Jane

Should I spend the extra $50 per person (approximately) to ride in the Princess dome car on my trip in July rather than the regular train car?? Is the Princess car really superior?

DidIt

We did the Princess land and cruise package, so of course, we didn't get a choice. But it was recommended by others that one thing that Princess had over the other lines was the train and its own lodgings. The train ride was a great experience. I don't have any idea what the other trains are. However, the Princess train dome cars have glass from half-way up the wall to way overhead. The windows are solid all along the side of the train so you have great views all the time. Plus we enjoyed standing outside on a platform and watching everything "up-close". The train car is a double decker with the lower level being the kitchen and eating area, so the seating area sits up really high.

Jane

Thanks, Didtl. Has anyone out there taken the "regular" train?

Mike W

We took the Princess cars as well, and I would highly recommend them. Most everyone we spoke to also greatly favored the Princess cars. They are located at the back of the train and are the only cars with both the dome top and open air platforms (including one on the end of the train).

Some people love the Alaska Railroad cars because it has more of the "true" old railroad travel feel, but for me I enjoyed being able to see the scenery in all directions. Best of luck to you in your travels!

tommy

I took the regular train car. I didn't really feel that I missed anything, as the scenery is spectacular from any seat. Also, the "regular" portion of the train has one domed car, and passengers are able to take turns sitting in the dome. I did go to sit in the domed car a few times, there was a bit of a wait to get a seat, but I found in general that other passengers were very respectful of those waiting and not taking too much time in the domed car. The wait to sit was not long at all.

Also, the food in the dining car was exceptional, although a bit expensive. I enjoyed a huge breakfast and lunch also in the regular dining car.

Don

I prefer the Alaska Rail cars and they are on the same trains as the Princess cars. I've been on the Princess car once and found it way too "hokey touristy". The AKRR cars are very nice, they have dome cars and you are able to have open air viewing in the vestibules between cars, and the lounge cars have seat level to top-of-car window glass. The car attendants are Alaska high school students who have been especially trained to point out and explain terrain and wildlife. To me, I would prefer the AKRR cars even if there were not a premium charge for the Princess cars.

xxx

Yes, it can be nicer, but realize that 9 out of 10 times, you will be going through rain, fog, or other bad weather, so it may not make any difference.

Deborah

I did the regular train and it was fine. I went in May so it's not quite as busy as July and we could sit up in the dome pretty much however long we wanted because no one was waiting. You can see fine from the regular train and like the other posters said, it's all the same train, the Princess cars are just at the back.