Msterl63

On 2/1/2020 at 8:22 PM, Northern Aurora said:

 

 

I am a little fuzzy about what we are discussing here.  Is the mentioned "they" the hotel, and what shuttle company are they referring to?  Also where do you have hotel reservations?  Seward is a very small community, and so a taxi won't be very expensive.  And I really mean small community.  The Harbor 360 is close to the train station, but most of the hotel/motels won't be very far either.

 

If the shuttle the hotel is referring to is the one which does the scheduled route around town, then, yes it is not designed for luggage as the last time I saw one it was a school bus.  So no luggage storage lockers down below the seating nor overhead bins either.  Seward is one of those Alaskan communities where Alaskan residents go for recreation, so when we drive down from Fairbanks we have our own vehicle.  But my memory is that the shuttle with the community route has a minimal fee.  You will see scheduled and signed stops for the shuttle.

 

While your husband may have mobility issues, getting to the hotel will not be a problem.  We are friendly folks here in Alaska and there will friendly locals happy to help you.  

 

Hope you enjoy your stay in our state.  Those of us who live here think we live in a very special place.

Thank you for this information.

Forget the train and check into Dave Dyea Tour.  I highly recommend it.  We did this tour instead of the train and were so happy we did.  We booked with him based on recommendations from right here on Cruise Critic.  His tour goes farther to a little restaurant for a delicious homestyle lunch.  The vehicle is a small van type with only 10-12 people which is better than a bus tour.  The tour is narrated all the way and is very entertaining.  When the driver spotted a bear, we stopped to take pictures.  You can't do that on the train.  We also stopped at a little town where we could use restrooms and get a drink/snack.  So much better than the train!!  I guarantee you won't regret it.

On 1/29/2020 at 10:58 PM, Northern Aurora said:

While your particular hotel may not offer a shuttle service can they recommend one?

They said there is a free shuttle but I've read its not great for taking luggage.

14 hours ago, katfer said:

I remember there was a van that took us to our hotel. The vans were waiting on us . It's a very small town. One of my favorite places.  Make sure you go to the area by aquarium and see Ressurection Bay...it's breath taking.  If you have time go on a tour by Major Marine. Also by the cruise port is an area where the fisherman bring their catch...make sure you see the size of those fish!!

Thank you for the information.  We are actually taking a 6 hour cruise of the Kenai Fjords NP with Kenai Fjords Tours.

We will be staying one night in Seward before boarding our cruise.  We will be taking the train from Anchorage to Seward and wonder what our options are getting from the train station to our hotel in Seward.  Walking isn't an option with our luggage and my husband is handicapped and can't walk far.  Our hotel doesn't have a shuttle service.

On 1/28/2020 at 5:47 PM, don't-use-real-name said:

This is a presumption based on the non-cruise tour railroad trips on the Alaska RR.

 

The daily Anchorage Seward trip will be a small consist of cars probably on the order of 7 cars

unlike the Cruise day trains with up to 15.

1 of those cars will be a baggage car.

At the Anchorage Depot to right of the building as you face the tracks is a tented structure.

That is where you luggage/baggage is checked - loaded into small wire rack containers and

then fork-lifted into the baggage car.

 

Only carry-on bags are allowed in the train coaches - keep the important stuff with you -

passport ID $$$ cameras binoculars medications and of course YOUR TRAIN TICKETS !

If in the Gold Star (First Class) dome car your meals and beverages are complimentary

if in the Adventure class there is a café concession car to purchase snacks and drinks.

You can bring along your own food and beverages

 

At Seward these wire containers will be off loaded by forklift and made available somewhere

in the immediate area for your claiming of your luggage.

Due to the volume of luggage of cruise guests another method is used by trucking it

 

If you take the Alaska RR from Anchorage to Fairbanks or any of the cities on that route -

Wasilla - Talkeetna - Denali - that is the routine procedure for handling of luggage unless

part of a cruise or otherwise tour.

 

You can call or email Alaska RR for confirmation on this at:

 

Reservations & Information:
800.544.0552
reservations@akrr.com

 

Since you are arriving a day early for the train trip - if you are at one of the hotels close to

the train station (highly recommended) you can walk down to the Depot and stop and

talk with the Station Agents about how this is handled - best done mid-day with no trains.

If you are in the Gold Star dome you can check if there are any reserved seating assignments.

If the train is full - try and get seats as far forward for best viewing.

I believe the Adventure (coach) Class is all open seating.

 

Side note while at the Depot walk across the tracks to the Ulu knife factory

and catch the free shuttle service back up the hill to your hotel or reasonably close.

Thank you so much!  That is very helpful information.

On 8/29/2019 at 9:02 PM, don't-use-real-name said:

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Those cabin luggage tags that you printed off your eDocs put them on your luggage before giving to the

people in the white tent.

 

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As noted your luggage will be taken by separate carrier (truck) to the ship and loaded and find its way

to your cabin door.

There will be limited room for luggage on the train thus using the truck is a better method and faster.

The train will not wait for loading luggage - travels slower to see the sites and photo opts - the truck

travels at road speed. It is an excellent system and works well.

Only take your carry on luggage (documents passport pills medications a change of clothes cameras

binoculars) on the train with you.

 

Readers any more comments ? 

We are flying in two days early and staying the first night in Anchorage and the second night in Seward.  We will be taking the train to Seward so wonder where we check in our luggage at the train station.  We have never ridden a train before and don't know what the procedure is.  Does anyone know how we should do this?