We have a roomette on The Cardinal Phi-Chi. A bedroom on the Calif.Zepher Chi. to Emya roomette on the Starlight Emy-Port. a bedroom on the Empire builder Port-Chi. and a Roomette
on the Cardinal chi.-phi.
The Cardinal is Phi. straight thru to Chi. doesn't go down to Wash.From what we were told The
Cadinal does this Route three times a week.I can't find a route map for this.Hope I didn't make the wrong choice.
You have chosen VERY well. All of the routes are scenic. And you are going the right way, clockwise (better daylight timing of scenery).
The Cardinal does go through Washington DC, so whoever told that it doesn't was wrong. It then travels across Virginia and into W. Virginia, then through the New River Gorge which is amazing. After going through Charleston WV, it proceeds to Cincinnati, Indianapolis and then Chicago. Between PHI and Washington, DC, the Cardinal goes 110 MPH, so you will get there fast!
The CZ is the most scenic route Amtrak has. Be sure to get a seat in the Sightseer Lounge when leaving Denver and leaving Reno. Being in your bedroom, you might miss something on the other side!
When on the Coast Starlight, take advantage of the Pacific Parlor Car (PPC), a combination lounge (with swivel seats) and alternate diner. You have your choice whether to eat in the PPC or regular diner. The PPC is for sleeper passengers only, so no beating off the coach riff-raff! There is a daily wine tasting for $5/person in the PPC also.
The EB out of Portland (through the Columbia River Gorge) is supposedly very scenic. I have not taken it, so I can't give you 1st hand info). The rest of the EB (which I have been on) is also scenic, especially going through Glacier National Park. I thought the rolling hills of Eastern Montana and North Dakota were very pretty, but others have found that part boring. Running along the Mississippi after Minneapolis is also a nice part of the route.
Make sure you use the Metropolitan Lounge when in Chicago. Same thing in Portland. In Philladelphia, you are entitled to use the Club Acela.
The food on the trains should be good as usual, though the Cardinal has what is called 'Diner Lite', which is a heat and serve operation. In my opinion, it is not as good as the other trains you will be taking, but should be good enough.
Advise: Take soom duct tape (duck tape?). Helps with rattles, etc...
You will be in roomettes for three nights if I count correctly, and bedrooms for four nights. If you are going to shower in the public showers on the two Cardinal and CS legs, make sure to bring slippers and bath robes (or whatever else you would be comfortable wearing in public).
As for any other advise, ask away!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!