness of Connecticut in the middle of the night being guided by the solitary headlight of an ex-NYNHH FL-9 locomotive. As of now, Amtrak isn't using the Viewliner sleepers on the 66/67 trains. I'm guessing because of a shortage of needed sleepers on other trains or they are being refurbished. .
Jeb, Have you ever considered taking the Metro from the airport to Union Station. Might be quicker and less money. I have found the metro system in DC to be very good. And it now goes to both Regean and Dulles
A great story again. I used to travel in Europe by train 30+ years ago, and I still remember excitement of the overnight trains. Wouldn't like to do it again but I miss the feeling.
@@x-90 at least the trains with sleepers on them coming from south of dc. All the NEC only trains (Acela, NE Regional) are on time over 90% of the time
I've made this same trip (alone) and I loved it. Slept like a baby for most of the night though I did wake early. Thank you for sharing your experience.
Would I use the in room bathroom if sharing with another. In an emergency, yes I would, but it would have to be someone I'm in a relationship with, and then it would only be #1. For any #2 issues, I'd go to the train car bathroom. Some smells aren't meant to be shared with the spouse. Suzanne is awesome, so have her with you on more trips! Definitely want to be on the shore side of the train if you can. Never done the DC to Boston run, but several times done the Newark to Boston run. Right side going north, Left side going south.
@StringerNews1 Airline-style or construction site porta potties somewhat resemble the bathroom features. They definitely are not hotel quality and they need not be.
Having done this over the years, some advice for sleeping: bring an eye mask and either ear plugs or noise-cancelling ear buds. Avoid the wine at the occasional wine/cheese receptions (yes, they had this once in the Chicago first class lounge before boarding.) Take a melatonin before bed and get up early for a shower in the car's shower room. You will find the rocking a little disconcerting at first but one gets used to it. The sleeping car experience beats coach seats hands down.
I'm so sorry to hear you didn't get a good night's sleep! The Cafe attendant must have also been having a bad day if they were so rude to you both. However, I am ecstatic to see your video on Cape Air! I recently started flying for them and would be thrilled to have you as a passenger on board 🥰
Really appreciate your well-made video! We are about to reserve sleepers from Kingston RI to DC, then the Cardinal to Maysville KY, a day with hotel rooms in Maysville, and back, a four+ day trip. We don't expect to get much sleep on the train (rarely do) but your experience convinced us to get the larger bedroom if available. Unfortunately the Cardinal is a tiny train, only has one sleeper car I hear.
Cool review here. Been a good while since Amtrak offered sleeper car accommodations on this overnight train, so glad you were able to document your experience. Regarding the in-room toilet? I find it disgusting but convenient at times.
I do love amtrak trains and you get to see parts of America that really sometimes don't have roads, like going from California to Oregon it went through a huge mountainous forest with no visible roads. Having said that I found the train painfully slow, and because passenger trains rent rail space in America from freight train companies the freight trains have right of way, meaning we would STOP whenever a freight train passed which happened quite a lot. The slow speed and constant stopping kind of got to me after a while, but there's and undeniable romantic charm to traveling by train without doubt.
I managed to sleep really well on 66 in a roomette...although that was likely because I'd slept in roomettes on 449 and 30 the 2 nights before and I was exhausted haha. But if you're not particularly tired or a light sleeper, Viewliners are "rated" for 110 mph but they're not exactly smooth as silk at that speed.
Superliners are rated only to 100 mph. Viewliners 1 is for 110 mph, but Viewliners 2 is for 125 mph. The reason is Viewliners on Trains #65/66/67 are oldest one, previously was in Cardinal. So they are little bit bumpy at speed over 100 mph.
@@JackArkitekt I'd really like to see Viewliner IIs on 65-67. Since they are built for higher speeds and are newer and thus could attract ridership for a new service (not to mention the lack of in-room toilets might be more tolerable for a short trip), they should put them on these trains.
@@thefareplayer2254 Viewliners type 1 sleepers built from 1992 to 1997, original design from 1988 Viewliner Cafe Car who also prototype for Viewliners type 2, what's actually improved version of previous type, built from 2015 up to now. They are too new to be scrapped (type 1). While wear and tear visible already, so it's better use them for shorter long distance, like Night Owl and Palmetto. Adding sleeper car makes them true long distance trains. Viewliners 1 type probably will be refurbished soon.. Railway cars designed for normal service life of 50-60 years. Amfleet 1 cars built in 1974-1978, will be replaced by 2029, but Amfleet 2 cars, built in 1980-1984, will be replaced by 2035. Btw Amfleet cars were tested for 150 mph speed, but FRA limited them to safe operation of 125 mph. Amfleet tubing design is from Metroliner who was tested in 1967 for 165 mph. Never certified for that speed, so limited to 135 mph initially, but then to 125 mph. They were designed as true High Speed cars, streamlined airplane design to reduce airflow to minimum, were beat even Bullet trains, but they lack Electric Engine, they were EMU and this created problems with their tractions, and create a long list of malfunctions, so Metroliner EMU sets were to be replaced by locomotive powered Amfleet, at this time US have obsolete fleet of Electric engines, and they were not designed for High Speed, and this result Swedish designed AEM-7 locomotive, who was limited by FRA to 125 mph. At same time France tested their TGV HS train at 187 mph... By European standards much lower than FRA they were allowed this to operate initially at 175 mph, then to 187 mph. Then Germany built ICE-3 train at 202 mph tested and certified at 175 mph. Then ICE-4 at 220 mph. ICE-4 was tested in NEC and failed FRA standards, then Acela was born, tested at 175 mph but certified at 150 mph by FRA, because it's shows discomfort ride at 165 mph. New Avelia Liberty tested in NEC at 172 mph, but certified at 160 mph by FRA, and not recommended to be use faster than 165 mph in NEC. Avelia Liberty failed some tests at speeds of 178 mph at Pueblo test track. But passed all tests at speed below 169 mph. With tilt and without it. FRA not recommend use this trainset without tilt on speed over 175 mph. I guess that even 250 mph Chinese trains will fail FRA test at 170 mph. They are too light to get survived at crush impact without structural damage at 80 mph. And this is minimum requirements for passing FRA tests.
