Overview: Riding the White Pass Scenic Railway in Skagway, Alaska on a Royal Caribbean cruise? Here’s our honest family review, including tips on pricing, what to wear, where to eat, and why this excursion is worth every penny.
If you only do one excursion during your Alaska cruise, make it this one.
We are a family who has visited 25 countries and sailed on more than a few cruise ships, and the White Pass Scenic Railway in Skagway, Alaska still managed to stop us in our tracks. Literally. We stepped off the ship, rounded the corner, and the mountains were just right there. Not in the distance. Right there. And we hadn’t even boarded the train yet.
Day four of our Royal Caribbean Alaska cruise brought us into the port of Skagway on a clear July morning, and what unfolded over the next few hours became one of our favorite travel memories as a family. We’re sharing everything here so you know exactly what to expect, what to pack, where to eat after, and whether this excursion is worth the investment for your family.
Spoiler: it absolutely is.
What Is the White Pass Scenic Railway?
The White Pass and Yukon Route Railway is a historic narrow-gauge railroad that has been running since 1898, originally built during the Klondike Gold Rush to connect Skagway, Alaska to Whitehorse in the Yukon Territory. It climbs nearly 3,000 feet in just 20 miles and is recognized as an International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark, placing it alongside structures like the Eiffel Tower and the Panama Canal. Pretty remarkable company for a train ride.
Today it operates as one of the most popular shore excursions in Alaska, and for good reason. The views are unlike anything you will see from a bus window or a dock. This railway takes you deep into the terrain, past glaciers, waterfalls, and mountain peaks in ways that most excursions simply cannot.
We booked ours directly through Royal Caribbean, which made the logistics seamless. The train station is a short, easy walk from the cruise port, and everything runs on a schedule built around ship departures. No stress, no rushing.
The Train Ride Itself
Our excursion departed early, right around 9 AM, and lasted approximately 2.5 hours total, about an hour up to the summit and an hour and a half back down.
From the moment the train pulled away from the station, the landscape started doing the work. We passed waterfalls cascading down the mountainsides, saw the original narrow trail that Gold Rush miners once hiked carrying up to a thousand pounds of gear, and looked down into gorges that reminded us just how wild and untamed this part of the world still is. Our guide narrated the whole journey with stories about the Gold Rush era that had all of us genuinely listening, kids included.
We got lucky with the weather on this particular day. The sky was clear in a way that our guide told us is actually rare for this region. We were able to see both of the highest peaks along the route, which are typically hidden by fog, and we caught a clear view of the glacier at the summit. On most days, visitors don’t get that. We felt genuinely grateful.
One thing that made this even more special: we were traveling in July, which tends to offer the best visibility and conditions for this excursion. If you are planning an Alaska cruise and this excursion is on your radar, summer is your best window.
Tips for Families with Kids
Our 9-year-old twins loved every minute of this. The train ride held their attention the entire time, which as any parent knows is not always easy to pull off. They took more pictures on this excursion than any other stop on our cruise. A few things worth knowing before you go:
Go outside, even briefly. Each car has a small external platform where you can step out and take in the views with nothing between you and the mountains. The pictures from out there are stunning. The windows inside the train do have water spots, which can affect photo quality, so stepping outside from time to time is the move if you want clear shots.
Dress in layers. We cannot stress this enough. When you step outside on those platforms, the wind is real. It gets cold fast, especially as the train climbs in elevation. We recommend a light jacket, a hat, and if you run cold at all, gloves. July weather in Skagway can feel comfortable at port level and noticeably chilly at elevation. Plan for both.
Sit on the left side going up. Most of the key landmarks and best views are on the left side of the train as you ascend toward the summit. Get there early and secure your seats.
Book through your cruise line early. This excursion sells out. Royal Caribbean offers it directly, and booking through them means you are guaranteed to be back at the ship on time. If you miss the ship, that is an entirely different kind of travel story. Book early and book through your cruise line.
Pricing
Pricing for the White Pass Scenic Railway typically ranges between $155 and $165 per adult and around $75 per child. Keep in mind that pricing can vary depending on the time of year and the specific itinerary you select. There are a few different route options available, so check what is included when you book. We did the White Pass Summit Excursion, which is the most popular option and the one we would recommend for families with children.
After the Train: Exploring Skagway
Once we stepped off the train, we had a few hours to explore the town before heading back to the ship. Skagway is small, walkable, and honestly charming in a way we did not fully expect. It looks like a Hallmark Christmas movie brought to life in the middle of Alaska.
Where we ate: Bonanza Bar and Grill. We grabbed a bite here after the train ride and would recommend it. A solid spot for a meal after a morning excursion. Good food, relaxed atmosphere, and a convenient location.
Broadway Street. This is Skagway’s main strip and the best place to walk around, pop into shops, and grab souvenirs. There are quite a few options for food and gifts along this stretch, so take your time and explore.
Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park Visitor Center. This is a free stop and genuinely worth the time, especially if you want to extend the history lesson from the train. It also offers a warm place to step inside if the wind at port is getting to you, which it very well might. Skagway can be windy at the waterfront, and the wind chill is no joke. Layer up before you even step off the ship.
Is the White Pass Scenic Railway Worth It?
Yes. Without hesitation, yes.
For families especially, this excursion checks every box. It is educational without feeling like a field trip. It is visually breathtaking in a way that resonates with kids and adults equally. It is manageable in time and logistics, especially when booked through your cruise line. And it delivers the kind of shared experience that becomes a reference point for your family long after the trip is over.
Our twins still talk about it. The waterfalls. The glacier. The miners who carried a thousand pounds of gear up a trail barely wide enough for a single person. That is the kind of detail that sticks.
If you are sailing into Skagway on a Royal Caribbean cruise, or any Alaska cruise for that matter, move this excursion to the top of your list.
Watch Our Full Day in Skagway
We captured the whole experience on video. Watch our full Skagway vlog, including the train ride, the summit views, and our time exploring the town, right here:
Watch: We Took the Most Scenic Train Ride in Alaska
If this kind of family travel content is what you are looking for, subscribe to our YouTube channel so you never miss where the Turners head next.
Quick Reference: White Pass Scenic Railway Skagway
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Excursion Name | White Pass and Yukon Route Railway |
| Location | Skagway, Alaska |
| Duration | Approximately 2.5 hours |
| Adult Pricing | $155 to $165 (approximate) |
| Child Pricing | Around $75 (approximate) |
| Best Time to Go | Summer (June through August) |
| Booked Through | Royal Caribbean |
| Distance from Port | Short walk (5 to 10 minutes) |
| Recommended Attire | Layers, light jacket, hat |
| Family Friendly | Yes, absolutely |
Pricing, availability, and excursion details are subject to change. Always confirm current rates and booking availability directly with your cruise line or the White Pass and Yukon Route Railway.
