Enjoy an Alaska Cruise with Rocky Mountaineer
A great thing about Alaska cruises with the Rocky Mountaineer train included, is the ability to enjoy several different ways to see Canada and Alaska collectively on one unforgettable trip. You can follow the scenery from the train, enjoy the views from your own Balcony at sea and choose excursions that take you above glaciers or introduce you to huskies.
Scotland's Cruise Centre client, Beverly, experienced this combination with time in Banff and Vancouver, a journey aboard the Rocky Mountaineer and an Alaska cruise.
What Beverly thought...
“On top of the world in Alaska! This trip had so many highlights. Banff in Canada was amazing; the Rocky Mountaineer train was spectacular, and the cruise to Alaska was beyond anything we could have imagined. The scenery and wildlife were incredible – we even saw a grizzly bear! All the ports of call within our itinerary were lovely, and the excursions were great too. We enjoyed a seaplane ride over 5 glaciers and experienced sledging! It really was the holiday of a lifetime.”
Good Food and a Warm Welcome on the Rocky Mountaineer
A Rocky Mountaineer train journey to Vancouver gives you time to settle into your seat, enjoy the scenery and have something to eat and drink along the way. The service is part of the experience too, with a dedicated expert team on board that really enhance your time on board.
Keep your camera within reach while you travel. Wildlife sightings can become highlights of the journey, although every trip will be different. An announcement on board was enough to turn one of Beverly’s views from the train into a wonderful opportunity to photograph a bear in the wild.
What Beverly thought...
“The food was amazing. Drinks flowed, including hot drinks, soft drinks and alcohol. The train was so comfortable, and our hosts were such fun guys. Nothing was too much trouble, and by the end of the trip I felt we knew them as friends. The scenery from the train was out of this world, and I could have stayed on it a lot longer, as it was so comfortable.”
Mountain Scenery in Banff and Time in Vancouver
A stay in Banff gives you time to take in the town and its surroundings. The gondola takes you up to the top of the iconic Sulphur Mountain, while an outing into Banff National Park offers another way to explore the region.
Cruising from Vancouver brings a nice city setting, prior to your Alaska cruise itinerary. A tour can introduce you to the key highlights, with a visit to Stanley Park and Granville Island adding to your time in the famous Glass City.
What Beverly thought...
“In Vancouver, we went to Stanley Park and had some amazing food. Banff was so scenic, with the mountains and snow. It was a really pretty town.”
Your Own Space for Alaska Views at Sea
With the scenery forming a huge part of the sailing, a Balcony cabin is worth considering if you would like to enjoy some of the views from your own outdoor space. It gives you another way to spend time aboard between excursions, alongside the facilities and shared spaces around the ship.
What Beverly thought...
“We absolutely loved the ship. It was friendly, the service and facilities were great, and the cabin was lovely. We had a Balcony cabin, and the views of Alaska were amazing.”
A Husky Excursion with Time Around the Dogs
If you’re keen to include an animal encounter in your Alaskan cruise, a husky sledge ride is a wonderful way to do so. As well as enjoying the excitement of the ride itself, you’ll have the chance to spend time with the dogs, see where they live and learn more about their lives and training. It’s this behind-the-scenes experience that can make the excursion all the more memorable.
What Beverly thought...
“We saw where the huskies lived and trained, and went to the nursery and held husky puppies, which was an amazing experience.”
Glacier Views and an Island Stop by Seaplane
Seeing Alaska’s glaciers from above is a spectacular experience, offering a completely different perspective on the landscapes you will see via rail and at sea. A seaplane excursion brings the chance to soar over dramatic scenery, with some experiences also including stops in beautiful locations or a meal along the way, making for a truly memorable day.
What Beverly thought...
“The seaplane took us over glaciers to a small island, where we had fresh salmon from the sea, cooked on a barbecue… The seaplane excursion was great. My husband sat next to the pilot on the way back.”
A Balance of Excursions and Time to Explore
Organised excursions can sit nicely alongside time to look around independently. For stops suited to exploring on foot, you can leave some time for a walk and take in the sights without joining a tour. Other days may be the ones you build around a particular activity that you are keen to try!
Bring binoculars and a camera for the views and any wildlife sightings and pack clothes for different weather conditions. A combination of warmer and lighter clothing gives you options for your days on land and at sea, with any excursions accounted for.
What Beverly thought...
“Do as much as you can as regards trips, but at some of the ports where we stopped, you can just walk around and soak up the sights.”
A Bucket List Trip to Remember
From the time spent exploring on land to the spectacular scenery enjoyed from the train and the experiences along the cruise, each part of Beverly’s holiday brought something special. Together, they made for a varied and memorable journey through Alaska, and one that Beverly would happily experience all over again
What Beverly thought...
“Canada and Alaska are the most beautiful places I’ve ever been in my life, and the memories are forever. If I could do this trip again, I would love it. It was amazing from the start to the end.”
Looking for More Information?
Check out our other blogs on the Rocky Mountaineer experience.
Ready to Book This for Yourself?
To explore an Alaska cruise and rail holiday with the Rocky Mountaineer, speak to our Cruise Experts at Scotland's Cruise Centre. You can discuss land stays in Banff and Vancouver, a cabin that suits your preferences and the excursions you would most like to include. Give us a call on 0800 019 0053 today!
