This was definitely a first class experience. We did have luxury parlor seating so maybe that helped. The parlor car had couches, drinks, snacks, a vista car and access to the outside of the back of the train (aka the caboose, but there wasn't a caboose). This was pretty cool to stand out back watching the scenery go by. Keep in mind this is about the train experience. You will be on the the train to and from the GC for 2 hours and 15 minutes each way. That leaves you about 3 hours to see the most grand of all nature's spectacles. That might not be enough for most, but enough for some. We all had a great time. We just wished we had a little more time a the world's grandest canyon.