I used to travel to see family via Amtrak, and loved the roomette. I would put in earplugs, turn the lights out, and wake up the next morning. Onetime we had a hot box, and, of course, it sounded like it was all happening two feet under my pillow, cast of thousands coming to see what could be done, etc. other than that crazy trip, it’s always been great.
I’ve traveled on the auto train several times from Va to Fl in a roomette, and slept like a baby.I would love to go cross country on Amtrack in a roomette, but unfortunately can’t afford it. Hope your next journey is better. 😊
We couldn’t afford it either, but then I got an Amtrak credit card. Except for gas, if I need a card, I use it. It knocks the price of a trip down or sleeper for the price of coach!
I watch lots of your videos, Jeb, and this one is hilarious. I mostly ride the Southwest Chief and didn't know any of the NER trains have sleeper cars. I always use a "sleep aid" (melatonin or benadryl) when overnighting on a train. A glass of wine helps, too, but wow you didn't get that. Next time (if there is one) I'll bet your SCA would fetch your free alcoholic drink for you. Thanks for posting Amtrak videos. My granddaughter loves the overnight with me on the SWC from L.A. to Albuquerque where I live.
They stopped doing the sleeper service a few years ago and just brought it back thanks to more funding again. When I say just brought it back I mean like 06/03/2021.
Can't wait to ride overnight on what could be the first Seattle-San Diego, Philadelphia-Chicago, Chicago-Dallas, Boston-Atlanta, or San Antonio-Miami High Speed Rail line by 2045. Will be a very comfortable alternative to flying when that happens.
I take the Northeast Regional all the time from Petersburg to DC except in coach. It’s a nice train. Lots of legroom in the coach seats which is perfect for our 3 hour ride. We always pack a lunch too. The staff is always so friendly.
I have purchased a single-use umbrella on a few occasions: 1. on a golf course, used it, then gave up golf. 2: bought a parasol for the heavy summer rains in Poland, used it all day and into the evening, then gave it to a friend. 3. a paper umbrella I bought years ago came with a single light-rain use warning lol, used it as a sun shade but never in the rain. Thanks for sharing your experience. I'm afraid that neither my wife nor I would be able to sleep in that context either and would be miserable the next day. On the other hand it would certainly beat driving.
As always, love the Amtrak video! Would love to see you try a long-distance ride again but with the new/restored full dining menus (wonder how their new meatballs are 🤔)
Have you ever been slept on a ship? You're experience kind of reminds me of when I first started working in one. Took a while to get used to the constant rocking/engine in bed but it grew on to me.
Hey Jeb, Great video. I took theo oernight train like you, but I started in Boston. After watching your video, i was able to better prepare myself for the ride. From my experince, I had a pretty good time. I was able to have a pretty good night of sleep other than the entry into New York. I remember waking up from the train bouncing around on the rough track. But since I am a heavy sleeper and I was exhausted from the day, I was able to go back to sleep quickly. The 65 train had delay in New York of about over an hour for maintanice issues. The train also had a delay of about 30 minutes earlier in the ride for maintaince issue in Providence. So instead of arriving in DC at 6:30 am, we didn't arrive until around 7:45am. But since I wasn't in a rush, I took advantage of the delay to get a bit more sleep.
Hey Jeb I'm all the way in Jamaica, but I enjoy traveling with you. I love the trains , I love the views and you have a beautiful wife and an lovely voice.
I’m not going to lie but I was a little claustrophobic just watching that video. And I am definitely with Suzanne on the sleep situation. I don’t sleep well in my own bed and after watching that I know that I would never sleep on a train. Enjoyed the video. Safe travels.
You wouldn’t accept a flight attendant talking to you like that!!! Report her at least to your car attendant. No reason to have an attitude like that! You get what you accept!!!
