The Crescent, Amtrak's hidden gem! A journey through the US south
video description
Date: 2024-01-09
Related videos
Comments and reviews: 35
-jimpern
I recently took a multi-train trip that started with the Crescent (Atlanta to New Orleans) and later ended with it (Philadelphia to Atlanta. The first train left ATL on time, but because we had to stop for 45 minutes south of Tuscaloosa to wait for a freight to pass, we arrived, like you, about 30 minutes late, which is not bad. But the schedule has been changed, so we crossed the lake after dark. The DiGiornio pizza is no longer offered, so I had an excellent turkey and cheese sandwich on an oat roll for lunch, and a decent (but under-baked) cheese stromboli for dinner. At least this was a day trip, in coach. On the later train, I took a roomette (Viewliner I); this train left PHL a bit late but we arrived in ATL on time. The -flexible- dining is definitely inferior to the traditional dining car service, and I hope that returns. For dinner I had the beef short ribs, which were decent, served with a salad, green beans, a roll and a brownie, and I ate them in the lounge car to -simulate- a dining car experience! For breakfast I had pancakes with sausage, which were just fine, and I again ate them in the lounge car. Since the Viewliner I roomette has a toilet, if I had elected to have the meals delivered to my room, I could have gone the whole trip without ever leaving it, but what fun is that?
reply
I recently took a multi-train trip that started with the Crescent (Atlanta to New Orleans) and later ended with it (Philadelphia to Atlanta. The first train left ATL on time, but because we had to stop for 45 minutes south of Tuscaloosa to wait for a freight to pass, we arrived, like you, about 30 minutes late, which is not bad. But the schedule has been changed, so we crossed the lake after dark. The DiGiornio pizza is no longer offered, so I had an excellent turkey and cheese sandwich on an oat roll for lunch, and a decent (but under-baked) cheese stromboli for dinner. At least this was a day trip, in coach. On the later train, I took a roomette (Viewliner I); this train left PHL a bit late but we arrived in ATL on time. The -flexible- dining is definitely inferior to the traditional dining car service, and I hope that returns. For dinner I had the beef short ribs, which were decent, served with a salad, green beans, a roll and a brownie, and I ate them in the lounge car to -simulate- a dining car experience! For breakfast I had pancakes with sausage, which were just fine, and I again ate them in the lounge car. Since the Viewliner I roomette has a toilet, if I had elected to have the meals delivered to my room, I could have gone the whole trip without ever leaving it, but what fun is that?
reply
-abc-wv4in
Nice recap of the Crescent! It's my favorite train and the one I've most often traveled. As for the crew, in my experience the Crescent has had the most helpful, friendly employees, but of course that can vary. (My worst by far were on the CZ going west out of Denver. Sleeping compartment hadn't been cleaned and they never emptied the trash bin in my bedroom compartment) Sorry you got the exception on your trip. The CZ is probably the most scenic train. Btw, the above-ground tombs in the cemeteries visible going into N. O. are interesting and beautiful, very unusual for the U. S. They are necessary in N. O. because the water table is so high there.
I enjoy your videos; many thanks.
It's a shame and a waste of Amtrak's expensive new Viewliner dining cars to no longer provide full dining service (and for all passengers) on the eastern long distance trains as was previously done. Poor management and death by a thousand cuts.
reply
Nice recap of the Crescent! It's my favorite train and the one I've most often traveled. As for the crew, in my experience the Crescent has had the most helpful, friendly employees, but of course that can vary. (My worst by far were on the CZ going west out of Denver. Sleeping compartment hadn't been cleaned and they never emptied the trash bin in my bedroom compartment) Sorry you got the exception on your trip. The CZ is probably the most scenic train. Btw, the above-ground tombs in the cemeteries visible going into N. O. are interesting and beautiful, very unusual for the U. S. They are necessary in N. O. because the water table is so high there.
I enjoy your videos; many thanks.
It's a shame and a waste of Amtrak's expensive new Viewliner dining cars to no longer provide full dining service (and for all passengers) on the eastern long distance trains as was previously done. Poor management and death by a thousand cuts.
reply
-mtrdjn
-
My Old Friend, for the last month and a half I haven't been able to be with you in company, but for the last few days I have made up for everything that has been missed.
