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Rail & Cruise Holidays
The ultimate adventure
Picture this: You’re relaxing on your private balcony, a chilled glass of bubbly in hand, watching the dramatic fjords slide by. Behind you lies the vibrant city of Vancouver. Ahead, the wilderness of Alaska. After a day spotting whales and bald eagles, listening to the thunder of calving ice, and standing face-to-face with a glacier, you’re wondering if it could possibly get any better. And you smile because this is only the beginning. On a Canada rail and cruise holiday, your experience doesn’t stop there. You get the best of both worlds with two incredible holidays in one.
An Alaska cruise paired with a trip on the luxurious Rocky Mountaineer train is one of the finest ways to explore Western Canada and the only way to see the Rockies and Alaska if you want to do things properly. Onboard Rocky Mountaineer’s daylight train you’ll be treated like royalty. The impeccable service, gourmet dining and dramatic views continue on your cruise. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience, with memories that will last forever. In Eastern Canada, VIA Rail links the vibrant cities while a cruise of the St. Lawrence River is the best way to see Ontario and Quebec.
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Special Offers
Included Rail Upgrade Offer
Take advantage of an included GoldLeaf upgrade on rail holidays
Enjoy Canada's incredible mountains, national parks and abundance of wildlife on a luxury train tour. Book by 17th May 2024. T&C's apply.
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Exclusive Cruise Discount
Receive £250 off per cruise booking
Offer is valid for all cruise liners with selected 2024/2025 sailings. This offer is available until 17th May. T&C's apply.
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Holland America Line Anniversary Sale
Up to 35% off cruise fares and up to $300 USD onboard credit per stateroom
Offer is valid for selected 2024/2025 sailings. This offer is available until 31st May. T&C's apply.
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Celebrity Cruises Spring Discount
Save at least 30% for first & second guest on selected cruises
The first two guests sharing a stateroom receive at least 30% off per person on selected cruises. This offer is available until 31st May 2024.
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Holland America Line Have it All
Upgrade your base cruise fare to the 'Have It All' premium package and receive the best amenities
Shore Excursions, Drink Package, Specialty Dining, Crew Appreciation and Wi-Fi. Offer is valid for selected 2024/2025 sailings. Offer applies to guest 1 & 2. T&C's apply.
Recommended Holidays
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Alberta, British Columbia & Alaska
Our most popular Canada rail and cruise combination transports you from the everyday into the majesty of Western Canada and Alaska. A luxurious, daylight journey on Rocky Mountaineer's plush train uncovers the hidden gems of Canada's Rocky Mountains.
See places in Alberta and British Columbia that are only accessible by rail. When your train tour ends, board a Holland America Line cruise from Vancouver along Alaska's Inside Passage for round two of spectacular scenery.
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Ontario, Quebec & Atlantic Canada
When you explore Canada and New England by rail and cruise, your adventure starts in bustling Boston. A stopover in Maine's Bar Harbour gives you a taste of the delicious lobster to come before you sail into Atlantic Canada.
Explore the gorgeous beaches of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island and keep an eye out for whales as you cruise up the Gulf of St. Lawrence to Quebec. Finally, tour Quebec and Ontario's glittering cities, finishing in Toronto.
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West Coast city stops
The highlights of a rail and cruise journey in Western Canada include the Wild West city of Calgary - a common start or end point for your tour. The action-packed Rocky Mountain towns of Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper promise incredible mountain views with memorable sightseeing.
Vibrant Vancouver is where your cruise to Alaska will depart from. Along the way, you'll take in the boardwalks of Ketchikan, the glaciers of Juneau and the Gold Rush history of Skagway.
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East Coast city stops
A New England and Canada cruise starts off in famous Boston before sailing to the summer-houses of Bar Harbour. Nova Scotia's capital, Halifax, is a bustling metropolitan city that stands side-by-side with colourful fishing communities and beautiful beaches.
Sydney, on Cape Breton Island, is a stunning spot to take in cliff views. Prince Edward Island's Charlottetown is a scenic stop-off before you reach the French-inspired architecture and romance of Quebec City and Montreal.
End your tour in Toronto.
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What to pack for your Rocky Mountaineer & Alaska cruise holiday?
A major concern for any travellers to Alaska is the weather. Surely a cruise filled with icebergs and glaciers will be cold?
Well actually, if you’re travelling in summer, it’ll be about the same as a UK spring. Pack layers for those warmer days and a jacket, hat and gloves for colder days on the deck or in the mountains.
Sturdy shoes, comfortable trousers, warm layers, gloves and hat, and a camera will do for both the train and the cruise.
Most guests wear casual dress, so wear clothes you are comfortable sitting in and sturdy, flat shoes to cope with the motion of the train.
A comfortable top with a warm fleece or jumper and windproof layer on top will cover all bases.
Don’t forget your binoculars to spot wildlife!
Rocky Mountaineer has no dress code.
The cruise will have one or two formal evenings, but it’s up to you whether to dress up or go smart-casual.
Don’t forget that you’ll be visiting two countries in one holiday if you visit Canada and Alaska.
As well as your passport, Canada requires an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) to enter the country.
The USA has different requirements, needing an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA).
Both must be obtained in advance online.
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Did you know?
Canada is home to some of the most scenic cruising destinations in the world. From the glaciers and waterfalls of the Rocky Mountains to the charming coastal villages of the Maritimes, there is something for everyone to enjoy on a Canadian cruise.
Immerse yourself in the views
See some of the sights for yourself by watching the video below
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Related Articles
Canada Advocate Q&A: My Holland America Line Alaska Cruise
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Earlier this year, Canada Advocate Mark embarked on an unforgettable cruise to Alaska with Holland America Line. In this Q&A blog, we find out more about his experience cruising to the Last Frontier, what he enjoyed most, and his top tips for other travellers.
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The Rocky Mountaineer train is unsurprisingly a legendary ride. The different routes take in spectacular scenery, and those riding on board get to see views and reach places you won’t be able to get any other way.
