Train from Seward to Anchorage

[1teach53]

Has anyone taken the transfer by train from Seward to Anchorage airport ?? We know it is a longer trip than the bus transfer, but thought the scenery would be worth it. Any thoughts?? We sail on the Mariner on June17th.
Thanks:)

[poss]

Hello teach-- sorry no one's responded. I've not done the transfer, so can't answer from experience, but wanted to tell you that there's lots of info on the subject on this Regent board. At the top, where it says "Search this forum," just put in something like: Seward-Anchorage train transfer-- and you should get plenty of detail. It seems to be very popular.

[Decebal]

We took the train to Anchorage from Seward (a Celebrity cruise) and it was MARVELOUS. (I would never trade it for a bus ride). The scenery is outstanding, this was a June cruise and everything and I mean everything was green, for a while I thought I might be in Hawaii. We saw some wildlife, but it passed by real fast, and the vistas were incredible. The only down side that I found, was falling asleep lulled by the train, after the 6 am wake up call to leave the ship.

Anchorage was just as beautiful, the flowers were amazing and the 85+ temperature surprised us.

[Grothj]

We have taken the train from Seward to the Anchorage airport and it is well worth it. The train leaves you at the airport. The ride itself is very nice with great views.

My sister and I will also be on the June 17th Mariner from Vancouver to Seward.

[1teach53]

Many thanks to all of you for this info!!! So glad to hear positive things!:)

Grothj, will this be your first SS cruise?
Decebal, the ride sounds great, hope we have the warm sunny weather too.
Poss, thanks for the tip , I will search, love reading all the details and getting so excited waiting for the cruise!!
Thanks again to all!!;)

[dvalentine823]

Has anyone taken the transfer by train from Seward to Anchorage airport ?? We know it is a longer trip than the bus transfer, but thought the scenery would be worth it. Any thoughts?? We sail on the Mariner on June17th.
Thanks:)

After 10 days of all the beautiful scenery, I was all mountained, glaciered and laked out! Four hours on a train, was a little too much. Maybe I would have liked it better had the seats been plush reclining seats, instead of diner type booths.

Sorry for the negatives, but you should get both sides

[Dreps]

We took the train from the Anchorage airport to Seward and thought it was terrific. I was told that the scenery was better than by road. I'd much rather be in the train than in a bus or car.

[poss]

Daren-- I appreciate your post (and of course the others as well). I've been trying to decide whether to do the train transfer. The main drawback for me is that it's an hour or so longer than the bus and that it gets to the ship just about when the ship embarks Seward. Seems rushed (especially as up to 200 people will be on that train, all eager to climb aboard to see their cabins and for the imminent embarkation). I hadn't even considered what sort of seats the train had. When you speak of diner type booths, do you mean that there are literally booths in the cars (of the train)? I.e. are half the people actually riding backwards? Thanks for the detail.

[Decebal]

Daren-- The main drawback for me is that it's an hour or so longer than the bus and that it gets to the ship just about when the ship embarks Seward. Seems rushed (especially as up to 200 people will be on that train, all eager to climb aboard to see their cabins and for the imminent embarkation). I hadn't even considered what sort of seats the train had. When you speak of diner type booths, do you mean that there are literally booths in the cars (of the train)? I.e. are half the people actually riding backwards? Thanks for the detail.

Are you doing Anchorage first and then embarking in Seward? I can see your concern.

Yes, the compartments do have booths with tables in the middle and some do ride backwards. Since it doesn't bother me which way the train goes, I didn't take that into consideration. Bus or train you can't get away from the scenery in Alaska unless you close your eyes. :p Either way, have a fantastic time, Alaska is not to be missed.

[Caroldoll]

car. It was MAGNIFICANT and beautiful and they had the BEST FOOD. I don't think I would like a bus or a car. That being said, I wonder if Regent has their own car. The cruise lines just hook them on to the train. It was just beautiful.