I just arrived in New Orleans with you and I see all the impressions from the trip through the deep US south.
I am glad to be able to say that you have made a huge step forward in the preparation and release of the video. The most beautiful of all is that with all your knowledge and passion, your creativity has finally come to the fore, which leaves true and strong impressions.
I'm preparing to embark with you on a magnificent journey of the perfectly good California Zephyr. I would be lying if I didn-t confirm that I expect a spectacle from this trip. Also, I believe that a great movie and a wonderful experience awaits me, on the way to San Francisco.
Great Thibault, thank you for excellent company and perfect adventures on the steel tracks!
reply
-
My Old Friend, for the last month and a half I haven't been able to be with you in company, but for the last few days I have made up for everything that has been missed.
I just arrived in New Orleans with you and I see all the impressions from the trip through the deep US south.
I am glad to be able to say that you have made a huge step forward in the preparation and release of the video. The most beautiful of all is that with all your knowledge and passion, your creativity has finally come to the fore, which leaves true and strong impressions.
I'm preparing to embark with you on a magnificent journey of the perfectly good California Zephyr. I would be lying if I didn-t confirm that I expect a spectacle from this trip. Also, I believe that a great movie and a wonderful experience awaits me, on the way to San Francisco.
Great Thibault, thank you for excellent company and perfect adventures on the steel tracks!
reply
-hbruins85
Such charming views of the Deep South. which makes it a pity that the Crescent has such a short consist with no dining car. I used to watch this train come and go on my visits to Atlanta in the mid-1980's, when this was an impressive sized train with at least 10 cars including diner and lounge (railfans used to call this -Mr. Claytor (then Amtrak CEO)'s train- back then, but that's another long story.
On the other hand, it's encouraging to see people continuing to ride this train. Hopefully the infrastructure legislation will help bring about the much needed improvements.
Great documentary as always!
reply
Such charming views of the Deep South. which makes it a pity that the Crescent has such a short consist with no dining car. I used to watch this train come and go on my visits to Atlanta in the mid-1980's, when this was an impressive sized train with at least 10 cars including diner and lounge (railfans used to call this -Mr. Claytor (then Amtrak CEO)'s train- back then, but that's another long story.
On the other hand, it's encouraging to see people continuing to ride this train. Hopefully the infrastructure legislation will help bring about the much needed improvements.
Great documentary as always!
reply
-TaylorMMontgomery
14: 52 you should visit the mountains of East Tennessee/Western South Carolina. While not as tall as the Rockies, in my opinion they're more beautiful, especially in the fall - it's breathtaking.
There used to be an Amtrak excursion between Birmingham and Chattanooga during the fall but they stopped doing it years ago. Wish they'd bring it back!
Also 18: 55 I wish Amtrak would bring some healthier/fresh foods back. That microwave stuff is so embarrassing!
reply
14: 52 you should visit the mountains of East Tennessee/Western South Carolina. While not as tall as the Rockies, in my opinion they're more beautiful, especially in the fall - it's breathtaking.
There used to be an Amtrak excursion between Birmingham and Chattanooga during the fall but they stopped doing it years ago. Wish they'd bring it back!
Also 18: 55 I wish Amtrak would bring some healthier/fresh foods back. That microwave stuff is so embarrassing!
reply
-listfield
Thank you very much for this video. I have loved traveling on trains since I was a little kid. Everything about the trip was special. scenery, relaxed pace, the cozy roommette, the welcoming staff etc. Now I am old and have a terminal illness. I still hold on to the hope that I will be able to take on last train trip In the meantime I love these videos - they bring back wonderful memories and bring me peace.
reply
Thank you very much for this video. I have loved traveling on trains since I was a little kid. Everything about the trip was special. scenery, relaxed pace, the cozy roommette, the welcoming staff etc. Now I am old and have a terminal illness. I still hold on to the hope that I will be able to take on last train trip In the meantime I love these videos - they bring back wonderful memories and bring me peace.
