To Pre-Book or Not to Pre-Book

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Fondy

Guest
Question on necessity of pre-booking White Pass Railroad. When I contacted the vendor via web-site, they pretty much suggested that we wait and book via cruise ship. However, since this is probably one of the top attractions, I'm wondering if we'll have to worry about it selling out. We'll be arriving on the Carnival Spirit the end of July which I understand is a pretty "peak" time. Can some of the experienced Alaska travelers shed any thoughts on whether or not I should pre-book? Thanks!
 
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PEB

Guest
Unfortunately you are on Carnival which does not allow prebooking of tours, or maybe that is lucky. When you board the ship fill out the tour form immediately for booking the White Pass Railway. The one nice thing is they can add some extra cars to the train if need be so your chances are very good for getting on the train. The bad thing is they can only add so many cars so put in your reservation right away.

They will have a few rail cars for each cruise line in port that day.
 
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Fondy

Guest
Thanks! I think we'll just wait to book this one until we're on the ship. Seems like more of a hassle to pre-book direct with vendor (since they seemed to discourage me from doing so).

We have pre-booked whale watching with Captain Larry so I feel pretty good about that.

As first-time cruisers and first-time Alaska visitors, I know that no matter what we do, we'll have an "excellent adventure."
 
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ScottieB64

Guest
PRE-BOOK IT! I checked with both Carnival and through the website. If you book through Carnival the price is $139. The train pulls up to the dock and you board. If you book directly, the price is $89. You have to board at the depot which, I am told, is about 1/2 to 3/4 mile walk from the pier. I would walk a couple of miles to save $50 per person. That is what we did. We leave June 2 from Vancouver. Of course, if money is no problem, book through the cruise line.
 
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Fondy

Guest
Wow, the person at the White Pass Railroad said it's only $5 - 10 more to book via cruise. I'm going to call today and book it! Thanks for the tip.
 
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