I'm away on the Highland Sleeper this week from Crewe. Based on this rather frightening thread I wanted to make sure my son and I have a reasonable time. In addition to the usual things, I wonder whether anyone has suggestions for a 'survival kit'. I'm thinking: ear plugs, something for breakfast, power bank, cash, baby wipes. Can anyone recommend anything else I might need?
Beyond normal journey preparations, water and something to eat if you know you will be hungry, I think you should be fine, unless you are unlucky.
I travelled north from Euston on Wednesday evening, alighting at Crianlarich for the CS coach to Oban. I have been reading this thread and was a little bit nervous given the heat, and the disruption on Tuesday night's southbound. Originally booked "classic" last October, £20 refunds received the week before travel.
Yes, we did have delayed boarding at Euston, the information regarding this could have been better (very few announcements and only a few tweets). The CS staff on the platform were cheerful and apologised for the delayed boarding (two staff members at the gateline, which was open), we were directed to staff at the front. We checked in with two staff for the Aberdeen/Fort William portion (old style tick list and specify Morning drink). Smiles but there was a sense of tension. Boarded carriage and you could feel the cool in the corridor. AC on cold in the compartment, lovely! Yes the carriages are a bit worn but AC, water and toilets all worked (we had no hot water on the same route in 2015). Morning drinks served 10 mins late with apology from the steward who seemed in a rush, but was pleasant and helpful, even providing extra water. Didn't investigate the lounge etc. We made up the delay and arrived on time.
We had the standard issue water and eye mask, ear plug and soap kits with towel in the compartment.
So all in all a good journey, it was even a bit chilly in the night requiring the duvet, think we would have slept worse at home with no AC.
As with any old stock you will get some issues but nothing seemingly worse than four years ago!