Vancouver-based Rocky Mountaineer has added Seattle departures to its Rail & Cruise itineraries beginning in May 2011. This is good news for Puget Sound train and cruise fans, who now can start their adventures in Seattle instead of Vancouver. The new 12-17 day itineraries are in partnership with Holland American Line.
The trips begin with a seven-night cruise, stopping in Juneau, Sitka and Ketchikan. You'll then sail south to Victoria and Vancouver, where you'll board the Rocky Mountaineer train for a two-night trip through the Canadian Rockies. Enjoy the vistas of Hell's Gate, the Coast Mountains and Pyramid Falls as you head east to Alberta's Jasper National Park in Alberta. I was aboard the Rocky Mountaineer to Calgary a number of years ago, and it was terrific. Note that this is not a sleeper car train, so the trip includes four additional overnights in destinations along the routes, such as Victoria, Vancouver, Kamloops and Jasper.
The new Rail & Cruise itineraries run May 8 - September 11, 2011. Rates start at $2,599 CAD per person, based on double occupancy. The trips include:
- Victoria Clipper from Seattle to Victoria
- Seven-night Glacier Bay Inside Passage Cruise with Holland America
- Victoria to Vancouver tour, including Butchart Gardens and BC Ferries
- Two days aboard the Rocky Mountaineer train
- Rail station transfers in Vancouver, Kamloops and Jasper
- Luggage handling and National Parks passes
- Nine breakfasts, eight lunches and seven dinners
Rocky Mountaineer is offering more than a dozen different itineraries with Holland America Line, and also partnering with Disney Cruise Lines. The Disney cruise on board Disney's Wonder includes a pre-cruise rail trip to Whistler.
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