Sleeper Cars

[Rail Rookie]

Hello everyone, my girlfriend and I have a deluxe bedroom suite on the California Zephyr. We are travelling from Nebraska to San Francisco. (Emeryville) Does the sleeper rooms have doors on them that lock? I see also where coach passengers can not come into the sleeper cars but is there someone checking that? Can we leave things in our sleeper and not worry about theft? Also, we have thought about bringing two small walkie talkies for when we are about in the train but not with each other....is this necessary? We are travelling light (only taking one carryon apiece and her a purse as well) so we don't want to be packing unneccesary items. Thanks!

 

[AmtrakFan]

If you do leave stuff in your room close the Curtains and be sure the door is fully closed.

 

[AlanB]

Railrookie,

The bedroom door is only lockable when you are in the room. So if you leave the room, be sure that her purse is out of sight or with her. Also make sure that any walkman's and things like that are out of sight and you should be fine. Theft is usually not a big problem on Amtrak, but there is no point in tempting the fates.

As for checking passengers, the sleeping car attendants usually do a pretty good job of keeping the coach passengers out. They usually and quickly learn everyone's face who belongs in the sleeper cars and can keep out the coach pax. Additionally, coach passengers have to walk through the dining car and the lounge car to reach the sleepers. So that helps to deter people from wandering around the sleeping cars.

As for walkie talkies, I think that they are not necessary. The train simply isn't that big first of all. Secondly, you will have to use headphones if you do want to use walkies. You cannot use the speakers, as that would be disturbing to other passengers and you may well be asked to stop using them in that case.

 

[user 683]

RR -

I just returned from my first sleeper trip, a RT between Washington and Chicago, so I can relate to your questions about leaving stuff in your room. At first, I was a bit unsure about leaving things "unsecured" in the room, but felt better after settling into the ride. The crews do a good job a making their presence know. In addition to following some common sense guidelines, I suggest you stash smaller items in your carry-on bag and lock that bag. Also, pull the curtains shut when you leave the room.

Enjoy your trip !

Deimos

 

[rail rookie]

Thanks for all of your input! Walkie talkies will be a "no-go". Thanks for the heads up on thee other things.

 

[Sleeper]

In many Starlight trips, I've had one item "liberated" - a CD player I left visible in a roomette.

The velcro that should hold the curtains closed has long since perished. Carry a couple of big safety pins for privacy and to block daylight if you want to sleep in or nap.

Pilferable items should be out of sight. The bottom of the hanging locker is a good place. Laptops should be cable-locked AND out of sight. Carry or hide the cell phone, unless you want to pay for calls to Bangkok. (And don't forget the phone charger!)

Wallets, purses, passports and the like should be carried with you.

Luggage in the vestibule is pretty safe, but it all looks alike. Another place for a cable lock.

It's a great ride - enjoy your trip!

 

[doveman]

This is for Railrookie:

Hello i'm close to your age and am also planning a trip on the CZ. I'll be going in June from Chicago to Emeryville. I'll really be interested in your comments about your trip. Looks like i'll be experiencing their revamped diner plan on my trip. I guess the one thing I hear is be prepared for possible substantial delays from Roseville on due to freight traffic.

If you do a google search by entering "California Zephyr Route guide" a nice PDF guide with map comes up as the second entry on the search.

Nice guide with a map that you can print.

Steve