Hi

I have a question about the Rocky Mountaineer - a friend recommended that I upgrade to Gold service. Do many people do that? And how much does it cost?

Thanks

Caroline

Hi Caroline - are you going on 13th September?

Just wondering as I am flying out then.

Jenny

I forgot to say - the cost of the upgrade from Red to Gold back in 2011 was the equivalent of about three meetings with Sa. Sounds pricey but it is two full days of absolute luxury (you are on the train from about 8am to 6pm each day) and amazing food. My view was that, as with panda hugging, it's a once-in-a-lifetime experience so worth paying the extra for.

Have an amazing time and let me know if you have any other questions.

Best regards

Mandy (fellow member of Panda Huggers anonymous!)

Thanks so much for the tips - you're very kind. I was wondering if it was an overnight stay on the Rocky Mountaineer - thanks for clearing that up. And I'm currently stocking up on those SD cards - I will NEVER risk that again.

Have a great time on your trip! And Alaska looks amazing too!!

Caroline-the-panda-hugger

Yes - that's me - so does the 'P' after Caroline stand for 'Panda Hugger' by any chance? :D

You'll love the Rocky Mountaineer but just to clarify - you don't actually stay on it overnight - it's not like the Orient Express. If you are doing the same route as us, you'll stop after day one in Kamloops (It's a bit of a one horse town but you'll be pretty exhausted after a full day of luxury on the train that you'll probably not have the energy to do much other than stretch your legs or sleep!) I'm not sure what the Silver leaf arrangements are but on our trip the Red Leaf passengers had to take an overnight bag on to the train as their suitcases went ahead to Vancouver, but the Gold leaf passengers all found their suitcases waiting for them in their hotel rooms in Kamloops.

Our itinerary was slightly different from yours in that we spent a couple of nights on Vancouver Island which is very beautiful and has quite a colonial feel to it. The extra time there meant we got to go Orca watching which was up there, but not quite as emotional, as our meeting with lovely Sa. I think you may only be going over for a day trip, so might not have chance to see the whales, but try to stay on deck for the ferry ride across because the views are quite beautiful.

I'd also recommend the Grouse Mountain trip - you should get to meet Cooler and Grinder but, trust me, trying to huge either of them would be a BIG mistake!

Good to hear from you - I'm off to Pompeii and Herculaneum in September and then possibly thinking about Alaska for next year.

Have an amazing time (and take plenty of SD cards!!)

Mandy

By the way, are you the Mandy who went to China last October?

Caroline

I did the old JY trip on the Rocky Mountaineer in 2011 when it was still two days but they hadn't introduced the Silverleaf service then, it was only Red or Gold. We did the 'Journey through the clouds' route. I upgraded to Gold and to my mind it was well worth it. The Double decker train car with the panoramic roof, Michelin starred dining room on the ground floor and vestibule on the back provided spectacular views and the staff were fabulous. I believe the Silverleaf now has a panoramic roof but I think it is only a single decker.

Whichever you decide, I know that you will have an amazing experience. I'd love to take another trip on it someday.

All the best

Mandy

2016 will be the first year for a long time where Just You travellers will be staying on the Rocky Mountaineer and had the option to upgrade.

I can tell you, of those booked to date, all travellers have opted for the SilverLeaf service rather than the upgrade to the GoldLeaf service.

Kindest regards,

Julia

I have a question about the Rocky Mountaineer - a friend recommended that I upgrade to Gold service. Do many people do that? And how much does it cost?

Thanks

Caroline