reply
-keahharrison4765
I just traveled to Boston from SC. Took the crescent from Charlotte to DC. Be prepared to wait. The crescent was 1 hour and 34 mins late. When my family and I got to DC we only had enough time to wait on the baggage and run to our next train to get on in time. Besides it being severely tardy it was very comfortable. I probably wouldn-t ride a train again but the experience was pretty good
reply
I just traveled to Boston from SC. Took the crescent from Charlotte to DC. Be prepared to wait. The crescent was 1 hour and 34 mins late. When my family and I got to DC we only had enough time to wait on the baggage and run to our next train to get on in time. Besides it being severely tardy it was very comfortable. I probably wouldn-t ride a train again but the experience was pretty good
reply
-barroningram7286
this train was once southern railways combined southerner and crescent at one time considered one of the best in the country, now the north bound train arrives 3 hrs later and has no dining car, which was one of the highlights of this long trip, then there's a longer wait at ny penn for connecting trains going up state ny, please bring back the diner and the old schedule
reply
this train was once southern railways combined southerner and crescent at one time considered one of the best in the country, now the north bound train arrives 3 hrs later and has no dining car, which was one of the highlights of this long trip, then there's a longer wait at ny penn for connecting trains going up state ny, please bring back the diner and the old schedule
reply
-cherylwiggins4316
Sleeping in coach is only comfy if you don't have another passenger beside you. I did it once and will never do it again. Although the seats are roomy, some people don't understand personal space and have large body parts that will be in your seat or touching your body. The next time I travel overnight by train I would have to get a room or fly instead.
reply
Sleeping in coach is only comfy if you don't have another passenger beside you. I did it once and will never do it again. Although the seats are roomy, some people don't understand personal space and have large body parts that will be in your seat or touching your body. The next time I travel overnight by train I would have to get a room or fly instead.
reply
-tinaduncan72
To be on the train that long you were not prepared. when I travel on the train long I go from New York to Greenville South Carolina. I have frozen water, frozen yogurt, fruit. I have a couple of sandwiches. the only thing I buy from that Cafe car is two of the cheese plates and maybe I get a hamburger and that's it.
reply
To be on the train that long you were not prepared. when I travel on the train long I go from New York to Greenville South Carolina. I have frozen water, frozen yogurt, fruit. I have a couple of sandwiches. the only thing I buy from that Cafe car is two of the cheese plates and maybe I get a hamburger and that's it.
reply
-scottpalmer9475
We just got back tonight after taking the Crescent as part of a Connecticut to Florida to N. Carolina and back to Connecticut trip. Had a great time and every train was on time. There is some great scenery on the Crescent route, especially through Virginia. Our portion was coach from Charlotte to Washington.
reply
We just got back tonight after taking the Crescent as part of a Connecticut to Florida to N. Carolina and back to Connecticut trip. Had a great time and every train was on time. There is some great scenery on the Crescent route, especially through Virginia. Our portion was coach from Charlotte to Washington.
reply
-sxflyer5410
8: 50 that-s so crazy! Atlanta has the biggest airport in the world (by number of aircraft movement I think, but only 2 trains a day, lol- what a shame. Let-s hope Amtrak makes it a Southeastern hub, because what I have seen there are some plans for new trains to/from Atlanta (for example to Tennessee.
reply
8: 50 that-s so crazy! Atlanta has the biggest airport in the world (by number of aircraft movement I think, but only 2 trains a day, lol- what a shame. Let-s hope Amtrak makes it a Southeastern hub, because what I have seen there are some plans for new trains to/from Atlanta (for example to Tennessee.
reply
-DanielC__
Traveling by train is HUGELY underrated. Most excellent way to casually travel with great scenery. We can afford a private jet flight but love the trains. Take your time, enjoy the scenery instead of speeding over it in the wild blue yonder. Plus, it-s extremely economical for those needing that benefit.
reply
Traveling by train is HUGELY underrated. Most excellent way to casually travel with great scenery. We can afford a private jet flight but love the trains. Take your time, enjoy the scenery instead of speeding over it in the wild blue yonder. Plus, it-s extremely economical for those needing that benefit.
