If your clients are cruising into or out of Anchorage or Seward, the Alaska Railroad is a scenic, stress-free way to add depth to their trip. I recently made the journey myself and paired it with a glacier and wildlife cruise from Resurrection Bay. The whole experience ran smoothly. With summer rail service fully restored and packages that include lodging and excursions, this is a smart, hassle-free way to help your clients experience more of Alaska.
Ride Into the Wild: Anchorage to Seward by Train
The Coastal Classic Train departs Anchorage just after sunrise and winds along Turnagain Arm before climbing into the forested backcountry. No cars, no crowds — just mountains, rivers, dense trees and the occasional moose or eagle. In Adventure Class, we could roam freely, grab coffee at the café or sit down to breakfast in the dining car. The scenery stayed front and center. Though the ride takes four hours, it never dragged. Your clients can relax and let Alaska unfold outside the window.
Two Service Levels, Two Distinct Experiences
Adventure Class works well for independent travelers and families. There’s room to stretch out and move around. On the return, we upgraded to GoldStar. The glass-domed upper level offered panoramic views, and the outdoor platform was a bonus for photos and wildlife sightings. Dinner and two drinks were included, but what stood out most was the ease and visibility. Both service levels delivered friendly, attentive onboard hospitality.
Seward: A Port Town Worth a Stop
Seward isn’t just a launch point — it’s a place to linger. We stayed overnight downtown, walked the harbor, visited the Alaska Sea Life Center and ate fresh halibut right off the dock. Many travelers skip this opportunity. With an extra day, clients can join a glacier and wildlife cruise or go salmon and halibut fishing. I’d encourage them to slow down and soak it in.
Kenai Fjords Cruise: Glaciers, Wildlife and Wide-Open Water
In Seward, we joined a six-hour Kenai Fjords Cruise into Resurrection Bay. The boat hugged the coastline, where we spotted puffins, sea lions, humpbacks, dolphins and otters — all up close. At Aialik Glacier, the crew cut the engines. The stillness made the glacier’s calving — ice crashing into the sea — feel even more dramatic. It’s tough to describe the silence, the space, the scale. If your clients want a truly Alaskan moment, this is it.
Rail Travel Opens Up More of Alaska
Cruising shows the coastline. The railroad opens the interior. From Seward, travelers can connect through Anchorage to Fairbanks, stopping in Talkeetna, Denali and beyond. Trains like the Denali Star, Glacier Discovery and Hurricane Turn are all running this summer. Clients can hike near Spencer Glacier, bike off-road through Chugach National Forest or stay near Denali National Park. The train makes it easier to explore farther — without renting a car.
Packages That Simplify Planning
The Alaska Railroad offers multi-day packages that bundle rail tickets, lodging and excursions. These packages are commissionable, and the reservations team can customize them to fit nearly any itinerary. Families can take advantage of the Kids Ride Free deal in Adventure Class. To learn more or begin planning, call 800-544-0552 or email reservations@akrr.com.
Cruise-Friendly Connections
The schedule works. In Seward, the depot is a short walk from the cruise terminal. Train times align with most embarkation and debarkation windows, which makes transfers easy. You can book everything on the Alaska Railroad website or contact the reservations team for multi-day itineraries. The process was smooth start to finish — your clients will feel that, too.
Why It’s Worth Recommending
This wasn’t just a way to get from one place to another. It was an experience — a chance to pause, breathe and see Alaska in a more personal way. Cruise clients expect glaciers and whales but viewing them from a train window or the bow of a small boat brings them closer. That’s what they’ll remember.
Sharon Kurtz
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