[mikeIam]

car. It was MAGNIFICANT and beautiful and they had the BEST FOOD. I don't think I would like a bus or a car. That being said, I wonder if Regent has their own car. The cruise lines just hook them on to the train. It was just beautiful.

It may depend on the number of ships disembarking on a given day. Last year in late August, the Mariner was the only ship in Seward and the whole train was Regent passengers - at least five cars. Although we didn't try the food, our "boothmates" did and said that it was adequate. I remember that all the items were quite pricey even compared to Anchorage prices for similar items.

If we were to do the Alaska cruise again, we would definitely take the train. Even though the seats were booth type and we were riding backwards (doesn't bother us), IMNSHO it beats riding on most buses anytime. The scenery was great and quite different from the distance views that you get on the ship. Although the train stopped at the airport, Regent arranged transportation to downtown by bus if you were taking their hotel package.

[cruiseej]

I don't think I would like a bus or a car.

There will certainly be different opinions on this. I've done the drive by car but not by train, so I can't compare. What I can say is that the train and road run parallel alongside each other for much of the way, and especially in the scenic part of Turnagain Arm. What I loved about driving by car was the ability to stop -- there are roadside pullouts frequently along the road -- to enjoy (and photograph) the beautiful scenery. There's no way I'd have captured photos like the one below had I been on the train instead of in a car. (Again, I'm not claiming one is better than another -- I'm just making the case for why one might enjoy making the trip by car.)

-- Eric

[Grothj]

1teach53 - While it is my sisters first SS cruise, I'm fortunate to hold Platinum status. This is my 3rd Alaska cruise but only the 2nd on SS. So glad it is getting closer and closer to time to leave.

[poss]

Yes, Anchorage first and then embarking in Seward-- leaving virtually as we board the ship. That part doesn't sound like fun at all, i.e. the mass transfer of 200 people (from the train) to the ship.

Btw, I telephoned Regent and they insist that the seats on "their" train are all forward-facing. I know that their cars are hired for just Regent passengers, so maybe that's correct information. (I tend to get a little car-sick sometimes, exacerbated by backwards-riding; that's why I was concerned.) But Mike-- your report says they were booth-type. Maybe there's been a change from last year?

[FabFam]

I too, appreciate all these comments. Here's my 2 cents, with a future first time Alaska cruise: our small group decided instead of taking the train from Anchorage to Seward for our upcoming cruise, we'd take a private limo bus. A friend told me she used the Magic Bus shuttle line and I saw that there were good reviews on CC by other members so I hooked up with them. Tim, the owner, seems like a genuinely nice guy and apparently they have many awards for their service. Since there are 8 of us, we get our own 11 passenger van and they will pick us up at our hotel and sort of give us an excursion on our way down. They told us we'd have a narrated tour, stops for photo opps and also spend some time in the animal park on the way (they pay the entrance fee). The price worked out to $84 per person vs $75 on the train--so it's about the same. I know some shuttles are cheaper, esp. if you get in a larger bus. We have heard wonderful things about the train ride but decided in this case, we'd do the private shuttle and one of the bonuses is the pick up time is 10am versus the train departure time from Anchorage which is 6:45am. I think we will do a train excursion at one of our cruise stops, so we'll still get a train ride in. Oh, also I checked into rental cars and the price is pretty high for the one way from Anchorage to Seward.

Good luck all.

[AirGorilla]

One more advantage for the train is that they stop to look at wildlife, when seen by the engineer. We saw lots of mountain goats and sheep from the ARR.

[AtMaui]

We took the train from Seward to Anchorage last June and they were booth-type seats. We went for a walk and found that the food car had a few individual seats facing the windows so we spent the entire time in that car. We had tons of space and we were able to get up and wander around. There was definitely a lot to see. The scenery was beautiful.

[mikeIam]

Btw, I telephoned Regent and they insist that the seats on "their" train are all forward-facing. I know that their cars are hired for just Regent passengers, so maybe that's correct information. (I tend to get a little car-sick sometimes, exacerbated by backwards-riding; that's why I was concerned.) But Mike-- your report says they were booth-type. Maybe there's been a change from last year?

