NextGen Acela Train Highlights
After many delays and amidst my own increasing anticipation, the NextGen Acela train finally arrived for travelers in late August. I decided to incorporate my own delay, too. I wanted to time my first ride in the neighborhood of prime foliage season. Alas, I was a bit off – some color, more green than I wanted – but it’s what my schedule allowed. But hey, this ride was more about the new trainset, right? Today, I’m getting into the experience, from booking all the way through the ride.
Booking
I booked about three weeks before departure on Amtrak’s site. As a reminder, the schedule doesn’t offer the NextGen Acela train on all departures. I only saw two daily options at the time of booking: one departing early morning, and the other arriving later in the evening (here’s how to tell). I opted for that second one with my Boston to Philadelphia stretch. The first class, one-way cash rate for my trip was $375, or 14,063 Amtrak Guest Rewards points. I received a 5% points rebate of 703 points on the booking thanks to being an Amtrak credit cardholder. For those who care about cent-per-point values (I generally don’t), Amtrak’s rewards currency continues to offer a strong value: 2.67 cpp in this case, and 2.81 incorporating the rebate.
Departure and Seating
After a surreal-but-good hour and a half in Boston South Station’s Amtrak Metropolitan Lounge (more on that in another post), the lounge attendant called for boarding at 4 pm for the 4:12 departure. I left the lounge and continued to the tracks, passing seven or so business class cars before getting to the first class (car 1) at the far end. Robert, a first class attendant, welcomed and humored me as I took photos. I was in seat 9A, about 2/3 back in the car facing in the direction of travel. Like the previous design, I enjoyed having my single seat with access to the aisle; the other side offers two seats.
Seats were spacious enough and quite firm. I imagine Amtrak’s shooting for durability here, given how infrequently it updates trains. Riders can opt for the full tray table for work and meals or a handy cup holder for ongoing beverages. Power is somewhat hidden with outlets and USB port tucked below the seat toward the outside of the train. Wifi connectivity was simple and reliable throughout the journey.
Robert offered drink and dinner menus just before our prompt 4:12 departure.
Food and Beverage
A few minutes after departing, Robert diligently took drink orders. Opinions differ, but I’ve always enjoyed the varied beverage selection on Amtrak. I went with Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA and Fiji water. Drinks in first class are still served in, get this – actual glasses – something that still matters to a few of us.
About twenty minutes into the trip, Robert asked for dinner choices. Amtrak touts signature dishes from Starr restaurants, and I opted for the crab enchiladas. I was intrigued, primarily because I’d never seen those two words remotely in the same neighborhood. Served very hot, the main dish was fine, with the crab and enchilada sauce flavor somehow combining nicely. The meal also came with a small KIND bar, a cute but random touch, and an unnecessary roll. I wolfed down my pumpkin cheesecake cup.
Service
The NextGen Acela train offers 43 first class seats and only one bathroom in the car. The bathroom is immediately behind the seating area, and the kitchen’s at the rear of the car. First class was about half full at my Boston departure, with different riders coming off and on throughout the trip.
Two attendants served the entire first class car during my trip. Robert primarily tended to guests throughout the trip, while Deion mostly cooked in the back. They swapped duties a few times during the journey, as well. Like virtually all Amtrak attendants I’ve interacted with over my 15 years riding, they were hard-working, easygoing, and warm.
NextGen Acela Train – Conclusion
Of course, delays are the biggest wild card with Amtrak. (I’ll never forget traveling with a van full of strangers between Chicago and Milwaukee.) But the Acela route is one of the more reliable ones, and we departed Boston on time and arrived in Philadelphia only five minutes or so late.
I’m happy for this first NextGen Acela train experience and will undoubtedly take it again in first class. I recommend it to anyone with the curiosity and available points. Personally, I’ll only opt for first class but can understand some may not want to pay that extra amount. Maybe I’ll see you on the rails up front!
Have you traveled on the NextGen Acela train yet? How was your experience?
