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Coast Starlight Journey

The Oregon coast

A journey on the legendary Coast Starlight train followed by an Alaskan Cruise - the perfect combination for experiencing the epic scenery of the West Coast.

Itinerary Map

Your Itinerary

DAY 1: UK - San Francisco.

Fly to San Francisco where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for two nights.

DAY 2: San Francisco.

A full day to explore San Francisco, regularly voted the 'Best City in the USA'. A visit to the Golden Gate Bridge and Golden Gate Park, one of the largest man-made parks in the world, is a must.

DAY 3: San Francisco - Amtrak® Coast Starlight train.

This evening, cross the Oakland Bay Bridge and board the Coast Starlight for an overnight journey along the coast. This scenic train route links Los Angeles and Seattle, taking in some of the West Coast's greatest cities, beautiful towns and fabulous scenery along the way. Once on board, settle into your private Superliner roomette as you begin the journey north. Then let the rails rock you to sleep as the train speeds through northern California into Oregon.

DAY 4: Amtrak® Coast Starlight train - Seattle.

Wake this morning in Oregon with a whole day of scenic travel ahead of you. Look out for Mount Shasta between Dunsmuir and Klamath Falls - towering to 14,162 feet, this stunning peak is the highest in the Cascade mountain range. The train then continues through Portland, known as the 'City of Roses', before crossing the Willamette River and the two arms of the Columbia River. As you cross, look upriver for a view of Mount Hood. At 11,239 feet high, the tallest peak in Oregon's Cascades stands watch over most of the State. The final leg of your journey takes you into Washington State and Vancouver, USA - the oldest continuous settlement in the Pacific Northwest. The line then continues over the Nisqually River to Olympia, the capital of Washington State and the farthest point west on the famous Oregon Trail. Your trip ends as your train pulls up in the 'Emerald City' of Seattle, the gateway to Alaska. (B, L, D)

DAY 5: Seattle.

Today is free for you to explore Seattle under your own steam. Why not visit the iconic Space Needle or browse the handicraft stalls and fresh flower and fish stands at Pike Place Market? You may also want to delve into the exotic Asian International District and visit the waterfront, stopping for lunch at one of the many seafood cafés and restaurants. Alternatively, head for the Future of Flight Aviation Centre in Everett or ride a ferry across beautiful Puget Sound.

DAY 6: Seattle to embark your cruise ship.

Today transfer to your cruise ship, the MS Westerdam. Sailing time is around 4pm. This evening, settle into life onboard by enjoying a lavish à la carte dinner. (D)

DAY 7: At sea.

A relaxing day at sea today, with time to enjoy the ship's many amenities. (B, L, D)

DAY 8: Juneau.

An afternoon arrival in Juneau, capital of Alaska. Only accessible by seaplane or boat, this fascinating city flourished following Alaska’s first great gold strike in 1880, giving it a history to rival Klondike. Optional excursions from here usually include a wildlife cruise and a salmon fishing trip. Alternatively, join an optional excursion to Juneau's very own glacier, Mendenhall. This extraordinary river of blue ice measures 1.5 miles wide and is over 12 miles long. (B, L, D)

DAY 9: Glacier Bay.

Cruise into spectacular Glacier Bay early this morning. Here, forests give way to rugged hills and soaring mountain peaks, which merge into gigantic glaciers and icebergs. An amazing variety of wildlife calls this wilderness home - keep your eyes peeled for eagles, seals, mountain goats, moose and bears. (B, L, D)

DAY 10: Sitka.

The onion-shaped domes of Sitka's St Michael's Cathedral are your first clue that this Alaskan town was once Russian. Discover more about its Russian origins at a folk dance show by the New Archangel Dancers and be greeted by the Tlingit native people, before visiting the spot where the USA purchased Alaska in 1867 for just $7.2 million - amounting to just two cents for every acre of land. (B, L, D)

DAY 11: Ketchikan.

