Rocky Mountaineer is extending availability of a new route in the US by four weeks while delaying the restart of its Canadian summer season until June 1.
The two-day Rockies to the Red Rocks journey between Moab, Utah, and Denver includes overnight stay in Glenwood Springs, Colorado.
The preview season for the route starts on August 15 and will now run until November 19.
Rocky Mountaineer is adding carriages to increase capacity on all dates and introducing 16 new departure dates to the preview season.
For those affected by the delayed start to travel in Canada, Rocky Mountaineer is offering a future travel credit equivalent to 110% of money paid; holding its 2021 and 2022 rail pricing at 2020 levels; and providing a price guarantee for its holiday packages.
Travellers can choose to transfer their booking to the new route in the US, with an added incentive to return to travel on the Canadian routes in the future.
“Understanding some guests may be hesitant to select a new travel date immediately, Rocky Mountaineer has added greater flexibility to its bookings, which allows guests to change their departure dates, or people on the booking, up to 30 days ahead of travel, without charge or penalty,” the company said.
Founder and interim chief executive Peter Armstrong said: “The travel landscape is almost unrecognisable from 17 months ago when we last operated our trains, and much uncertainty remains around when the Canadian and provincial governments will lift the travel and health restrictions that make it impossible for us to welcome guests on board our Canadian routes.
“We are hopeful the vaccination programmes underway in the United States and Canada will soon be sufficient, so we can get back to doing what we do best, which is hosting guests for an incredible experience on board our trains.
“We also have high hopes for the preview season of our newest rail route in the Southwest USA, Rockies to the Red Rocks.
“We are seeing a strong interest from travellers with some high-demand dates nearing capacity, and signs are pointing to a strong US domestic travel season for the year ahead.
“After the challenges of the past year, we truly appreciate the support and interest we are receiving for this route.
“We are adding more departure dates for 2021 and adding rail cars to each departure, so we can host even more guests throughout the preview season.”