From the towering Empire State Building to sunny Miami, I spent 28 hours aboard Amtrak’s Silver Meteor in a private first-class sleeper complete with my own bed, shower, and endless dining car visits.

Amtrak’s Mardi Gras Service connecting Mobile to New Orleans is off to a strong start, serving 6,700 total riders in 15 days and triggering the need for an additional car during New Orleans Saints ...