Anchorage and Seward Logistics

[alaskaboy2]

3 hours ago, MississippiMom said:

This is an incredible thread.  I have learned SO much.  Thank you to all who have taken the time to share their experiences.  You have no idea how much this Southerner appreciates all of the tips, as we attempt to plan our first time to cruise in Alaska (either in 2025 or 2026).

I agree - this is why this place exists.  Such great info and help.  Like I said in the beginning, I've done Seattle to Seattle three times so it's so easy I can do it in my sleep.  Going from Anchorage to Vancouver (or reverse) is an entirely different animal and adds a lot of complexity to the trip that Seattle doesn't require.  I have learned SO much from all of you.  Thank you.

[AKJonesy]

On 8/7/2023 at 12:13 PM, irishgal432 said:

If you are renting a car,you can drive from Anhorage to Seward as well.  When we went there was not a drop off fee.

I find that very unlikely.  

[tj_shopper]

On 8/16/2023 at 6:15 PM, GTJ said:

There are multiple baggage services. Included in the price of the railroad ticket is the transportation of two pieces of baggage, 50 pounds maximum each, per person, transported in the baggage car by the Alaska Railroad, from the Anchorage railroad station to the Seward railroad station. Included in the price of a cruise vessel ticket is the transportation of baggage within the limits set by the cruise line, transported by a truck arranged for by the cruise line, from the Anchorage railroad station to one's stateroom onboard the vessel.

What if we're going in a day early and not going to the ship until the next day?  Will we be able to locate our luggage when the train ride ends or do we just need to keep our luggage with us in Gold Star class which means on the floor next to us?

[GTJ]

20 minutes ago, tj_shopper said:

What if we're going in a day early and not going to the ship until the next day? Will we be able to locate our luggage when the train ride ends or do we just need to keep our luggage with us in Gold Star class which means on the floor next to us?

You can check your baggage at the downtown Anchorage station, and claim your baggage upon arrival at the Seward station. Or you can carry-on your baggage, keeping it on the floor at your seat, or leaving it in on the baggage racks in an adjacent coach. Your decision-making here is going to be influenced on whether you will need to access your baggage while traveling. For example, if you're carrying photography equipment and intend to take photographs while on the train, then you'll need to keep your baggage with you. You'll also want to carry-on any valuables or medication. On the other hand, if you're only packing clothes for the cruise, then you won't need your baggage, and it might be most convenient to check your baggage at the Anchorage station, and retrieve it upon arrival at the railroad station in Seward. When you arrive at the station in Anchorage in the morning, there will be a tent erected on the right-hand side of the station. That's where you can check your baggage, telling the baggage agent your destination is the Seward railroad station, and that you're traveling on the "Coastal Classic" train. They will tag your baggage, give you a claim ticket, and place it in the railroad baggage car. Head into the station building, grab a light breakfast if desired, shop for gifts, and wait for your train to be called for boarding.

 

Since pictures can helpful; take a look at those below. You will find:

ARR Coach Baggage - typical area to store carry-on baggage in (Adventure class) coaches

ARR Coach Car - typical Adventure class coach with overhead baggage racks

ARR Ultra Dome Car - typical first class (GoldStar) coach with no overhead baggage racks

ARR Baggage Checking - tent outside Anchorage station where baggage may be checked

ARR Tickets - typical claim tickets for checked baggage

 

[tj_shopper]

1 hour ago, GTJ said:

You can check your baggage at the downtown Anchorage station, and claim your baggage upon arrival at the Seward station. Or you can carry-on your baggage, keeping it on the floor at your seat, or leaving it in on the baggage racks in an adjacent coach. Your decision-making here is going to be influenced on whether you will need to access your baggage while traveling. For example, if you're carrying photography equipment and intend to take photographs while on the train, then you'll need to keep your baggage with you. You'll also want to carry-on any valuables or medication. On the other hand, if you're only packing clothes for the cruise, then you won't need your baggage, and it might be most convenient to check your baggage at the Anchorage station, and retrieve it upon arrival at the railroad station in Seward. When you arrive at the station in Anchorage in the morning, there will be a tent erected on the right-hand side of the station. That's where you can check your baggage, telling the baggage agent your destination is the Seward railroad station, and that you're traveling on the "Coastal Classic" train. They will tag your baggage, give you a claim ticket, and place it in the railroad baggage car. Head into the station building, grab a light breakfast if desired, shop for gifts, and wait for your train to be called for boarding.

 

Since pictures can helpful; take a look at those below. You will find:

ARR Coach Baggage - typical area to store carry-on baggage in (Adventure class) coaches

ARR Coach Car - typical Adventure class coach with overhead baggage racks

ARR Ultra Dome Car - typical first class (GoldStar) coach with no overhead baggage racks

ARR Baggage Checking - tent outside Anchorage station where baggage may be checked

ARR Tickets - typical claim tickets for checked baggage

 

Thank you so much.  This is excellent information!