Rocky Mountaineer kicks off its 24th season on April 23rd, 2013, with a number of new options to broaden travellers' perspectives on rail journeys. This year marks the debut of Coastal Passage, a new route that departs from and arrives into the US. In addition, the company has enhanced its First Passage to the West route by adding Lake Louise as a new destination and now offers SilverLeaf Service on two different rail routes through Western Canada.

"We continue to focus on providing innovative and exciting travel options for our guests," says Hubert Wat, Vice President, Global Marketing of Rocky Mountaineer. "With all of our new initiatives, travellers are able to further customize their rail journeys to make the most of their visits to Western Canada.

For the first time in Rocky Mountaineer history, the train travels across the US border, seamlessly connecting Seattle, WA to the majestic Canadian Rockies with its new Coastal Passage route. The train travels along the glistening Pacific Northwest shoreline and stunning landscape of British Columbia and the Canadian Rockies. The new route launches with four departures in August, 2013 and 24 departures scheduled for the 2014 season. Over 40% of all Rocky Mountaineer guests book a rail journey in conjunction with an Alaskan Cruise. With flexible cruise dates out of the Port of Seattle, guests have the opportunity to see the best of both worlds through rail and cruise vacation packages.

The introduction of Lake Louise as a new destination marks the return of passenger rail service to the "Jewel of the Canadian Rockies," in over two decades. Guests who book First Passage to the West packages are privy to options of arriving into or departing from the platform tucked against the backdrop of sparkling emerald waters.

As a response to the successful introduction of SilverLeaf Service in 2012, Rocky Mountaineer expands the new level of service onto its Journey through the Clouds route. The single-level, domed coaches provide guests with affordable luxury, complete with delectable hot meals served at their seats by dedicated onboard Hosts and large picture windows to take in all that Western Canada has to offer.

For more information, please contact your local travel professional or Rocky Mountaineer directly at 00-11-1-800-0606-7372 or visit rockymountaineer.com. To get a glimpse of the new Coastal Passage route, visit our YouTube channel.  For the latest news and offers follow us on Twitter and connect with us on Facebook.

About Rocky Mountaineer

Rocky Mountaineer offers over 45 vacation packages and five unique rail routes, rich in history and natural wonders, through the Pacific Northwest and Alberta. This world-renowned, luxurious train travels by daylight through the wild beauty of Canada's West and is considered by many as the only way to experience the majestic Canadian Rockies. Since its inception in 1990, the company has grown to become the largest privately owned passenger rail service in North America and has welcomed more than one and a half million guests from around the world. Rocky Mountaineer has received numerous international awards and accolades for service excellence. Most recently, the company received its seventh World Travel Award as, "World's Leading Travel Experience By Train" and has been recognized by National Geographic as one of the "World's Greatest Trips."

During its 2013 season, Rocky Mountaineer launches Coastal Passage, a new route connecting Seattle WA and the Canadian Rockies. It signifies the company's first rail journey to and from the United States.

Media Contacts:  

Kristy Meudell

Public Relations Manager, Gate 7 Pty Ltd

Phone: (02) 9356 2945

Email: kristy@gate7.com.au

Beth Greenup

Public Relations Coordinator, Gate 7 Pty Ltd

Phone: (02) 9356 2945

Email: beth@gate7.com.au