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Review: Rail Cruise America in St. Louis

By Sean Hixson - Photo courtesy of RailCruise America // August 1, 2004

Born in 1917, my grandmother fondly recalls the days when travel in and out of St. Louis was done on rails. She rode the streetcars to and from work, to and from shopping and to and from anywhere too far to walk. As a kid, she and her family would flee North Grand on summer weekends, taking the open-air trolley through the country backwoods of undeveloped St. Louis County to the leisure of Creve Coeur Lake.

During World War II, she remembers city-to-city trains being so crowded that some people had to stand. En route to Milwaukee in 1942, she recalled a young soldier and his girl (not her) unable to keep their hands to themselves, and the soldier earnestly asking the girl, “Now, what’s your name?” She remembers and misses St. Louis’ trains, trolleys and streetcars, particularly their romance.

Today, save imperfect Metrolink and inadequate Amtrak, passenger trains are gone from our town, right? Read on, Grandma.

The look … Third-generation railroader and RailCruise chairman Ed Boyce Jr. loves trains. Throughout the last few decades, he has purchased eight vintage passenger cars, thoroughly refitting them inside and out. If his sleek, green train were at HO scale, it’d be a model railroader’s dream. It looks exactly like a passenger train should.

Before boarding, passengers are warmly greeted by the conductor on a red carpet. The authentic interiors are ornately appointed in warm mahogany and black walnut, with hunter greens and golds coloring the carpet, walls and seating.

The train length and configurations vary, but all passenger cars feature huge windows with views of the passing cityscape or countryside. The Columbia River and Mississippi River dome cars feature 360-degree-views in the glass-enclosed upper dome. The Cuivre River and Osage River units are windowed single-level dining cars. The Charrette Creek car includes a complete bar and dance floor. Reminiscent of an upscale hotel lobby, the Missouri River unit boasts a large observation deck with leather- and cloth-upholstered club seats.

The scene … Think of it as a 1,100-foot-long, 9.5-foot-wide, white-linen-tablecloth, candlelit restaurant on rails, with unique, ever-changing views.

On Friday and Saturday nights, the City Skyline excursion departs Union Station and travels north through the city and across the river. While the city sights are very familiar, the perspectives are new. The train continues on to the river’s east bank, traversing through Madison County and the old historic riverfront. In the summertime, you’ll see an overwhelming amount of green from the flora along the track. Ignore the garish Casino Queen. This three-hour trip attracts mostly 40-year-old-plus couples, many celebrating special occasions.

On Sunday mornings, the Mississippi River Run departs to Kimmswick, heading west through the city then south, returning through Carondelet Park. The trip includes quaint views of city neighborhoods and spectacular scenery of river bluffs and the Mississippi River itself, which at times is no more than 10 feet away. I swear I saw Huck and Jim on their raft. This six-hour trip (three in Kimmswick) attracts mostly the antiquing set. If you like hand-made jewelry, tea and red hats, this trip is for you.

On both excursions, passengers mostly stay in their seats, but I encourage exploration of the train, particularly relaxing in the roomy Missouri River unit. The dress code for all trips is business casual.

RailCruise offers other excursions as well. About every month, grow a funny mustache, and try your hand at playing Hercule Poirot when a local theater company offers an interactive comedy/mystery. For more excursion details, visit www.railcruiseamerica.com.

The products … Executive chef Michael Slay knows his way around the kitchen. On my trips, I heard nothing but high praise for the meals. Zero complaints. Impressive for having a moving, limited kitchen.

The dinner excursions include a three-course (salad, entrée and dessert) meal. Passengers chose seasonally varying entrées, like prime pork rib roast and salmon, prior to departure. Appetizers such as shrimp cocktail or lobster ravioli also vary by season and are available à la carte. Order drinks at the cash bar or through your server. Obviously, storage space is limited, but the full bar offers the usual beer and spirit choices. The small wine list covers the bases with a few reds, whites and sparklings, available by the glass or bottle.

Service was topnotch, with the wait staff enthusiastically describing what was outside our window and inside on our plates.

Upon first glance, prices seem steep, but keep in mind, you’re paying for more than the food. Pricing starts at $35 per person for The Cocktail Club (dinner not included) and $79 for a dinner parlor seat. Prices then head north depending on your desired view or privacy.

The straight 411 … For a moving (literally), sophisticatedly old-school evening or afternoon with atypical views of our river and our town, all aboard RailCruise.

Sed maximus sed sapien ac euismod. Aliquam sed risus sed nulla.

