The McKinley Explorer
Holland America’s own two-level, glass-domed railcars, included on every Alaska cruisetour. Here’s what the day on board looks like and how to make the most of it.
Holland America’s private train
Every Holland America Alaska cruisetour includes a ride on the McKinley Explorer, the line’s own glass-domed railcars pulled along the Alaska Railroad. Most tours ride between Anchorage and Denali, with a stop in Talkeetna. On select Direct to Denali itineraries, the train runs between the ship in Whittier and Denali, so you can go from ship to Holland America Denali Lodge in one day.
The setup is classic Alaska dome car: assigned, forward-facing seats under the glass upstairs, a guide narrating the route and a bartender in every car. Downstairs, a dining car serves breakfast and lunch with regional dishes like reindeer chili and bison short rib sandwiches. Step out onto the open-air platform as the train crosses Hurricane Gulch and climbs through Broad Pass toward Denali.
Inside the train
Upstairs in the dome
Your seat is assigned and forward-facing, under a glass dome that gives you a 360-degree view of rivers, forest and the Alaska Range. A guide narrates the history and wildlife along the way, and a bartender in each car mixes drinks (try something with spruce tip gin) that come to your seat. Drinks are charged as you go.
The dining car
The lower level holds a sit-down dining car serving breakfast and lunch with Alaska flavor. Lunch on the train is not part of the standard cruisetour, but it is included in Holland America’s Great Land Dining Plans and Denali Dining Plans (entree, a non-alcoholic drink and gratuity). If you’re on the plan, it’s one less thing to think about on a long rail day.
The open-air platform
Each car has an open-air platform for photos without reflections and a blast of cool mountain air. It’s busiest at the big moments, like the high bridge over Hurricane Gulch, so step out a little early. Bring a warm layer and a hat.
The route & scenery
Heading north from Anchorage, the train crosses the Knik River, passes Wasilla and follows the Susitna River to Talkeetna, its one stop. From there it leaves the road behind: Hurricane Gulch, crossed nearly 300 feet up, then Broad Pass and Summit Lake, the railroad’s highest point, before running beside the Nenana River into Denali. Direct to Denali trains add the Whittier tunnel and the Turnagain Arm shoreline. Watch for Denali itself south of Talkeetna and near Hurricane Gulch if the clouds cooperate.
Before you go
- Pack a day bag. Holland America sends your main luggage ahead so it’s waiting in your room, but it can arrive after you do. Keep medications, documents, layers and binoculars in a small bag at your seat, since dome cars don’t have overhead bins.
- Ship packages stay on the ship. Ship dining and beverage packages don’t apply on the land portion of any cruisetour, for any line. Lunch on the train is paid separately unless you add a Great Land Dining Plan.
- Plan for a full day. Anchorage to Denali, and especially Whittier to Denali, takes most of the day. Guests tell us it’s one of their favorite parts of the trip, so settle in and enjoy the pace.
- Bring a card and a few small bills. Drinks and meals are charged on board, and gratuities aren’t included on land outside a dining plan.
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