I've ridden the Ocean quite a number of times in both the Budd cars and the Renaissance cars, at various times of year, so I'm quite familiar with both sets of equipment.
The difference between the consists is like this: In the corridor, VIA runs Ren consists of typically 1 baggage car, 1 business (first-class) coach, a service car, and a series (usually 4-5) coach cars. ONLY passengers in business class have access to the Service car, which offers a small lounge and a food-counter. Passengers riding in Economy coach have only access to at-seat snack service. They cannot use the lounge.
On the Ocean, the consist is typically:
Baggage
2-5 coaches
(Economy) Service Car
Diner
(Sleeper Class) Service Car
Sleepers (usually 5 or more)
Park Car (in the summer)
If travelling in Economy coach, your accommodations are essentially the same as in the Corridor. The coaches themselves are exactly the same as in the corridor (same seats, etc). The only difference is that you have access to the first service car. You can sit in the lounge (when there's room...it's pretty small), and snack service is available at the food counter. The major difference on the Ocean is there is a dining car. If service is slow, you can often get into the dining car for dinner, lunch, or breakfast. Unfortunately first preference goes to sleeper passengers. If there are enough of them (like in the summer, or peak holiday season), no one in the coaches can eat in the diner. However, in the off-season, you can usually get in on request. You have to ask though. If you do, the food is actually very good. It's not quite as good on the Ren cars (since it's all just reheated, whereas on the Budd cars there is an actual kitchen with grill), but it's still a very nice meal, and a lovely atmosphere. The dining car staff is usually really lovely too.
If you choose to upgrade to sleeper class, you get all the amenities that go with that. Check out VIA Rail's website for the description of classes, and sleeper accommodations. If you upgrade further to Sleeper Touring, you can access the Park Dome-Observation car at the end of the train (the one Budd car still regularly used). This service is only available during the summer and around Christmas time.
Whichever way you travel, it's a really nice trip. I do much prefer when I can get on the Budd set though (more comfortable seats, better lounge, dome car for all passengers, and better dining), but you can't always manage that. It's still a great trip in the Renaissance cars. The only thing is that those seats can get kind of uncomfortable after many hours in them. You really need to get up and walk around every now and then.
However you end up doing it, have a great trip! I'll be on the Ocean again both ways between Truro and Montreal around Christmas time (hopefully on the Budd equipment), and I'm looking forward to it as much as always!
Tim
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Can't
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Canadian Railways
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