Amtrak Silver Star from New York to Orlando in a Viewliner II Sleeping Car

[@barroningram7286]

he wasn't wrong about the dining service even before the new dining cars my trips from NC to NOLA meals in the dining car was a high light of the trip then to finally get the new cars and not have good food in them is like a slap in the face

[@joemeyers3127]

Your tough love approach is great.

[@dennisforner6090]

A very enjoyable & informative upload. Also appreciated your candid comments about Amtrak & especially the need to get back to 'traditional dining' - a major feature that is now lacking on some long distance trains. I have been to Orlando but would love to go to Tampa and further south - especially to try out the Brightline train service. The Viewliner II is a major improvement. Added SilverStar to my Amtrak 'bucket list'. Thank you for sharing your train journeys.

[@donfulton4875]

Nice video. One small point. The Piedmont trains in North Carolina are pronounced "Peedmont." Piedmont is what large geographical regions of the mid-Carolinas is named.

[@DChatburn1]

Great video - and, I just booked the same trip for May - also in car 9110. I am looking forward to it, so your video was terrific. I have traveled alone on several long distance Amtrak routes in the roomette. I find that they are quite comfortable. You are correct, the meal services are not great, but I found that they were not terrible either. I now live in Europe and the long distance trains here are so much better, cleaner, more frequent, and overall in much better condition. I love riding the train.

[@claudiahansen4938]

Excellent report. Superb photography, captioning, and nuanced commentary. You gave a good description of how to tell the difference between Viewliners I and II by livery and undercarriage. Found your channel just today. Subscribed.

[@harlemsown2725]

A very informative video. I'm going to Disney World in December 2022 from NYC and I'll be in a roomette. Thank you so much for breaking things down concerning both the roomette and the trip.

[@stuartlee6622]

We're boycotting Disney!

[@EricNelson-z7m]

The Roomettes are fine for one traveler but pretty tight for two.

[@stacydelgado3285]

Loved this video. Just got back yesterday from NOL TO ALX in a VL1. Our train had what I'm reading is a "bag dorm" which was a train car 1/2 baggage and 1/2 VL2 roomettes. I was in a VL1 roomette. I was alone so the toilet in the room wasn't a problem. Looking forward to the Bedroom next time.

[@hirampriggott1689]

I enjoyed my trip on the Amtrak Silver Star on November 21, 2021 from New York to Kissimmee, Florida. The ride was very enjoyable. i had a Viewliner II roomette and I slept pretty well...5 hours, good enough for me. I ate Asian salmon & rice in the dining car. Decent low-frills meal.

[@JaxB-po8ld]

Great video I love it!! It’s the best train ever!!

[@marilynsue4273]

Madison is the CAPITOL of Wisconsin. i'm taking the Zephyr to Chicago, then a bus to Madison, in July.

[@TCORV]

I bought a Lakeshore limited ticket in a roomette to go to Boston in January 2023. I hope I can get the viewliner II. It will also be my first time traveling in the roomette.

[@DopplerNC]

Piedmont is pronounced "Pee -d - Mont" .... Not pie-d-mont... Keep on keeping on...

[@jaridkeen123]

Im really disappointed because i wanted to take a sleeper from Orlando to NYC but after seeing the food I don't know if I want too. The whole reason I wanted to take the train is because if the 5 star food i keep hearing about and the Amtrak Steak!

[@thereisaplace]

Loved the video. Lots of nice details. A few comments tho… Ybor City is pronounce EE-boar. Used to be famous for its cigars & Cuban food. From DeLand the Silver service goes to either Tampa then Miami (Silver Star) or bypasses Tampa and heads due south to Miami (Silver Meteor). As someone else mentioned, the Silver Meteor service was suspended in Jan 2022 due to Omicron but will hopefully resume over the summer.

[@ForeLeafTravel]

I was just testing ya’ll!

[@patriciabreckenridge4248]

Wowww! I get it! What a disturbing disappointment. The Amtrak executives should be held accountable. Their superiors if possible at all. Because it can be looked into. Petitions may.be helpful, it's never too late. $1500 can be delved into upon paying, that large sum for overnight sleeper service. Long distance accommodation as such, bedroom status.

