Rocky Mountaineer Rail Journey Cruises
If you’re planning a bucket-list cruise to Alaska, then it’s likely that you’ll have also considered a Rocky Mountaineer rail journey. The two trips often go hand-in-hand and are an exceptional pairing for seeing the best of land and sea.
The journey itself is a luxury train service that operates between Vancouver and Jasper, offering various scenic route options. The service operates entirely during daylight hours, and nights are spent in high quality hotels at designated locations. It’s truly one of the most carefree and immersive ways to travel through the Canadian Rockies, taking in the breathtaking wilderness and incredible glacier fields.
Key Features of Rocky Mountaineer:
Luxury Service
Rocky Mountaineer is known for its luxurious onboard experience, including comfortable seating, gourmet meals prepared with local ingredients, and attentive staff. The service offers 2 different classes of experience: GoldLeaf and SilverLeaf.
Both provide panoramic views, delicious meals and beverages, but the Goldleaf service elevates the experience with bigger windows, more space, separate dining room and more.
Scenic Routes
The journey takes you through areas of unparalleled natural beauty, including lush forests, rugged mountains, and picturesque rivers. Discover iconic locations like Lake Louise and Banff, and maybe some you haven’t heard of before as you wind through mountain passes and awe-inspiring canyons. Popular routes include the “First Passage to the West,” (Vancouver to Banff) or “Journey through the Clouds,” and “Rainforest to Gold Rush” (both Vancouver to Jasper)
Wildlife, Scenery & History
Western Canada provides majestic landscapes brimming with incredible wildlife, from Elk to the Grizzly Bear.
And whilst wildlife, waterfalls glacier-capped mountains are a feast for the eyes, your onboard hosts will provide commentary about the history, culture, and natural features of the regions through which the train travels. Regardless of whether your interests are geology or the Gold Rush, you’ll find your thirst for knowledge quenched as well.
When is the best time to travel on the Rocky Mountaineer train service?
Much like a cruise to Alaska, the best time to travel on the Rocky Mountaineer train service is during the summer months, particularly between mid-June to mid-August. During this period, you’ll experience milder temperatures, longer daylight hours, and have the best chance of seeing wildlife. The journeys run from April to late September, and whilst the shoulder months of April & September may offer better deals, if wildlife-spotting is your main aim, then you should focus on the main summer months.
A Rocky Mountaineer journey needs planning well ahead of travel, as many peak dates sell out well in advance of a year ahead! It’s always a good idea to consult with one of our cruise agents who will give you the best advice!
Which cruise lines offer packages with Rocky Mountaineer journeys?
Cunard, Princess Cruises & Regent Seven Seas Cruises all offer packages that include a Rocky Mountaineer journey, creating a seamless experience. However, if you would like to cruise with any other cruise line that sails to Alaska, speak to our cruise specialists, who will be able to create a bespoke package for you.
Book Your Alaska Cruise
Our cruise specialists at Southampton Cruise Centre are here to help! Call us from 9am to 8pm, Mon-Sat & 10am-6pm on Sundays on 02380 658 386. Or search our collection of Cruises to Alaska below to start planning your Rocky Mountaineer package, and send us an enquiry online!