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Hi BSeabob,I read your review of your cruise on the Infinity. I agree, the Coast Starlight (Starlate!) service has gone downhill over the last year. We last took it from Seattle to LA in May 2004 and it wasn't as bad as you described. Your train was supposed to arrive in Seattle at 9pm, I doubt very much you arrived at that time. It seems to be anywhere from 3 to 12 hours late arriving in Seattle or LA. It is a combination of underfunding by the US government and the host railroad (Union Pacific) not caring how much they delay the train. Used to be years ago that passenger trains took priority over all trains, not any more. As an employee of the Canadian National Railway, I follow the industry closely.The train between Vancouver and Seattle is one of Amtrak's highly patronized trains in the system. Good service, nice cars, fantastic views of Puget Sound and 95% on time performance sure help.I live just above the tracks near Boundary Bay and as I was writing this, I watched the northbound train from Seattle pass by the house. They are running about 15 minutes late.Well, 4 hours before we leave for the train station. Will post a review of train and cruise when I get back. First cruise on Celebrity and I always read your reviews on Celebrity. Thanks very much for them, they have been helpful. We have done 6 cruises on RCCL, 2 on Princess and 1 on NCL.Gord
Hi BSeabob,
I read your review of your cruise on the Infinity. I agree, the Coast Starlight (Starlate!) service has gone downhill over the last year. We last took it from Seattle to LA in May 2004 and it wasn't as bad as you described. Your train was supposed to arrive in Seattle at 9pm, I doubt very much you arrived at that time. It seems to be anywhere from 3 to 12 hours late arriving in Seattle or LA. It is a combination of underfunding by the US government and the host railroad (Union Pacific) not caring how much they delay the train. Used to be years ago that passenger trains took priority over all trains, not any more. As an employee of the Canadian National Railway, I follow the industry closely.
The train between Vancouver and Seattle is one of Amtrak's highly patronized trains in the system. Good service, nice cars, fantastic views of Puget Sound and 95% on time performance sure help.
I live just above the tracks near Boundary Bay and as I was writing this, I watched the northbound train from Seattle pass by the house. They are running about 15 minutes late.
Well, 4 hours before we leave for the train station. Will post a review of train and cruise when I get back. First cruise on Celebrity and I always read your reviews on Celebrity. Thanks very much for them, they have been helpful. We have done 6 cruises on RCCL, 2 on Princess and 1 on NCL.
Gord
