CHOO CHOO CHOO WASHINGTON

After we get to New York on 21 December after the 6 day crossing, we are going to be heading to Washington DC until Boxing Day when we fly back from there to London. (The hotel in Washington we are staying at is Mark's treat).

I have booked us two First Class tickets on the Amtrak fast commuter service called the Acela Express. It leaves from NYC Penn Station and takes 2 hours and 47 minutes. Although I suspect we will be ready for an earlier train as we should be able to disembark the QE2 fairly early as Queens Grill passengers, thought it best to go for a mid-day train. The 1st Class ticket means we can use the lounge if we are early and we cannot get on an earlier train (which run every hour).

This is what the amtrak.com site says about the service:

"Enjoy superior comfort, upscale amenities, and polished professional service--at speeds up to 150 mph--aboard Acela Express. The Acela Express experience includes: A faster trip with fewer stops; Reserved First Class and Business Class seating; At-seat electrical outlets for your laptop or DVD player; Adjustable lighting and large tray tables; Conference tables ; Four channels of audio entertainment; Quiet Car; Cafe Car. And in First Class: At-seat meal and beverage service; Hot towel service; Newspaper; and Access to ClubAcela lounges"

And on the First Class page notes it goes on waxing lyrical about: "Acela Express offers hourly service downtown to downtown during peak morning and afternoon rush hours between New York, Washington, DC, and intermediate cities, as well as many convenient round-trips between New York and Boston.

On Acela Express and Metroliner trains, you can enjoy First Class service. Amenities include: Spacious seating configurations; Superior cuisine with at-seat attendant service; Complimentary meals and beverages, with wine served by the glass, micro-brewed beers, and liquor and cocktails; Access to ClubAcela lounges; At-seat standard AC electrical outlets; Personal audio programming (Acela Express only); In-car Railfone and Hot towel service" (Not sure why the hot towel thing is such a selling point!!! I never have really understood the hot towel thing. But it seems to be one of those things they do in business and first class as a treat...?)