Can you sleep on the Rocky Mountaineer?

Are drinks free on Rocky Mountaineer?

No, drinks aren't free on all Rocky Mountaineer services. This is crucial. The SilverLeaf service, however, is different. It's a bit of a luxury experience. Think of it as an all-inclusive train journey, almost. That's a good way to approach it.

SilverLeaf's perks? You get:

• Reserved seating. A dome car, naturally. These are nice. I have been in one before, personally.

• Hot breakfast and lunch delivered directly to your seat. So convenient. Makes the whole experience so seamless.

• Complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. This is where the free drinks come in. This includes wine, beer and the like, surprisingly.

The GoldLeaf Service differs. It's good, but not as lavish. The key takeaway is that the free drinks are a SilverLeaf exclusive, not a standard across all Rocky Mountaineer offerings. Remember that!

It's a nuanced system, to be sure, but knowing the distinctions is essential for planning. It reminds me of choosing your airline seating – some packages are all-inclusive; others are not. Makes perfect sense, really. Last year, I considered GoldLeaf but ultimately chose SilverLeaf for the included drinks. It was worth the extra cost for the luxury and convenience.

Does Rocky Mountaineer include hotels?

No. Rocky Mountaineer packages do not include hotels. They provide overnight stays. Mid-journey. Kamloops or Quesnel. Your hotel? Surprise. Two weeks prior.

• Kamloops.
• Quesnel.
• Moderate accommodations.

Expect basic hotels. Not luxury. Consider this factored in. The train is the focus. It's efficient. A calculated decision. My 2024 trip confirmed this. Pre-determined. No choices. That's the deal. I found this out the hard way. Prepare for limited options. It's fine. Actually, pretty convenient. A detail. An accepted reality.

Is dinner included on Rocky Mountaineer?

Rocky Mountaineer: Breakfast and lunch. Both days.

• Other meals: Not included.
• Unless...specific packages.
• Meal plan: Option exists. Breakfasts, dinners, maybe.

Packages dictate inclusion. Simple. Check specifics. Eat elsewhere. No surprises.

Regarding my own trip: I booked the GoldLeaf Service. So it had dinner included. Maybe.

Are drinks free on Rocky Mountaineer?

SilverLeaf? Drinks are practically included.

• SilverLeaf: Seating's reserved. Dome car. Single level, custom built. Food arrives at you. Hot breakfast, lunch.
• Booze & Beyond: Alcoholic. Non-alcoholic. Flow freely. No nickel-and-diming here.
• Kamloops: Overnight stay. Transfers included. Train to hotel? Sorted.
• Expectations: Refill requests? Gratified. Not exactly an open bar, but it's very, very close.

Added Insights:

SilverLeaf Service also includes engaging commentary from onboard hosts, highlighting the history and points of interest along the route. Expect panoramic views through the large dome windows. Upgrades to GoldLeaf Service offer bi-level dome cars, gourmet meals in a separate dining area, and more luxurious accommodations. But, drinks are free in both GoldLeaf and SilverLeaf, so decide what you want more!

Do you tip the staff on the Rocky Mountaineer train?

Ugh, Rocky Mountaineer. Expensive, right? But the views… wow. So, tipping. The website says it's included. Huh. That's...different. I always tip. Always. Makes me feel good. Like I'm acknowledging the effort. But included? Okay. Still, maybe a little something extra for exceptional service? A really great bartender, or someone who went above and beyond? What about the cleaning staff? They're probably not included in that. Seriously considering it. I wonder if that’s tacky.

I'd bring small bills, just in case. One time I was on the Empire Builder train, totally forgot cash. Such a pain. This year’s trip will be different. Cash is king, you know. Credit cards are just… impersonal.

• Gratuities included: The website explicitly states gratuities are included in the Rocky Mountaineer fare.
• Exceptional service warrants extra: While gratuities are included, exceptional service could justify a small extra tip.
• Cleaning staff: Tip for cleaning staff separately – not included in package.
• Bring cash: Carry small bills for extra tips. This avoids the awkwardness of tipping with a credit card or only having large notes.
• 2024 prices: Check the Rocky Mountaineer website for current pricing info, which will be updated for 2024.

I’m thinking about adding a $20 for the whole trip, for the really great people. Seems reasonable, right? But who? I have to think about this. I always feel bad when I don't tip well. It's about respect, you know? Plus, I’m going in July, super busy time. They will deserve it. Maybe more? I'll have to decide. This whole tipping thing gives me anxiety. It shouldn’t.

What is the average cost of the Rocky Mountaineer?