I have only traveled on this train years ago also in a newer style roomeette. However I was traveling alone and found it to be spacious and comfortable and got a reasonable nights sleep. I have traveled extensively on Amtrak overnight trains and as you mentioned sometimes the track can be rather rough and make it harder to sleep. I generally found out my biggest problem was when the train would stop especially if it was for a longer time. It would tend to wake me up. I was surprised to hear the track on the northeast line was so bad, I generally ride this line on daylight coach trains and did not notice bad track, however at high speed especially if you are passing through track junctions the train can sway and rock. One other suggestion is the location of your sleeping room, I noticed you had room 3. If that was near the end of car you were most likely ridding over the trucks that have the wheels of the sleeping car. Middle of the car rooms usually ride smoother since the vibration is not directly under your room. One last comment, the lounge car, snack bar attendants really vary in friendliness. Some are quite nice while others are like what you encountered. The best ones always announce at departure that the car is not open yet and then give another announcement when it opens and also give a warning announcement before they are ready to close it. I would suggest you try this trip again but if it’s for two the bedroom sleeper is much superior to a roomette for comfort of two people.
I have traveled on Amtrak’s roomettes several times, both solo and with my wife. As a former U S Navy Submariner, I found the experience similar to living as I did on my Submarines. There were “close quarters” and the rocking of the train as it travels the rails. My response the first time we traveled by train was “I’m home.” 🙂. Speaking only for myself, I like the roomettes. There usually is enough room for both of us to somewhat stretch out our legs and the beds are reasonably comfortable. All in all, I like train travel, but you have to be ready for delays or the train not being on time. If you need to be at your destination in a hurry, air is best. However, if you “care more about the journey,” and don’t have to worry about when you arrive, IMO the train wins hands down.
Thank you for your service 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
As a fellow mariner, on sailboats and ships, train berths are fine. No leaks from the overhead or bad hatches, halyards slapping against the mast, or sails flogging during a sail change. They're not a quiet as a turbine steamship, but those are long gone.
The roomettes are very nice.....BUT....They've become "out of my price range". I go coach now. Curling up on two coach seats is not the most comfortable...but....the impact on my wallet is much MUCH less.
Easier and faster to drive!😊
Why the roommate are so expensive?
One good thing about receiving that much rain? They’ll have Greenergrass.
I’ll show myself out.
Genius! 🤣
Ouch
(**Groan!**)
Oh this was damn good 🤣🤣🤣🤣
@Delmond Devaux watch the first 23 seconds of the video then come back
Anyone else loving Jeb's new found love of trains? I love the content!
Indeed! I can't wait to see Jeb review trains from other countries especially the ones with JR.
Trains are the future. Back to the future that is. The fascination with highways, cars, and planes is finally dying. and hopefully the damage they have wrought too. The Earth can’t take their destruction much longer.
@@Toast0808 LOL
@@kvogel9245 what, you find reality to be funny?
He made me addicted, now trains are the coolest thing for me. Jebb!!
Being a Bostonian, I love the NE Regional when heading to DC or back home. My only overnighter was in a reclining seat which was surprisingly comfy. I prefer traveling during the day because I love the NE stations and coastline views.
Do you recommend getting a roomette or seating for long trips? Any other tips?
@@MC-342 Haven't done a long enough trip yet to give you advice. I've been following Jeb because I'm hoping to do a Boston to CA trip early next year. Roomettes, depending on the cost, seem best to me because I'll be traveling alone which is normal. Happy traveling 🚉
I did a reclining seat from Champagne to Memphis. It was better than how I typically do on red-eyes, when I sleep like 2 hours.. I didn't need a roomette for that. Nor did I need the roomette the leg from Memphis to New Orleans, which is basically 6:45 am to 3:45pm.
A relationship that can survive a teensie roomette with a toilet next to the bed is a match made in heaven
I'm skeptical that I could survive traveling in a small cell even by myself.
@@TheGothicRichard 1
Lol, you're describing a jail cell.
These roomettes are a rip off. You pay 800 dollars or more. There's no privacy, you usually end up sharing it with a total stranger. Last week I purchased a coach ticket for 342. I asked about the roomettes, was quoted 1100. for one. I asked is it "private" she said not usually. For that price, I think it would be private. So coach it is. Be prepared, if you travel coach-- the restrooms are filthy!
I was a custodian at a school district for 22 years, and these rest rooms were gross and unserviced. Good luck.
Lol seriously...uh honey sorry to disturb your movie but....
LAX based Amtrak train attendant & av geeek! Thank you for your positive enthusiasm for American passenger trains! Working #4 SWC tonight! I'm appalled the cafe attendant was a poor representation of our product.
Yes the cafe attendant was an extremely poor representation of any product and any company..
@StringerNews1 Happy to learn that you've enjoyed your travels abroad Amtrak. Thank you for riding with us!
Amtrak has no incentive to be better because they have no real competition on the rails.
@@theatremusician There IS competition for positions though. Because of the union though it's hard to fire people for having a shitty attitude. To some degree I think it's good that people can't be fired willy nilly (although a bunch got furloughed due to COVID), but I wish the union would self-police better to keep its membership on mission.
It always helps when you can write Amtrak if it is good or not so good to make management aware.
