The world’s largest privately-owned luxury tourism train operator known as Rocky Mountaineer announced that, due to continued government health-related restrictions, it has been forced to suspend its travel season to include departures through October 11, 2020.
Steve Sammut, President, and CEO of Rocky Mountaineer asserted that “We are incredibly sad and very much disappointed to be interrupted when we were spouse to operate to the end of the 2020 season. Like so many in the tourism industry, the pandemic has had an unfortunate negative impact on our business.”
Rocky Mountaineer is emphasizing its commitment to delivering them an exceptional rail tour experience for guests who have existing reservations aboard any of the affected rail tours, at a time when it becomes possible and approvable to do so. Guests booked for a now-suspended departure will be issued a future travel credit valued at 110 percent of the amount they’d originally paid, which will be valid through the end of the 2022 season.
Rail prices for the 2021 and 2022 seasons will still stay the same as 2020 pricing levels so that guests won’t find themselves faced with a rate increase for the rail portion of their tour when they go to rebook.
When operations resume, Rocky Mountaineer will be ready and this time implementing many operational modifications to align itself with government restrictions and the best practices for preventing transmission of any illnesses like the coronavirus. These precautions include pre-travel health screenings, modified boarding and seating procedures to provide adequate spacing between traveler groups, and sanitization throughout rail cars utilizing electrostatic disinfectant sprayers.
“We know this has been, without exception, the most challenging time for our guests, partners, and team members. We thank them for their support and tolerance,” mentioned Sammut. “In the coming months, we will try to work out the issues and restrictions with our travel partners to rebook our travels from this year, and then shift our focus to our 2021 season. When we do operate our trains, the health and safety of our guests and team members will be at the forefront.”
Customers who are affected by this measure of suspension and governmental restrictions which have also tied the rail way’s hand should contact their travel advisor or Rocky Mountaineer prior to November 30, 2021, to choose their new travel date.