[@patriciabreckenridge4248]

Food emphasis which should be acknowledged immediately without delay. Investigated completely, after all, that $1500 round trip ticket price, should be heeded. Gotta speak up on it, not wait with delay.

[@darlacurry149]

I just did a trip on the California Zephyr and the food was very good. Maybe they are working out dining issues.

[@KenanTurkiye]

Loving big cross country trains. Some in my playlist ''Transportation in Turkiye''.

[@napoleon-sk5oc]

I agree the food looks clueless and i chose that word carefully. Im consudering this ride but oh no. Look at the food offered on a Japanese bullet train ( on youtube) Thank you for the infomative video

[@christiandreamer8728]

Nice video. Thanks. Just a note … Piedmont is pronounced with an E sound as in pee.

[@annerobinson570]

I like the Viewliner 1 with the toilet in room. that was my first trip in one to Orlando FLA from Cary NC. next trip I would like to get a bedroom inclusive.🥰🥰

[@markalbury7359]

My wife and I just did a round trip from Miami to DC. Our first over night trip via train. We had a viewliner II rommette . I would have to say it was sorta of comfortable but a little tight. The food was fair but no great. We had a great time our attendant Jessie and Billy were great.

[@linesided]

Great to see the toilet leave the room. That is just nasty. Is the voiceover at the right speed? It sounds normal at 1.25x :)

[@rufinogarcia7724]

Didn’t even know this. I only knew and took the lorton to Orlando car train. May try

[@paulfigueroa9978]

My wife and I rode the Viewliner I from Tampa to DC and rode back on the Viewliner II. We preferred having the toilet in the Roomette especially when one needs to use one in the middle of the night. Compared to flying, I prefer traveling by rail. I hate driving to the airport and taking off my shoes and emptying my pockets and weighing my luggage and walking a mile to my gate. And parking at the airport is an extra cost. Travelling by train is so much less stressful and the ride itself is relaxing. My wife and I are going back to DC in October and we’re going by Amtrak.

[@K.D-1109]

Did you see any physical differences between the viewliner 2 roomette on the Silver Meteor and the Viewliner 2 roomette on the Silver Star

[@omerashkenazi5280]

Can you bring your dogs/ cats with you on the train?

[@rvnmedic1968]

Good info. Curious about the sleeping car #s you mentioned, as we are going on the Silver Meteor in Oct from NYP to SAV. Roomette on the to portion shows car #9712, room2 and return on car #9810, room 2. I hope they are Viewliners II also. Cheers, Bob

[@ForeLeafTravel]

Hopefully there will be a better understanding of equipment cycles after the summer. It will likely go back to the way it was prior to them eliminating the Silver Meteor.

[@kimberlynewton4181]

Hi rvnmedic1968, I heard from another youtuber that the even cars especially 10 and 12 are viewliner II cars. I've been researching myself because I go from NYP to MIA in November and I'm hoping I get the viewliner II car as well. If you remember please let me know if it worked out for you!! Thanks and safe travels!!

[@rvnmedic1968]

@@kimberlynewton4181 Hi, Thanks for the reply, Kimberly. There used to be a youtuber that had diagrams of all the cars and the routes. Can't find him. Oh well, it is what it is. Safe travels to you, too and enjoy Miami in the winter! LoL Bob

[@chrisdobrowolski2783]

It is impossible to know if you get the Viewliner 1 or Viewliner 2 sleeping car, its 50 50. Also they always change the number of the sleeping card every trip, even Amtrak employees do not know which car they will get till they board the train that day.

[@space_coast_snapshots6457]

I getting ready for my first train ride and it was priced at 500+ for a ride in privacy for 15 hrs, lmao I don’t think so I’m cruising alone for 4 days alone for half that

[@jameydupuy9280]

I have always loved amtrack. We moved away from home [Savannah, ga to baton rouge, la] thinking they still had the I10 route from btr to jax. They never rebuilt it after katrina and it has destroyed our plans fir the past almost 20 years. I do not think it would take Antrack much to reboot their PR, especially with the whole mindfulness trends to reaching a whole new generation that really has no idea about them. I talk to people all the time, explaining how much we love it and what we get as a bigger bang for our money, and they flip out excited. There is just no PR and the older generation that knows is, well, dying out. It really wouldnt take much to grab the younger generations as most of amtrak fits the profile of bring "on trend" just they dont know about it. Maybe with an infux of passangers they could add more of the old routes we loyal riders could use! Please Amtrak! At this pace, amtrack will die out like the dinosaurs!

