Northbound on RCCL, Train from Seward to Anchorage

[cruisingwithcarrie]

Hi all, I've done the southbound cruise and we took a bus to whittier (Princess). Now we're doing the northbound on Royal Caribbean and we are hoping to take the train from Seward to Anchorage the day of debarkation. Any tips/hints/advice? Where/how to book? Is it feasible to fly out that same afternoon/evening? And does it drop you off AT the airport? Thanks much!

Edited April 8, 2016 by cruisingwithcarrie

[Ashland]

Hi all, I've done the southbound cruise and we took a bus to whittier (Princess). Now we're doing the northbound on Royal Caribbean and we are hoping to take the train from Seward to Anchorage the day of debarkation. Any tips/hints/advice? Where/how to book? Is it feasible to fly out that same afternoon/evening? And does it drop you off AT the airport? Thanks much!

 

We've done this exact same thing. It's an amazing 126 mile narrated train trip (snacks available for purchase)..The train leaves from right next to where RCI docks in Seward and arrives right to the ANC airport doors. Just remember if flying out end of day cruise to use the train transfers your flight must be booked no earlier than 1:30pm to participate...and you must pre-book this directly with RCI...and this is a very popular option that can fill up fast.

[Ashland]

We've done this exact same thing. It's an amazing 126 mile narrated train trip (snacks available for purchase)..The train leaves from right next to where RCI docks in Seward and arrives right to the ANC airport doors. Just remember if flying out end of day cruise to use the train transfers your flight must be booked no earlier than 1:30pm to participate...and you must pre-book this directly with RCI...and this is a very popular option that can fill up fast.

 

So sorry...but your flight can be booked no earlier than 2:30pm I now seem to recall....my bad :o

[frugaltravel]

If you are using the cruise-contracted train then you depart Seward about 7-8am and arrive in Anchorage by about noon or slightly after. This train arrives at the airport.

 

If you take the regularly-scheduled train with the Alaska Railroad, it departs at 6pm and arrives shortly after 10pm. It is cheaper, but it only arrives in downtown Anchorage.

[Ashland]

If you are using the cruise-contracted train then you depart Seward about 7-8am and arrive in Anchorage by about noon or slightly after. This train arrives at the airport.

 

If you take the regularly-scheduled train with the Alaska Railroad, it departs at 6pm and arrives shortly after 10pm. It is cheaper, but it only arrives in downtown Anchorage.

 

Our RCI cruise contracted train "GrandView Train" departed Seward at 7:30am and arrived at ANC at 11:30am right on schedule.

[cruisingwithcarrie]

Thank you so much!

[LEtue]

Great info!

 

Does anyone remember the price?

[Ashland]

Great info!

 

Does anyone remember the price?

 

A few years ago our RCI cruise contracted train was approx $139 (?) pp...Just call RCI to get current rates...if you then book it it will be added to your final payment.

[zqvol]

Hi all, I've done the southbound cruise and we took a bus to whittier (Princess). Now we're doing the northbound on Royal Caribbean and we are hoping to take the train from Seward to Anchorage the day of debarkation. Any tips/hints/advice? Where/how to book? Is it feasible to fly out that same afternoon/evening? And does it drop you off AT the airport? Thanks much!

 

 

You potentially have two options.

 

1. RCCL may have a trained chartered that you will board directly from the ship and be taken right to the Anchorage airport. It will arrive in plenty of time to take a same day flight as long as it leaves in the evening.

 

2. The regular train leaves in the evening and goes to the station in Anchorage.

 

If you take the ship transfer you would book that through the ship. If you want the regular service book at https://www.alaskarailroad.com/ Be sure and book the Gold Star Service, it is more costly but IMO well worth it. If you have to book this way you cannot fly out the same day unless you can grab a flight after about 1:00 a.m. as the train does not arrive into Anchorage until 10:15 p.m. (and that assumes that it is on time).

Edited April 8, 2016 by zqvol

[Ashland]

You potentially have two options.

 

1. RCCL may have a trained chartered that you will board directly from the ship and be taken right to the Anchorage airport. It will arrive in plenty of time to take a same day flight as long as it leaves in the evening.

 

2. The regular train leaves in the evening and goes to the station in Anchorage.

 

If you take the ship transfer you would book that through the ship. If you want the regular service book at https://www.alaskarailroad.com/ Be sure and book the Gold Star Service, it is more costly but IMO well worth it. If you have to book this way you cannot fly out the same day unless you can grab a flight after about 1:00 a.m. as the train does not arrive into Anchorage until 10:15 p.m. (and that assumes that it is on time).

 

Sorry (as I've posted above)...it doesn't "have" to be an evening flight...the flight departure time just can't be before 2:30pm ;)

Edited April 8, 2016 by Ashland

[cruisingwithcarrie]

Thanks for the info. Alternatively, has anyone done the bus transfer? Not my first choice, but an early morning departure is not what the family wants and a late night is too late, too.

[mapleleaves]

The Park Connection Bus has 3 departures per day during peak season:

http://www.alaskacoach.com/schedule/

 

There's also Seward Bus Lines

http://www.sewardbuslines.net/summer.html

 

You'll need to be mindful of where the buses drop off in Anchorage.

 

There's cruiseline transfers and independent transfers, and car rental thru HERTZ.

[Ashland]

Thanks for the info. Alternatively, has anyone done the bus transfer? Not my first choice, but an early morning departure is not what the family wants and a late night is too late, too.

 

Besides the train transfer option..we've also used a bus transfer.

 

http://www.alaskacruisetransfer.com

 

This is a privately booked transfer company that gave us great service from Seward (right next to the ship) right to ANC which was their first stop. Check out their website for schedule and current pricing.

[cruisingwithcarrie]

Besides the train transfer option..we've also used a bus transfer.

 

http://www.alaskacruisetransfer.com

 

This is a privately booked transfer company that gave us great service from Seward (right next to the ship) right to ANC which was their first stop. Check out their website for schedule and current pricing.

 

Thank you! This company works for us! The train, as much as I want to use it, is a bit early and gets us to the airport a bit late. The other bus companies don't get us to the airport on time, but this tour company gets us there with plenty of time! Thank you!

[Ashland]

Thank you! This company works for us! The train, as much as I want to use it, is a bit early and gets us to the airport a bit late. The other bus companies don't get us to the airport on time, but this tour company gets us there with plenty of time! Thank you!

 

Your very welcome...We used this company when we had a departure flight home at 1:30pm from ANC...and it couldn't have worked out better.

 

So glad it will work out for you too...Enjoy your cruise !

[cruisingwithcarrie]

Your very welcome...We used this company when we had a departure flight home at 1:30pm from ANC...and it couldn't have worked out better.

 

So glad it will work out for you too...Enjoy your cruise !

 

Thank you! One part of our group has a 1:50 departure, so it's a relief to know we will get there in plenty of time!

[pl4short]

We will be taking the train on May 26th at the end of our cruise going from Seward to Anchorage. Does anyone know how our luggage will travel and where we will pick it up at the airport. Also when we put all our luggage out the night before of do we take it with us when we disembark. Thanks for any help on this.