Travel on the Silver Star

[jpakala]

On March 7 we took the Silver Star from WPB to DC, having a Viewliner 2 roomette. Our SCA was great. Concerned that the conductor never came, while waiting for one of the two restrooms I did meet her when she came out and asked about her seeing our ticket (knowing from Amtrak Unlimited discussion to make sure this happens). She replied "Oh yes I saw it," adding that she's worked for Amtrak for over 20 years. The sleeping car was very nice (on Superliners we avoid roomettes because they're so cramped, or we get two). We didn't appreciate going down the aisle day or night and waiting for a restroom at busy times, so in that regard we like the Viewliner 1, not to mention its much nicer wheelchair-accessible bedroom (which we had once from NYC to Chicago after a broken leg). After our afternoon boarding at WPB we had lunch with tablecloth, flowers, Amtrak silverware, etc. and it was delicious. The waiter asked us to sit on one side of the table so that someone else could be seated across from us. So also at dinner, breakfast, and lunch the next day we both sat facing forward but nobody ever joined us and there were at least a couple of empty tables at all times. All meals and the service were great. The train was always on time or very close. We didn't notice any rough sections, and the sleepers were at the rear, so if horn-blowing caused any problem we were unaware of it.