[@mareerogers364]

I thoroughly enjoyed your vlog. You are obviously a raifan that understands what train travel should and shouldn't be. I took this trip when full dining was standard fare. Eating a perfectly cooked flatiron stake,enjoying a glass of merlot as the scenery glides by was always a highlight. Thank you for pointing out the new versus old sleeper car features. Questions: Is the new bedding comfortable? I always bring my own blankets, comforters and pillows. It feels like home on rolling wheels. Are the new engines quieter? I love the sound,feel,and horn on Amtrak trains. Can we petition Amtrak to reinstate full service dining on the overnight trains? Its insulting to pay for a full experience,then receive only fifty percent of what was promised. Again,great information and footage.

[@ForeLeafTravel]

I found the blanket and pillows to be a huge improvement, but I always think bringing some of your own creates an even cozier experience!

[@mrc6182]

I have an Amtrak cross-country coming up in July (next month.) I'm in a Viewliner 2 roomette on Lake Shore Limited and, no, wouldn't pay several hundred more for a bedroom. However, the next leg, CHI to EMY is on the Zephyr and I plan on using "Bid-Up" to move from a roomette to a bedroom - if the Bid-Up minimum is reasonable. Either way, it's a win/win for me. Bucket list stuff, you know!

[@ForeLeafTravel]

That was the route of the first (and only time to date) of going coast to coast on Amtrak! I hope you have a great time!

[@victorlopez1147]

Those roomettes are too expensive. On 4-12-23 I checked Orlando to NY $754. Outrageous! Amtrak should have a 1st class coach with INDIVIDUAL seats for lone travelers 18 and over, at a reasonable price, say $200.

[@MrMKlingenberger]

How can I make sure to reserve car 9110 or 9112? I just booked, and have been assigned car 9111, which seems to be an old Viewliner I car. How can I change that? I'm not traveling until November 4, 2024.

[@chrisdobrowolski2783]

The numbers change each trip so each impossible to know which car you will get. Even the Amtrak employees do not know which car they will get and which way it is put on the train.

[@billbresson4663]

Took the silver meteor to winter haven fl October 16 enjoyed it very much was in car 9711 room 2 first time usually fly

[@ForeLeafTravel]

Nice! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@cats0182]

The "new" sleepers do not have a toilet facility in the roomettes; there's a common restroom at the end of the car. I'm not sure about the bedrooms. The food is plastic; they ought to pay passengers to eat it. Trains are rarely close to on-time and the trip itself is too long. If I'm going to FL, I'll fly. The new Moynihan Train Hall appears to be a grotesque attempt to recreate the Penn Station that was torn down to make room for Madison Square Garden.

[@catreader9733]

In March 2024, on two trips I took on the Silver Star, car numbered 9110 was a Viewliner, and 9111 was the Viewliner II.

[@fjp912]

So, is there no way I can make a reservation to ensure I would get a space in one of the previous generation, Viewliner I cars? Because the lack of in-room toilets on the Viewliner II's is a deal breaker. Those of us "of a certain age" need to use the toilet at least once during the night. Why do I want to be forced to go outside the room and down the hall to a shared toilet in the middle of the night? I gather that I am in the minority on this, but I totally do not understand how removing the in-room toilet is an upgrade.

[@ruffxm]

I agree....I'm going to pay that money and have to use a public bathroom? No thanks. The issue is most people are clueless and have no problems sharing a bathroom with strangers.

[@divox9pqr]

With out a doubt, the Viewliner II is preferred. Viewliner I sleeping compartments are not cleaned thoroughly and have grimy areas around the toilets, and other places. I never use the toilet in the room because it is unsanitary, and it’s a tight uncomfortable fit to sit on the toilet.

[@stuartlee6622]

The Silver Star was running in the late thirties.