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8 great rail journeys to take across the USA

Jan 29, 2024 • 6 min read

Considerably more relaxing than driving or flying, the best train rides in the US offer a leisurely sightseeing experience.© Alex Potemkin/Getty Images

There’s no getting around the sheer size and scale of the USA – it’s an absolute, supersized whopper – and the best way to see it all is via train.

The US has close to 3.8 million sq miles (10 million sq km) of sublime mountain ranges, parched desert, entire states engulfed in deep snow, you-gotta-go-see-it-to-believe-it cities, endless prairie land, six whole time zones and lakes so large you could lose whole countries down there. So while traveling around by plane might make sense from a convenience point of view – it’s not quite six hours to dart directly from New York to LA – there really is no better way to experience the sheer grandeur of the country than by taking one of these train vacations.

Considerably more relaxing than driving or flying, the best train rides in the US offer a leisurely, nostalgic sightseeing experience, often passing through pristine landscapes inaccessible by other means. The US is rich with amazing train journeys, but the routes listed below are the cream of the crop. From California to New England , here are eight epic US train trips our editors have selected, taken from Lonely Planet's Amazing Train Journeys .

1. The Sunset Limited

Route: New Orleans – San Antonio – Tucson – Phoenix – Los Angeles Distance and duration: 1995 miles (3211 km); 2 days

Amtrak's Sunset Limited is the ultimate American railroad ride and one of its most famous train journeys: east to west, coast to coast, clean through from the bars of New Orleans to the breakers of the Pacific Ocean. If you’ve always dreamed of taking a journey across the USA, but don’t much relish the prospect of two weeks spent cooped up in an automobile, then a ride on the Sunset Limited is the answer.

Sit back and let America’s landscapes buzz by: from Louisiana ’s bayous, past the high-rises of Houston , across the deserts of Texas and Arizona , over the Californian hills all the way to LA’s golden beaches. Saddle up, pardner: it’s gonna be quite a ride.

2. The Coast Starlight

Route: Seattle – Portland – Sacramento – Los Angeles Distance and duration: 1377 miles (2216 km); 35 hours

Trace America’s “left coast” in all its varied splendor. The 35-hour (OK, it’s Amtrak, so maybe more) trip between Seattle and Los Angeles curves alongside crashing Pacific waves, cuts through America’s lushest agricultural land and passes below snowcapped mountains and towering redwoods. Of all the Amtrak routes, the Coast Starlight offers the most scenic variety in the fewest hours.

It’s also the only Amtrak service with a dedicated parlor car, open only to passengers who book sleepers. The parlor conjures old-time rail romance, with wood paneling and soft lighting, plus a special menu and wine-and-cheese tastings. Highlights of this train ride include dramatic sunrise perspectives on 14,179ft (4322m) Mt Shasta , and a gorgeous midday traverse of Oregon's Cascade Range.

3. Metro-North Hudson Line

Route: New York City – Poughkeepsie Distance and duration: 69 miles (111 km); 1½ hours

Depart from New York City ’s iconic beaux arts Grand Central Terminal , stopping to admire the ornate astronomical ceiling painting in the vaulted main concourse and to slurp up oysters and a martini at the famous Oyster Bar.

Then roll through Manhattan and the Bronx and into the glorious green Hudson River Valley. Hugging the eastern banks of the river, New York’s Metro-North's Hudson line travels deep into American history. The names of the stops along the way speak to the area’s origins: Native American (Ossining, Poughkeepsie); Dutch (Spuyten Duyvil, Yonkers, Cortlandt, Peekskill); English (Hastings-on-Hudson, Scarborough). It’s a land so famously beautiful an entire art movement – the Hudson River School – was once dedicated to capturing its glory. For the cost of a burger and a beer, this view can be yours for almost two hours.

4. The California Zephyr

Route: Chicago – Omaha – Denver – Salt Lake City – San Francisco Distance and duration: 2438 miles (3924km), 51 hours 20 minutes

For soaking up the scenic grandeur of the North American continent, nothing compares with Amtrak’s California Zephyr train. This classic three-day journey travels nearly 2500 miles (4000km) across prairies, deserts, the Rocky Mountains and the Sierra Nevada on its way from Chicago to San Francisco. The scenery is magnificent throughout – especially when seen through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the lounge car – but if you can only do one section, opt for the riveting 185-mile (298km) stretch between Denver and Glenwood Springs, where the train travels through an often roadless wilderness of deep, narrow gorges near the Colorado River’s headwaters.

