[casper]

Originally Posted by Curmudgeon

Oh no, not at all. I certainly can be a grumpy old coot, even more so in the winter!

Yes, there was a berth available yesterday for tomorrow's westbound, but just had a look and shows sold out now, but a berth is available on Thursday for $1534 o/w Wpg-Van and on the 31st for $1131. I suppose it's because I've done the trip a number of times, but for me that's too pricey. For some it is bucket list though, I understand that. I'd rent a nice car instead. My vehicles are thirsty (and why not put the mileage on another vehicle) so would pay for itself. Plus a night somewhere in Alberta, wouls still cost less. Coach fares are $679. I'm too curmudgeonly to do 60.5 hours in coach. I'd be so sore, though the seats are comfortable. S'toon would be fine in coach but that would be my limit.

I was curious about the $10 grand + prestige fare. This is what you get:

spacious cabins are equipped with a modular leather sofa that can be transformed into a double bed. A personal concierge and private bathroom with shower.

Business Lounge access (departing stations)
Priority boarding
Snacks and beverages
Gourmet meals and bar service (alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages)
Reserved seating in the Park car, Panorama car and Dining car
Flat screen TV with a selection of movies, tv programs and music
Private washroom with shower
Cleaning of the cabin and change of the bedding
Access to an electrical outlet
Free access to thousands of online newspapers and magazines through PressReader

Wow, for $10 grand not a chance for me, but I love it when people with money spend money!, esp. in Canada. Consistently sold out in the near fiture so that's great for VIA.

to-MAY-toe, to-MAH-toe, let's call the whole thing off.

I did the sleeper that is in the old 1960s cars (not prestige) earlier in the year. I don't think prestige is worth it. In sleeper the only thing you don't get is unlimited seating in the park and panorama cars. You also don't have a TV in your cabin. The sleeper passengers are only allowed during certain hours. As for the meals there is an early, late and very late seating. They ask the prestige car passengers which seating they want first before asking those in sleeper when making reservations.

I did it as part of a larger family group trip. As part of a group booked through a tour company the cost was over half of what VIA charges last minute.