Ask anyone who’s done an Alaska cruisetour what surprised them most, and a lot of them say the same thing: the train.
What it is
Princess runs a glass-domed rail service — the Direct-to-the-Wilderness route — that carries you from Denali down to Whittier on the coast, where you board the ship. We’re not talking about a shuttle. These are purpose-built rail cars with domed glass ceilings so you can watch the Alaska Range, the rivers, and the forest roll by overhead.
Why it’s special
- The scenery is the destination. You pass through country you simply can’t reach by road — glacial rivers, spruce forest, mountain passes.
- It’s the connective tissue of a land-and-sea trip. One minute you’re in Denali’s wilderness; a few hours later you’re stepping onto a cruise ship. The train is the seam that makes it feel like one epic journey.
- It’s relaxed. Big windows, a comfortable seat, maybe a coffee — after active days in Denali, it’s a welcome way to travel.
The takeaway
People remember the glaciers. But they talk about the train. It’s one of the great rail journeys on the continent, and it’s a built-in part of our hosted Alaska 2027 Denali & Glaciers cruisetour — Denali to Whittier, dome car and all.