There may have been a change or maybe we got a car with booths, but last August we definitely had booths in the car we were in. I know at least two passengers who did not like the car/seats they were assigned and switched to another car. I did not ask why. I am sure that if you indicate a preference for forward facing, they would give you those seats.

[mikeIam]

117663Trying to post picture -- first time. Picture of booth in train - August 08 (people in picture not us)

[poss]

Mike-- thanks for bothering to post the photo-- really appreciated! I was surprised to see the heavyish clothing--jackets and scarves and like that. Was the train not temperature-controlled in some way? I.e. I usually don't wear outer garments inside transport vehicles (whether car or train or plane).

FabFam: The private-transfer sounds great.

[mikeIam]

I remember it being cool inside. I think that they intentionally kept it cool to prevent condensation on the windows since it was cool and humid outside. Most people were not wearing such heavy clothes, but depending on temperatures you are used to, you may want a jacket. I am not the best judge of cool temperatures because I am quite comfortable outside in a short-sleeve shirt at 65F.

[dvalentine823]

Daren-- I appreciate your post (and of course the others as well). I've been trying to decide whether to do the train transfer. The main drawback for me is that it's an hour or so longer than the bus and that it gets to the ship just about when the ship embarks Seward. Seems rushed (especially as up to 200 people will be on that train, all eager to climb aboard to see their cabins and for the imminent embarkation). I hadn't even considered what sort of seats the train had. When you speak of diner type booths, do you mean that there are literally booths in the cars (of the train)? I.e. are half the people actually riding backwards? Thanks for the detail.

Sorry for the late response

We took the train from Seward to Anchorage, and yes, some people were sitting backwards in a booth. Maybe there were better seat options available, but I did not see them.

We had breakfast before leaving the ship, so we weren't really interested in the food. We had coffee and hot chocolate served in paper cups. I did not see a dining car, but there could have been one.

This was my one and only disappointment in the whole Regent cruise experience, and it was not major!

[AirGorilla]

Sorry for the late response

We took the train from Seward to Anchorage, and yes, some people were sitting backwards in a booth. Maybe there were better seat options available, but I did not see them.

We had breakfast before leaving the ship, so we weren't really interested in the food. We had coffee and hot chocolate served in paper cups. I did not see a dining car, but there could have been one.

This was my one and only disappointment in the whole Regent cruise experience, and it was not major!

I read your post three times, and cannot understand what your disappointment was -- hot chocolate and coffee in paper cups? Or that some seats were rear-facing??

Thanks,

AG

[poss]

AG: Daren may want to answer for himself, but to me, at least, his reasons were quite clear. He said he'd just had 10 days of wonderful scenery of various kinds and he felt that 4 hours on the train (of much the same kind of wonderful scenery) was a bit more than he wanted, especially on seats that weren't especially comfortable. Seems very reasonable. And I can also understand how someone might enjoy the train trip, despite (even maybe because of) its length and its less-than-terrific seats. I do very much appreciate hearing different views, especially when they're backed with specific detail.

[dvalentine823]

I read your post three times, and cannot understand what your disappointment was -- hot chocolate and coffee in paper cups? Or that some seats were rear-facing??

Thanks,

AG

Sorry for sounding snobbish! I guess I just meant that going from the ship (fine china) to the train (paper cups) was just a little bit of a letdown. Also, forward facing or rear facing was not an issue, it was the actual seats. Non-reclining booth seats are not comfortable for a four hour ride. By contrast, the last train I was on while traveling, the Shinkannsen, had nice comfortable seats, plenty of leg room and the seats reclined so you could relax.

But, as I said, my disappointment with the train was very minor. It did not turn me off, I just wouldn't do it again!

[MsBatt]

We (husband and I) are also booked on the 17th June trip out of Vancouver; we are booked on the train to Anchorage and I am enjoying these comments. It will be our first time to Alaska, first RSS cruise. We're excited.