[@jacquelineharris9110]

Yes, just the privacy along is worth it. Your owm toliet and shower.

[@lankawellek1291]

Pls kindly answer,do we need to show any docs such as id or passport?

[@ForeLeafTravel]

No, just a ticket and a smile.

[@fearlessvoicee]

Do you know if car number 9210 is 2 series?

[@chrisdobrowolski2783]

It’s impossible to know since they also switch numbers like for example on 1 trip the car 1002 is a viewliner 2 car. On the next trip it can be a Viewliner 1 car.

[@DevonMopiedmont1143]

The numbering has since changed to be odd number Viewliner II evens Viewliner Is

[@DevonMopiedmont1143]

The Virginian Railroad before its merger with Norfolk and Western had electric lines from DC towards Roanoke but was ripped up.

[@gmcliff555]

the prices you mentioned, ($1500.00) for a bedroom, is that PER-PERSON ????

[@ForeLeafTravel]

Hi, to clarify, prices do climb as high as $1,500 for a Single Traveler in a Bedroom. To add another traveler adds about $200 on top of the price of a Single Traveler. Looking at prices from about three months out, a Bedroom for a Single Traveler Ran $1,229. Two Travelers ran $1,429.

[@KeylargoVideo]

I have reservations on Amtrak's Silver Star from NY to FL. Can someone confirm whether car 9110 or 9111 has the new roomettes? Thank you.

[@chrisdobrowolski2783]

Its impossible to know till you board the train even the employees do not know which car they will get.

[@stuartlee6622]

It's SO much cheaper to fly. Who needs to look at old houses?

[@clarkpj1]

As far as electrification goes, the only reason that NYC to DC is electrified is due to the fact that the federal government picked up a good portion of the cost during the great depression. It was essentially a "make work" project.

[@ForeLeafTravel]

Today that level of comittment usually goes to other non-rail infrastructure projects.

[@clarkpj1]

@@ForeLeafTravel For sure. Gov't does provide funds for urban rail transit systems but it'll never do it again for an interstate rail system.

[@raycaster4398]

Your video killed me with ads. I bailed.

[@fraudsarentfriends4717]

It's a vacation train to Florida. That makes things like the restaurant and food a big deal. I would be willing to pay more for luxury on such a train. The cuts don't make any sense. They need to be going in the opposite direction instead of cheapening the service. BTW, It's Salisbury, N.C.

[@ForeLeafTravel]

Agreed. The sleeper portion of the train should actually feel premium. I think Amtrak has lost sight of this with cost cutting over the past decades.

[@willhefner]

lol the food is thrash..straight up for years and the coach customers use to able to also eat dinner but they stop that ...i still travel next time im bringing a Microwave with me lmaoooo

[@stuartlee6622]

If I took the train, I would insist on a bedroom with a private shower and a toilet!!

[@susanmcinally7228]

Right now it’s just the Silver Star, Silver Meteor is not running…they don’t combine the two together

[@thereisaplace]

Fortunately, the Silver Star service covers all the Meteor’s stops in Florida (please correct me if I’m wrong on that).

[@susanmcinally7228]

@@thereisaplace from what I’m seeing, the Silver Star is still maintaining its route thru Raleigh as normal and not going on the Meteors eastern track on the return trip….I also saw that the Meteor is returning tentatively on May 25th as staffing allows….they did borrow a couple sleepers from the Meteor but Amtrak is not officially calling it combined…..as it takes the Silver Star Route after leaving Florida

[@ForeLeafTravel]

In my estimation, the reassigning to the Silver Star (as I was booked for the Silver Meteor) and the fact it is carrying the through passengers of both trains puts it as a combo. It might not be on paper, but it is in my book of railroading.

[@thereisaplace]

@@ForeLeafTravel The scuttlebutt I’m hearing is that all Silver Service will be operational by Sept 15

[@jmajette2]

Nice report. You mentioned your Sleeping Car Attendant was one of the best you had on Amtrak. I’m thinking this was probably Kumar. He served us last September and May 1st this year. He even remembered us and made our trip a joy 😊👍🏽

[@user-tw6bj4xx1l]

They need to update the rooms with tvs for 700 hello

[@kevinhoward9593]

Right there used to be a high-speed passenger train line that went from Petersburg to Raleigh in about 2 1/2hrs. CSX abandoned it decades ago.

