Is the McKinley Explorer the same as the Alaska Railroad?
Is the McKinley Explorer the same as the Alaska Railroad? The short answer is: No, but they are related! The McKinley Explorer refers to the privately owned, luxury glass-domed rail cars operated by Holland America Line and Princess Cruises. These cars are often pulled by Alaska Railroad locomotives, but they offer a completely different onboard experience, dining menu, and seating arrangement compared to the Alaska Railroad’s public "GoldStar" or "Adventure Class" cars. If you are planning an Alaska Cruise Tour or a land vacation to Denali National Park, most itineraries include a northbound or southbound rail experience. If you have any questions please leave a comment and Michelle from My Traveling Owl will be happy to answer your questions.