[1teach53]

Hi MsBatt!
Glad to hear you will be on board. Our first time on RSS and so looking forward to the cruise. We usually cruise on Holland and have loved it.
This will be our 3rd cruise to Alaska, I just LOVE the beauty of Alaska, would love to have a once a year fix if we could!! It has been a number of years since our last visit.
Yes, fun to read all the posts on the train ride, should be good!:)
Did you have RSS to do your air? We did, just hope it all works out. I am thinking of calling RSS and seeing if they can give me any info on flights/times.
What cabin are you in? We are on deck 8, #825.
Looks like RSS made some very nice improvemnts when in drydock.
We have booked dinner resv. and shor Ex on line. how about you?
Have fun counting down the days!!;)

[MsBatt]

Thanks. We have booked dinner reservations and excursions; this will be our first trip to Alaska. I believe we are on deck 7, but I forget the cabin number (my husband actually arranged this, I should write it down). The TA arranged our air, from Los Angeles to Vancouver, then back from Anchorage - it looks pretty good to us, so yes, I too hope it works out. We are flying up a day early, spending the night in Vancouver.

[jina]

1teach53- we were able to get our air itinerary from our TA who called Regent. Also, we just got our travel docs - 3 weeks to the day before we depart. The docs also had the air itinerary plus confirmation codes and e-ticket numbers. I was able to look up the reservation at each of the airlines web sites by using the e-ticket number and could view and change the seat assignments (and for United, add my FF number). have a great trip! We'll be disembarking when you arrive in Vancouver (we're on the 6/10 southbound).

[sevenseassailor]

Can we book the train when onboard the Mariner or should it be done thru TA? Also was luggage transferred from ship to train or are we responsible to do it?

[1teach53]

Just called RSS today and got our flight info..Called the airline about seats, good on the flight to V. but no seats together on the way home. Will check in early and see if that can be improved.
Not sure about booking the train on board. I would call RSS, I always get through and they are very helpful, have your booking number ready. Phone # is on the RSS website. ....found it.....877.505.5370.
We have not received our travel docs yet but hope next week.
Thanks to all for the info and posts.
Can't wait to sail!!:)

[sunshine 229]

I'm not booked on Regent but will be cruising in Alaska this fall and this thread has a lot of helpful info on the airport transfers to Anchorage. For those of you who have already done this trip, I'm just wondering what is the earliest flight out of Anchorage that you would feel comfortable being booked on?

I have a lot of airmiles and so usually do my air tickets on points but sometimes changing flights at the last minute is more difficult on "reward" air tickets so I'd prefer not to miss my flight.

[1teach53]

Hi Sunshine,
Our flight out of Anchorage is in the evening, 9:10 on A/A. Regent planned the air, we are on the train transfer so I am sure that is why the late flight.
Good luck!

[Ebonybombshell]

Are you on one a sailing w/free excursions?...and if so how and when did you book the train and I know the train was listed as free on Regent's Alaska excursion list...was it?

[poss]

I never saw the train listed as free. It's always been an add-on expense, one figure for those doing Regent air, another (higher of course) figure for those doing own air. I never saw/heard that it was free. (Maybe things have changed.)

[Ebonybombshell]

Here is one place you can view that info.

http://www.texasexes.org/userdocs/excursions.pdf

[ErinPhotoBug]

That's curious ...
I'm on a sailing (7/22) with free excursions, and we just booked the train a week ago, paying $90pp.

I'm interested to hear whether that has indeed been added as a free excursion - if you decide to book it, let us all know! :)

[sunshine 229]

Thank you 1teach, the flight available for me leaves at 2:20 PM so I guess I'll be booking a hotel room overnight in Anchorage, better than being in a mad panic to try to make my flight.

A day longer on vacation, I guess I can stand it :)

[lkakers]

This is my first day back from my trip on the Mariner, and we took this exact train route yesterday.

In a word, stunning!

