Help on choosing Skagway train excursion, pls
 

DH & I are doing our first Alaska cruise in May and I'd appreciate some help with the many train excursions offered. Because we have no interest in seeing costumed re-enactments or goldpanning (been to Barkerville), I've narrowed it down to 4 offered by Celebrity but still having a hard time choosing.

Any thoughts on these?

All Aboard Steam Train
A reminder of years past, join the magic of the steam train passing mountains, gorges, trestles and tunnels. With the blow of its whistle at noon, the steam train travels around the Fraser Loop, six miles beyond the White Pass Summit. A personal attendant will be on hand telling stories of the Klondike Gold Rush and building of this narrow gauge railroad, offering up a champagne toast and brass ornament certifying you into the White Pass Summit Club. 3hr 45 min

Bennett Lake & White Pass Adventure
Journey to a historic outpost of the Klondike Gold Rush on a one-of-a-kind adventure! Travel by motor coach beyond the summit of White Pass, into Canada's scenic and historic Yukon Territory and into Carcross. Your adventure continues by rail to the historic ghost town of Bennett, located next to scenic Bennett Lake, where your lunch awaits. Travel back into Skagway is aboard the "Scenic Railway of the World." 9hrs

White Pass Scenic Railway
Take the unforgettable journey aboard the "Scenic Railway of the World" and travel 20 miles from tidewater to the summit of the White Pass - a 2,865 foot elevation. Ride in vintage rail cars as you retrace the original route to the White Pass summit. This fully narrated tour features panoramas of mountains, gorges, waterfalls, tunnels, trestles and historic sites. See the original Klondike Trail of '98 worn into the rocks, a permanent tribute to the thousands of souls that passed this route in seek of fortune. Experience this unique railroad that symbolizes accomplishment in the adventure of pioneering - triumph over challenge. 3hr 15m

White Pass Summit Club
During this fully narrated excursion, experience panoramas and discover why White Pass is the "Scenic Railway of the World." A toast at the Summit and a brass ornament of certification will certify you into one of the most elite clubs in Alaska, the "White Pass Summit Club." 3hrs

I've read some people felt the 9 hour trip was too long. Any big differences btwn the other 3? Cost isn't a factor for this trip, just what we'll see. We like trains but aren't train buffs. If it makes a difference, other ports of call, which I've pretty much figured out are Ketchikan, Icy Strait and Juneau. We'll also be doing an independent 9 day land tour after the cruise to Seward, Anchorage, Denali and Fairbanks.

In the end, I know we will have to decide for ourselves - hoping others' experiences might help with that. Any feedback much appreciated.

Enjoy-la!

We did a cruise with Princess and the excursion we did in Skagway was basically the one that is listed as Bennett Lake and White Pass Adventure. I don't recall it being 9 hours, but it was an all day excursion and a lot of fun. The scenery was amazing and we loved the railroad (of course we love rail travel). We had a great guide who recited "The Cremation of Sam McGee" to us.

jcasale - thx a mint for your reply! I've looked into it more and there's one for 7.5hrs that also goes to BL & WP part of the trip is done by coach so that may be the difference in time. DH said he'd love to stay onboard the train/bus and just look out so this should be a good choice!

Enjoy-la!

If I am remembering correctly, you are able to get your passport stamped with a special stamp at one of the shops in Bennett.

oooh, I love doing those - my prize one is a polar bear chop from Churchill! Hadn't heard about this one but will look it up - thx a mint, DebInTN!

Enjoy-la!

We did the White Pass Scenic Railway on our HA cruise. I liked the length of this trip because we were able to go on a hike/river float trip after wards.

None of the above titles sounds like the train trip we took from Skagway. It was simply called White Pass & Yukon Railway. The train was on the tracks at the pier, where we boarded. We started with a steam engine, but it was switched to a diesel at the railroad shops because the train was too long to be pulled by the steam engine. We wended our way through beautiful scenery, Bridal Veil Falls, and some historic areas relative to mining. We ended up at the Canadian Border. Here we pushed our seatbacks over so we were facing in the opposite direction. We were allowed to get off the train if we wished until the switch was made. Then back down on the same route.

I don't remember exactly how long the trip took, but I think it was 2-3 hours. Afterward we went into town and did some shopping and picture taking.

All of the train trips use the White Pass & Yukon Railway, its just a matter of how far you go. Here is the website for the WP & Y excursions: http://www.wpyr.com/excursions.html

I once worked on an Alaska cruise ship as a naturalist, and one thing that I offered was a driving trip from Skagway to Carcross. I just rented a car from the Skagway Avis rental counter and off we went. Much of the road is quite close to the WP & Y tracks, so the vistas aren't terribly different from those on the train. Also, you can stop wherever you want.

Most cruises layover in Skagway for at least 12 hours, so you have plenty of time for a leisurely drive deep into the Yukon, and back. I'm surprised that few people seem to have ever thought of doing this. My extended family is taking a Holland America Alaska Cruise in August. and I am going to reserve a car or van to reprise this trip. If you do this, reserve a vehicle early, as the Skagway Avis is tiny and they only have a few cars.

We decided for our cruise in September to go with a private tour company for the White Pass & Yukon Railway with Chilkoot charters. We chose the Yukon Bus & Rail Excursion With Lunch, Husky Puppy Camp, and Emerald Lake. We found the iteniary better than what the Golden Princess was offering.

http://www.chilkootcharters.com/

Wow ALF, being a naturalist on a ship - that would be such an awesome job! Actually there's 2 couples who are doing the car rental thing on our cruise but they've both been to AK many times. I thought about it but DH takes his driving very seriously so he wouldn't be able to enjoy the sights while driving (he just concentrates on the road).

KVR, that's the same tour we ended up booking (except without the Husky Puppies). Sorry, I should have come back and posted that but I am always torn whether to top my own thread with an update. Chilkoot Charters has been excellent to work with so far. If you can get 10 people together they will provide you with a private bus, which will gives more flexibility in where to stop and keeps the tour moving along quicker IMHO than a larger group.

Thx a mint your replies :) Enjoy-la!

Yes, thanks for responding back with what you decided. It does help others when making their own decisions. I'm also glad you chose the tour we also chose. I feel like we made the right decision. :) Have a great trip.

FYI, we booked a trail ride for the kids near Emerald Lake (www.yukonhorses.com). Looks like it will be fun. Also, you can rent canoes at nearby Spirit Lake Lodge (www.spiritlakelodge.com). Lastly, you can download a detailed map of the WP&YR route, as well as the South Klondike Highway, from The Milepost (http://www.milepost.com/highway_info...ondike_highway). You can easily see the differences between the two routes.