I'm an old coot who frequently rode sleepers fifty years ago. My reaction to this video (which is well thought out and well presented, BTW) is: (1) Roomettes today differ very little from the roomettes of the 1960s and 70s. There are a couple of added amenities like charging ports, WiFi (if it works), and showers that don't sound inviting; and the removal of the in-room toilet is (IMO) a mistake. The reason is my point (2): I never, ever, would have considered a roomette as a comfortable travelling space for two people. For two, the only reasonable option then (and -- it seems -- these days) is a bedroom. In fact, when my wife and I took a transcontinental train trip and found that there were no bedrooms available for our dates, we booked a pair of roomettes across the corridor from each other. That enabled us to join one another when we wanted company and to retreat to our own spaces when we didn't. That solved the toilet problem, we each had plenty of room to move around, and we were able to sleep comfortably. So I don't think it's fair to evaluate roomettes as accommodation for two people. They weren't designed for that purpose. Technically you can fit two people into the room, but you're not going to travel comfortably.
Wow, these roomettes aren't like 50 years ago, seriously?
@@TheEnd-eg6wq Honestly, very little difference. The old ones never had a shower, always had a toilet, and I wouldn't have shared one with a medium-sized cat -- otherwise, pretty much the same story.
Try sleeping in the fo'cs'le of a sailboat underway at sea. Compared to that, a railcar roomette is a luxury, even for two. Both people can stretch out on clean, dry sheets with no likelihood of being thrown from their rack by a bad roll. lt's all a matter of what one has experienced for comparison.
@@frankmiller95 The way you compared/contrasted those two sleeping experiences was very effective! And your last sentence raises an excellent point and is applicable to so many things in life.
I love the click clack sound the wheels make going over the tracks and the rocking it’s so relaxing
Sounds like you guys ran into the poor track quality between New Rochelle and New Haven. Amtrak does not actually own that part of the NEC and therefore has no real say in the way it’s maintained. Connecticut frankly does a pretty poor job of it.
It's also pretty bad going into NY from New Jersey as all the lines merge to go into the Hudson tunnel. That tunnel project has been in their planning for years but only now does it look like it'll get funded.
Its called Metro North's shitty maintnence in plain english
CT DoT has done a pretty good job with its section since the derailment by Bridgeport. Unlike the Amtrak owned sections south of NYC, the catenary is all constant tension, and the alignment is checked regularly. There is a lot of track work, especially at night when traffic is low.
How excited are you for the new trains that are going into service soon starting with the zephyr and bringing back the traditional dining experience!? I already know youre planning a vid on it I cant wait for it!
Northeast Regional does have some rough track sections which might have kept you from sleeping. NE corridor is heavily trafficked which contributes to wear & tear. As a frequent regional rail & long haul rail user, I do hope some railroad infrastructure help is coming soon.
Glad I didn’t see your video before my Arizona to Houston trip on Saturday😊. Mine was fine; the railway tracks are probably better maintained. The cafe attendant made me a fresh pot of coffee, even though there was enough in the pot for one cup.
the cafe car should be open from the minute it takes off....and the attendant shouldn't be yelling. hope you shared that with amtrak.
@@arun120977 Self improvement is a journey worth taking. Rather than just being content with acting on primate urges.
@@arun120977 Foolish person, THEY ARE" NOT" Government Employees. Amtrak is Subsidized by the government, as is EVERY OTHER PASSINGER RR in the US.
I would have yelled back in the same tone.
I love the blankets in the roomettes and bedrooms!
My first trip on Amtrak (I'm from England so flew out the night before) was The Cardinal (New York - Chicago) straight onto The California Zephyr to Emeryville then straight onto The Coast Starlight to Portland and I did all of this in Coach (non stop for 5 nights!). I was soooo ready for my hotel in Portland and that shower in the hotel felt amazing! I then got onto the Cascades and travelled up to Vancouver. I maxed out my rail time that holiday and by then end of it felt like I knew Amtrak inside out! Would love to do it again though and now I'm 10 years older might treat myself to a Roomette!
Wow, you got yelled at to leave...Amtrak’s customer service at its finest.
Not only that - the tiny room, beds, sink, the big box of a tiny breakfast. I can’t call that service - or welcoming any paying customer. 😔
How it should be: "I'm sorry sir, but the Cafe is not open yet. Please come back at XX o'clock when I'll be all ready for you!"
Amtrak: "Get out! I'm not open yet! Go!" (Snaps fingers and points)
Disgraceful
You should report that cafe attendant for being rude, like you said that is fail
@@beckygriggs7827 I've never had that problem.
When you can you should come over to the UK and try the two sleeper trains we have. GWR'S night riviera and the Caledonian sleeper.
Jeb, this video sounds like a "term paper in a creative English class", I admire your control of the so-called "wood language".
Seeing this, I’m glad that the Viewliner II’s got rid of the in suite toilet
If I was in a viewliner I, I'd rather go to the coach bathroom than use the one in the room.
Noise cancelling headphones would be a good idea.
Roomette would be great for a solo traveller. It seems that it is more spacious than the one on the superliner.
I as a single woman who booked a roomette on the CA Zephyr back in the late 70's worked perfectly for me. I think it might have been not so perfect with 2.