After a cruise with lots of gloomy weather (expected), yesterday our weather for the train ride was PERFECT. Started out the morning with just a few clouds in the sky, but after a few hours there wasn't a cloud in sight. The scenery was AMAZING. The coach (bus) ride sees basically the same scenery as the track runs along the highway for most of the trip, but the highway goes through a different mountain pass so train pax see 3 glaciers the coach pax don't get to. At certain scenic spots, and if the conductor/engineer realizes there is notable wildlife sightings, the train slows down for maximum picture opportunities.

We saw wildlife - lots of birds (eagles, geese, ducks, gulls, etc.), 2 young moose, and a few in our car saw a bear (jealous I wasn't one of the people who saw it!). We passed by an area where a derailment of a freight trained happened in March -- an avalanche had hit the end of the train. Still an awful mess that they're clearing!

The train left right on time (8:00 a.m) from just outside where Mariner docks and got to the Anchorage airport around 12:30p. Our ship wasn't full, so I think there were only about 200 pax on the train, so we had lots of room -- they were filling the cars only about 2/3 full. Seating is like sitting at a diner booth: a 2-person bench faces another 2-person bench across a table. The only storage space is right under your seat or on the table in front of you. We were able to take on more carry-ons than we were first warned, due to the light capacity.

Note on boarding: you exit the ship, and proceed to the train "ticketing" area (there is a big tent at the dock). You show your Regent ship card key and they check their lists to ensure you're signed up for the train. You pick up boarding passes with seat assignments in a first come, first served style, so if you want to sit near particular people, you should all line up together to pick up your boarding passes. You have to show photo ID and boarding pass before boarding the train. (Though your boarding pass isn't personalized, so I'm not sure why the photo ID, as I don't remember the person checking the ID referring to any pax list or other document that might have my name on it).

Note on pricing: we booked before the cruise at a price of $90/pp (we used Regent's air arrangements). On board, we received a flyer indicating that for Regent air pax, the cost was $75. We disputed, and after a bit of a struggle, got the $15/pp credited to our shipboard account. Truth be told, due to the fantastic weather, the trip was worth more than the original $90/pp. I think for non-Regent air pax, the price was something like $140. Totally worth it.

The train that Regent charters is slightly different than the regular Alaska Railroad train; it's single level, and has full-dome windows (just a strip running down the center at the top prevents full overhead viewing). It's more like the GoldStar accomodations on the regular ARR train, so the price is a good deal. We passed a few of the regular trains, and we all decided the one we were on had superior accomodations/features, from what we could see.

Each car has its own attendants who announce scenery, give background info on the area, point out sights, answer questions, etc. in addition to serving food and non-alcoholic beverages. There is a bar car for additional refreshments.

NOTE: there is a menu on the table when you arrive, and soft drinks/coffee/tea are listed with prices. My recollection of Regent materials was that soft drinks/coffee/tea would be included, but we were confused that the menu showed prices. We didn't ask about it, but 2 of my party had tea/coffee, and then later my husband and I ordered a sandwich (which is priced on the menu). Near the end of the trip, one of the attendants came by to settle tabs -- the tea/coffee was not charged, so all we paid for was the sandwich. Quick note about the food: each car has its own cook to prepare food as well, and I watched our sandwich being prepared fresh (we split an Italian sandwich on ciabatta, and it was fantastic).

This link gives a good overview of what you'll see: http://www.akrr.com/arrc1036.html

Overall, I was extremely delighted with the trip. In addition to everything I've mentioned, I did really enjoy relaxing and being more comfortable on the train than on a motor-coach. You can get up an walk around & stretch your legs if you like and/or talk to other people (the aisles are about the width of two people -- much roomier than a coach); though the train really sways at times. The fact that you face your companions across a table is nice, as well. The bathroom is spacious compared to coach/plane facilities, though my husband reports the hand air dryer was shockingly loud. Based on his comment, I didn't use it (drip dry).