reply
-sswan9689
I didn't know you were in Greensboro! I remember asking you about reviewing the Crescent a few months ago b/c I take this train, but the other way to NYC. And I never have a problem sleeping on the train, it rocks me too sleep, Lol! Glad you made it to Greensboro & glad you like the train station. Sylvia
reply
I didn't know you were in Greensboro! I remember asking you about reviewing the Crescent a few months ago b/c I take this train, but the other way to NYC. And I never have a problem sleeping on the train, it rocks me too sleep, Lol! Glad you made it to Greensboro & glad you like the train station. Sylvia
reply
-DanielsUKT
Great journey across the American South the scenery was amazing especially the lake as if it was crossing the ocean. The greensboro station looks very good including the train interior. It must have been a great experience to travel across America by train when you were there
reply
Great journey across the American South the scenery was amazing especially the lake as if it was crossing the ocean. The greensboro station looks very good including the train interior. It must have been a great experience to travel across America by train when you were there
reply
-harleyharlita
Im addicted to watching your videos! Have you got any of the ferry/train systems over in Japan? The overnight ferry systems there are just amazing to me, like mini cruise ships Nothing like what we have here in Washington state! Keep up the amazing work! Love this!
reply
Im addicted to watching your videos! Have you got any of the ferry/train systems over in Japan? The overnight ferry systems there are just amazing to me, like mini cruise ships Nothing like what we have here in Washington state! Keep up the amazing work! Love this!
reply
train
Great to see you-ve been to Greensboro, that-s my home sweet home and I-ve traveled in and out of the passenger station many times. And actually in July, I did the same exact trip from Greensboro to New Orleans as I went on a journey across the country to LA on Amtrak
reply
Great to see you-ve been to Greensboro, that-s my home sweet home and I-ve traveled in and out of the passenger station many times. And actually in July, I did the same exact trip from Greensboro to New Orleans as I went on a journey across the country to LA on Amtrak
reply
-omarj5719
Oh. I forgot to mention the Texas Eagle route! Been on that train more times than ever, used to live only 11 feet from the Union Pacific R. R. tracks at my apartment in San Antonio, TX, where the Amtrak Texas Eagle passes by on, going Northbound usually!
reply
Oh. I forgot to mention the Texas Eagle route! Been on that train more times than ever, used to live only 11 feet from the Union Pacific R. R. tracks at my apartment in San Antonio, TX, where the Amtrak Texas Eagle passes by on, going Northbound usually!
reply
-de-fault_de-fault
Even the much denser Amfleet 1 coach interiors are extremely comfortable, but the larger windows with curtains, plus the extra legroom, recline, and footrests, make the Amfleet 2 interiors a perfectly viable option for overnight rides.
reply
Even the much denser Amfleet 1 coach interiors are extremely comfortable, but the larger windows with curtains, plus the extra legroom, recline, and footrests, make the Amfleet 2 interiors a perfectly viable option for overnight rides.
reply
-GaryGP40
This was the first long distance train I ever took (NY to Atlanta. I rode in one of the Viewliners: ) Awesome trip. Our steward on the ride north was exceptionally friendly and talkative about his life riding the rails.
reply
This was the first long distance train I ever took (NY to Atlanta. I rode in one of the Viewliners: ) Awesome trip. Our steward on the ride north was exceptionally friendly and talkative about his life riding the rails.
reply
-tinaduncan72
I've been on the crescent multiple times before I learned how to drive. That's where my family lives, but I'm interested in taking it all the way to New Orleans cuz I never been there and stay 3 days and fly back.
reply
I've been on the crescent multiple times before I learned how to drive. That's where my family lives, but I'm interested in taking it all the way to New Orleans cuz I never been there and stay 3 days and fly back.
reply
-howardoberg5847
Wow, brings back memories. I took the Crescent from Atlanta (my home then) to New Orleans way back in the 90s. It looks like they have upgraded things since then a bunch. might try again soon but the other way.
reply
Wow, brings back memories. I took the Crescent from Atlanta (my home then) to New Orleans way back in the 90s. It looks like they have upgraded things since then a bunch. might try again soon but the other way.
reply
-hello_carrot
Atlanta is my hometown station! I've taken this a handful of times from Atlanta to Hattiesburg, MS, where I used to have family. I've also taken from Meridian to Hattiesburg. Not flashy, but a solid train. :)
reply
Atlanta is my hometown station! I've taken this a handful of times from Atlanta to Hattiesburg, MS, where I used to have family. I've also taken from Meridian to Hattiesburg. Not flashy, but a solid train. :)
reply
-tigerwareagle1485
I'm planning on taking The Crescent from Anniston, Alabama to Danville, Virginia to watch my brother play baseball. Thanks for your review on Coach class. Will be definitely worth the money paid for!
reply
I'm planning on taking The Crescent from Anniston, Alabama to Danville, Virginia to watch my brother play baseball. Thanks for your review on Coach class. Will be definitely worth the money paid for!
reply
train
Hello. I'm a new sub.
