joan_kirsopp

Hello Folks

My husband and I are frequent UK visitors to the USA, usually twice per year.

We have a trip planned for February 2006, staying in Cocoa Beach, FLA. We have always wanted to go to Memphis and rather than fly from Orlando we thought we might see more of the country going by train. Given the distance we realise that this could mean a couple of days, and, a sleeper would be just great. We have never been on Amtrak and the idea of such a trip is very appealing, especially if the train would travel through the deep south.

Any thoughts, tips and ideas would be much appreciated. No matter if you think we're nuts, just sock it too us.

Many thanks, all

Joan

AAFrequentFlyer

Here is a sample itn for 2 adults traveling in a Bedroom suite on the overnight from Orlando to New Orleans and in a Private Roomette from New Orleans to Memphis. The Bedroom has it's own private shower and toilet. The roomette shares the shower and toilet with other cabins. Both entitle you to First class privilages on Amtrak, with sit down dinner and breakfast (included in the fare) in the lounge car.

2 Passengers:
Passenger 1: Adult
Passenger 2: Adult

Rail Fare: $360.00
Accommodations Price: $468.00

Total: $828.00



Departing: Orlando, FL (ORL) To Memphis, TN (MEM)
Service
Departs
Arrives Duration Amenities Seats/
Rooms
1 Sunset Limited Orlando, FL
(ORL)
1:45 pm
26-FEB-06 New Orleans, LA
(NOL)
9:20 am
27-FEB-06 20hr 35mn Checked baggage, Dining car, Lounge, Non- Smoking 1 Bedroom

58 Cty Of New Orleans New Orleans, LA
(NOL)
1:45 pm
27-FEB-06 Memphis, TN
(MEM)
10:00 pm
27-FEB-06 8hr 15mn Checked baggage, Dining car, Lounge, Non- Smoking 1 Superliner Roomette


Returning: Memphis, TN (MEM) To Orlando, FL (ORL)
Service
Departs
Arrives Duration Amenities Seats/
Rooms
59 Cty Of New Orleans Memphis, TN
(MEM)
6:50 am
05-MAR-06 New Orleans, LA
(NOL)
3:32 pm
05-MAR-06 8hr 42mn Checked baggage, Dining car, Lounge, Non- Smoking 1 Superliner Roomette

2 Sunset Limited New Orleans, LA
(NOL)
10:30 pm
05-MAR-06 Orlando, FL
(ORL)
8:45 pm
06-MAR-06 21hr 15mn Checked baggage, Dining car, Lounge, Non- Smoking 1 Bedroom


It's actually a nice connection. The overnight is perfect as there is not much scenery on that route and the day train to Memphis should have nice scenery. The station in New Orleans is just a short distance from French Quarter so you should be able to get a nice visit there as well, at least on the return trip.

I think it's a great idea. Keep in mind that Amtrak is not the Orient Express, but the bedrooms are quite comfortable and clean and the Lounge car dinners are not too shabby.

Hope this helps!

rkkwan

That's a very good price for two people. However, do keep in mind that the Sunset Limited has the worst of all AMTRAK long-distance train on-time performance, and it often cancels the eastern end of its run because the long delays mean it can't get to Florida and come back. So, you may end up on a plane or a bus between Florida and Mobile or New Orleans.

And because of such delays, you may find yourself stuck in a place for long time. For example, the connection at New Orleans for the outbound is only 5 hours. You have a great chance of missing that.

And on the return, the train supposes to leave New Orleans at 10:45pm, but you may find yourself no place to go 3am in the morning, because the train is half-a-day behind arriving from Los Angeles.

nytraveler

You should keep in mind that Amtrak is a step child - the government doesn;t take it seriously - and people are always wanting to just shut it down. (Since flying is so much faster and cheaper.)

A part of the problem is that most of the tracks are owned by freight companies - and their trains get priority over passengers - so the Amtrak trains are often (excrutiatingly) late - and can be cancelled with no notice.