carry-on luggage on train

[Barrheadlass]

My carry-on bag is wheeled. Today I received my documents for our Alaska cruisetour in Sept. and it said that wheeled carry-ons are too big for the trains and buses. I really don't want to buy a new carry-on, but will if I have to...do I? Yes, I know these rules are made for a reason.

[oaktreerb]

I'm pretty sure the docs are referring to the bag that you will carry with you on the train or bus. These bags should be about the size of a backpack or a small bag. You will have to keep this bag at or under your seat. Your other bag that has your clothes for the cruise tour will be stored in the baggage compartment of the bus or train and it will be given to you when you reach your destination each day. That bag should be approximately the size of what some people consider a carry on for airline purposes and most people stash above the seats in the luggage bin so they don't have to check it.

[Essiesmom]

When you take a shuttle bus, do you take your wheeled carry-on onto the bus with you? Or do you put it under the bus with your other large bag? My wheeled carryon would not fit under the seat on a bus, or up over, so it goes underneath (unless I want to sit it on my lap for the duration...). they may be telling you your carryon will have to go with the baggage on the train. Perhaps someone who has done this can clue us in. EM

[oaktreerb]

If you are talking about a shuttle from the airport to the ship, your luggage will go in the luggage compartment, even if it has wheels. You should keep with you the smaller bag with personal items that you need to keep with you at all times when you are traveling. On the bus or train to Denali your luggage will also go in the luggage compartment or travel in a separate truck to your destination whatever it will be. If going to Denali and on to Fairbanks part of your luggage will go to Denali if you have two suitcases and the suitcase you do not need in Denali will meet you in Fairbanks. These cruisetour people are very well organized and when you get there you can ask your cruise director or cruiseline representatives if you have further questions.

[gregdude]

Think of it as three different items:
1. Large suitcase with cruise cloths goes to ship directly (south bound) or Fairbanks directly (north bound). You don't see at all during your ground tour.

2. Smaller suitcase with only tour cloths and toiletries travels with you but in a luggage compartment in train or bus, you only see when you get to a hotel on your tour each night.

3. Carry on, back pack or small bag with rain gear and camera that stays with you, under your seat on the train or bus.