12 replies to this topic

[cdetrow]

"Opps. Why does the cynical side of me think the server pocketed your dinner tab. Can't void it? Ha. Out of his pocket: probably right into his pocket"

Pretty bold don't you think? This sort of problem argues for chiefs on each run, people with a good ear and the power to fix problems. Amtrak's cutting out 20% of its staff means that increasingly oversight is lacking. AMtrak must find a way to deal with theft, rudeness, and slackers who open late and close early.

I guess I wasn't clear. He told me that it would have to come out of his salary, but I DID NOT give him any money. He gave us the right tickets, and we signed them, and that was that.
The fault may have been partially ours, as we entered the dining car from the observation car end and were seated with coach passengers. At every other meal they gave us the tickets to sign at the beginning of the meal. When they didn't this time, we thought we were going to sign them later. After the discussion about not being able to void a ticket, they gave us the correct ones and we signed them. Only money left was the usual tip. I don't know what they did with the incorrect tickets.

[ICGsteve]

Still there is reason to doubt that he was telling the truith. If he was then I bet that there is also a rule that he needs to ask every table if they are first class before handing out a ticket. No matter where the truith is here I think that we can say for sure that this Amtrak employee made you feel bad about a mistake that he made.

[ElCap59]

In short, it was the best trip to Seattle we have ever made. Very relaxing, outstanding scenery, great train staff and facilities, fine dining, and fascinating traveling companions (more than just "fellow passengers").

Carl, my wife and I were on the same trip from LAX to SEA, and I believe we chatted in the Parlour Car somewhere around Olympia, WA. I was the other wanabee foamer who charted daily Starlight performance for 3 months prior to our trip. I agree with everything you said about the trip; it was pretty smooth, the scenery was beautiful, and everyone was very nice. We were lucky, because the Starlight has become a schedule nightmare in the last month. Over 10 hours late and annulment in Portland is not unusual anymore.

Our sleeping car attendant, Camille, was excellent. She was new to this crew, #6, and said it was a good group to work with. She had come off the extra board for dining car to get a permanent assignment.

She told us that we were very lucky to have our chef, Victor, for the trip. He was from the extra board, as were most of the dining car crew for that trip. (That might explain the confusion in the diner.) Victor was fairly new to Amtrak and his cooking far exceeded the norm. Although the menu was standard, he embellished the vegetables and added his own signature cooked tomato, which was not standard. We became aware of the difference in chefs on the return trip (July 3-4), when my wife had to return her chicken, which was so dry she couldn't eat it. She had thoroughly enjoyed to same dish on the northbound trip.

Our only complaint was that our Superliner II sleeping car, Kansas, was badly in need of renovation. The upholstery was torn and it smelled like a septic tank. By the way, this car had been restored after having been part of the fatal Auto Train wreck in Crescent City, FL in 4/02.

On the trip home we lucked into a newly refurbished Superliner I (32050), and it was a pleasure.

By the way, for those who like to keep track of consists:

Train 14, 6/28-6/29: Engines 19 & 117; Baggage 1708, Transition 39022, Sleepers 32088 (Maryland), 32019, 32084 (Kansas), Parlour 39973, Diner 38040, Sightseer Lounge 33049, Coaches 34105, 34504 (Kiddie), 34033, 34037.

Hope to catch you on the next trip (to Portland?) - Fred

Edited by ElCap59, 05 August 2005 - 07:51 PM.