When we moved from NYC to the Bay Area we did a similar thing. Our POD was going to take a week to arrive, California hotels are expensive so we figured the train would be a nice adventure. We travelled via the California Zephyr, three of us in a room. Was tight but not uncomfortable. Enjoyed meeting people in the dining room (most times we had a extra person added to our table). We love meeting new people
love the amtrak vids!
Agreed
I just did a 40 hour round trip on the City of New Orleans with my girlfriend in a super liner roomette. We had a blast, but we will splash the cash for a bigger room next time. Sorry y’all had such a rough experience!
Loved the Amtrak videos. I’m a huge fan of the rails.
Great video! I appreciate your honest review. After our overnight experience on The City of New Orleans we now pack foam ear plugs. It drowns out the horn enough that it makes it easier to sleep.
I work unusual hours at work (night shifts, late afternoon, early morning etc) and I totally feel "jetlag" when working a lot. For me, your spot on with your not enough sleep in a 24h period theory.
For me, I’m fine with one day of bad sleep, if it’s more than 1 day then I do fee jet lag
You’re a lucky man. I think a lot of people travel w a partner and/or family. Having reviews that incorporate that is a more realistic portrayal of the challenges and experiences people are looking for. Look forward to seeing more of you both :)
Thank you for highlighting your experience with the cafe attendant. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gotten onto an Amtrak train and had the same experience. I feel that the price of your ticket should include access to the cafe car at all times during the journey. I think Amtrak should work on having the cafe car open and ready for business prior to departure to avoid situations like that.
A couple of times in business class they told us to show our ticket in the cafe car for a discount. I made the mistake of waiting until after I placed my order and then showed the ticket, and then I got yelled at. I thought it was a simple mistake but apparently this is a big hassle for them. I was embarrassed though and probably should have sent feedback to customer service after the trip.
One time when I took a train from DC to NY, the cafe car did not open until about Aberdeen MD. Do the math.
Honestly, having both of you and her comments is a bonus.
There's no excuse for the cafe car attendant to yell and be rude. On one or two occasions in the past I have found them to be a little curt, though most are friendly.... Overall the video was fun and interesting. I am so eager to ride the Acela to Boston or DC again when I am able to.
Not curt but rather uppity. For Amtrak it is difficult to fire those losers because of union tactics.
Don't take everything so Literally. I find it difficult to believe that any Amtrak employee would YELL at a passenger.
@@jttraina4516they don't really yell. It's just those loud obnoxious vocal cords of theirs couple with "I have power"
@@jttraina4516 In my case when I did not show my business class ticket to the cafe car guy in time he clearly raised his voice and showed a good amount of anger. It's not like he screamed but I thought it was an overreaction.
@@Mardasee Guessing hospitality training also goes against their tactics.
Have ridden the overnight Lakeshore Limited in a roomette from NYC to Chicago. Loved the rocking motion on the top bunk. Great sleep, so it just depends on what lulls you to sleep or keeps you up. Dining car for breakfast was fabulous, and the company was interesting too.
Your videos are very well made, good camera work, good audio, good narration, honest, informative, and well edited. Thank you.
Thank you for doing Amtrak videos! My son and I ride Amtrak frequently and have experienced some of the same issues, I hope your voice will bring change.
The tracks around New York through into New Haven are a lot rougher and are constantly undergoing repairs and a replacements to make everything smoother. I believe your rail car was one of the early generation cars and probably needed some repairs. thus also more than likely some flat spots on the wheels. The newer cars that are getting placed into service are much better. I hope you have a better experience in the future. You should try out the Amtrak Vermonter. I took it over 50+ times for college and was always an amazing trip through the forests and countryside of Vermont. It is operated by 3 different Crew's and they always are a blast!
If you do Amtrak Vermont and you get my favorite conductor, count the amount of times he says "folks".
the Vermonter is amazing. I always got on in Essex and went down to Philly to visit grandparents. unfortunately that time has passed but with other family still in the Philly area I hopefully can still take the Vermonter. it is one of the best routes
Something nostalgic about the old name 'Night Owl' as it was known when Amtrak named all their trains. It makes me think of a train passing through the foggy darkness of Connecticut in the middle of the night being guided by the solitary headlight of an ex-NYNHH FL-9 locomotive.
As of now, Amtrak isn't using the Viewliner sleepers on the 66/67 trains. I'm guessing because of a shortage of needed sleepers on other trains or they are being refurbished. .
Jeb,
Have you ever considered taking the Metro from the airport to Union Station. Might be quicker and less money. I have found the metro system in DC to be very good. And it now goes to both Regean and Dulles
Metro doesnt have trains to Dulles yet, so youd have to take a highway bus.
@@Jobother -ronald reagan airport Yellow&Blue metro lines
Just to be precise in this situation, at 1:33 Jeb mentions DCA, which is Reagan National; not IAD/Dulles.
A great story again. I used to travel in Europe by train 30+ years ago, and I still remember excitement of the overnight trains. Wouldn't like to do it again but I miss the feeling.
I always like your channel. Really fun bloopers.
