Rocky Mountaineer has extended the inaugural season of its new route in the United States, Rockies to the Red Rocks, by four weeks.

The train will now travel between August 15 and November 19, 2021.

The luxury rail company has also decided to delay the start of its Canadian travel season until June 1, 2021 due to the continuing travel restrictions around Covid-19. 

Guests affected by the delayed start to travel in Canada can choose from a future travel credit equivalent to 110% of monies paid; a price guarantee for rebooking to a similar date in 2021 or a full refund. 

Rocky Mountaineer has also added greater flexibility to its bookings, allowing guests to change their departure dates, or people on the booking, up to 30 days ahead of travel without charge. 

“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,” said Peter Armstrong, founder and interim chief executive of Rocky Mountaineer. 

“We are hopeful the vaccination programs 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.”  

Armstrong added that he had “high hopes” for the preview season of Rockies to the Red Rocks, a two-day train journey between Moab, Utah, and Denver, Colorado, with an overnight stay in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. 

The brand is adding rail cars to increase guest capacity on all dates and adding 16 new departure dates to the preview season. 

“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,” he said.

“After the challenges of the past year, we truly appreciate the support and interest we are receiving for this route.”