Vacations By Rail · Independent rail and cruise vacation

Empire Builder with Alaska Cruise

Empire Builder with Alaska Cruise, a rail journey with Vacations By Rail

The Empire Builder travels the legendary route from Chicago to Seattle. Then board your Holland America cruise ship for the Glacier Bay of Alaska.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Train (Empire Builder)

    Depart Chicago aboard the Empire Builder

    Board Amtrak's Empire Builder at Chicago's Union Station, settle into private sleeping accommodations, and enjoy a hot meal in the Dining Car this evening.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Train (Empire Builder)

    Empire Builder En Route to Seattle

    The train crosses North Dakota and Montana's Big Sky Country, past the Gassman Coulee Trestle and through Glacier National Park in the evening, with wildlife (bison, elk, prairie dogs, foxes, white-tailed deer, bald eagles) visible along the route.

  3. Day 3overnight: Seattle

    Arrival in Seattle, Gateway to Alaska

    Mid-morning arrival in Seattle with the rest of the day free to explore the Space Needle, Experience Music Project, Pike Place Market and Pioneer Square.

  4. Day 4overnight: Ship (ms Eurodam)

    Alaska Cruise Departure

    Transfer to the pier to board Holland America's ms Eurodam. Settle into your cabin and explore the ship's amenities as it departs Seattle.

  5. Day 5overnight: Ship

    ms Eurodam at Sea

    A day at sea to enjoy the ship's spa, the Culinary Arts Center (presented by Food & Wine Magazine), and the casino, with a gourmet dinner and dancing.

  6. Day 6overnight: Ship

    Juneau, Alaska

    Visit the Juneau Icefield (more than 30 glaciers, including the Mendenhall Glacier), the Tongass National Forest, or ride the Mt. Roberts Tramway.

  7. Day 7overnight: Ship

    Glacier Bay National Park

    Cruise into Glacier Bay National Park with Park Rangers and local Huna Tlingit aboard sharing insight into the ecosystem; watch for glacier calving and wildlife including bears, whales, sea otters and seals.

  8. Day 8overnight: Ship

    Sitka, Alaska

    Explore Sitka's Russian-settlement history, including St. Michael's Cathedral, the Sitka National Historical Park's totem poles, and the Sheldon Jackson Museum.

  9. Day 9overnight: Ship

    Ketchikan, Alaska

    Self-guided walking tour including Creek Street, the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center, the Deer Mountain Tribal Hatchery and Eagle Center, the Totem Heritage Center, and optional flightseeing over Misty Fjords National Monument.

  10. Day 10overnight: Ship

    Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

    Explore Victoria's British heritage, double-decker buses and tea rooms, with a visit to the 55-acre Butchart Gardens.

  11. Day 11

    Welcome Back to the Emerald City

    Dock in Seattle this morning; included transfers for a return flight after 1:00 pm, or extend the stay to explore further.

Included

  • Hotel accommodations for 1 night
  • 7-night Holland America Line Alaska cruise
  • Choice of ship staterooms
  • Rail travel on Amtrak (2 nights on train)
  • Choice of Roomette or Bedroom train accommodations
  • Select transfers
  • All meals onboard the train and ship

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance (not included but can be arranged)
  • Flights and airport transfers

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