If you think you’re familiar with the Rocky Mountaineer product, then you’re set to get a little bit of a surprise this coming season.
Steve Farrelly – National Sales Manager Australia and New Zealand – said in Sydney last night that the coming season, which is set to launch in nine months, will see the company roll out a number of changes.
Speaking to travel agents at a Rail Plus and Rocky Mountaineer hosted event, Farrelly explained that adjustments are designed to secure the company’s position as a premier luxury operator.
Among the biggest changes will be the removal of the Red Leaf service.
Although the product has been available for years, Farrelly said Rocky Mountaineer had outgrown the class.
With the removal of Red Leaf, the company is left with Silver Leaf and Gold Leaf, both of which offer five-star luxury rail service.
But that’s not all that’s changing.
Here are four reasons to get excited about Rocky Mountaineer’s 2016 season:
1. Views, views & views
As we mentioned, Rocky Mountaineer is retiring its Red Leaf service to concentrate on selling off Silver Leaf and Gold Leaf.
For those that don’t know both Silver Leaf and Gold Leaf offer incredible views.
Gold Leaf has has dome windows, while Silver Leaf service offers oversized windows.
In addition to ultimate viewing, Silver Leaf and Gold Leaf also offer five-star dining with meals created by Michelin accredited chefs.
Meals in Silver Leaf are served at guests’ seats and includes breakfast, morning tea and lunch.
In Gold Leaf service, guests dine in the lower level of the bi-level coach in a separate dining area.
2. Longer seasons
Guests will have an additional month’s worth of Rocky Mountaineer railing during the forthcoming season.
Next year, the season will be extended to start two weeks earlier in mid-April and two weeks later, now finishing mid-October.
3. Getting closer to Holland America
Clients looking to tag something extra onto their rail journey will love the three new Holland America cruise ships added to Rocky Mountaineer’s program.
The cruises can be added to the end or beginning of your client’s journey.
4. Two new choices
Giving clients more options, the company has launched the new ‘Coastal Passage’ itinerary.
The newest route starts in the city of Seattle, WA and moves through the USA to Canada, stopping in Vancouver and then heading the Canadian Rockies.
Guests will experience an all daylight journey onboard the Rocky Mountaineer travelling along the Pacific Ocean’s sparkling coastline.
There’s also the launch of the extended Rainforest to Gold Rush route.
For the first time, the Rainforest to Gold Rush route will begin or end in North Vancouver rather than Whistler, as it has done since the route was established.
Travelling through Howe Sound, Squamish and Cheakamus Canyon to connect the world-class destinations of Vancouver and Whistler, the extended route will provide guests with an exclusive look at some of the most spectacular views in British Columbia.
The Rainforest to Gold Rush route will continue to link Whistler and the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies, Jasper, AB, with an overnight stop in the quaint Gold Rush City of Quesnel, BC.
The first departure of the season will leave Vancouver on 19 April.