Near sunset, the train emerges into the majestic red rock desert of eastern Utah , then crosses overnight into the forbidding vastness of Nevada's sagebrush country, with salt flats and stark, arid mountains as far as the eye can see. Sunrise on day three reveals an entirely different desert: the blinding-white alkali flats and ghostly grey mountains near Winnemucca, Nevada. Just beyond the gambling-happy little city of Reno, the Zephyr climbs into the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, then enters California’s imposing granite high country beyond the photogenic frontier town of Truckee.

5. Amtrak Downeaster

Route: Boston – Portland – Brunswick Distance and duration: 145 miles (233 km); 3 hours 25 minutes

As car-free city breaks go, this train escape is hard to beat, chugging from the downtown main streets of urban Boston to Maine ’s rural greens in under four hours. That’s from the seventh most densely populated city in the US to the state with the highest percentage of forest coverage, all in less time than it takes to cook an old-style Yankee plum pudding.

Even better, every stop on the Amtrak Downeaster features historic New England cities and towns, parks and seascapes, cottage arts and crafts, world-class shopping and stellar foods fashioned from farm-and-sea-fresh ingredients.

6. The New Mexico Rail Runner

Route: Albuquerque – Santa Fe Distance and duration: 97 miles (156 km); 90 minutes

One of America’s great unsung commuter railways, the New Mexico Rail Runner Express is a regional train that runs down the Rio Grande Valley , connecting the state’s largest city, Albuquerque, with its cultural and political capital, Santa Fe.

On the way it crosses the wide, high desert, giving views of arid mountains in all directions, and even passes through several of the state’s Native American tribal lands. A no-nonsense, clean and quick journey, its highlights are the sweeping views from the upper seats of the double-decker carriages. Taken as a day trip or a scenic but practical form of intra-state transport, the Rail Runner is a wonderful introduction to New Mexico ’s epic landscapes.

7. The Empire Builder

Route: Chicago – St Paul or Minneapolis – Spokane – Portland or Seattle Distance and duration: 2764 miles (4448 km); 46 hours

The Amtrak Empire Builder from Chicago to Seattle glides through Wisconsin 's woodlands, Minnesota's lake country and the North Dakota prairies en route to a western horizon swarming with snow-capped Rocky Mountain peaks. From Browning , Montana, an unforgettable 60-mile run along the southern edge of Glacier National Park leads to the park entrance at West Glacier, where nature lovers will want to break their journey before continuing to Seattle.

8. The Vermonter

Route: Washington, DC – New York City– Springfield – Essex Junction ( Burlington ) – St Albans Distance and duration: 611 miles (983 km); 13 hours 45 minutes

The Amtrak Vermonter runs once daily from Washington, DC to St Albans, VT. This is the most scenic route east of the Mississippi, especially in its northern reaches, where it snakes for four hours through the bucolic green hills and photogenic villages of rural Vermont.

Starting from the nation's capital, Washington, DC, the train runs north through one of the USA's greatest metropolises, New York City, before bowling out through Connecticut , Massachusetts and New Hampshire en route to the bucolic Vermont countryside and St Albans.

This article was first published Dec 4, 2020 and updated Jan 29, 2024.

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The Best Train Trips to Take Across America

Explore the U.S. by rail on these scenic train rides.

There's a romance to train travel — the leisurely pace of a rail trip compared to the hustle of an airport or a crowded highway encourages you to relax. There are the historic train stations and roomy seats, plus the chance to get up and walk around, visit the dining car, or just sit and take in the scenery.

There are many rail journeys you can take across the United States, with stops in exciting cities, historic landmarks, and national parks along the way. From Napa Valley to New England, here are ten of the best rides in the USA.

The Napa Valley Wine Train

The Napa Valley Wine Train takes riders through the picturesque wine country northeast of the San Francisco Bay Area. The route follows a rail line originally built in 1864. Visitors can take a 36-mile journey from downtown Napa to picturesque St. Helena and back while indulging in delicious wine and California cuisine. After boarding the train at the McKinstry Street Station, travel through the old industrial section of Napa, then continue through the scenic vineyards of Northern California. Experiences range from three-hour lunches in the panoramic Vista Dome car to full-day adventures where you can hop on and off the train along the way. Don't forget to plan an overnight stay at one of the incredible hotels in Napa Valley .

The Pacific Surfliner

Traveling 351 miles along the coast of Southern California, Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner is one of the world's most scenic train rides . Start in San Diego and head north, stopping along the way in quaint ocean towns like Carpinteria, San Juan Capistrano, and Ventura. Be sure to leave some time to explore Santa Barbara, or head all the way to the end of the line at San Luis Obispo before looping back.

