Replying to The New Canadian

Just went over to the VIA website today and discovered what you already discovered quite some time ago - the pictures and promo material for the new "deluxe sleeper class" on the Canadian. I think it looks glorious and heavenly. I love the look of the luxurious beds, wood paneled walls, beautiful bathroom with private shower (which I don't think is available in the "cabins for two") AND the television. I for one got a little bored in the evening when it is dark outside and there isn't much to see, so I can definitely see a use for the TV at night.

H and I have been talking about planning a trip on the Canadian, and I think we would probably spring for the deluxe class if we could afford it and depending on the price differential. I think the room service would be nice for breakfast.

Back in the '50's and '60's, when some railroads still actually advertised for passengers, the photo's in the ads and brochures always depicted carefully staged professional models. They were always well dressed. Even the children. They usually showed young families travelling coach, and older couples in Pullman.

Thank you, all, for your answers ... always best to be informed!!

Being a realist, I think that the photo was probably staged in some form, and VIA definitely tries to sell an upscale image for the Canadian. That said, I suspect that there is a tendency for folks to dress a bit nicer on The Canadian because it's The Canadian.

Texas Sunset: Luggage ... and having to pack/carry a suit/jacket. We have to wear business attire (suit/jacket) for work, so when we travel on vacation we think: suits/jacket for work ... business casual for vacation!! We do wear long pants and collared shirts for dinner on Amtrak ... but we do NOT want to be carrying a suit/jacket ... and believe me ... it WOULD be a deal breaker. We cruise frequently, and a few years ago we changed cruise lines because of NCL's Freestyle dining ... no suits/jackets required for the main dining rooms. I know that people would say ..."you're on vacation -- dress how you want" ... but we do not want to feel uncomfortable by not adhering to a "dress code", and by the same token -- we would not want to upset others by not adhering to the required attire.

NS VIA Fan: long pants and collared shirts sound great! I had clicked on "sleeping class" and it was the 9th/10th photo: of the dining room, with everyone seated already.

Guest_NS VIA Fan_, thank you for posting the info ... I enjoyed looking through the photo's ... loved the photo's of the new rooms (would probably never be able to afford one), but was VERY disappointed to see that the dining car showed all of the gentlemen in suits ... if this is truly the case I will need to strike VIA off of my bucket list. Does anyone remember if this was the case on their trip?

To me it looked like male VIA passengers dressed a step up from Amtrak. Something more akin to business casual on my ride. There were few if any full suits but you'll see a sport jacket here and there. Full length trousers and many shirts were the button-up variety rather than pullovers. Younger folks had the "dress however you like" grunge thing going on. But what prompted my post more than anything was my curiosity over why you would see men in suits as a complete deal breaker. Can you enlighten us as to why that's so bad?

but was VERY disappointed to see that the dining car showed all of the gentlemen in suits ... if this is truly the case I will need to strike VIA off of my bucket list. Does anyone remember if this was the case on their trip?

Don't know which picture you were looking at but no one dresses any different in a VIA diner than they would on Amtrak. Me......usually jeans and a golf shirt.

Guest_NS VIA Fan_, thank you for posting the info ... I enjoyed looking through the photo's ... loved the photo's of the new rooms (would probably never be able to afford one), but was VERY disappointed to see that the dining car showed all of the gentlemen in suits ... if this is truly the case I will need to strike VIA off of my bucket list. Does anyone remember if this was the case on their trip?

I for one am starting a separate savings account, called "Canadian"

Definitely watch those Express Deals (although I don't know if they'll ever post the super delux sleepers there), and you may not have to save as long as you think!

Perhaps for you but VIA is running more that a nostalgic excursion for Railfans. There’s an upscale market of travellers out there VIA is hoping to attract and they want their amenities including flat screen TVs!

Having shared the bottom bunk of a Superliner bedroom with Mrs. Ispolkom for a couple of nights last week, the bed in the deluxe bedroom looks wonderful!

I'm sure that the room charge will be out of my price range, but might there be another Via Rail sale? (A boy can hope.)