G
guest in the west
Guest
Thought we'd say something POSITIVE about the CZ, since it appears to get a lot of negative comments (see the "EB or CZ to Chicago?" for the latest bad marks directed at the Zephyr.)
Took the CZ on June 18 from Chicago to San Francisco. The entire crew was energetic, friendly and helpful. Our sleeping car attendant, Tony, was terrific. He was always around if you needed him. He asked everyone on both days (in a filled-to-capacity car) when they wanted their beds down and made up, he offered to bring ice to rooms, he kept juice and water chilled at all hours of the day and night--and when our bedroom air vent just wouldn't close and the room was getting too chilly, he came back with duct tape and cardboard to dampen the flow. And he always had a smile and a hello, whether he saw you in the sleeper or in the diner.
The dining car staff, led by Kimmie, was outstanding, and all the wait staff remained pleasant and courteous in the face of a sold-out train with two large tour groups that needed early breakfasts two days running. The cafe car attendant not only made friendly and frequent announcements about her service, but also provided information particularly useful for coach passengers as to quiet times, seat checks and the like.
The conductors--from Chicago all the way to San Francisco--not only made the proper announcements in friendly terms but also pointed out the historical and scenic highlights for the photography enthusiasts on board. These advance notices included two trees nearby the tracks where bald eagles have built nests. Even when making the announcement that smokers would be put off the train, they made it in such a way that even a heavy-duty smoker would smile and not cringe.
So OK, maybe our crew was the exception, not the rule. But in years of riding EVERY long-distance train multiple times in the West, this crew ranks right alongside the best we otherwise have ever had, on the CS.
Took the CZ on June 18 from Chicago to San Francisco. The entire crew was energetic, friendly and helpful. Our sleeping car attendant, Tony, was terrific. He was always around if you needed him. He asked everyone on both days (in a filled-to-capacity car) when they wanted their beds down and made up, he offered to bring ice to rooms, he kept juice and water chilled at all hours of the day and night--and when our bedroom air vent just wouldn't close and the room was getting too chilly, he came back with duct tape and cardboard to dampen the flow. And he always had a smile and a hello, whether he saw you in the sleeper or in the diner.
The dining car staff, led by Kimmie, was outstanding, and all the wait staff remained pleasant and courteous in the face of a sold-out train with two large tour groups that needed early breakfasts two days running. The cafe car attendant not only made friendly and frequent announcements about her service, but also provided information particularly useful for coach passengers as to quiet times, seat checks and the like.
The conductors--from Chicago all the way to San Francisco--not only made the proper announcements in friendly terms but also pointed out the historical and scenic highlights for the photography enthusiasts on board. These advance notices included two trees nearby the tracks where bald eagles have built nests. Even when making the announcement that smokers would be put off the train, they made it in such a way that even a heavy-duty smoker would smile and not cringe.
So OK, maybe our crew was the exception, not the rule. But in years of riding EVERY long-distance train multiple times in the West, this crew ranks right alongside the best we otherwise have ever had, on the CS.