The Coast Starlight

Ride up the West Coast on Amtrak's Coast Starlight , a 35-hour journey that goes all the way from Los Angeles to Seattle, passing through Santa Barbara, the San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento, and Portland. The scenery along the way includes snow-covered peaks of the Cascade Range and Mount Shasta, forests and valleys, and long stretches of Pacific Ocean shoreline.

Empire Builder

Those looking to follow the trail of Lewis and Clark should hop aboard Amtrak’s Empire Builder train , which runs between Chicago and the Pacific Northwest. With stunning views of the Mississippi River and the Rocky Mountains, there's a reason this is one of the most popular long-distance train rides in the U.S. Hop off in Minneapolis–Saint Paul, Minnesota, and again in Glacier National Park before finishing the trip in either Seattle, Washington, or Portland, Oregon.

The Grand Canyon Railway

The Grand Canyon Railway , which dates back to 1901, offers riders a lesson in history from the Wild West and the opportunity to see the beautiful scenery in this iconic region. Kick back in the restored cars and listen to crews' incredible stories the crew as you ride the railway from Williams to the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park on a 65-mile trip across the high desert plateau. You'll then have three hours to explore before heading back in the afternoon. Looking to make your journey even more fun? Book a ride on one of the railway's vintage steam trains , which depart on select dates between March and October.

Amtrak Cascades

Cross over the United States' northern border on Amtrak Cascades , stretching from Vancouver, Canada to Eugene, Oregon, passing through Portland and Seattle along the way. Stop in cities for day trips or overnight stays, and then hop back on a train to pass by Mount St. Helens and cross the Columbia River Gorge.

The White Pass & Yukon Route Railway

Ride this historic railway across the Yukon on the Bennett Scenic Journey , which travels from Alaska to Canada. The 67.5-mile trip takes you between Skagway, Alaska, and Carcross, Yukon Territory, Canada, along the same route that the Klondike stampeders traveled in 1898. Stop along the way to tour the historic Bennett Station and museum.

The Rocky Mountaineer

Voted the best train by T+L readers , The Rocky Mountaineer once only served Canada, bringing passengers from east to west with an exceptional display of scenery. It now offers a U.S. route: Rockies to Red Rocks , which transports passengers through the American Southwest from Denver to Moab, Utah, with a stop in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Journeys run between April and October and include meals and accommodations in nearby hotels.

Hawaiian Railway Society

The Hawaiian Railway Society offers locomotive enthusiasts rides along 12 miles of Oahu's historic railroad tracks. Along the way, take in views of the ocean while listening to stories about the golden days of train travel in Hawaii. The two-hour round-trip rides run three days a week, and there's also a toy train museum to check out before or after your journey.

The Maple Leaf Train

Take a train trip that starts at Niagara Falls and ends in New York City on Amtrak's Maple Leaf train . You'll travel through the scenic Hudson River Valley, New York's wine country, and the gorges of the Finger Lakes region. While at Niagara Falls, stop for a cruise on The Hornblower to the rushing falls or take a Journey Behind the Falls tour , which brings you 150 feet below ground to tunnels that lead to observation spots at the foot of the falls.

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Cruise and Rail

Combine the two most relaxing forms of travel on a cruise and rail holiday. Experience the best of both worlds as you explore diverse ports of call at sea, coupled with unique, scenic train journeys over land, travelling in effortless comfort - often without the need to fly.

We have an extensive range of cruise and rail holidays on offer throughout the year covering all four seasons. Continents include Asia , Europe and North America . With a rail cruise in America, you can choose from our ever-popular Amtrak routes across the USA, combined with a range of different cruise itineraries which include Alaska , Transatlantic sailings and the Caribbean . In Canada , choose the luxurious Rocky Mountaineer for a trip through the heart of the Canadian Rockies combined with an Alaska cruise, or Via Rail for a trans-Canadian rail journey from the east to west coast.

Anyone who has ever embarked on a cruise ship will know what special holiday experiences these ‘floating 5-star hotels’ can offer. However, have you ever considered how your cruise adventure could be made even more amazing by combining it with a spectacular rail trip? By choosing a cruise holiday which takes in an ocean or river cruise as well as a luxurious overnight journey by land, you will benefit from exploring your destinations of choice from not just one but two magical perspectives. The variety provided by a cruise and rail holiday will truly spoil you with twice the views, twice the service and twice the memories!

