We’re just back from Alaska, indescribably beautiful. We did the white pass return trip from the ship. We were on grand princess and just walked along from our ship to board train. I’m not sure if it was mixed cruise passengers and private bookings. However they boarded people by having steps up to carriage lowered and we could board any carriage we liked with the steps down. They checked every carriage was full, two to a seat, before they “opened” up another carriage.
it doesn’t matter where you sit, especially on the return journey, as you then see both sides equally.
commentary was broadcast in English so no headphones needed, so guess those would only be issued on bilingual journey.
Mathis is our train. We were about half way along.