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Rail Freak

Rail Freak

Engineer
Joined
Apr 5, 2008
Messages
4,968
Location
Tampa Bay, Florida
There is a VIA Deal that just came up on thier site. I was gonna be flying back from Boston to Tampa a couple of days prior to the date of the Canadian Deal. So, I'm thinking of just taking the train to Toronto from Boston & doing the Canadian to Vancouver then VAC-SEA-TPA!!!!!!?!?!? Sounds like a plan.

Questions:

Hotels (reasonable) in SDY,TWO,VAC & LAX.

Any suggestions? Will be appreciated!!!

Will VIA allow me to check a 32" Duffle Bag?

Thanx a bunch
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Rail Freak said:
There is a VIA Deal that just came up on thier site. I was gonna be flying back from Boston to Tampa a couple of days prior to the date of the Canadian Deal. So, I'm thinking of just taking the train to Toronto from Boston & doing the Canadian to Vancouver then VAC-SEA-TPA!!!!!!?!?!? Sounds like a plan.

Questions:

Hotels (reasonable) in SDY,TWO,VAC & LAX.

Any suggestions? Will be appreciated!!!

Will VIA allow me to check a 32" Duffle Bag?

Thanx a bunch
Click to expand...
:hi: IINM youll have to catch the Maple Leaf to Toronto in NYP,which means a Regional or Acela from BOS-NYP! Same thing with the Adirondack to Montreal, then VIA to TWO, which would mean an overnight in Montreal!

Id Goggle up the Hotels on one of the Travel Sights (Kayak/Orbitz/Priceline etc.) and pick out a good deal, TWO and VAC can be pricey, but deals can be found in the Winter!In LAX the MetroPlaza cant be beat!

Probably want to take your Duffelbag with you so you have access, 4 days/4 nights is a long trip!!No checked bags on the Cross border and NEC trains as you you know! If you can take the Train from VAC-SEA, not the bus!!!
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Rail Freak said:
jimhudson said:
Rail Freak said:
There is a VIA Deal that just came up on thier site. I was gonna be flying back from Boston to Tampa a couple of days prior to the date of the Canadian Deal. So, I'm thinking of just taking the train to Toronto from Boston & doing the Canadian to Vancouver then VAC-SEA-TPA!!!!!!?!?!? Sounds like a plan.

Questions:

Hotels (reasonable) in SDY,TWO,VAC & LAX.

Any suggestions? Will be appreciated!!!

Will VIA allow me to check a 32" Duffle Bag?

Thanx a bunch
Click to expand...
:hi: IINM youll have to catch the Maple Leaf to Toronto in NYP,which means a Regional or Acela from BOS-NYP! Same thing with the Adirondack to Montreal, then VIA to TWO, which would mean an overnight in Montreal!

Id Goggle up the Hotels on one of the Travel Sights (Kayak/Orbitz/Priceline etc.) and pick out a good deal, TWO and VAC can be pricey, but deals can be found in the Winter!In LAX the MetroPlaza cant be beat!

Thanx,

I thought I read where my Duffle may be too big!?

I was thinking BOS-SDY on the LSL then the ML the next day??????

Probably want to take your Duffelbag with you so you have access, 4 days/4 nights is a long trip!!No checked bags on the Cross border and NEC trains as you you know! If you can take the Train from VAC-SEA, not the bus!!!
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
I was thinking the LSL BOS - SDY then the ML the next day to TWO?????
 
Gotcha! Thatll work! Might be cheaper also, Id think hotels are much more affordable in SDY than NYC. Business Class is definitely worth it on the Maple Leaf, 2x1 Seating, Cafe car right there, usually checked first by Customs and Immigration at the Border. At the border the Train becomes a VIA train, crews change, even the Cafe merchandise is changed out,American for Canadian!

If you dont want to spend a night in TWO think the connection with the Canadian would work (it only runs three days a week, check the OTP through Amtrak/Via web sites!)since it leaves at night now! (used to Leave in the morning on the old schedule!)
 
jimhudson said:
Gotcha! Thatll work! Might be cheaper also, Id think hotels are much more affordable in SDY than NYC. Business Class is definitely worth it on the Maple Leaf, 2x1 Seating, Cafe car right there, usually checked first by Customs and Immigration at the Border. At the border the Train becomes a VIA train, crews change, even the Cafe merchandise is changed out,American for Canadian!