Cruises which offer guests the opportunity to also enjoy a first-class train journey or two are available to many of the world’s most popular destinations, but it is widely accepted that some of the very best holidays of this kind can be enjoyed via an America rail cruise. It is no secret that the United States is a fascinating place to visit, being a land of great contrasts, incredible natural landscapes and vibrant, iconic cities; and, whilst sailing past the Pacific Coast and spending a day or so in world-famous locations like Los Angeles and San Francisco will be a brilliant experience, there is nothing quite like boarding an Amtrak train and sitting back with a drink in hand as you immerse yourself in North America’s most awe-inspiring rural and urban settings. Book a rail cruise to the USA today and start getting ready to enjoy the trip of a lifetime.

Cruise & Rail Packages

Niagara Falls Upstate New York - Westbound

Nov 2024 - Dec 2026

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Niagara Falls Upstate New York- Eastbound

Oct 2024 - Nov 2026

From £1629

U.S. Rockies Rail Journey and Alaskan Discovery Cruise

Apr 2025 - Sep 2025

From £2119

All Inclusive Alaska Cruise & Rockies Express to Chicago

Apr 2025 - Oct 2026

From £2339

Premium Alaska Rocky Mountaineer Westbound 2025

Apr 2025 - Sep 2026

From £3129

Alaska and via rail eastbound via Jasper

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Premium Alaska Rocky Mountaineer Eastbound 2025

From £3679.

The Big Easy and the Delta Blues

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From £1379

Lake Maggiore, Venice and the Greek Isles

May 2025 - Sep 2025

From £1499

Niagara Falls Upstate New York- 8 Night Eastbound

Dec 2024 - Dec 2026

From £1589

Niagara Falls All-Inclusive Canada New England Breakaway

Oct 2024 - Nov 2024

From £1799

Venice, Florence and Rome Trio with Greek Island Hopping to Turkey

From £1829.

All Inclusive Caribbean Getaway & Music Capitals Express

Oct 2024 - Apr 2025

From £2009

Canada Coast to Coast East Bound

May 2025 - Oct 2025

From £4299

Madrid and Barcelona with Mediterranean Cruise

Apr 2025 - Oct 2025

From £1459

From the Big Apple to the Big Easy & Caribbean Cruise

Carnival Cruises

Oct 2024 - Apr 2026

From £1539

Niagara Falls and All inclusive Bermuda Cruise from New York

From £2129.

San Francisco, Chicago New York - Westbound

From £2209.

San Francisco, Chicago New York - Eastbound

From £2299.

San Francisco, Chicago New York - 8 Night Eastbound

From £2409.

Eastern Canada Circle Cruise from Montreal

From £2869.

Sorrento and Rome Odyssey 7 night cruise

From £1579.

Canadian Maritime Cruise from Boston to Quebec

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Cunard 11 Night Alaska Cruise Rockies Express from Seattle to Chicago

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Cunard 10 Night Alaska Cruise & Rockies Express from Seattle to Chicago

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From £2709

Princess Alaska and The Rocky Mountaineer Train-Westbound 2025

May 2025 - Aug 2025

From £3439

The Majestic Canada Rockies and Pristine Alaska 2025

Norwegian Fjords from Amsterdam

From £1329.

West Coast USA & Alaska

From £2689.

Maiden Transatlantic Voyage to Boston

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Niagara Falls, New York & Luxury Canada & New England

From £5099.

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Luxury Venice Simplon-Orient-Express & 5* Med

Apr 2025 - Aug 2025

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Grand Music Circle Express Plus Nashville- No Flying

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New York & Fort Lauderdale Beach- No Flying

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The Alaskan & Rocky Mountains Adventure

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Train & Rail Tours & Trips in North America

• Choose from 26 North America tours
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10 best Train & Rail North America tour packages

Compiled by

Nina North America travel expert at TourRadar

Canadian Rockies by Train (Vancouver, BC to Calgary, AB) (2024)

Ontario & french canada with ocean train to halifax, canadian train odyssey, great canadian rail journey, wonders of the maritimes & scenic cape breton with ocean train to montreal, canadian rockies by train, eastern city lights: toronto to quebec city by rail, western canada by rail, historic trains of the old west, dream route through the rocky mountains.

