Have a good trip Hello there! It looks like you and your wife are planning a nice trip. I can say from personal experience that the roomettes are a tight squeeze for two people. I would indeed suggest the Deluxe Bedroom. Also, to clarify, your trip consists of 7 segments, not 5, since you have to use two trains to get to San Diego and another two to get to New Orleans from San Diego. My dad is a travel agent and can help you get good rates and figure out the best travel options. Feel free to take a look at his website, http://www.zephyrtravel.us
Right now the Zephyr is running on time. There are times that delays happen that are out of control of the operating crew such as meets with freight trains or break downs/mechanical problems. Out here the UP is doing a better job at keeping Amtrak running. Most of the dispatchers that I deal with are always asking about cause of delays or station times. Also there is padding included in the schedule to help keep the train on time. Yes expect about three days travel time (2 1/2 really) from Chicago to Emeryville. So bring things to do such as books, games, etc... This can help pass the time.
We haven't looked at a schedule yet but I would certainly be disappointed it the train hit the Rockies during the evening hours. IMHO, that would ruin the whole trip.
The last section of Amtrak's Reports and Documents page lists monthly performance reports, which include on-time performance data for the current year, compared to the last year. Their on-time performance is certainly on the rise, with system average actually beating airline on-time performance. Performance for the CZ however is among their lowest statistics. However, traveling westbound, even if you're 5 hours late, I'm pretty sure you'll still travel the rockies in daylight.