For you readers out there, if the weather is nice you won't get much reading done. There is just too much to see out those giant windows!
:)

[poss]

Lani: So nice of you to do the detailed report on the train-- thanks so much! Your mention of the "diner booth" seating brings up something that I'd tried to get clear info on a while ago. I'd be likely to get motion sick if I were riding backwards, and I think I'd not enjoy the trip as much anyway if we were obliged to relate to others for that length of time. I was told repeatedly that there are "normal" forward-facing seats on the Regent train-- then I'd get just-as-emphatic reports that wasn't the case. I guess there's no way to know for sure, since I've gotten conflicting answers so often. I think we'll probably just opt for the coach from Anchorage, since I like the idea of a shorter trip and of not getting to Seward right at embarkation. Very glad you enjoyed your choo-choo so much though.

When you've had time to catch your breath, it'd be great if you'd report on some of the other things you liked or not liked about your cruise. Hopefully there was an abundance of the former and very little of the latter. Welcome home to Portland, a very handsome place in its own right!

Bombshell: I think you're conflating the transfer train (not free) with the White Pass train in Seward (free).

[Ebonybombshell]

Thank you so much for that info!........I do hope you will be doing a full review (Pretty Please). You know we are all dying to here about the rest of your trip as well......

[lkakers]

Lani: So nice of you to do the detailed report on the train-- thanks so much! Your mention of the "diner booth" seating brings up something that I'd tried to get clear info on a while ago. I'd be likely to get motion sick if I were riding backwards, and I think I'd not enjoy the trip as much anyway if we were obliged to relate to others for that length of time. I was told repeatedly that there are "normal" forward-facing seats on the Regent train-- then I'd get just-as-emphatic reports that wasn't the case. I guess there's no way to know for sure, since I've gotten conflicting answers so often. I think we'll probably just opt for the coach from Anchorage, since I like the idea of a shorter trip and of not getting to Seward right at embarkation. Very glad you enjoyed your choo-choo so much though.

When you've had time to catch your breath, it'd be great if you'd report on some of the other things you liked or not liked about your cruise. Hopefully there was an abundance of the former and very little of the latter. Welcome home to Portland, a very handsome place in its own right!

Bombshell: I think you're conflating the transfer train (not free) with the White Pass train in Seward (free).

Poss -- there were "seat assignments," but I'm certain you wouldn't have any trouble getting forward facing seats, whether from the train people, or by switching with someone esle. The "boarding passes" were done very informally: we train-transfer people lined up at a booth, where a lady handed you a "boarding pass" with a seat assignment on it. As mikeIam said earlier, I'm sure they'd give you a forward-facing seat if you requested it. The train staff were very accomodating, I felt. If you don't want to share your table, I think you could relocate yourselves to the bar car, and pick your seats there. We didn't feel the need -- as we were on the train AFTER our cruise, we knew a most of the people anyway, so we didn't feel awkward. Also, since in our case, the train wasn't full, there were many couples at tables by themselves. You might check with Regent to see if they can give you a prediction as to how full the train will be, and how hard it would be to guarantee a table to yourself.

Plus, regarding the motion -- we already had our sea legs, so that wasn't a problem at all! However, I do understand the train won't be for everyone, so you should make the best choice for you. Personally, I would do the train again in a heartbeat.

I think bombshell is right about the train being a free excursion -- the list she linked to indicated that the "Grand View Train Transfer To Anchorage" is free... just scroll down to the "Seward" info to find that.

And yes, I will be posting more about our trip! Just got back last night, so it will take me a little bit to get it all out, but thanks for the encouragement. And I'm definitely sad the cruise is over, so I'm happy that Portland's weather is gorgeous right now... helps ease the transition. :)

Oh, and I just re-noticed the post about it being chilly in the car. It was. I think it is to help reduce condensation, but there are air vents along the window sill that blow air constantly -- usually cool air, but sometimes warm (when the heat kicks in). I sat by the window for awhile and I did find the constant blowing to be irritating. At the end of the train ride, one of my companions mentioned it had been cold, and the attendant said, "It is??" so it's possible we could have had them warm it up a bit... In any event, you'll all be in Alaska, so you should already be prepared with all your layers. If you are, you should be fine!

[lkakers]

Thank you so much for that info!........I do hope you will be doing a full review (Pretty Please). You know we are all dying to here about the rest of your trip as well......