This morning, arrive in colourful Ketchikan on Revillagigedo Island. Known as the 'salmon capital of the world', the town clusters around a picturesque harbour bobbing with fishing boats and seaplanes. Take your pick from a wide choice of optional excursions, including outings to see Indian Heritage Villages, the Totem Bight State Park or a flightseeing trip to Misty Fjords National Monument. Lunchtime departure from Ketchikan. (B, L, D)

DAY 12: Victoria.

Discover the highlights of this splendid city, taking in the Royal British Columbia Museum, the beautiful Butchart Gardens - a tapestry of blazing colour spread over 50 acres - or relax over a Victorian-style afternoon tea at the majestic Empress Hotel. (B, L, D)

DAY 13: Seattle - UK.

Disembark your ship and transfer to the airport for your overnight flight to the UK, or extend your stay in Seattle. (B)

DAY 14: Home landing in the UK.

Accommodation on Tour

San Francisco: Holiday Inn Fisherman's Wharf; Seattle: Sixth Avenue Inn.

MS Westerdam (Alaska)

One of Holland America's Vista-class ships, the sleek and elegant MS Westerdam embodies the ultimate in modern, luxurious cruise vessels. Spacious, ambient public areas are adorned with artwork and infused with natural light from the encircling panoramic windows and an outstanding selection of amenities and activities are available throughout the 11 decks. MS Westerdam comfortably accommodates 1,848 guests in spacious, well-equipped cabins and provides an excellent choice of eateries, fine dining and wines.

Public Rooms & Facilities

2 swimming pools (one with sliding glass roof); two-tiered Vista Dining Room; Lido Restaurant; Pinnacle Grill; casual Italian Canaletto; Terrace Grill; Pinnacle, Sea View, Ocean, Piano, Lido and Sports bars; Crows' Nest, Neptune and Explorers' lounges; Queen's Lounge and Culinary Arts Centre; Explorations internet café; Vista show lounge; volleyball and basketball courts; Greenhouse spa and salon with hydro pool and thermal suites; fitness centre and aerobics; observation deck; shops and boutiques; casino; nightclub; library; atrium; photo gallery; lifts; reception.

Dining

Your cruise includes full board. There is a choice of dining venues on board: the main Vista dining area has set dining or new 'dine as you wish' arrangements and a good selection of different menus. Casual dining is available in the Lido Restaurant most evenings with three courses of fresh, cooked-to-order specialities, and the informal Italian Canaletto, or guests may enjoy elegant, sophisticated dining in the reservations-only 'Pinnacle Grill' (additional cover charge per person applied to ship board account). Between meals there's the complimentary ice cream bar, hot hors d'oeuvres during the pre-dinner hour and after dinner there is the famous late night snack. Vegetarian or kosher meals and any special dietary requirements should be requested at the time of booking. Please note, we will automatically book early dining unless otherwise requested.

Cabins

All cabins have twin or queen size beds (or one sofa bed and one Pullman bed); air-conditioning/climate control; flat-panel TV; DVD player; and telephone. Inside cabins have a shower only while outside cabins have a shower and bathtub. Your holiday price is based on a category J inside cabin or you may choose to upgrade.

Options/Upgrades

Cabin Categories & Descriptions:

J Large or standard inside lower or upper deck cabin

D Large outside lower deck cabin with picture window

VC Deluxe verandah cabin with sitting area; private verandah; floor-to-ceiling windows

SS Superior verandah suite with whirlpool bath and shower; large sitting area; private verandah; floor-to-ceiling windows

Tipping

A gratuity of $11 per person per day for dining and cabin services will be automatically added to your shipboard account on a daily basis. A 15% service charge will be automatically added to your bar charges and dining room wine account.