“All we had hoped for.” BETTY MCDONALD, traveled in July 2019

• Train & Rail
• Explore Stanley Park and Gastown in Vancouver
• Ride across Athabasca Glacier or walk the Skywalk
• Travel by train through the Canadian Rockies

“Interesting tour, hitting all the high points on the east coast if Canada. The train to Halifax was great, excellent service and well worth doing.” Pamela Illingworth, traveled in July 2024

• Sightseeing
• Visit Peggy's Cove lighthouse
• See Montreal's top sights
• Cruise close to Niagara Falls

“Very pleasant people and very attentive.” Robert, traveled in September 2023

• Stroll through Victoria's Butchart Gardens
• Explore Toronto with a local guide

“Great itinerary, good combination of cities, modes of transportation, etc.” Vanessa, traveled in September 2023

• Cruise under Niagara Falls on a thrilling boat ride
• Discover Victoria's charm and Butchart Gardens
• Travel across Canada on the scenic VIA Rail train

“We had Annette Conrad as tour director and Randie as our driver, both of whom were knowledgeable, personable, and always open to our questions or comments.” Paul W, traveled in August 2023

• Discover the Cabot Trail's scenic drives
• Tour Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Enjoy a lobster supper in Charlottetown

“This was s bucket list trip. The scenery was beautiful.” Sandra Sarat, traveled in May 2022

• Walk atop a glacier in the Columbia Icefield
• Explore Banff and Yoho National Park
• Cruise on Maligne Lake and spot wildlife

• Walk the cobblestone streets of Old Montreal
• Cruise near Niagara Falls on a boat tour
• Dine on a patio in historic Quebec City

“Everything was perfectly organized for our convenience. The hotels were very comfortable.” Stefania Langle, traveled in April 2024

• Visit Butchart Gardens and Victoria's totems
• Relax in Banff's hot springs or hike trails
• Explore downtown Calgary and Fort Calgary

“The hotels were great! Our meals were delicious!” Becky, traveled in September 2023

• Travel on the Durango & Silverton Railroad
• Meet and greet with a welcome drink in Denver
• Visit Bandelier's ancient Pueblo dwellings

More about North America

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9 great vacations that combine a cruise and a train trip

Editor's Note

Some people can think of nothing better than spending every moment of their vacation time on a cruise. Others dream only of train trips.

There are also people who love both modes of travel so much that they have a tough time deciding which to choose for a getaway.

If you want the best of both worlds — a "train cruise," if you will — we have some good news: You don't have to choose between the two types of trips. You can arrange vacations that combine the best of cruising with the best of train travel.

Most commonly called cruise-and-rail trips, many aren't even official pairings. That is, you'll have to book the cruise portion and the train portion separately, as few companies sell them together as a package. (Uniworld Boutique River Cruises is one line that does. See below for details.)

But don't worry about that too much. You'll be able to find a travel agent to work out the logistics for you.

The more significant issue you'll face is deciding which stunning part of the world with train corridors and cruise ship-plied waters you should focus on for a cruise-and-rail adventure.

We can help. Here are our picks for nine of the most spectacular cruise-and-rail combination trips.

An Alaska cruise with the Rocky Mountaineer

One of the great hubs for Alaska cruises , the port of Vancouver, British Columbia, is also the gateway for one of the most scenic train experiences in North America: a two-day ride through the Canadian Rockies on the Rocky Mountaineer. As a result, travelers can easily combine the two experiences into an extended cruise-rail vacation.

Fans of trains and ships can board the Rocky Mountaineer in Banff or Jasper, Alberta, for a one- or two-day journey through the mountains to the Rocky Mountaineer Train Station in Vancouver, British Columbia. From there, it's just a seven-minute cab ride to the Canada Place Cruise Ship Terminal, where vessels operated by Princess Cruises , Holland America Line , Royal Caribbean International and several other lines depart on seven-night trips to Alaska.

Expect to see soaring mountains, forests and wildlife — and learn a little about Gold Rush-era history — during both parts of the trip. The Alaska cruise portion also will include stops in small port towns, such as Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan.

Read more: The 6 coolest things to do on an Alaska cruise

An Alaska cruise with the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway

Are you looking for a shorter train experience to tie into an Alaska cruise? Consider signing up for a daytrip on the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway in Skagway as your shore excursion when visiting the small Alaska port town on a cruise.

A ride into the mountains on this narrow-gauge railroad is the "tour that everybody does" when visiting the Gold Rush town turned tourist hub — and for a good reason. It offers an easy way to venture deep into the great Alaskan outdoors.

Personally, I'm a fan of more active excursions in Skagway. But, for someone who isn't going to hike, bike, horseback ride or raft their way through the wilderness around the town (there are tours for all of those things, too), a ride on the White Pass & Yukon Railway is one of the best ways to catch a glimpse of the area's classic Alaskan scenery.

From the comfort of a vintage rail car, you'll take in stunning views of mountains, gorges, glacial rivers and waterfalls as you climb nearly 3,000 feet to the summit of White Pass — the headwaters of the mighty Yukon River. Designated an International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark, the 20-mile route is a marvel in its own right; it has improbably steep grades at times and segments that pass over soaring wooden trestles and around tight, cliff-hanging curves.

