Lunch and dinner in the dining car from the regular menu are included in the tour. Breakfast will be available in the dining car at an extra expense. You are responsible for making your own hotel reservation and paying for the room in Anchorage. A list of hotels with shuttle service to the train station will be provided.
ON-BOARD SERVICES AND HOTELS: Lunch in the dining car is included each day on the train. Dinner is also included on Day 4. Additionally, snacks, drinks and souvenirs will be available for sale on the train. To ensure adequate space on the cars, passengers are encouraged to carry only small bags on the train. Large bags can be checked at Fairbanks and picked up at Anchorage. Bags brought onto the train must fit in luggage racks, overhead or under seats to keep the aisles clear. Except for Talkeetna, the hotel and transportation is not included in the tour price. A list of hotels at Anchorage and Fairbanks will be provided with your other tour booking information.
OUR TOUR CONCEPTS: SARM has for many years been operating rare mileage passenger charters for the adventuresome rail enthusiast. We specialize in running rare mileage train trips that feature the opportunity to ride rail lines that normally don't have passenger service. SARM also operates a number of special trips with the rail photographer in mind, including numerous photo freights. Alaska 2008 is designed to provide both: a chance to ride the entire Alaska Railroad while making numerous stops for photographs.
Prospective passengers should understand that these trips are not intended to be luxury vacations. While we have contracted for good equipment such as dome and dining cars, the passenger will not be offered the luxury of at-seat service or mile-by-mile narrations. Instead, we plan to offer the unique experience of a private train where you can move around (we generally plan for two seats per passenger), dine at your convenience, and enjoy the scenery only available from the tracks of the Alaska Railroad.
Additionally, each passenger will be responsible for getting to and from Alaska as well as making their own reservations for hotels in Fairbanks and Anchorage. We do this because many people have airline and hotel partnerships that they wish to use and different meal and room standards. Therefore, you get to choose most of your lodging, meals and travel arrangements and save money by not having us make the arrangements. Also, we realize that many people will want to arrive in Alaska early or stay late for a longer vacation. Please note that we will provide a list of recommended hotels in Anchorage and Fairbanks as well as some vacation ideas for those looking for more activities.
THE ALASKA 2008 TOUR INCLUDES:
Four days of charter train operations, Lunch each day in the dining car as well as dinner on Day 4,
Lodging, breakfast, and transportation between the train and hotel at Talkeetna, Various railroad facility and museum visits, and Route guide and related information.
EQUIPMENT: All of the equipment used on the trip will be supplied by the Alaska Railroad. The train will consist of various types of passenger equipment, including coaches, domes, and dining cars. The equipment has been restored and upgraded for modern use but may not be fully accessible for all passengers. Steps and narrow aisles may make it difficult for some people. Because of the cars' historical design, passengers needing special assistance are asked to make arrangements on their own for physical help.
PHOTO STOPS: We are planning approximately five photo stops each day of the tour. Stops will include a number of scenic and historic locations. These stops will often be made in areas without boarding facilities such as platforms. Only those physically capable of getting on and off the train without assistance will be allowed off at these locations. Additional stops for photos will also be made at several locations where platforms are available for those who require them. Anyone getting off the train at these locations will be expected to comply with both tour and railroad officials to allow everyone to get their pictures in a safe manner.
TOUR GUIDES: Bart and Sarah Jennings, the regular SARM rare mileage charter trip guides, will be working as volunteer hosts on the Alaska 2008 charter. Bart and Sarah have worked as volunteers on similar trips for almost twenty years. Both will be working with the railroad staff to make sure everything goes smoothly.
FURTHER INFORMATION: This train is operated for the education, entertainment and enjoyment of the passengers and as a fundraising activity for SARM. It will run rain, snow or shine. The train is not a part of the regular operations of the railroad involved, therefore, the Alaska Railroad cannot be held responsible for delays or changes in the equipment or itinerary. The operators cannot be held responsible for problems associated with connecting transportation, lodging, sickness, weather, acts of war, acts of God, or other causes beyond our control. The same holds true for the Southern Appalachia Railway Museum and any other non-profit or for-profit organization assisting with these trips. Tickets cannot be canceled after July 31, 2008 (45 days before the event). Reservations canceled before that date will have a $100 cancellation fee. A full refund by check will be made if for some reason SARM is forced to cancel the trip. Remember, this is a volunteer-operated fund-raising event, please assist us as you can. Please contact the Southern Appalachia Railway Museum with any questions that you might have. E-mail is preferred at:
b.jennings@mchsi.com. If you want to send a written question, send it to SARM Alaska 2008, P.O. Box 6756, Oak Ridge, TN 37831. Please include a self-addressed stamped envelope with any correspondence.
TICKET INFORMATION: Tickets are available only through the Southern Appalachia Railway Museum at SARM Alaska 2008, P.O. Box 6756, Oak Ridge, TN 37831.
Ticket price is $1899 per person. Do not contact the Alaska Railroad for any information about this trip as it is not part of their regular passenger operations. Please note that tickets are very limited.
A down payment of $800 per person is required to make a reservation for the tour. Final payment must be made by June 30, 2008. Payment is only accepted via check or money order.
Note that the tour price includes the hotel at Talkeetna based upon double occupancy. Participants wishing to room with someone else should indicate that in the comments/roommate section of the order form. If no name is provided, roommates will be assigned by the tour. Please note that a single room is available at Talkeetna for an extra charge of $85.
To order tickets, print out the
Ticket Order Form, print the requested information, and send with a check or money order to SARM Alaska 2008, P.O. Box 6756, Oak Ridge, TN 37831. Questions about the trip may be directed to
b.jennings@mchsi.com.
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