Grandview Train

[runner5]

Does anyone know anything about the Grandview Train? I am getting off a cruise in Steward and need to get to Anchorage. The cruise line (Royal Carribean) offers a train call the Grandview which leaves at 7:00 AM and takes 5 hours to get to Anchorage, but this train isn't apart of the train with the dome car. Has anyone taken this train, and if so what are your thoughts?

[Budget Queen]

This train is cruise contracted train, leaving around 7am. The seating is excellent, not sure but the Alaska RR does have dome cars, which they add on to trains. I suggest you go to the roll call board of an earlier cruise, and inquire of those going, for reports on this train. Someone is bound to have signed up for it.

[ARRTrain]

The cars on the Cruise Train are called single level domes. They have the big wrap around glass tops.

 

Here's a few of pics. from this great ARR website. It is not my site, but has lots of info. on the ARR. The ARR added more single level domes over the years. The ARR adds cars if needed.

 

http://www.alaskarails.org/potw-archive/2010/TS/IMG_0157.jpg

 

http://www.alaskarails.org/fp/passenger/fft/arr/windows.jpg

 

http://www.alaskarails.org/fp/passenger/fft/arr/arr.html

[runner5]

Thank you for the info!!! Thank you for the websites! What is the roll call board? I have never taken a cruise before. Do I just contact Royal Carribean?

[ARRTrain]

Thank you for the info!!! Thank you for the websites! What is the roll call board? I have never taken a cruise before. Do I just contact Royal Carribean?

 

 

The Roll Call section of this Forum. Pick you ship, read past reviews and check out your upcoming cruise.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=35

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=206

[want2retire]

If you are taking the train from Seward to Anchorage, be sure to sit on the left hand side of the train for the best views!

[runner5]

Thank you again! So do people think it is worth the extra time even though I am driving to Denali the same day? Or should I rent a car in Steward and drive ourselves?

[mytime53]

Although it will take you about 2 hours longer (although in reality you would probably make stops if driving and so save you only an hour or less), it will leave you fresher for the driving you will do later that day.

 

Costwise, it might be close to a toss-up--cost of train vs. cheaper (I assume) car rental in Anchorage than in Seward.

 

Train has gorgeous scenery in the part through the mountains that doesn't follow the road, vs. auto you can stop for places of interest along the way.

 

So many choices to make when we travel nowadays! Before internet we used to just book a flight, a hotel, and a cruise or car. Maybe get a guide book and we were off. So simple!

[Budget Queen]

If you are taking the train from Seward to Anchorage, be sure to sit on the left hand side of the train for the best views!

 

Seats are assigned. And this recommendation is NOT entirely correct. All the glacier viewing, is on the RIGHT side leaving Seward. Then switches to the left for the Arm.

 

What I alway do, is head to the dome car during the side, my seat isn't on.