A Mediterranean cruise with the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

You'll want to pack a copy of Agatha Christie's "Murder on the Orient Express" for this combination trip. It pairs an overnight ride from Paris to Venice on the train that Christie made famous — the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express — with a Mediterranean cruise out of Venice (if you're sailing a small ship cruise line like Windstar , Sea Cloud Cruises or Uniworld). If your cruise is aboard a larger vessel with lines like Seabourn Cruise Line , MSC Cruises and Oceania Cruises , you'll likely sail out of other nearby ports, such as Ravenna or Marghera.

Read more: Big cruise ships may say goodbye to the classic Venice sail-away

Now owned by U.K. luxury hospitality company Belmond, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express features restored art deco carriages. You can view the heart of Europe as the train travels southward from Paris through the Alps to Italy before your cruise. Or, you can save the train portion of your trip for the end of your vacation and ride the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express in reverse. You can also extend the trip with an add-on train ride between Paris and London.

From Venice, the cruise portion of the trip can take you to Adriatic ports such as Dubrovnik, Croatia; or it can bring you to the Greek islands or western Italy, France and Spain, depending on which vessel you pick. Several ships sail out of the region around Venice each year.

Read more: Orient-Express debuts new, dream-worthy European routes

An Asia cruise with the Eastern & Oriental Express

Like Europe's Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, the Southeast Asia-focused Eastern & Oriental Express is owned by U.K.-based hospitality company Belmond. It will take you on a multi-day rail journey through the region that can be paired with an Asia cruise for an epic cruise-rail adventure.

Routes of the scenic luxury train include a three-night round-trip journey from Singapore. When you return, you can hop on one of several dozen cruise vessels that call the city-state home at various times during the year.

Onboard the Eastern & Oriental Express — which features elegant green and gold carriages — you'll find magnificent interiors adorned with cherry wood paneling, Thai silks and Malaysian embroidery. The train's routes will take you past lush jungles, paddy fields, ancient temples and quaint villages.

Cruise lines departing from Singapore include Celebrity Cruises , Regent Seven Seas and Royal Caribbean. Itineraries often visit coastal destinations in Thailand and Vietnam; some venture farther afield to Indonesia or even as far as Australia.

A Norway cruise with the Bergen Railway

The Bergen Railway, known as the Bergensbanen to the locals, will take you across the mountainous "Roof of Norway" from Oslo to Bergen. From Bergen, you can catch a cruise along the scenic coast with such lines as Hurtigruten or Viking .

Expect stunning mountain scenery on both legs of the trip. The seven-hour railway portion of the adventure taking you across the snowy Hardangervidda mountain plateau. Stretching just more than 300 miles, the Bergen Railway route is the highest in all of Northern Europe and will bring you stunning views of mountains, forests, fjords, waterfalls and rivers. A marvel of engineering, it'll take you through 180 tunnels and make stops at some of the highest train depots in Europe.

From Bergen, cruise vessels can deliver you up the Norwegian coast to fairytale lands like Alesund and the mountainous and glacier-carved Lofoten archipelago.

Read more: 9 mistakes travelers make on their first train trips

A Mekong River cruise with Vietnam Reunification Express

Vietnam's North-South Railway Line is often referred to as Vietnam Reunification Express. Built by the French and completed in 1936, the rail system linked Hanoi with Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) until 1954, when the country was divided into north and south. The line was restored in 1975 when Vietnam gained independence, and it's a testament to the country's resilience and unification. Several trains run daily.

The journey from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City can take 32 to 37 hours. Along the way, the train rolls through rice fields, fishing villages, a dense jungle and bustling neighborhoods.

You can book a seat or sleeper, both "soft" or "hard" options. Soft accommodations are more comfortable, thanks to roomy cushioned beds and plush chairs. Hard seats and sleepers are smaller and lack cushions (though sleepers come with pillows and blankets). Passengers can visit the restaurant car or get a snack or freshly prepared meal from one of the food trolleys when it comes around.

A number of lines ply the Mekong, departing from Ho Chi Minh City. Among them are AmaWaterways, Uniworld, Abercrombie & Kent and Scenic. Itineraries might include visits to Phnom Penh's Royal Palace and ancient temples like Angkor Wat and Wat Nokor in Cambodia.

A Caribbean cruise with Amtrak

Beginning in Chicago, Amtrak 's Chicago-to-New Orleans route traverses 900 miles through Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee within roughly 19 hours. In Chicago, stroll along the Riverwalk or through Millennium Park, and visit the Art Institute of Chicago.