[@stuartlee6622]

No private toilet????

[@hirampriggott1689]

Viewliner 1 has toilets in each room. Viewliner II does not.

[@SMichaelDeHart]

"PIEDmont"??!! It's pronounced 'PEEDmont'...lol Other than than mispronounced geographical area in the Carolinas, good video.

[@ForeLeafTravel]

Please forgive me. I am a typical Yankee.

[@SMichaelDeHart]

@@ForeLeafTravel lol...no problem.

[@windanthonystream]

I would rather do a 1.5hr flight than having to deal with Amtrak and their delays.

[@epe1238]

Don't understand the windows into the hallway. I'd rather have opaque walls and doors and just open the door if I want to see out. Not feeling comfy doing my business in a tiny room with a lame curtain for privacy.

[@hilove5658]

No. 1500 for a bedroom absolutely not. Knowing amtrack could be more luxurious. . even a 7 star rail liner in japan is 2500. With 5 star dinning.

[@jjgalletta66]

Compared to European trains, Amtrak is a national embarrassment. I get my local train fix on weekends with CalTrain. Jump on in San Jose, ride for an hour or so. Get off and have a nice lunch in Palo Alto, Menlo Park or Burlingame. Head back home. I ride Roaring Camp steam engine trains in Santa Cruz in the summers, and The Napa Wine Train when I want to go full luxury.

[@hirampriggott1689]

American trains are a product of the will of our Congress. Take your complaints to your congressman.

[@hilove5658]

Although this is an upgrade. Its not as nice as japan, peru, europe. Even the nicest is a disappointment.

[@patty4349]

The toilet does not stink.

[@coleallen3895]

I prefer Viewliner II

[@gavingranger2030]

lol I was on that train

[@necieden]

NOPE as soon as you mentioned shared bathroom.

[@mariabetancourt6797]

It's still an old track with old train models and old technology..... There is nothing like the modern train computer technology and modern high speed trains of Europe and Asia

[@thereisaplace]

It’s still a wonderful trip. The Florida section south out of Jacksonville to about Orlando is absolutely stunning. Criss-crossing the St Johns River and running past a few North Florida Springs (DeLeon, Volusia Blue).

[@rvnmedic1968]

#1. The overwhelming majority of Americans don't want to take Amtrak to travel. We are still hung up with our cars and trucks. In most cases, those that do take Amtrak pay a lot more for long distance tickets than flying. #2. No argument that Europe and Asia have fantastic trains. BUT, they don't have 1 or 2 mile long freight trains that get priority from the dispatchers, even though Amtrak is supposed to be given priority. #3. Our corrupt, incompetent Fed Government hates to support Amtrak. They have to fight for every penny they get. A lot of the budget goes to the East Coast Acela train and commuter trains. When we did our last long distance trip (Chicago to Salt Lake City), we had roomette tickets. The "meals" were box lunches and the same for the cold breakfast meal. An apple and a giant muffin. My wife is diabetic and passed on the muffin. I talked to the dining car attendant and she said Amtrak was cutting all sorts of things to trim expenses, including employees. In short, the new CEO was a corporate bean counter and just about destroyed Amtrak. We have tickets to travel to Savannah, GA this October on the Silver Meteor. Cheers, Bob

[@lindaplaylist170]

There is yet another new CEO. And traditional dining has been returned to the long distance western routes. Delicious!

[@lindaplaylist170]

@@rvnmedic1968 The corporate bean counter was 2 CEOs ago...

[@rvnmedic1968]

@@lindaplaylist170 Hi, when I mentioned "new" CEO it was from that time frame some years ago. Cheers, Bob

[@robrepass2179]

I prefer the newer Viewliner sleeping car without a toilet in your room

[@richardmaguire4447]

As someone who gets up several time during a night to pee, I like the toilet in my room. Not having to roam the car halls to find a facility.

[@paulzawertany7908]

Over 400 dollars for a roomette 😂? No wonder the rooms are empty. Amtrak has no national competition.