MS Westerdam (Alaska)

One of Holland America's Vista-class ships, the sleek and elegant MS Westerdam embodies the ultimate in modern, luxurious cruise vessels. Spacious, ambient public areas are adorned with artwork and infused with natural light from the encircling panoramic windows and an outstanding selection of amenities and activities are available throughout the 11 decks. MS Westerdam comfortably accommodates 1,848 guests in spacious, well-equipped cabins and provides an excellent choice of eateries, fine dining and wines.

Public Rooms & Facilities

2 swimming pools (one with sliding glass roof); two-tiered Vista Dining Room; Lido Restaurant; Pinnacle Grill; casual Italian Canaletto; Terrace Grill; Pinnacle, Sea View, Ocean, Piano, Lido and Sports bars; Crows' Nest, Neptune and Explorers' lounges; Queen's Lounge and Culinary Arts Centre; Explorations internet café; Vista show lounge; volleyball and basketball courts; Greenhouse spa and salon with hydro pool and thermal suites; fitness centre and aerobics; observation deck; shops and boutiques; casino; nightclub; library; atrium; photo gallery; lifts; reception.

Dining

Your cruise includes full board. There is a choice of dining venues on board: the main Vista dining area has set dining or new 'dine as you wish' arrangements and a good selection of different menus. Casual dining is available in the Lido Restaurant most evenings with three courses of fresh, cooked-to-order specialities, and the informal Italian Canaletto, or guests may enjoy elegant, sophisticated dining in the reservations-only 'Pinnacle Grill' (additional cover charge per person applied to ship board account). Between meals there's the complimentary ice cream bar, hot hors d'oeuvres during the pre-dinner hour and after dinner there is the famous late night snack. Vegetarian or kosher meals and any special dietary requirements should be requested at the time of booking. Please note, we will automatically book early dining unless otherwise requested.

Cabins

All cabins have twin or queen size beds (or one sofa bed and one Pullman bed); air-conditioning/climate control; flat-panel TV; DVD player; and telephone. Inside cabins have a shower only while outside cabins have a shower and bathtub. Your holiday price is based on a category J inside cabin or you may choose to upgrade.

Options/Upgrades

Cabin Categories & Descriptions:

J Large or standard inside lower or upper deck cabin

D Large outside lower deck cabin with picture window

VC Deluxe verandah cabin with sitting area; private verandah; floor-to-ceiling windows

SS Superior verandah suite with whirlpool bath and shower; large sitting area; private verandah; floor-to-ceiling windows

Tipping

A gratuity of $11 per person per day for dining and cabin services will be automatically added to your shipboard account on a daily basis. A 15% service charge will be automatically added to your bar charges and dining room wine account.

Things to note...

This itinerary is offered on an independent basis, without a dedicated tour director. However, our representatives will be on hand in San Francisco, Seattle and Vancouver for all your included transfers, and to assist with a wide range of optional activities.

Holiday Availability

Unfortunately we do not currently have any available departure dates for this holiday. For more information about possible future departures or suitable alternative holidays please contact us using the number at the top of the page or view one of the Other Holiday Choices

Coast Starlight Journey

Prices are per person

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What's Included

  • Flights UK - San Francisco; Seattle - UK
  • Accommodation on tour in a twin room with private facilities
  • Accommodation on train in a twin Superliner roomette with shared facilities
  • Accommodation on cruise Inside cabin with private facilities, individual air-conditioning controls, multi-channel music system and closed circuit colour TV
  • Meals on cruise 7 breakfasts (B), 6 lunches (L), 7 dinners (D)
  • Local representative in San Francisco and Seattle
  • Porterage at hotels during tour and on cruise ship (for one suitcase per person)
  • Transfers between overseas airports, hotels and port
  • All local and airport taxes/service charges including Alaska State Government Tax This itinerary is offered on an independent basis, without a dedicated tour director. However, our representatives will be on hand in San Francisco and Seattle for all your included transfers, and to assist with a wide range of optional activities.

Holiday highlights

  • San Francisco
  • Coast Starlight Train
  • Seattle
  • Alaska Cruise See our website for cruise ship description

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