Newport Dinner Train

Murder on the Bellevue Express was fantastic. Disregard the (old) negative reviews. The new management has made lots of improvements in food, route of the train, and entertainment. Given the cost of seeing a play, getting a train ride, and eating a pretty good meal (Bottle of wine less than $30) this is a real deal. The new route leaves from Portsmouth and follows the northern coastline of the Narragansett Bay, with views of Prudence Island, Hog Island, and Mt Hope Bay (even for a rainy day, the views were nice:see pics). I'm not not sure why people complained of the food. Ours was great, although we paid extra for the filet mignon and like ours well done. The fried scallops appetizer, and cheesecake desert were delicious. The entertainment is also under new management from the the Marley Bridges Theatre Company of Newport. They made this trip a three hour interactive fantasy with twists and turns that kept you guessing. And I can't say enough about the staff. Carrying food and drinks on a moving train, they were attentive and polite. (After getting home we thought the night was tarnished when my wife discovered she lost her keys. But a staff member actually called us to say they found them, and volunteered to bring them to our house. ) All in all, a very enjoyable experience.

Pros: nicely spaced because of covid Beef tenderloin was great Cons: super slow train. Very boring. Had a brochure of the route but we did less than half of the route. Stopped under a bridge for almost an hour until it returned us. Locals were outside swimming. Menu was different than advertised. Vegetables were mush. Stuffed chicken was stuffed with "stove top stuffing". Didn't receive choices of food that we were supposed to have. No soup was even offered. Skipped the first appetizer of cracker plate. When asked they disregarded our inquiry.

Not too sure on the dinner train but their customer service is terrible on responding. I've tried to contact them because I have a coupon and can't use it booking online. Last year after several messages left, was told they were sold out and to call in January 2020, that's when they would start taking reservations for 2020. I called in Jan 2020 and the voice mail explained to call in April for reservations. I have literally called at least 5+ times, but haven't received a call back. I would appreciate a call back as soon as possible as my coupon expires on 5/29/2020. Susan Dacey

Was aboard on 10/19. Unfortunately we were on the same car as a bus tour. Besides a better menu, they received ALL of the attention. Their tables were cleared before we were served. Did not receive the pumpkin pie, which was just above frozen, until we were almost back to the station. There is nothing to see along the Route. Maybe nights would be better. Would not recommend.