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W
hen I was asked if I would like to
accompany 30 of our Jetline Cruise
passengers on a Rocky Mountaineer
trip, in GoldLeaf Service, it was the easiest
decision of my life. When you tell your friends
that you are going on the Rocky Mountaineer the
response is unvarying: it is simply on everyone's
wish list!
We gathered at our hotel reception in
downtown Vancouver for an early departure to
the train station, just a short distance away, and
the excitement was palpable.
The Rocky Mountaineer guide was waiting for us
with our luggage labels and reminded us that we
should keep everything we needed for the train
with us, as we would next see our luggage at our
hotel in Kamloops, the first stop on our trip.
On arrival at the terminal, exclusive to
Rocky Mountaineer, there was an abundance
of staff to help, check-in and guide you to your
carriage. The train is an impressive sight, and
the double-deck GoldLeaf Service carriages
have glass domed ceilings on the upper level
for an outstanding view. We had four
Rocky Mountaineer Hosts exclusive to our
carriage to ensure that we received the best
possible level of service. These friendly and
knowledgeable Hosts provide commentary
on the journey, continuous drink service, and
generally cater to your every need. We were
"piped" away from the station by pipers in full
highland dress, with Rocky Mountaineer staff
waving us off. Breakfast and lunch are served on
the lower level, where you find a choice of freshly
cooked, delicious hot dishes, making GoldLeaf
Service even more memorable.
Once you leave Vancouver behind, the wonderful
vista of the Canadian Rocky Mountains opens up
as one breathtaking view after another unfolds.
The photo opportunities are endless, and the
GoldLeaf Service carriages have a roomy outside
vestibule on the lower level where you can take
the best shots, and breathe the fresh mountain air.
There is much excitement when an animal is
spotted, and the cry of "bear on the left side"
or "eagle overhead" gets everyone on their feet.
There is a wonderful feeling of joint pleasure
when this happens. The length of the train
affords a wonderful opportunity to look out of
the window on a bend and see the carriages at
the other end - quite a sight. Also, be amazed
at the length of the freight trains that pass from
time to time which can be two miles long!
When we reached Kamloops, our luggage was
waiting in our hotel rooms just as anticipated.
The following morning, we departed for
Jasper leaving our cases behind in the utmost
confidence that we would see them again in
Banff!
The sheer beauty of the mountains, rivers and
scenery is a given, and spotting wildlife is always
a bonus, but the exemplary Rocky Mountaineer
service and organisation is simply the icing on
the cake.
"When you tell friends that you are going on the
Rocky Mountaineer the response is unvarying: it is simply
on everyone's wish list!"
Whistler
GoldLeaf Service