I always dreaming having long journey with night train. and Amtrak is one of my dream train.
I wonder what about the cabin for family with kids. can you share the information for me.
reply
Hello. I'm a new sub.
I always dreaming having long journey with night train. and Amtrak is one of my dream train.
I wonder what about the cabin for family with kids. can you share the information for me.
reply
-hs0zcw
Do not plan to enjoy the views out the window. A lot of people like the dump there are trash and rusted cars down by the tracks, so that's all you will see unless you take the Sonic route through mountains.
reply
Do not plan to enjoy the views out the window. A lot of people like the dump there are trash and rusted cars down by the tracks, so that's all you will see unless you take the Sonic route through mountains.
reply
-kenklein6543
Bonjour Thibault, Thank you very much for your trip logs. I enjoy every one. When I first crossed the US, there was no Amtrak. the next year 1971 it began. Please come back to California
reply
Bonjour Thibault, Thank you very much for your trip logs. I enjoy every one. When I first crossed the US, there was no Amtrak. the next year 1971 it began. Please come back to California
reply
-WhoDeyNati513
By the way, metro Atlanta is alot bigger than the city itself and is a better way to gauge the market when there is only one train service. Metro Atlanta is more than 6 million people.
reply
By the way, metro Atlanta is alot bigger than the city itself and is a better way to gauge the market when there is only one train service. Metro Atlanta is more than 6 million people.
reply
-tweston315
Amazing video! I am a citizen of the beautiful state of Louisiana but I have never seen the heavenly view of the sun setting over Lake Ponchetrain until you shared it. Thank you so much!
reply
Amazing video! I am a citizen of the beautiful state of Louisiana but I have never seen the heavenly view of the sun setting over Lake Ponchetrain until you shared it. Thank you so much!
reply
-clayharwood175
Nice videos, but if you continue to open the window on the doors, you might find yourself getting off at the next stop- just a public service announcement, one might say.
reply
Nice videos, but if you continue to open the window on the doors, you might find yourself getting off at the next stop- just a public service announcement, one might say.
reply
-recifebra3
You really only had to sleep like 4-5 hours on coach it seems. I wonder how it would be if you were riding all day from NYC. Great video although I wish you'd narrate.
reply
You really only had to sleep like 4-5 hours on coach it seems. I wonder how it would be if you were riding all day from NYC. Great video although I wish you'd narrate.
reply
-barbnahoumi65
I love to watch the landscape go by. It seems as if the rivers are loaded with algae. I'm so happy that people videograph their train trips and share them with us.
reply
I love to watch the landscape go by. It seems as if the rivers are loaded with algae. I'm so happy that people videograph their train trips and share them with us.
reply
-daRealB-Rex
Cool report! The northbound Crescent was rescheduled through Greensboro at 7: 20 am, gives it a bit more time in the daylight heading to Washington and New York
reply
Cool report! The northbound Crescent was rescheduled through Greensboro at 7: 20 am, gives it a bit more time in the daylight heading to Washington and New York
reply
train
I wish they had restored the Amtrak service from my hometown which is Mobile Alabama. I would love to ride the train from Miami to mobile again. Love Amtrak!
reply
I wish they had restored the Amtrak service from my hometown which is Mobile Alabama. I would love to ride the train from Miami to mobile again. Love Amtrak!
reply
-stpaley
i hope when you returned the phone to the conductor you told them to remind the girl who said it was stolen that she carelessly left it in the toilet
reply
i hope when you returned the phone to the conductor you told them to remind the girl who said it was stolen that she carelessly left it in the toilet
reply
Add a review, comment
Other channel videos