If you dont want to spend a night in TWO think the connection with the Canadian would work (it only runs three days a week, check the OTP through Amtrak/Via web sites!)since it leaves at night now! (used to Leave in the morning on the old schedule!)
Click to expand...

Thanx Jim! I appreciate your response. I've got to insure this trip with an overnite in TWO! Especially after this year of Rail Turmoil !!!! WOW, if it wasnt so sad it would be funny!

RF
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Rail Freak said:
jimhudson said:
Gotcha! Thatll work! Might be cheaper also, Id think hotels are much more affordable in SDY than NYC. Business Class is definitely worth it on the Maple Leaf, 2x1 Seating, Cafe car right there, usually checked first by Customs and Immigration at the Border. At the border the Train becomes a VIA train, crews change, even the Cafe merchandise is changed out,American for Canadian!

If you dont want to spend a night in TWO think the connection with the Canadian would work (it only runs three days a week, check the OTP through Amtrak/Via web sites!)since it leaves at night now! (used to Leave in the morning on the old schedule!)
Click to expand...

Thanx Jim! I appreciate your response. I've got to insure this trip with an overnite in TWO! Especially after this year of Rail Turmoil !!!! WOW, if it wasnt so sad it would be funny!

RF
Click to expand...
I would not recommend trying to same day connect with the Canadian either. Two and half hours simply isn't enough time between the normal potential delays on the CSX corridor between Albany & Buffalo, coupled with potential delays at the border. Just as week ago the CBSA took an hour more than was alloted to clear the Adirondack that I was on; granted we were probably about 15 minutes late into the check point so they really only went over by about 45 minutes. Toss in an hour for delays, something that is common on Maple Leaf's route, and you're down to a half hour window to catch the Canadian.

And I would never risk that on a the trip of a lifetime like the Canadian. Especially since they start boarding at least a half hour before departure anyhow. Needing to check a bag would make it even more iffy.
 
jimhudson said:
Rail Freak said:
There is a VIA Deal that just came up on thier site. I was gonna be flying back from Boston to Tampa a couple of days prior to the date of the Canadian Deal. So, I'm thinking of just taking the train to Toronto from Boston & doing the Canadian to Vancouver then VAC-SEA-TPA!!!!!!?!?!? Sounds like a plan.

Questions:

Hotels (reasonable) in SDY,TWO,VAC & LAX.

Any suggestions? Will be appreciated!!!

Will VIA allow me to check a 32" Duffle Bag?

Thanx a bunch
Click to expand...
:hi: IINM youll have to catch the Maple Leaf to Toronto in NYP,which means a Regional or Acela from BOS-NYP! Same thing with the Adirondack to Montreal, then VIA to TWO, which would mean an overnight in Montreal!

Id Goggle up the Hotels on one of the Travel Sights (Kayak/Orbitz/Priceline etc.) and pick out a good deal, TWO and VAC can be pricey, but deals can be found in the Winter!In LAX the MetroPlaza cant be beat!
Click to expand...
He can probably save a ton on hotel by connecting from LSL to the Leaf or the Dack at ALB or SDY. If I was doing this I'd probably do:

BOS - 449 - ALB/SDY (overnight) - 63 - TWO (overnight) - 1 - VAC - Cascade - SEA - whatever routing - TPA

Given the exchange rates, there is no reason to stay in Vancouver when you can get to Seattle the same day and get a cheaper hotel there.
 
AlanB said:
Rail Freak said:
I've got to insure this trip with an overnite in TWO! Especially after this year of Rail Turmoil!
Click to expand...
Two and half hours simply isn't enough time between the normal potential delays on the CSX corridor between Albany & Buffalo, coupled with potential delays at the border.
Click to expand...
I would concur. Toronto isn't cheap but if you're willing to stay out at the airport or something you can probably get a lower rate.

jis said:
Given the exchange rates, there is no reason to stay in Vancouver when you can get to Seattle the same day and get a cheaper hotel there.
Click to expand...
Agreed. Vancouver is a great city but it was costing me $200 per night to stay there. You should be able to find a room in Seattle for half that.
 