The journey ends at the Union Passenger Terminal in New Orleans, just about a 10-minute cab or Uber ride from the Port of New Orleans. Before your cruise, enjoy an overnight stay in the Big Easy with time to explore the National World War II Museum, the French Quarter and Louis Armstrong Park.

Carnival Cruise Lines , Norwegian Cruise Lines and Royal Caribbean offer four- to 11-night round-trip sailings to the Caribbean . They might include port calls to the Bahamas, Belize, Jamaica, Grand Cayman, Mexico, Aruba and the Dominican Republic.

A luxury Cruise & Rail itinerary with Uniworld

Unlike many lines that offer separate pre- or post-cruise rail tours you can add to your sailing, Uniworld's Cruise & Rail itineraries include them automatically. The upscale line partners with luxury train companies Golden Eagle Luxury Trains and the Maharajas' Express to create a seamless, high-end, river-to-rail travel experience.

With six itineraries to choose from, travelers can opt for 15-, 16- and 19-night trips that visit Venice, Italy; Milan; Istanbul; Nuremberg, Germany; Mumbai; and New Delhi.

For example, the 15-day Grand Alpine & Enchanting Danube itinerary takes travelers down the iconic Danube River on S.S. Maria Theresa. You'll visit Vienna and Budapest before boarding the Golden Eagle Danube Express for a weeklong rail journey with stops in Zurich, Milan and Venice.

Travelers on the 16-day Sacred Ganges & The Maharajas' Express begin their trip with seven nights on board Ganges Voyager II, traveling through the bucolic villages lining India's Ganges River. The rail portion begins in Mumbai and includes stops in Jodhpur, Jaipur and New Delhi.

A train trip on a cruise ship ... sort of

Passengers sailing on Utopia of the Seas can have a unique rail experience and upscale dining at sea. Royal Caribbean's new and final Oasis Class ship will launch in July 2024. At the time of writing, the line has yet to release full details about the new Royal Railway - Utopia Station. However, what we know about this tech-forward, train-inspired restaurant is very exciting.

The "locomotive" will carry guests to "any place and time," thanks to LED screens in the windows and onboard performers sharing the train-inspired storyline. After imbibing pre-dinner drinks on the station platform, passengers will hear a train whistle sound, signaling diners to board. Throughout the immersive experience, passengers enjoy a multicourse dinner.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• 15 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
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Officials announce plans for factory that will manufacture parts for train system connecting major U.S. cities: 'Bringing high-speed rail to America is no longer a dream'

The future of rail travel in the United States has progressed further down the tracks after an announcement by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.

As ABC News reported, Schumer said the construction of the trains that will run on the upcoming high-speed rail line between Los Angeles and Las Vegas will be done at a factory in upstate New York.

It is hoped the rail route will be ready in time for the 2028 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles, allowing for improved travel options for visitors and hopefully discouraging short-haul plane travel and car journeys.

Traveling at consistent speeds of around 186 miles per hour, tourists and locals would be able to travel between the stations in just two hours, compared to four hours by car.

Siemens Mobility will be responsible for the construction of the trains, and the company's chief executive officer Marc Buncher said, "Bringing high-speed rail to America is no longer a dream but a reality," per ABC News .

The United States has lagged behind other countries in encouraging efficient rail travel. Japan, China, South Korea, Spain, and Germany are among the nations to have hopped on board , but the U.S. has been slower on the uptake.

Watch now: Wellness app co-founder shares how she plans to give consumers power over products at the store

While a number of factors can impact calculations regarding polluting impact by transportation type — including passenger numbers, journey route, and even weather conditions — it is widely recognized that trains are better for the planet than planes and cars.

Research from the United Kingdom's government, shared by Our World in Data , details that national rail services in the country produce 35 grams of carbon dioxide equivalent per passenger over each kilometer. Domestic flights, by comparison, produce 246 grams per "passenger kilometer," while diesel cars and petrol cars produce 171 grams and 170 grams, respectively.

The Los Angeles-to-Las Vegas route will be provided by Brightline, which already has a high-speed route in Florida between Orlando and Miami.

Hopefully, improved access to efficient rail lines can change the way w e travel . According to the Environmental Protection Agency , 28% of planet-warming pollution was produced by the transportation sector in 2022. Of that total, light-duty vehicles accounted for 57% of it, while aircraft were responsible for 9%. Trains, on the other hand, only made up 2% of the total pollution from this sector.

With improved routes, faster speeds, and more comfortable rides, train travel can make a huge difference in reducing our polluting impact.

Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future , and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.

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