I did NY to Miami 18 months ago having spent a week in Washington/NY and was due for 3 days in Miami before flying home.

Saturday morning in NY looking at a few sights I hadn't seen (Trinity Church), then a relaxing train down to Miami. Beat flying and spending Sunday in a hotel room.

I didn't sit with anyone else in the restaurant car, but that does sound an interesting way to meet people from a whole different world. The Friday night in NY though I did sit at a bar next to other people, so I guess that was horrifying?

Had i been that against it though there was an option to eat in my room.