I had mixed feelings about my recent journey on this train. If you or a family member have mobility issues, the train's accommodations might make it worth considering. The stunning mountain views, along with a few standout staff members like Sophia, did provide some moments of enjoyment. Additionally, the convenience of having included food/drinks and luggage arrangements taken care of was appreciated. However, many aspects fell short of justifying the high price tag.
Staff:
On one hand, there was the standout professionalism of staff like Sophie, who went above and beyond to make our journey enjoyable. On the other hand, Joey's performance left much to be desired. It was disappointing to witness his lack of engagement with our group, and preferential treatment towards certain guests. His unprofessional behavior, specifically to our group, truly affected our overall experience. To give an example, skipping over our group, while offering every other group on the train minor accomodations (i.e. drinks, conversations, etc.) left a sour taste in our mouth.
Food:
The food presentation was commendable, but the taste fell short of expectations. We went as part of the silver leaf group, and I was disappointed to learn that the meals were pre-purchased and reheated on the train. Moreover, the lack of consideration for dietary restrictions was frustrating, with only doubling up on appetizers offered as an alternative. As it's currently marketed, this was a large disappointment.
Experience:
The delays during the trip, including a delayed initial departure and a rushed stop in Glenfield Springs, left little time for exploration and enjoyment. Our group, along with all others planning to visit the hot springs, were unable to as our train arrived within 30 minutes of closing. The frequent slow pacing of the train, seemingly to elongate the journey, felt frustrating and prevented us from fully appreciating our overnight stop.
Other Points:
The absence of onboard Wi-Fi posed a challenge for those needing to stay connected. The substantial price of the train ride is hard to justify. For reference, an Amtrak train taking a similar route (which passed by our train multiple times) is around $40 from UT to Denver, or $400 if you want a private vestibule. Although you don't get the large viewing window or accomodations (shuttles, food, drinks, and service), the justification of price becomes difficult.
In Conclusion:
While the train offers some unique experiences, such as exclusive river and mountain views, and is accommodating for those with mobility challenges, there are areas that need improvement. The standout staff members like Sophia and the convenience of certain amenities are highlights, but the overall experience needs a ton of refinement to match the premium cost. For $1,500 per person, please choose to do something else and don't be disappointed...
Read moreMy wife and I want to take an extended trip by rail but we’re re not sure what to expect. We took the Denver to Moab one way since it is only a 2 day train ride as a sampler. It was fantastic! The service from the staff was amazing. Olivia, Tristan and the entire crew’s attention to our comfort was spectacular.
What do you do on a train you ask? EAT! The menus for the trip were great (even for the gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian and just plain picky eaters). The staff would prepare different items if needed.
Folklore, history, science and stories as you make your way. A crew member is from a little dot on the map in Colorado we passed on the way. Their family even came out to wave high as we went past. They told us how it was like growing up where the population is now 4 from 5 since they left.
We will certainly be booking another trip through Rocky Mountaineer.
Oh yeah! The scenery...
Read moreBest trip of our lives!! The guest service is second to none!! Paul took care of us in the coach. He was kind, funny, told interesting stories and never let us go hungry or thirsty. We saw him out later that night and even when he wasn't working he asked how we liked the town and gave us a tip on where to eat. What a great guy!! Evan took care of all of our needs on the train. He set up bag drops, bud rides and spent a very long time helping us with a rental car issue. Matthew in the Moab office took over the issue and made sure we were taken care of and even saved us $50 and an hours drive to the rental car pick up. We enjoyed every moment and highly suggest any trip...
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