Originally Posted by fastflyer

Is this the OP's first Amtrak longhaul journey?

I always bring certain items on an Amtrak longhaul.
- Safety Pins (to close all curtains completely) plus earplugs and a face mask -- Amtrak sleepers are a dormitory.
- Portable Music system -- quiet background music is great on the long days through the American West
- Your own shower kit (bath shoes, products for wet places) -- the onboard shower, while handy, is usually a relatively clean but watery place, for which preparation is needed.
- Your own liquor stash. -- this is up to personal taste, but I always bring my own portable bar with liquor and my own wine. Amtrak wine is atrocious. Most dining attendants don't mind if you BYOB to the dining car. Don't forget a TSA-proof corkscrew.

I would also recommend bedrooms rather than roomettes, but only if the upcharge is reasonable.

The sleeping car attendant should be given IMO $10 per day if you eat in the diner (more if you have him bring you the meal to the stateroom). They should provide unlimited ice (to chill wine plus for cocktails) The other task is bedding prep. The dining car attendant should also get a few bucks at breakfast and lunch and 5 per person at dinner.