You know, when I worked on the Alaska Railroad as a server in the dining car I would make fun of the big tour companies like Holland of America, Princess, Royal Carribean, etc... Mostly because they shuttle people back and forth with little room for independent travel. I won a couple tickets and night stay in one of the lodges that included rail transportation. I actually had a decent time riding the rail, listening to the tour guide, and having alcoholic drinks on the way. The workers were very gracious and polite, which dealing with cranky old people all day you have to give them a bit of credit. I would recommend this mode of travel even though you don't have the options to move around to different cars, gift shop, and two eating cars like you would had you rode the AK RR. There is a dining car beneath the seating area, but we did not dine there, though there were some good smells wafting up to the seat car. read more