Texas Sunset said:
AlanB said:
Rail Freak said:
I've got to insure this trip with an overnite in TWO! Especially after this year of Rail Turmoil!
Click to expand...
Two and half hours simply isn't enough time between the normal potential delays on the CSX corridor between Albany & Buffalo, coupled with potential delays at the border.
Click to expand...
I would concur. Toronto isn't cheap but if you're willing to stay out at the airport or something you can probably get a lower rate.

jis said:
Given the exchange rates, there is no reason to stay in Vancouver when you can get to Seattle the same day and get a cheaper hotel there.
Click to expand...
Agreed. Vancouver is a great city but it was costing me $200 per night to stay there. You should be able to find a room in Seattle for half that.
Click to expand...
Which means BUS?!?

Oh well
 
I guess what's confusing to me is that both the Berth & Cabin, for 1, has upper & lower! Maybe my question should be, Is the difference in $ worth the Cabin opposed to the berth?

Thanx
 
Rail Freak said:
I guess what's confusing to me is that both the Berth & Cabin, for 1, has upper & lower! Maybe my question should be, Is the difference in $ worth the Cabin opposed to the berth?

Thanx
Click to expand...
Cabin for 1 is a traditional roomette (not Amtrak "roomette") and only has one bed, equivalent to a lower. It is a small room with a toilet and sink. And a door you can close. The berth is part of a section, two seats facing each other during the day which are open to the world similar to coach seating. At night the two seats fold down to make the base for the lower berth, and the upper berth is dropped down from the ceiling. The lower has a window, and the upper does not. The berths are screened from the hallway with heavy blackout type curtains only at night, the curtains are stowed away during the day. Traditionally the person with the lower berth gets the seat facing forward, and the one with the upper gets the seat facing backward. If you ever have seen "Some Like It Hot" those are sections (upper and lower berths).

You could visualize a section as an Amtrak roomette (2 seats facing each other, 2 berths at night) without the wall and door between you and the hall.

The difference is privacy. Whether it is worth the price difference is entirely up to you. Toronto to Vancouver is 4 nights. Personally, I'd want to have some privacy if I am on a train that long and wouldn't take a berth, but that is just me. Others wouldn't require it, and I can't presume to decide whether the privacy is or is not worth the additional cost for you.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
zephyr17 said:
Rail Freak said:
I guess what's confusing to me is that both the Berth & Cabin, for 1, has upper & lower! Maybe my question should be, Is the difference in $ worth the Cabin opposed to the berth?

Thanx
Click to expand...
Cabin for 1 is a traditional roomette (not Amtrak "roomette") and only has one bed, equivalent to a lower. It is a small room with a toilet and sink. And a door you can close. The berth is part of a section, two seats facing each other during the day which are open to the world similar to coach seating. At night the two seats fold down to make the base for the lower berth, and the upper berth is dropped down from the ceiling. The berths are screened from the hallway with heavy blackout type curtains only at night, the curtains are stowed away during the day. Traditionally the person with the lower berth gets to ride facing forward. If you ever have seen "Some Like It Hot" those are sections (upper and lower berths).

The difference is privacy. Whether it is worth the price difference is entirely up to you. Toronto to Vancouver is 4 nights. Personally, I'd want to have some privacy if I am on a train that long and wouldn't take a berth, but that is just me. Others wouldn't require it, and I can't presume to decide whether the privacy is or is not worth it for you.
Click to expand...
So, a cabin is more private therefore that's what Id want for the little xtra $!!??

Thanx
 
Rail Freak said:
zephyr17 said:
Rail Freak said:
I guess what's confusing to me is that both the Berth & Cabin, for 1, has upper & lower! Maybe my question should be, Is the difference in $ worth the Cabin opposed to the berth?

Thanx
Click to expand...
Cabin for 1 is a traditional roomette (not Amtrak "roomette") and only has one bed, equivalent to a lower. It is a small room with a toilet and sink. And a door you can close. The berth is part of a section, two seats facing each other during the day which are open to the world similar to coach seating. At night the two seats fold down to make the base for the lower berth, and the upper berth is dropped down from the ceiling. The berths are screened from the hallway with heavy blackout type curtains only at night, the curtains are stowed away during the day. Traditionally the person with the lower berth gets to ride facing forward. If you ever have seen "Some Like It Hot" those are sections (upper and lower berths).

