I paid an extra $114 for a premium ticket on the Alaska Railroad. The value of my 4-hour train ride was incredible.

• I bought a premium ticket for my four-hour ride on the Alaska Railroad from Denali to Fairbanks.
• My GoldStar premium seat was roomy, the views were great, and I got a three-course meal.
• The $114 I paid to have this premium ticket instead of the standard one was well worth it.

Much to my surprise, train rides were some of my favorite parts of my entire trip to Alaska .

One highlight in particular was my four-hour ride on the Alaska Railroad from Denali National Park to Fairbanks. For this trip, I splurged on a GoldStar premium-service class ticket for $202. The standard adventure-class ticket would've cost me $88.

This premium class came with a seat in a glass-dome railcar, a three-course meal, complimentary drinks, a tour guide, and access to a special upper-level viewing platform.

Here's what my ride was like and why I think the $114 upgrade was worth every penny.

The boarding process was easy.

The train departed from the Denali station, and once I got there, I headed to the special GoldStar boarding area.

Checking in, getting my ticket, and boarding the train didn't take long.

My seat was in the first train car up a spiral staircase in an area only for GoldStar passengers.

There were so many windows that I felt like I was in a glass spaceship.

Premium passengers get to sit in the train car with 180-degree glass-dome ceilings , which is a major perk.

I loved seeing out of windows on all sides and felt like I was inside a glass spaceship.

The seats felt very luxurious.

Seats on the train are assigned, and I liked knowing I'd have a designated spot for the entire ride.

I was impressed with how large and comfortable our seats were, too. They reclined pretty far back, and each had its own footrest and tray table.

In premium class, all seats are forward-facing. In adventure class, they're arranged in groups of four, with two facing backward.

I was also impressed by the beverage menu

The onboard drink selection was quite good.

The menu had an extensive list of options, including cocktails, wines, and local Alaska beers.

It was really nice to sip wine with a view.

As GoldStar passengers, riders over 21 (like me) are also entitled to two complimentary adult alcoholic beverages per trip, plus unlimited non-alcoholic ones.

We didn't have to go far to get them — there was a private bar with a bartender in our car. I had some wine and a few cups of tea throughout the journey.

The food was pretty tasty, too.

Our GoldStar ticket also came with a full sit-down meal, which was served in the dining area below us.

The multicourse meals started with a soup or salad. Then, an entrée — options included reindeer Bolognese, slow-braised pot roast, chickpea masala, and Alaska cod. They ended with chocolate cake or a lemon pastry for dessert.

I chose a salad, pot roast, and chocolate cake.

The meal seemed like a solid value.

My food was quite tasty and seemed pretty fresh, especially considering it was prepared on a moving train.

Those riding in regular adventure class don't get meals included with their ticket — but they can purchase food and drinks in a designated car.

My favorite part of being a GoldStar passenger was getting access to the outdoor, upper-level viewing platform.

I loved spending time on GoldStar's open-air, upper-level observation deck. If I could've stayed out there for the whole ride, I might have, but the allure of dinner and drinks called me away.

The views from the observation deck are unparalleled during the especially scenic parts of the journey.

Really, the views were the star of the trip.

Alaska Railroad doesn't have onboard WiFi, but I didn't mind.

I enjoyed looking out the window and listening to the narration of our onboard guide, who shared interesting facts about the regions we traveled through.

Still, I'd recommend bringing a book or downloading a movie ahead of time if you need extra entertainment.

The value I got out of the experience was well worth the money I paid for the higher-class seats.

The four-hour train ride felt upscale in premium class, and I still felt like I was on vacation throughout the experience.

Between the food and beverage services, the upper-level viewing platform, comfortable seats, and dome-style windows, the $114 extra I spent on my ticket was well worth it.

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