First trip in August. We have a roomette, so it looks like we can bring a cooler in there. Is that correct? Also, Does the train have an icemaker where we can refill if needed?
We bring a small cooler on every trip. Remember, your Roomette does have limited space. We freeze water bottles and put them in the cooler (ice and later, water.) Enjoy your trip!
I've heard from others, that the sleeping car attendant has brought ice to those within a sleeping car. So you should not have a problem asking for this, if you want a bag of ice from your SCA.
I've had SCAs bring me ice in everything from a cup to a KFC sized bucket. Bring a big ZipLok bag or two. The frozen bottles of water are a good idea, too. I hope your definition of "cooler" is a small collapsible one. Roomettes are fairly cozy, remember...
And don't forget the first and most important rule - TIP YOUR ATTENDANT WELL!
You enter from the sleeper side.one more question, when going to the dining car, how do they know you have the roomette and get your meals free?
Do you tip at end of stay or whenever they come by and provide a service?
The dining car crew is very observant. If you come from the wrong direction, do not know your car/room number or attendant's name, they likely will request to see your ticket.one more question, when going to the dining car, how do they know you have the roomette and get your meals free?
A bag? More like a cup.
I have gotten ice in freezer bags they keep onboard. They give you about the same amount of ice they give you in the "kfc" style cardboard bucket (which they don't fill to the brim, around halfway is about the most I've seen). It isn't a whole supermarket style packaged bag of ice, they just fill a plastic bag instead of a cardboard bucket.Agree. If they gave a BAG of ice to everyone who requested it the diner and lounge cars wouldn't have any left for those ordering drinks.
The suggestion by alang, above, to freeze water bottles before travelling makes more sense and is realistic.
As you deboard.Do you tip at end of stay or whenever they come by and provide a service?
Since mine is soft sided, I actually fold it down and carry it onboard in one of the outside pockets of my suitcase, not as a separate piece. When unfolded, it may be a tad longer than 12", but it certainly is neither 12" wide, nor 12" tall.It's kind of an odd thing, but if you ask JULIE about coolers on the Amtrak website, this pops up:
Coolers no larger than 12 inches by 12 inches by 12 inches may be brought onboard as a personal item.
I believe there has been a lot of discussion about this, especially given that there's been no other indication in any Amtrak rules that state that coolers are limited to this size and the max size is very specific as 12 inches cubed even though that differs from the personal item dimension specified in the rules. I would say a passenger should be able to bring aboard a cooler that conforms to the maximum carry-on size.
I've personally brought aboard an Igloo Island Breeze 9 and never got a second look. It's 13" wide.
Have Fun!!!Thanks all, looking forward to it. Just a short trip, Granby, CO to Nap, IL
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