Hi cF,
Thanks for your hints (sitting on the left side of the train!) plus the Amtrak guide. I'm in the NY area so in this case, no planes involved.
I downloaded the guide for the NY->Montreal route as well as the information for NYC->Ft Lauderdale in anticipation of the January trip.
I'll read all of this more carefully as the time gets closer and print out the guides for the trips.
Much appreciated!
Peggy