Thanks for taking the time to share your experience. It’s greatly appreciated.
So cool who doesn’t like Amtrak
Unfortunately- people who ride it for work rather than leisure.
People that hate on Amtrak for being too good
It gets delayed a lot
@@x-90 freight owns the tracks and ignores the 1971 laws that say Amtrak is to have priority at all times
@@x-90 at least the trains with sleepers on them coming from south of dc. All the NEC only trains (Acela, NE Regional) are on time over 90% of the time
I've made this same trip (alone) and I loved it. Slept like a baby for most of the night though I did wake early. Thank you for sharing your experience.
I'm looking forward to traveling when I feel better.
Amtrak has been having rooms in the cars for a long time and Boston is my dream trip!!
Would I use the in room bathroom if sharing with another. In an emergency, yes I would, but it would have to be someone I'm in a relationship with, and then it would only be #1. For any #2 issues, I'd go to the train car bathroom. Some smells aren't meant to be shared with the spouse. Suzanne is awesome, so have her with you on more trips!
Definitely want to be on the shore side of the train if you can. Never done the DC to Boston run, but several times done the Newark to Boston run. Right side going north, Left side going south.
@StringerNews1 You'll be happy to know that the new cars do not have the porta potty in them so you have to share with the rest of the train.
I find that having a toilet next to my head when I sleep is dictating. I don’t know why the designer where thinking! My opinion.
My gf poop smells like roses. But she hates mine. I guess she doesn’t love me
@StringerNews1 Airline-style or construction site porta potties somewhat resemble the bathroom features. They definitely are not hotel quality and they need not be.
@@aswd45-mk14 Dictating? Not sure what that means. Makes you uncomfortable? That I could understand.
You and Suzanne did a great job with this video. Thanks for taking me along for the ride.
We like Suzanne, a lot! Man should not travel alone.
Having done this over the years, some advice for sleeping: bring an eye mask and either ear plugs or noise-cancelling ear buds. Avoid the wine at the occasional wine/cheese receptions (yes, they had this once in the Chicago first class lounge before boarding.) Take a melatonin before bed and get up early for a shower in the car's shower room. You will find the rocking a little disconcerting at first but one gets used to it. The sleeping car experience beats coach seats hands down.
I'm so sorry to hear you didn't get a good night's sleep! The Cafe attendant must have also been having a bad day if they were so rude to you both. However, I am ecstatic to see your video on Cape Air! I recently started flying for them and would be thrilled to have you as a passenger on board 🥰
Suzanne was a great copilot! I look forward to see her again!
Another great video! I did the full bedroom right after it became available. Great experience overall. Was about $150 more than roomette.
Really appreciate your well-made video! We are about to reserve sleepers from Kingston RI to DC, then the Cardinal to Maysville KY, a day with hotel rooms in Maysville, and back, a four+ day trip. We don't expect to get much sleep on the train (rarely do) but your experience convinced us to get the larger bedroom if available. Unfortunately the Cardinal is a tiny train, only has one sleeper car I hear.
Cool review here. Been a good while since Amtrak offered sleeper car accommodations on this overnight train, so glad you were able to document your experience. Regarding the in-room toilet? I find it disgusting but convenient at times.
Convenient… for one Traveller! Yet, too small/tiny room!
I do love amtrak trains and you get to see parts of America that really sometimes don't have roads, like going from California to Oregon it went through a huge mountainous forest with no visible roads. Having said that I found the train painfully slow, and because passenger trains rent rail space in America from freight train companies the freight trains have right of way, meaning we would STOP whenever a freight train passed which happened quite a lot. The slow speed and constant stopping kind of got to me after a while, but there's and undeniable romantic charm to traveling by train without doubt.
I managed to sleep really well on 66 in a roomette...although that was likely because I'd slept in roomettes on 449 and 30 the 2 nights before and I was exhausted haha. But if you're not particularly tired or a light sleeper, Viewliners are "rated" for 110 mph but they're not exactly smooth as silk at that speed.
Superliners are rated only to 100 mph. Viewliners 1 is for 110 mph, but Viewliners 2 is for 125 mph. The reason is Viewliners on Trains #65/66/67 are oldest one, previously was in Cardinal.
So they are little bit bumpy at speed over 100 mph.
@@JackArkitekt I'd really like to see Viewliner IIs on 65-67. Since they are built for higher speeds and are newer and thus could attract ridership for a new service (not to mention the lack of in-room toilets might be more tolerable for a short trip), they should put them on these trains.
@@thefareplayer2254 Viewliners type 1 sleepers built from 1992 to 1997, original design from 1988 Viewliner Cafe Car who also prototype for Viewliners type 2, what's actually improved version of previous type, built from 2015 up to now. They are too new to be scrapped (type 1). While wear and tear visible already, so it's better use them for shorter long distance, like Night Owl and Palmetto. Adding sleeper car makes them true long distance trains.
Viewliners 1 type probably will be refurbished soon..