The difference is privacy. Whether it is worth the price difference is entirely up to you. Toronto to Vancouver is 4 nights. Personally, I'd want to have some privacy if I am on a train that long and wouldn't take a berth, but that is just me. Others wouldn't require it, and I can't presume to decide whether the privacy is or is not worth it for you.
Click to expand...
So, a cabin is more private therefore that's what Id want for the little xtra $!!??

Thanx
Click to expand...
Yep, having your own, private space is the key differentiator, at least as far as I am concerned. If you want that, pay the man.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
zephyr17 said:
Rail Freak said:
zephyr17 said:
Rail Freak said:
I guess what's confusing to me is that both the Berth & Cabin, for 1, has upper & lower! Maybe my question should be, Is the difference in $ worth the Cabin opposed to the berth?

Thanx
Click to expand...
Cabin for 1 is a traditional roomette (not Amtrak "roomette") and only has one bed, equivalent to a lower. It is a small room with a toilet and sink. And a door you can close. The berth is part of a section, two seats facing each other during the day which are open to the world similar to coach seating. At night the two seats fold down to make the base for the lower berth, and the upper berth is dropped down from the ceiling. The berths are screened from the hallway with heavy blackout type curtains only at night, the curtains are stowed away during the day. Traditionally the person with the lower berth gets to ride facing forward. If you ever have seen "Some Like It Hot" those are sections (upper and lower berths).

The difference is privacy. Whether it is worth the price difference is entirely up to you. Toronto to Vancouver is 4 nights. Personally, I'd want to have some privacy if I am on a train that long and wouldn't take a berth, but that is just me. Others wouldn't require it, and I can't presume to decide whether the privacy is or is not worth it for you.
Click to expand...
So, a cabin is more private therefore that's what Id want for the little xtra $!!??

Thanx
Click to expand...
Yep, having your own, private space is the key differentiator, at least as far as I am concerned. If you want that, pay the man.
Click to expand...

Consider the Man Paid In Full!

Thanx a bunch ( I'm looking for my 1st VIA Experience!!!)
 
Rail Freak said:
Texas Sunset said:
jis said:
Given the exchange rates, there is no reason to stay in Vancouver when you can get to Seattle the same day and get a cheaper hotel there.
Click to expand...
Agreed. Vancouver is a great city but it was costing me $200 per night to stay there. You should be able to find a room in Seattle for half that.
Click to expand...
Which means BUS?!?

Oh well
Click to expand...
No. It means you take the evening Cascade from VAC to SEA the day you arrive into VAC by #1 in the morning around 9am.
 
zephyr17 said:
Rail Freak said:
zephyr17 said:
Rail Freak said:
I guess what's confusing to me is that both the Berth & Cabin, for 1, has upper & lower! Maybe my question should be, Is the difference in $ worth the Cabin opposed to the berth?

Thanx
Click to expand...
Cabin for 1 is a traditional roomette (not Amtrak "roomette") and only has one bed, equivalent to a lower. It is a small room with a toilet and sink. And a door you can close. The berth is part of a section, two seats facing each other during the day which are open to the world similar to coach seating. At night the two seats fold down to make the base for the lower berth, and the upper berth is dropped down from the ceiling. The berths are screened from the hallway with heavy blackout type curtains only at night, the curtains are stowed away during the day. Traditionally the person with the lower berth gets to ride facing forward. If you ever have seen "Some Like It Hot" those are sections (upper and lower berths).

The difference is privacy. Whether it is worth the price difference is entirely up to you. Toronto to Vancouver is 4 nights. Personally, I'd want to have some privacy if I am on a train that long and wouldn't take a berth, but that is just me. Others wouldn't require it, and I can't presume to decide whether the privacy is or is not worth it for you.
Click to expand...
So, a cabin is more private therefore that's what Id want for the little xtra $!!??

Thanx
Click to expand...
Yep, having your own, private space is the key differentiator, at least as far as I am concerned. If you want that, pay the man.
Click to expand...
Here's a link to a CPR brochure for the Canadian. It has cut-away views of a section (upper & lowere berths) and a duplex roomette (cabin for 1) showing both day and night configurations. This is the same equipment still in use today on VIA's Canadian.

http://members.kos.net/sdgagnon/canb.html

Note: the Cabin for 1 in a "Manor" car are all on one level. Those in a "Chateau" car are as shown with a step-up.

Here's some other interior views:

http://www.viarail.ca/en/resources/couchette-en

http://www.viarail.ca/en/resources/cabine-for-one-en
 

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