Getting Ready for Guests: Ultradome Railcars Prepare to Showcase Alaska’s Breathtaking Panoramas
Carnival Corporation’s Alaskan rail operations balance logistics and luxury for unforgettable journeys
For many cruise guests visiting Alaska, a train ride on the historic Alaska Railroad route is a highlight. Riding aboard Carnival Corporation’s Alaskan private double-deck Ultradome railcars provides the perfect way to experience its beauty. Traveling at 18 feet above the tracks allows guests to take in the full Alaskan landscape. With seasoned narrators highlighting points of interest and explaining the history of the land, guests walk away with an understanding of some of the things that make Alaska so amazing. Thanks to 80 sets of eyes looking, it is common to spot Alaskan wildlife along the route, such as moose, caribou, black bears and even grizzlies.
Jan Montgomery, the general manager of Holland America Princess’ (HAP) rail division, approaches each day’s operations schedule like a master chess player. With 20 glass-domed Ultradome railcars at her disposal and constantly shifting passenger numbers, she and her team orchestrate a complex daily puzzle of routes, staffing and capacity planning that keeps Alaska’s premier rail tours running smoothly through the spectacular wilderness.
“In rail operations, each day brings a new configuration,” explains Montgomery, a long-time company team member. “We’re constantly balancing which cars go on which routes based on bookings and operational considerations. It’s about creating the perfect guest experience while maintaining peak efficiency throughout our network.”
Preparing Premier Viewing Experiences
During the off-season, HAP’s rail team meticulously maintains all 20 Ultradome cars, known for their panoramic glass ceilings that provide 360-degree views of Alaska’s breathtaking landscapes. Each car undergoes a comprehensive overhaul covering everything from mechanical systems to interior fixtures.
This season, all 20 railcars feature fully refurbished interiors, ready to transport guests across routes connecting the cruise port of Whittier to Anchorage, Talkeetna and Denali National Park.
“The Ultradomes are designed specifically for optimal viewing,” Montgomery notes. “Our maintenance isn’t just about functionality—it’s about ensuring that when a guest looks up to see a bird soaring overhead or gazes out at Denali National Park on a clear day, nothing interferes with that experience.”
“Also, safety is the foundation of everything we do,” emphasizes Montgomery. “Our technicians and onboard team ensure a safe, comfortable and memorable journey for all our guests.”
The Daily Logistics Ballet
While Montgomery oversees the operation, she quickly credits her accomplished team of managers and technicians who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make the experience come together. “This is absolutely a team effort,” Montgomery emphasizes. “We have an extraordinary group of professionals—from food and beverage managers to maintenance technicians—who bring tremendous expertise and dedication to making this complex operation appear effortless to our guests, which is precisely what you value on vacation.”
A Team of Specialists
Montgomery leads a dedicated team of 20 year-round team members who manage everything from maintenance to logistics planning. During the peak season, this core group grows to include over 300 seasonal team members working many different positions such as rail guides, bartenders, cooks, servers, dishwashers, managers, stewards and tour sales representatives, just to name a few.
“Our seasonal positions are among the most sought-after in Alaska’s tourism industry,” Montgomery says. “We have people who’ve been returning for many consecutive seasons. They know Alaska intimately—its geology, wildlife, history and culture. Many are Alaskans who bring authentic local knowledge that enhances the guest experience.”
This continuity fosters an operation where institutional knowledge runs deep. New seasonal team members benefit from comprehensive training alongside veterans who understand every curve, vista and storytelling opportunity along the routes. The rail division’s year-round staff contributes to HAP and Carnival Corporation’s broader commitment to Alaska, where more than 300 full-time team members live in the state year-round, maintaining community connections and local expertise that seasonal operations alone couldn’t achieve.
The Integrated Alaska Experience
As a wholly owned division of Carnival Corporation’s Alaska operations, HAP’s rail service integrates seamlessly with cruise itineraries and motorcoach tours, creating comprehensive land-and-sea experiences that showcase the best of Alaska. A tunnel allows guests to transition directly from ship to rail at locations like the Whittier Cruise Ship Terminal.
“This creates opportunities for exceptional service that wouldn’t exist otherwise,” Montgomery explains. “When a cruise ship arrives, we know exactly how many guests are continuing to which destinations, their specific needs and how to make their journey as comfortable and entertaining as possible. That integration gives us tremendous advantages in delivering consistently excellent experiences.”
HAP’s rail division will transport thousands of guests through Alaska’s most stunning terrain this summer. With a team of professionals and seasonal experts—many of whom return year after year—the division combines authentic Alaskan knowledge with operational excellence to ensure travelers enjoy spectacular wilderness views from the comfort of meticulously maintained Ultradome railcars, all delivered with unparalleled service.
