I took a 2-day luxury train across the US southwest that costs $1,500. It was a bucket list trip, but I wouldn't do it again.

Monica HumphriesOct 1, 2022, 16:31 IST

The Rocky Mountaineer stationed in Glenwood Springs, Colorado.Monica Humphries/Insider

I took the Rocky Mountaineer train from Denver, Colorado, to Moab, Utah.
The once-in-a-lifetime trip usually costs $1,465. I purchased my ticket on sale for $1,052.

With a red carpet unrolled, I boarded the Rocky Mountaineer train with a backpack, iced latte, and high expectations.

A passenger steps onboard the Rocky Mountaineer train in Denver, Colorado.Monica Humphries/Insider

Overall, the promises of luxury held up, but as I disembarked the train, I couldn't justify the cost. For me, the Rocky Mountaineer will likely just be a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

The glass-dome windows on the Rocky Mountaineer just after sunrise.Monica Humphries/Insider

Overall, the promises of luxury held up, but as I disembarked the train, I couldn't justify the cost. For me, the Rocky Mountaineer will likely just be a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

Plenty of elements of the two-day journey were filled with luxury.

The interior of a standard-class train car on the Rocky Mountaineer.Monica Humphries/Insider

But I wish I had more time to appreciate and experience the scenery, instead of quickly passing by.

A picture of the staircase just past the Utah-Colorado state border.Monica Humphries/Insider

I realized that my money could take me farther on other trains and trips.

A view from above Glenwood Springs, Colorado, after the train dropped off passengers for the evening.Monica Humphries/Insider

I also thought a few elements of the trip came up short.

A view from the observation deck on the Rocky Mountaineer.Monica Humphries/Insider

I likely won't board the Rocky Mountaineer again anytime soon, but that doesn't mean it wasn't an epic journey.

The author on the Rocky Mountaineer in Utah.Monica Humphries/Insider

We sailed in an interior cabin on Carnival and an ocean-view room on Royal Caribbean. Here's the one we'd pick next time.

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I took a 2-day luxury train across the US southwest that costs $1,500. It was a bucket list trip, but I wouldn't do it again.

With a red carpet unrolled, I boarded the Rocky Mountaineer train with a backpack, iced latte, and high expectations.

Overall, the promises of luxury held up, but as I disembarked the train, I couldn't justify the cost. For me, the Rocky Mountaineer will likely just be a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

Plenty of elements of the two-day journey were filled with luxury.

But I wish I had more time to appreciate and experience the scenery, instead of quickly passing by.

I realized that my money could take me farther on other trains and trips.

I also thought a few elements of the trip came up short.

I likely won't board the Rocky Mountaineer again anytime soon, but that doesn't mean it wasn't an epic journey.