Train across Canada to Alaska Cruise?

[LindaBabe]

We're going on the DCL Alaska Cruise out of Vancouver next year. Does anyone have any experience taking the Canadian from Toronto to Vancouver?

Can you think of any reasons why it *wouldn't* be a good idea?

What do I need to know?

 

[LindaBabe]

anyone?

 

[rewok]

2 good reasons:

- it’s VERY long
- it’s either expensive (sleeper cabin) or tiring (in coach & sleeping in your seats, and still more than a plane ticket)

I think it would help if we’d understand why you want to do that. Do you only want to do it one way to see the country? If so, then it can be nice. The train is normally timed so you can see the nice scenery (ex. the Rockies) and sleep while it is more boring (like the North of Ontario). It can however be late like many other transportation methods, and as it shares the rail, so there is always a possibility of missing that.

If you decide to do it (whatever your reasons) in coach seats, it might be best to rest a full day in Vancouver before the cruise, because all my friends who did that were quite tired at the end. Other people I know did it in a sleeper cabin, but they worked for the railway company so paid very little. They liked it, but it still take almost 4 days.

Hope this helps!

 

[LindaBabe]

2 good reasons:

- it’s VERY long
- it’s either expensive (sleeper cabin) or tiring (in coach & sleeping in your seats, and still more than a plane ticket)

I think it would help if we’d understand why you want to do that.

Why?
1. It's different!
2. We'll get to see the countryside.
3. No TSA.

Probably do the sleeper - cost includes meals, and get to Vancouver 2? days prior. Money's always an issue, isn't it? But we decided it would be worth it to put off the bathroom renovation another year in order to do this adventure.

We can take the train to Toronto from here. I just need to see if I can check my luggage when we get off the amtrak train and not have to take it to a hotel. Got any Toronto hotel recommendations?

 

[NJRRK]

Why?
1. It's different!
2. We'll get to see the countryside.
3. No TSA.

Probably do the sleeper - cost includes meals, and get to Vancouver 2? days prior. Money's always an issue, isn't it? But we decided it would be worth it to put off the bathroom renovation another year in order to do this adventure.

We can take the train to Toronto from here. I just need to see if I can check my luggage when we get off the amtrak train and not have to take it to a hotel. Got any Toronto hotel recommendations?

The Royal York is right across from the train station.

 

[rewok]

Based on your reasons, then I don’t see any other reason against it than what I pointed above: long & expensive. As long as you’re OK with that, there shouldn’t be any bad surprise. From your last reply, I gathered you want to do this both ways? I don’t know anyone who did that actually! As the novelty factor might be worn out on the way back, it could feel even longer... Just a warning!

P.S. As much as I pointed the negatives (I like to pay Devil’s advocate), this is something I’ve always wanted to do, so have a good trip!

 

[LindaBabe]

No, we're only going one way, Rewok. Doing a back to back with the California coast cruise, so for the return, we'll be flying from LA. I hope you get to do it, too, some day