I only have taken and only plan to take second class (barring some reason where first seems like a good idea), and I would be able to give a pretty good discussion of theatre or literature or politics and moderately good about classical music or art. I would flop on the expensive restaurant or hotel discussion, though.

Hey Balto,

I see that you'll change in Antwerp - another place that's definitely worth a visit! (It's a working, dynamically pretty city - Brugge can feel like a museum so much of the time . . .)

Um, check out the NS site
http://www.ns.nl/domestic/index.cgi

I would go for 2nd class if you knew you would be at A'dam Centraal on time, on the right platform. Once I had to take a 7am sneltrail to Eindhoven (meaning, 1 of the busiest trains of the day) & it was a scrum on the platform - but - because I was ready to leap into those 2nd class doors the second they opened, no problem getting a seat.

Looks like your train will begin in A'dam, so get there 15 minutes early & stake your claim. Shouldn't be a problem Antwerp onwards.

It'll be a great trip! I would also bring food/drinks on board to nibble & head to the buffet for a coffee (or there are kiosks on the platforms for perfectly passable cappucinos) HTH!