From: Tom K on
On 6/13/10 1:28 PM, D Ball wrote:
> Marcia,
>
> I can think of a lot of ways to spend $30, so I'm one that would lean
> toward booking with the railroad directly. The issues are timing and
> ability to walk.

I'm not sure about whether something like this applies to the White
Pass... but in Flam, Norway, you could only pre-hold your reservation.
But still had to get the tickets at the station, where there was a HUGE
line... It was a lot more of a hassle not having ship tickets.

--Tom
From: Charles on
Tom K <tkanitra(a)optonline.net> wrote:

> I'm not sure about whether something like this applies to the White
> Pass... but in Flam, Norway, you could only pre-hold your reservation.
> But still had to get the tickets at the station, where there was a
> HUGE line... It was a lot more of a hassle not having ship tickets.

I would not want that hassle again. We had reserved the tickets online
but still had to line up. And recall the boat trip that we had reserved.
They overbooked and we had to wait for a later boat and worried about
getting back in time. I would rather pay the $15 extra in this case as
it may be a once in a lifetime cruise.

Coming up to Statue of Liberty now. Bye

--
Charles
From: Marcia R. on
Jean O'Boyle wrote:
> "Marcia R." <Marcia(a)spamlessinlasvegas.net> wrote in message
> news:Q8_Qn.72492$Gx2.50556(a)newsfe20.iad...
>> Jean O'Boyle wrote:
>>> "Marcia R." <Marcia(a)spamlessinlasvegas.net> wrote in message
>>> news:V6ZQn.12461$3y2.10212(a)newsfe11.iad...
>>>> I have a few questions that I'll save until I know some of you have
>>>> actually taken the train ride.
>>>>
>>>> Thanks,
>>>> Marcia
>>> We have, Marcia.
>>>
>>> --Jean
>> OK, thanks. You know I over think stuff, but here I go. LOL. Princess
>> offers the train as a shore excursion. For some reason, the price isn't
>> listed, but I printed the info out a while back and then it cost $125. The
>> railroad quotes $110 per person. Is there any advantage to booking it
>> through the ship, in case the ship is late or the train is? Which time
>> did you go? My friend said she took the early train, and it was a little
>> too foggy to see all the sights. I'd prefer the 12:45 train, anyway but
>> will there be any time to look through the shops? The ship leaves at 5:00
>> but I'm sure they want you back on board long before that. How close are
>> they to the train, and how close is the train to the ship? Can we do the
>> shops in the morning and drop anything we buy off at the ship before
>> getting on the train? I'll breath now. LOL. As it turns out, I'm
>> sailing with my niece so we don't want anything more complicated than
>> taking the train. I've seen stuff online about people driving and doing
>> other things, but we just want the train.
>>
>> Thanks,
>> Marcia
>
>
>
> Hi Marsha,
> Looks as if you have gotten many helpful answers since I answered you after
> midnight! We took the 12:40 excursion and were glad that we did as some of
> the people we spoke with that took the early morning one complained about
> visibility because of the fog. You do not have to worry about which side you
> choose as you are seated on one side going up and then the seats reverse
> coming back so you see both sides of the pass that way.
>
> Many years ago (I think 2004) we took a HAL ship and it docked on a Sunday,
> so we decided to go to early Mass and then buy tickets at the railroad
> station for the afternoon White Pass excursion...Much to our disappointment
> when we got to the railroad station, we were told there were no tickets to
> be had. They told us that the cruise line buys up all the tickets ahead of
> time. So you might think about that when making your decision...If you able
> to book tickets on line with the railroad, find out if they are dated and if
> so, for the right day and time. On our last cruise on the Star Princess, in
> May of 2009, we bought the tickets online from Princess to be sure that we
> got them and for the 12:40 timetable...There were little shuttle busses at
> the pier that dropped us off at the train. Can't remember if it cost us a
> dollar or we each tipped a dollar for that short ride.. Coming back, we must
> have ended up closer to the ship as we walked back because it was a short
> distance. There were little shuttle buses that took us into Skagway town for
> shopping, if we wanted to go. There is a souvenir shop (a car of the train)
> where you can do some shopping, too! Notice the cute pot-belly stoves that
> are used to heat the railroad cars! When you board, they give you a
> complimentary, "All Board Magazine" which has a map of the entire White Pass
> and points of interest. I think you are right about sticking with the train
> both ways, You can go outside between the cars while it is moving for better
> photo opportunities and to breathe that wonderful fresh air!
>
> I don't know what time your ship docks in Skagway so I can't tell you how
> much time you have to do shopping in town. There are several docks and it
> depends where the ship ends up as to the distance to town. You might even
> have a few minutes to stop in the infamous and historical Red Onion Saloon!
> ;-) http://www.alaskaportreviews.com/Skagway.htm#Reviews
>
> I know you will love Alaska...we are hooked and have taken five cruises and
> one land visit and never tire of the beautiful scenery.
>
> Have a great cruise and if you have any other questions, ask away!
>
> --Jean
>
>

Thanks, Jean. FYI, we are there from 6A to 5P.

Marcia
From: Marcia R. on
Charles wrote:
> Tom K <tkanitra(a)optonline.net> wrote:
>
>> I'm not sure about whether something like this applies to the White
>> Pass... but in Flam, Norway, you could only pre-hold your reservation.
>> But still had to get the tickets at the station, where there was a
>> HUGE line... It was a lot more of a hassle not having ship tickets.
>
> I would not want that hassle again. We had reserved the tickets online
> but still had to line up. And recall the boat trip that we had reserved.
> They overbooked and we had to wait for a later boat and worried about
> getting back in time. I would rather pay the $15 extra in this case as
> it may be a once in a lifetime cruise.
>
> Coming up to Statue of Liberty now. Bye
>

Have a great trip, Charles.

Marcia
From: peter on
X-no-archive: yes On 6/13/10 10:27 PM, in article
hv3eur$hsm$1(a)news.eternal-september.org, "Jean O'Boyle" <job1930(a)yahoo.com>
wrote:

> I think you are right about sticking with the train
> both ways,

OTOH, the benefit of the combined tour obviously is that the bus takes a
different route. We had a great bus guide and even saw a couple of bears, a
moose and an eagle along the way. BTW: don't forget your passport as you
will enter Canada (if they will let you in) and you can have your passport
stamped (if you insist and don't mind looking silly).
>

>
>

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