Railway cars designed for normal service life of 50-60 years. Amfleet 1 cars built in 1974-1978, will be replaced by 2029, but Amfleet 2 cars, built in 1980-1984, will be replaced by 2035. Btw Amfleet cars were tested for 150 mph speed, but FRA limited them to safe operation of 125 mph. Amfleet tubing design is from Metroliner who was tested in 1967 for 165 mph. Never certified for that speed, so limited to 135 mph initially, but then to 125 mph. They were designed as true High Speed cars, streamlined airplane design to reduce airflow to minimum, were beat even Bullet trains, but they lack Electric Engine, they were EMU and this created problems with their tractions, and create a long list of malfunctions, so Metroliner EMU sets were to be replaced by locomotive powered Amfleet, at this time US have obsolete fleet of Electric engines, and they were not designed for High Speed, and this result Swedish designed AEM-7 locomotive, who was limited by FRA to 125 mph.
At same time France tested their TGV HS train at 187 mph... By European standards much lower than FRA they were allowed this to operate initially at 175 mph, then to 187 mph. Then Germany built ICE-3 train at 202 mph tested and certified at 175 mph. Then ICE-4 at 220 mph. ICE-4 was tested in NEC and failed FRA standards, then Acela was born, tested at 175 mph but certified at 150 mph by FRA, because it's shows discomfort ride at 165 mph. New Avelia Liberty tested in NEC at 172 mph, but certified at 160 mph by FRA, and not recommended to be use faster than 165 mph in NEC. Avelia Liberty failed some tests at speeds of 178 mph at Pueblo test track. But passed all tests at speed below 169 mph.
With tilt and without it.
FRA not recommend use this trainset without tilt on speed over 175 mph.
I guess that even 250 mph Chinese trains will fail FRA test at 170 mph. They are too light to get survived at crush impact without structural damage at 80 mph. And this is minimum requirements for passing FRA tests.
@@JackArkitekt The track is not maintained well enough for those speeds. The power can get you to those speeds but comfort suffers on those rails.
I used to travel to see family via Amtrak, and loved the roomette. I would put in earplugs, turn the lights out, and wake up the next morning. Onetime we had a hot box, and, of course, it sounded like it was all happening two feet under my pillow, cast of thousands coming to see what could be done, etc. other than that crazy trip, it’s always been great.
I’ve traveled on the auto train several times from Va to Fl in a roomette, and slept like a baby.I would love to go cross country on Amtrack in a roomette, but unfortunately can’t afford it. Hope your next journey is better. 😊
We couldn’t afford it either, but then I got an Amtrak credit card. Except for gas, if I need a card, I use it. It knocks the price of a trip down or sleeper for the price of coach!
Love the train videos thanks for doing them. They are the best.
Suzanne Brooks!! 😀 😁 Is the best. #1. Move over Jeb. She should have her own travel channel lol 😂
Loved seeing her and hearing her comments!
I watch lots of your videos, Jeb, and this one is hilarious. I mostly ride the Southwest Chief and didn't know any of the NER trains have sleeper cars. I always use a "sleep aid" (melatonin or benadryl) when overnighting on a train. A glass of wine helps, too, but wow you didn't get that. Next time (if there is one) I'll bet your SCA would fetch your free alcoholic drink for you. Thanks for posting Amtrak videos. My granddaughter loves the overnight with me on the SWC from L.A. to Albuquerque where I live.
They stopped doing the sleeper service a few years ago and just brought it back thanks to more funding again. When I say just brought it back I mean like 06/03/2021.
BYOB. Problem solved.
Can't wait to ride overnight on what could be the first Seattle-San Diego, Philadelphia-Chicago, Chicago-Dallas, Boston-Atlanta, or San Antonio-Miami High Speed Rail line by 2045. Will be a very comfortable alternative to flying when that happens.
I take the Northeast Regional all the time from Petersburg to DC except in coach. It’s a nice train. Lots of legroom in the coach seats which is perfect for our 3 hour ride. We always pack a lunch too. The staff is always so friendly.
I took the City of New Orleans train from Mattoon to New Orleans. I was in that roomette for a good 17 hours and honestly I liked it.
17 hours is nothing! Lol, I’ve been in one for nearly 70 hours straight.
Cue up Arlo, son of Woody.
@@Cal90208 Wow that sounds like fun
I'd love to try that someday! But I do know that the roomettes on the Superliner trains are a bit different than this one on the Viewliner tho
@@Keither754 yeah there weren’t toilets in the roomette but for me it was very cozy
I have purchased a single-use umbrella on a few occasions: 1. on a golf course, used it, then gave up golf. 2: bought a parasol for the heavy summer rains in Poland, used it all day and into the evening, then gave it to a friend. 3. a paper umbrella I bought years ago came with a single light-rain use warning lol, used it as a sun shade but never in the rain.
Thanks for sharing your experience. I'm afraid that neither my wife nor I would be able to sleep in that context either and would be miserable the next day. On the other hand it would certainly beat driving.
As always, love the Amtrak video! Would love to see you try a long-distance ride again but with the new/restored full dining menus (wonder how their new meatballs are 🤔)
Hello sir, welcome aboard, your breakfast boxes are sitting on your toilet ;-)! Thanks for sharing friends
On the toilet! Well, that is the final destination of the items in the breakfast box.
