I gave Amtrak archetypal category another attempt on a new train fleet. It was improved in all way — but motionless not value the price.

On the two Acela trains, my first-class tickets were additional than twice the cost of the standard, business-class ticket.

The added perks were the identical on the two trains, too, including a larger place alongside additional legroom, admission to Amtrak position lounges, precedence boarding, attendant service, and a meal on board.

Amtrak rewards members additionally earn additional points whenever booking archetypal class.

The NextGen Acela was sleeker and additional vibrant than the former fleet.

Instead of silver, the new train's shiny coat of pale coat provided a starker difference to the red-and-white accents on the exterior.

It additionally had a rounder form than the old train, making the forefront wagon appearance additional akin a sports car or a spaceship.

Both cars had two seats on one flank of the aisle and one place on the other. But the neutral-colored seats alongside red accents on the new train made it awareness additional current than the old Acela.

The NextGen Acela additionally added screens to the ceiling alongside particulars concerning the path and did distant alongside the doors on overhead bins, so there was no guessing equivalent whenever it was period to get off and discover your luggage.

Once I sat down, I additionally noticed that the cloth curtains had been replaced alongside retractable opening shades.

On the older train, my place was bulky and small comfortable than it looked. And although my place on the new train looked much thinner, it was additionally taller alongside deeper, wider cushions.

I idea the NextGen place was much additional comfortable, alongside softer padding and a winged headrest.

An Amtrak rep told Business Insider that the place pitch, or the amount of legroom, is the identical in the two cars.

Traveling in the two seats made me value the productive scheme of the new train's amenities. While the study lights on the old train were overhead, as on a representative flight, the NextGen Acela had headrest lights.

Both seats had power outlets, but the older one had two partition plugs, making it clumsy for the individual in the aisle place to accusation devices. So I was impressed that the NextGen Acela had outlets in between the seats.

Breakfast was served on the archetypal ride, and lunch on the second. On the two trains, I got a list alongside a fistful of options.

On the archetypal ride, I ordered a caller create dish alongside a croissant. It wasn't bad, but it tasted akin item you'd get at a cheap diner. The create was juicy and flavorful, during the croissant tasted small fresh. Still, it filled me up, so I was satisfied.

On the second ride, I ordered charred bobo poultry alongside a verde condiment and a difficult roll. It tasted as if it came from an upscale restaurant, alongside complementary sensation and texture pairings — the crispy, savory poultry was stable by the softness and sweetness of the roasted acorn squash side.

The verde condiment added a refreshing twist to the meal, which concluded alongside a cup of Key lime pie.

Everyone has admission to the café car on Amtrak trains, so this isn't particular to archetypal class.

Still, it's value mentioning that the NextGen Acela was much additional stylish and reminded me of a classic, retro dinner. The new café car additionally added a self-service grab-and-go position alongside premade meals.

Both bathrooms were roomy alongside lit mirrors, but the new one got a contemporary makeover, alongside brighter accents, automatic doors, and touch-free handwashing and drying. These caller particulars made the new washroom awareness a tad luxurious.

Still, there were no differences between the archetypal and business-class bathrooms on either train.

My archetypal journey was as bumpy as any another train I've taken. Parts of the journey felt akin rolling complete jagged rocks as the car rattled.

I was amazed by how gentle the second journey felt. The NextGen Acela has an innovative tilt scheme that allows the cars to lean into turns and on curvy tracks at a dependable speed. Bumps felt additional rolling complete akin small hills.

Although my arrival times were akin on the two trains, the NextGen Acela can journey 10 miles per hr faster than the old fleet. The NextGen Acela has a top speed of 160 miles per hour, making it the fastest train in the US.

I couldn't have asked for a additional comfortable place or a improved lunch on the rails. I additionally appreciated the features that all NextGen Acela passengers can enjoy, akin the contemporary bathrooms, café car, and an general smoother ride.

I don't think the premium category needs any improvements another than the cost point. After riding in the two classes, I established that equal at its peak, first-class perks and comforts merely aren't value paying twice the cost of endeavor class, anywhere I had a slightly smaller place that was likewise comfortable.

Amtrak's BidUp program allows passengers to bid on open seats in premium cabins for a chance to upgrade.

Koushik told Business Insider that additional than 45,000 Amtrak riders have used the program to snag a first-class place at a lesser cost so far this year.

"We continue to current assistance enhancements that create the First Class cognition equal additional special," Koushik added.

With so many improvements on the new train, I could certainly see myself making an recommendation on a first-class place on the NextGen Acela in the future, but I doubt I'll always pay complete cost again.