Discover Alaska by Rail
Alaska is a land of epic proportions. It covers more than 1,400 miles
north to south and 2,400 miles east to west. To understand the depth and
breadth of Alaska, you must travel to the interior- to a vast, unspoiled
wilderness that confounds the imagination. Traveling the Alaska Railroad
aboard Princess' Ultra Dome® railcars is a carefree way to make every mile count.
Of course, "getting there" matters; better yet, on Princess' luxury
ULTRA DOME® railcars, how you get there is at least half the fun. You'll
see the sights through the largest glass windows ever constructed for passenger
rail cars and breathe in the stunning landscape on the biggest open air train
platforms in Alaska. Luxury rail travel with dining, in unparalleled Princess
style, is the most relaxing way to experience the wonders of Interior Alaska.
With a combination rail and lodge package, once you do arrive, you'll know you
are somewhere special, in a custom-built Princess lodge that takes full advantage
of all the region has to offer.
A Short History of the Alaska Railroad
At the beginning of the 20th century, a gold rush and "black gold" in the form of
coal were drawing people to the wilderness. Alaska Central, later the Alaska Northern Railroad,
began private construction of 470 miles of rail lines between ice-free Resurrection
Bay in Seward and Fairbanks between 1904 and 1912. After private attempts ended in
bankruptcy, a government commission determined that a railroad was absolutely
necessary to the development of Alaska. President Woodrow Wilson was given the
authority to build in 1914 and President Warren G. Harding drove the golden spike
to commemorate the official completion of the railroad in 1923.
The railroad turned its first profit in 1938 and was critical in transporting
troops and materials during World War II to the developing Alaska Territory, but the
government wanted out the railroad business by the 1980s. The State of Alaska formed
the Alaska Railroad Corporation (ARR) and took possession of 665 miles of track and
38,000 acres of land for $22.3 million in 1985.
Since that time, the railroad continues to evolve, hauling freight and responding
to the increasing needs of visitors. Princess Tours pioneered luxury rail travel through
Alaska as early as 1984 and by 1999, had ten cars traveling daily between Anchorage,
Talkeetna, Denali National Park, and Fairbanks.
Highlights of Rail Travel
Princess Rail passes through the most spectacular scenery in Alaska's interior.
You'll see the Matanuska Valley, agricultural home of 70-pound cabbages and strawberries
the size of plums. The lovely Susitna River charms and the Alaska Range beckons with its
five towering peaks. You may find yourself holding your breath as you cross 265-foot-tall
Hurricane Gulch, the highest bridge on the Alaska Railroad. Bring your camera and a pair
of binoculars; you'll encounter some of the most breathtaking scenery and wildlife in the
world. Mile-by-mile, Princess' custom edition of the Ride Guide to the Historic Alaska
Railroad gives you the cultural and geographical history and highlights of your journey.
Wrap-around glass ceilings give you unobstructed views of Alaska's astounding scenery
while you relax and enjoy informative commentary provided by our onboard hosts. Full beverage
service is continuous- whether you want a cup of hot coffee or a cocktail from our full selection
of bar drinks, you can count on courteous and efficient service. The largest open-air viewing
platforms in Alaska allow you to step outdoors for the perfect snapshot or breath of fresh air,
with nothing between you and the world of Alaska you came all this way to see.
When you know what to expect, you can leave your worries behind. Reserved seating
takes away the guesswork and transfers between the rail station and lodges are included.
Effortless, Elegant Dining
Dining aboard the train is delicious and equally effortless. A dining salon awaits
with crisp linen, fine china, and fresh flowers. A menu of delectable entrées is prepared
to order by our professional chefs in our onboard galley. The local selections are made
with the freshest ingredients, comparable to those at a fine hotel restaurant, and served
appropriate to the time of day. There is even a tempting selection of desserts. After dining,
you may want to browse through the unique items available in the gift shop.
The Fun Continues at Your Destination
Leave those pesky details and the driving to us when you select a rail and lodge
package. Princess offers many options with daily departures northbound from Anchorage or
southbound from Fairbanks. Travel time varies, but the standard schedule calls for four
hours between each leg of the route. Each package combines the thrill of traveling aboard
panoramic railcars with overnights at the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge near the
entrance to Denali National Park, or the Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge
featuring incredible mountain views of "the great one."
A True Retreat
From the moment you arrive at Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge, you are absorbed
in the recreational activities and the exceptional amenities in Denali State Park on the
banks of the Chulitna River. The great room is an irresistible haven with floor-to-ceiling
windows framing your views of Mt. McKinley and the Alaska Range, a grand stone fireplace,
and intimate sitting areas. Each guest room is nestled peacefully in the wilderness.
We've Got Denali Covered
If visitors had to pick one experience to define Alaska, it would almost certainly
involve Denali National Park. Home to staggering 20,320-foot Mt. McKinley, the park encompasses
six million acres of forest, tundra, glaciers, and mountains. If the Denali Princess Wilderness
Lodge is your destination, you'll arrive at the premium riverside accommodation in the area,
located only one mile from the entrance to Denali National Park. An expansive deck overlooks
the park and the Nenana River, an ideal spot to relax, visit with friends, and absorb the
exquisite landscape and wildlife.
To make your journey even more memorable, you can reserve space on many exciting and
diverse optional excursions while onboard the Princess Rail or at the Alaskan Outfitter
Tour Desk located in the lobby of your lodge.
© 2004, Princess Tours. All Rights Reserved.
