Getting about Alaska in style
When it comes to travelling, I always love a train journey. Not only do you get to see places you wouldn’t ordinarily see, but without any stress of driving or navigating you can fully relax and enjoy the scenery. Riding the famous Alaska railroad was a ‘must’ for our first visit to Alaska, as well as being a practical way of travelling between our chosen destinations.
Anyone that’s seen the tv series Railroad Alaska will be familiar with the iconic blue and yellow passenger and freight trains that keep the Alaskan people connected, even through the toughest weather conditions.
In total, the passenger railroad covers 470 miles from Seward to Fairbanks (Alaska’s largest city) and every part of it features the stunning and varied landscapes of Alaska. The passenger trains have been designed for travellers to be able to enjoy viewing the very best of Alaska from the comfort of the carriages and provide the best opportunity of seeing everything that is so breath-taking about this incredible part of the world.
Bears, moose, beavers, bald eagles, whales and of course Mount Denali (North America’s highest mountain peak) are all spotted from the rail road.
Unlike the narrow-gauge railroad of the Whitepass and Yukon route of Alaska, (still a must-do but without the comfort and sometimes with obstructed views) this railroad offers the best of both comfort and adventure, with unobstructed views. You’ll never have to bob up and down or hover over the backs of someone’s head to see something (bit of a pet hate).
‘Class’ Options
When it comes to the railroad there are a few different ‘class’ options.
There are a couple of options if booking via a cruise trip or tour operator as opposed to travelling independently.
Operating only on the Denali Star route, the Wilderness Express dome cars were originally exclusively for the use of passengers on Celebrity and Royal Caribbean cruise lines. However, they were later sold to an Alaskan tour operator so can be booked via this operator individually, though apparently spaces are very limited because the majority of seats are still booked by the cruise lines mentioned.
Similarly, the McKinley Explorer cars are owned and used by Princess Cruises and Holland America Line cruise operators for exclusive use, but if there are excess seats then they may be offered out for purchase to individual travellers not cruising.
If you’re an independent traveller/group the main cars booked directly via the Alaska Rail website should give you plenty of choice.
If you’re travelling independently and on a tighter budget, the Adventure Class is the cheaper option but still offers comfortable seats and windows with large enough clear space to take in the views and photographs and your are provided with access to a shared dome car on a rotating basis.
Goldstar (and Wilderness Express) passengers have access to open air viewing platforms and second-level 360 degree dome windows which offer incredible views of the Alaskan vistas.
Both adventure class and Goldstar passengers are provided with a tour narration over a PA system by host guides (who might be students or attending a guide course). We found the commentary really engaging, providing useful background information. The guides are always quick to point out if there is a bear, whale, moose or something extraordinary to be seen (we saw bears and a moose with calves).
Dining
In terms of dining, all classes can purchase food from the Wilderness café which you can eat at your seat or in the small seating area provided in the café (card only for any purchases onboard, no cash).
We opted for the Gold Star service on both our journeys which meant we were treated to the upgraded dining option where you are provided with two meals and two alcoholic drinks per trip, served in the downstairs dining area.
I think the staff describe the seating as ‘festival style’ where if you are an individual or a couple you may join other guests at a shared table for your meal. As a couple we were seated with other people, but we felt like it was a nice way to meet other travellers from around the world and share stories (we are still in contact with a few of them). However, you do have great views out of the window so if you prefer you can kick back and enjoy the scenery in peace.
At one point we were enjoying our meal and the train pulled just past a black bear which was a treat!
Goldstar refreshments are all inclusive and includes a choice of beer, wine, cider, spirits and soft drinks (hot and cold). Dining covers breakfast, lunch and dinner so depending on what journey you take you will be offered two of the three options, all of which offer great choice.
Lunches offered typically include a beef or vegetarian blackbean burger, chicken wrap, reindeer penne bolognese or soup and salad of the day with a dessert. Dinner usually includes a choice of pot roast, vegan meatball penne or Arctic cod-all served with soup or a salad, followed by a choice of desserts.
I was really impressed with the dining- it isn’t just your usual convenience food. The dishes were fresh, tasty and carefully considered and served to you in such way that you feel a part of a unique restaurant experience as opposed to ‘on a train journey with food’.
I’d definitely recommend the Goldstar option for the food alone, it was well worth the upgrade. Whichever option you might pick, you’ll receive a fantastic service and views of some of the most stunning scenery in the world from the comfort of your seat.
Booking
We travelled in May, but the passenger rails operate various services year-round-check out www.alaskarailroad.com for full details.
Take a look at my posts on our trips on the Denali Star and Coastal Classic routes for more route-specific information.
Note-the Glacier Discovery Route offers Adventure Class service only
Both the Wi-Fi and phone reception is sketchy across the railroad routes, so consider this if this could be an issue for you. Personally, I was keen to just enjoy the rugged landscape from the safety of the train so I welcomed less distractions!