My pleasure! And yes, you will be hearing more from me soon about the whole trip!! :)

[1teach53]

WOW!! Many thanks Ikakers!!! What a great detailed report, loved reading it and getting even more excited to cruise on June 17th.!!:)
Any info on the ship you would like to share?

Thank you again!!!;)

[ErinPhotoBug]

I think bombshell is right about the train being a free excursion -- the list she linked to indicated that the "Grand View Train Transfer To Anchorage" is free... just scroll down to the "Seward" info to find that.

I just got off the phone with a Regents rep (hey, only had to hold for 18 minutes this time ... it's improving!) regarding the "free" or "not free" Seward-Anchorage train transfer. She said that the original lists of free/discounted shore excursions had that error, which was changed almost immediately thereafter. The coach transfer is still free, but the train transfer is not.

She also indicated that there are one or two other excursions on that list that were inaccurate, though I couldn't spot them right off. So just beware if you're using that old list to budget for excursions!

Ah well, from everything posters on this and other threads have said, it's worth the $90! :D

[lkakers]

I just got off the phone with a Regents rep (hey, only had to hold for 18 minutes this time ... it's improving!) regarding the "free" or "not free" Seward-Anchorage train transfer. She said that the original lists of free/discounted shore excursions had that error, which was changed almost immediately thereafter. The coach transfer is still free, but the train transfer is not.

She also indicated that there are one or two other excursions on that list that were inaccurate, though I couldn't spot them right off. So just beware if you're using that old list to budget for excursions!

Ah well, from everything posters on this and other threads have said, it's worth the $90! :D

Good work, Erin! And yes, I'd have paid $200/pp for that, if I could get that weather guaranteed! But be aware, the on-ship pricing for the train is only $75, so be prepared. We had to "waste" some valuable ship-board time to print out our credit card statement showing the $180 we paid (as we never received a receipt for that) so that we could get our $15/pp credited. If you don't get them to fix that for you before hand, make sure you have a receipt or a copy of your credit card statement along with you on board.

[poss]

Great to read the continued info.
Btw, in my earlier post (abt the free White Pass train) I of course meant to say Skagway when I said Seward.
As for all the mis-info/changed details from Regent-- lordie, they really do need to get their act together. We've sailed R before, so I know I love the ship (Voyager anyway), but I think I'd be mighty unimpressed if this were a first go-around with that line for us. In fact, I am mighty unimpressed.

[Ebonybombshell]

Erin,

Thank you for getting that info and sharing it!

[DavidJ]

I thought I would share our experience with this transfer. Our train was sold out with 250 passengers. You had assigned seating and it is tight if you have carry on luggage and packages. I was also disappointed to find out that if we had waited, you could purchase the upgrade from the RSSC bus transfer to this train for only $50. It was a long but scenic ride. It takes about an hour or more than the bus transfer does. Our train arrived at the port a little after 5:00 PM. The port authority only had one line for us to go through security and it took over an hour for all 250 pax. to get on board. All total, from the time we left the Hilton hotel to the time we were in our cabin, it was over six hours. Bus transfers were less than four hours with no lines at the port authority.

[kwittynj]

We did the train transfer after our HAL cruise last year, about the same time as your trip I think... we cruised June 13th. Our train car was only about 1/3 full and everyone was getting up, switching seats, walking around and visiting. We saw so many animals and had a totally new experience onboard. Definitely worth the $$ and the time. The 1 person in our group who gets motion sickness had no issues - the all glass upper portion seemed to help. The seats were like diner booths, but comfy enough. Have a great time, I'm smiling right now reliving that fabulous trip!

[poss]

I very much appreciate the newest posts. Since we're getting to Anchorage two days early, I think what I'll probably do is check with the Regent rep at the Hilton (we're staying at Capt Cook probably) and try to get a sense of how crowded the train would be for our trip. I think that if it's a full load, we'd be happier and more comfortable taking the bus. (I definitely don't like the idea of diner-style seats.)