Have you ever been slept on a ship? You're experience kind of reminds me of when I first started working in one. Took a while to get used to the constant rocking/engine in bed but it grew on to me.
I was on a cruise during a storm. Yikes ... all that rocking.
Good to see the producer on camera, you two make a Great team and should do more together ❤!
Jeb taking a dump in front of his lady is a big NOPE!! LOL
Hey Jeb, Great video. I took theo oernight train like you, but I started in Boston. After watching your video, i was able to better prepare myself for the ride. From my experince, I had a pretty good time. I was able to have a pretty good night of sleep other than the entry into New York. I remember waking up from the train bouncing around on the rough track. But since I am a heavy sleeper and I was exhausted from the day, I was able to go back to sleep quickly. The 65 train had delay in New York of about over an hour for maintanice issues. The train also had a delay of about 30 minutes earlier in the ride for maintaince issue in Providence. So instead of arriving in DC at 6:30 am, we didn't arrive until around 7:45am. But since I wasn't in a rush, I took advantage of the delay to get a bit more sleep.
Hey Jeb I'm all the way in Jamaica, but I enjoy traveling with you. I love the trains , I love the views and you have a beautiful wife and an lovely voice.
I’m not going to lie but I was a little claustrophobic just watching that video. And I am definitely with Suzanne on the sleep situation. I don’t sleep well in my own bed and after watching that I know that I would never sleep on a train. Enjoyed the video. Safe travels.
You wouldn’t accept a flight attendant talking to you like that!!!
Report her at least to your car attendant. No reason to have an attitude like that! You get what you accept!!!
im glad to see this i never realized am track had such amenities
1:50 “but trains keep on running”
*Doobie Brothers music intensifies
I am loving these Amtrak video. Keep doing both.
I don’t get how the restaurants in the station could close before the last train boards.
I have only traveled on this train years ago also in a newer style roomeette. However I was traveling alone and found it to be spacious and comfortable and got a reasonable nights sleep. I have traveled extensively on Amtrak overnight trains and as you mentioned sometimes the track can be rather rough and make it harder to sleep. I generally found out my biggest problem was when the train would stop especially if it was for a longer time. It would tend to wake me up. I was surprised to hear the track on the northeast line was so bad, I generally ride this line on daylight coach trains and did not notice bad track, however at high speed especially if you are passing through track junctions the train can sway and rock. One other suggestion is the location of your sleeping room, I noticed you had room 3. If that was near the end of car you were most likely ridding over the trucks that have the wheels of the sleeping car. Middle of the car rooms usually ride smoother since the vibration is not directly under your room.
One last comment, the lounge car, snack bar attendants really vary in friendliness. Some are quite nice while others are like what you encountered. The best ones always announce at departure that the car is not open yet and then give another announcement when it opens and also give a warning announcement before they are ready to close it. I would suggest you try this trip again but if it’s for two the bedroom sleeper is much superior to a roomette for comfort of two people.
Suzanne's a cool chick and trust me from experience, unabashed pooping in the same room together does eventually happen over time lol
I wonder if they are at the "farting" stage yet?
No it doesn't, married 28 years tomorrow and still do not poop in front of each other.
I remember, so well, when trying to walk from the roomette to anywhere, that the train's rocking motion made me feel as though I was on board a ship!!
Bob just documented one of the needs in the infrastructure bill.
Suzanne good work! I am not sure if train travel works for you. Will have to watch more videos. Yes! I have traveled a lot.
There’s new view liner cars that don’t have the roomette toilet anymore! Saw them on another video on the silver meteor.
I absolutely love the creative director.
The Amtrak employee yelled at you? That's not a shocking surprise. Most Amtrak employees are rude. Would you ever do a grayhound trip?
I used to love that overnighter thirty years ago.
No way I’m using a toilet that close to a bed or using a bed that close to a toilet.
That toilet is in the same place you may sit and eat. No way. that is nasty.
I love your voice it's so soothing ❤️❤️👍
Why’s the train so dirty inside like no one cleans
I agree…. Especially since you’re expected to sleep a few inches away from a toilet that thousands of strangers used before you. Disgusting 🤮
The Dubliner is my favorite DC restaurant! So fun you randomly chose that spot. Very convenient to Union Station!
they should just remove the toilet...so nasty you'd feel like you are actually sitting in a toilet cubicle
They're in the process of being removed on the Viewliner I's and the brand new Viewliner II's don't have them.
@@dynasty0019 exactly! You beat me to that comment 😂
Jeb,
Thank you!
I love your You Tube Travel logs!❤
You two are adorable! Super fun and honest!
Thanks for sharing your experience!
To be honest how can you dislike something as cool as this?
I recently took the empire builder, chi-sea in A roomette, had such an enjoyable time. Will do again in A heartbeat
I took this service southbound in the Roomette! It was amazing!
Thanks for sharing you trip with us ! - All the very best SB British Isles
Just took the Northeast Regional from DC to NYC and back again, I love to travel by train!
Suzanne did an amazing job!!! The energy between you two are split 50:50 which is great