By Jen Kleinberg, Director of Strategic Accounts | August 13, 2019 ( Comments)
This is a review of Holland America's Alaska Cruisetour #Y4C, 11 Night Yukon & Double Denali.
Today’s adventure was a train ride from Denali to Anchorage aboard the McKinley Express. We were in glass-domed rail cars, giving us unobstructed views of the scenery for the 8-hour journey. If your tour includes an optional upgrade to domed rail, I absolutely recommend it. It was one of the highlights of the trip. The 8 hours was long, but much more pleasant than a motor coach.
The seats were spacious and reclined, so if you wanted to nap, you could do so comfortably. We were seated on the second floor of the rail car; the first floor was a dining room. We had breakfast there and it was some of the best food I’ve had on the trip. Choices include crab eggs benedict, blueberry pancakes, breakfast burritos and more. The prices were very reasonable, the portions were huge, and it was an overall unique experience to dine on a train with Alaskan scenery flying by. I highly recommend one of their fresh cinnamon rolls!
We arrived to Anchorage at about 5:00 pm. Anchorage is Alaska’s largest city, home to more than 40% of the state’s population. It’s very metropolitan, and feels like any other large American city.
We’re in another Westmark property here, and it’s your standard downtown hotel experience. Nothing flashy, but quite comfortable and convenient. We had dinner downstairs at the Solstice Cafe and it was delicious.
Our check out is tomorrow morning and then we will be transferred to the airport. This was the trip of a lifetime, but we are both very tired and happy to be going home. This is a very active trip - early wake-ups, lots of time on buses and trains... It’s not for those looking to relax on vacation. But for those adventurers who want to explore the majestic beauty of Alaska and the Yukon, this is the way to go.
The Alaska experience that Holland America provides is excellent, and when (not if, but when!) I return to Alaska, there is no doubt I will travel with them again. From the mid-size ship, to the lodge in Denali, to the expert tour guides, the entire trip was top notch.
We are leaving the Last Frontier grateful to have had the opportunity to witness some of the most amazing terrains and wildlife on earth. Alaska is big, wild and beautiful - come and see for yourself!
