Amtrak Coach Starlight tips anyone?
 

Taking my first train ride in over 30 years, now with my family, that includes our daughter born this year.

Making the run oneway from Seattle down to San Jose to visit family.

Any tips on making the journey more enjoyable? Such as which side of the train to be on, is it necessary to reserve palor car seats right away, pack extra pillows etc. We've already booked a Luxury Sleeper cabin for the trip. It is an early Am departure from King Station in Seattle and arrives the following morning in San Jose.

Any advice appreciated.

Regards,
Ardeis in FL

We took this trip northbound and loved it! HOwever, it was 9 years ago, probably too long ago to be of much use to you as to how they are doing these days. One thing is that - then, and everything I've read since - the train tends to run late. Quite late.

One of the best parts of the trip is the run along the coast, between LosAngeles and Santa Barbara, which you won't be doing...this time. But there are other good parts. In particular I remember the section through the mountains near Klamath Falls - spectacular! Hope your timing will take you through during daylight hours.

Having the first class sleeper gives you free meals (they were excellent at the time of our trip) and access to the first class lounge car.

There are a number of very useful train buff sites, with more up-to-date info than mine. If I were you, I'd start googling CStarlight.

I was on that train recently but only going Seattle down to Oregon. It was a great experience and I could imagine going all the way to Los Angeles. My advice don't be afraid to get up and explore around the train. You'll find various observations cars, snack bars, etc.

I'm thinking you'd want to be on the (facing south)right side of the train, as sometimes you go very close to the water/sound/ocean?

To add to tuckerdc, if you've already got a sleeper compartment, you won't be able to choose which side of the train you're on. Hopefully you'll be on the right side facing west. If not, you can always use the lounge car and choose where you want to sit. Also with the sleeper, you shouldn't need a reservation in the "parlor car" (although I'm not entirely sure to what you're referring). You won't need any extra pillows, etc IMO. Although the meals are included, double check Amrak's website for provisions for an infant. You'd probably need to bring certain things for her, like formula (if you using that).

Just enjoy the trip. We've also had very good experiences with the food. We think it can be very relaxing - as long as you don't expect to arrive on time.

Didn't proof - should be "if you're using that"