[@swaggyp3869]

Am riding on the train while riding n this been the must wackiest trip in my life ever..

[@TheFarix2723]

I'm rather disapointed that Amtrack didn't update the exterior of the Viewliner II to mesh better with the Venture couches. One of the biggest issues I have with Amtrack is that all of their sets look like frankentrains. Ugly as heck and not very modern looking.

[@recoswell]

somebody give the narrator smelling salts - wake up dude - wake up

[@treythompsontrey]

Piedmont: peedmont not 🥧mont

[@patriciabreckenridge4248]

Definitely looking for a great meal, aboard Amtrak for a $1500 ticket. It's disappointing in seeing the food displayed. Such a turn off. Unacceptable. Not a good look at all. Food is supposed to be a, nutritional delite to enjoy. Traveling especially, duration of long distance travel. Why is this bypassed? First impression is a lasting impression. Amtrak execs gotta do better than this. REPORT!! SUBMIT THIS INFO. I've seen many videos and the various, varieties of the 3 squares, have been disgusting. I've never traveled long distance, by Amtrak. Don't want to experience this issue. I'll initiate all of everything, before I purchase a $1500 ticket.

[@amtrak_121]

The new cars don’t have toilets in the roomettes! What idiot is making these decisions?!?!?!

[@ForeLeafTravel]

I prefer not having them in large part to the sanitary issues, and understanding the operational plumbing challenges having all that extra piping creates from a maintenance stand point.

[@lindaplaylist170]

Most riders polled preferred to NOT have toilets in the roomettes. It's kind of gross.

[@amtrak_121]

@@lindaplaylist170 I guess I kinda see where you’re coming from

[@vanessarutherford9951]

Exactly. Having the toilet right next to the bed is unsanitary, but that just means the rooms were poorly designed. Ok, fix the problem!! For the cost of a roomette, you should have the luxury of a private toilet, same as in a full room. At the very least, you shouldn’t have to roam between cars to use the loo in the night. And those food options make McDonald’s look like gourmet dining. They should be ashamed. Im a rail fan, but I hate how much Amtrak gets away with.

[@amtrak_121]

@@vanessarutherford9951 I kinda get it. But I mean, even so

[@hilove5658]

The new viewliner looks like air travel. Which has become unbearable. The rooms are smaller. The food is worse. The lounge is adequate. Not nice at all. I wish musk had his designs ready for travel. They are lovely. The dinner is tacky.

[@PostcardCathy]

PEED,ont

[@billginnj6595]

AMTRAK is no longer a consideration for me. High prices, terrible food, dirty exterior windows and sub-standard sleeping accommodations make AMTRAK a turn-off. I'd rather take the bus....

[@ruffxm]

Prices are ridiculous. You'd never think they were federally subsidized.

[@bwilburn542004]

If you had narrated in a normal voice and fashion, I would have not muted the video! Suggestion, just red your script normally!

[@dknowles60]

you need a tolet in the room, who wants to get dress up just to use a tolet

[@swaggyp3869]

No wifi no free food no water unless u paid for it ppl complain to much, seats 💺 are wack to sit on for 21 plus hrs .. the food expensive .. never again airplane give us better services

[@swaggyp3869]

No wifi no free food no water unless u paid for it ppl complain to much, seats 💺 are wack to sit on for 21 plus hrs .. the food expensive .. never again airplane give us better services

[@swaggyp3869]

No wifi no free food no water unless u paid for it ppl complain to much, seats 💺 are wack to sit on for 21 plus hrs .. the food expensive .. never again airplane give us better services

[@swaggyp3869]

No wifi no free food no water unless u paid for it ppl complain to much, seats 💺 are wack to sit on for 21 plus hrs .. the food expensive .. never again airplane give us better services

[@swaggyp3869]

No wifi no free food no water unless u paid for it ppl complain to much, seats 💺 are wack to sit on for 21 plus hrs .. the food expensive .. never again airplane give us better services

[@swaggyp3869]

No wifi no free food no water unless u paid for it ppl complain to much, seats 💺 are wack to sit on for 21 plus hrs .. the food expensive .. never again airplane give us better services