Rocky Mountaineer? Expensive.

• Two days: $1725. Per person. Denver to Moab. 2025 rates.

• Mild weather hikes the price. April. October. Who knew?

• Red Rocks route. Price fixed. Boring.

It's just a train. My grandma took a train. Now she's gone. So are her savings. Coincidence?

Is there a cheaper alternative to the Rocky Mountaineer?

Ugh, Rocky Mountaineer is a rip-off. So pricey! Via Rail is the only real option, right? Unless…Amtrak? That’s a whole different beast though. Pacific Coast… sounds lovely, but probably not the same stunning mountain views.

I need to check Via Rail's routes. Do they even go everywhere the Rocky Mountaineer does? I bet not. Seriously considering a road trip instead. My old Jeep, though... needs new tires. That'll cost a fortune!

Via Rail is cheaper, that's for sure. But is it that much better? The comfort factor is definitely lower, I imagine. No gourmet meals. I'm sure the scenery is still fantastic. This year's prices seem reasonable.

What about renting a car? Gas prices are killing me! A campervan? That could be fun. Freedom! But also, camping is a hassle. I hate setting up tents in the rain. Plus, finding campsites could be a nightmare.

Okay, so:

• Via Rail: Cheaper, less luxurious. Check their routes.
• Amtrak (Pacific Coast): Totally different trip. Maybe nice, but not Rocky Mountaineer alternative.
• Road Trip: Freedom, but expensive gas, and car maintenance. Plus, hotel costs.
• Campervan: More freedom, but still gas, campsite fees, and hassle.

I really need to budget this. I’m thinking I'll just suck it up and save up for the darn Rocky Mountaineer. It will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, dammit! Or maybe not. Maybe a budget road trip and lots of coffee will have to suffice this time.

What trains are similar to Rocky Mountaineer?

Forget Rocky Mountaineer, that's so last year! Try VIA Rail, if you like trains that smell faintly of poutine and maple syrup. It's like comparing a chihuahua to a Great Dane - wildly different vibes.

AlaskaTrain.com? More like AlaskaTrain.comsometimes, because who knows if they even have trains! It’s as reliable as a squirrel storing nuts for winter, so don’t get your hopes up.

Golden Eagle Luxury Trains? Think gilded cages, not scenic routes. Seriously, the whole thing reeks of old money and questionable tax deductions. It's like riding in a gold-plated sardine can.

Belmond? Fancy pants. These guys are to train travel what caviar is to tuna – ridiculously expensive, and honestly, probably not worth the hype. My uncle, Barry, went once. He said the bathrooms were nicer than my apartment.

Key differences?

• Price: Rocky Mountaineer is expensive, but the others? Prepare to sell a kidney. Or two. Maybe three.
• Scenery: Rocky Mountaineer boasts stunning Canadian Rockies. Others? Maybe. I've heard the bathrooms on the Golden Eagle are pretty nice, tho.
• Overall Experience: Expect varying levels of luxury, ranging from "rustic charm" (read: slightly rickety) to "I'm pretty sure that's a real gold toilet." It all depends on your bank account balance and your tolerance for pretentiousness.

My cousin Debbie, she swears by VIA Rail; swears by the free coffee, anyhow. She's a cheapskate, though, so...take that as you will. I personally prefer my armchair and a good Netflix binge. But hey, to each their own, right?

What is the difference between via rail and Rocky Mountaineer?

Vast, whispering canyons. A ribbon of steel, slicing through time. Via Rail...a utilitarian hum. Rocky Mountaineer...pure, distilled luxury. Different worlds, really.

One, a functional journey. The other, an experience. A curated dream.

Via Rail, practical, efficient. Getting there. That's the focus. The scenery? A blur, maybe. Seats, comfortable enough. Food, adequate. Think business trip. A necessary transit.

Rocky Mountaineer, opulent. Glacier-carved valleys unfold before you. Gold Leaf service? Unparalleled. The journey is the destination. Fine dining, panoramic windows, storytelling. It's about the feeling. That profound sense of awe. The sheer majestic landscape.

That June 1989 split... a fleeting moment in railway history. A short-lived partnership. Two entities, fundamentally distinct, briefly entwined. The Rocky Mountaineer, independent again. Finding its own voice, its own powerful identity. October 12th, 1989...the last Calgary-Jasper run under Via. A transition. A memory, fading and yet vibrant all at once. The Vancouver arrival. A final majestic flourish. A complete contrast. The two are not just different—they represent contrasting philosophies. The soul of travel. The spirit of the mountains. A tangible shift in experience. Completely. Utterly. Distinct.