New Orleans/Western Caribbean Rail-Cruise
Grab your passport and head south for the winter! You won't want to miss this 11-day rail-cruise adventure that takes you to New Orleans by train and to Mexico, Belize, and Honduras by cruise ship. Highlights of this sunny getaway include equal time in the Big Easy, Costa Maya, Belize City, Roatan and Cozumel.
Day 1 - City of New Orleans to the Big Easy
Your winter getaway begins in Chicago where you will meet your tour manager and fellow travelers at historic Union Station. The group will board the iconic City of New Orleans at approximately 7:30 pm. Settle into your seat and prepare for your 8:00 pm departure. Take the evening to get acquainted with the train's many features or enjoy a hot meal in the Dining Car. Overnight train. (D)
Day 2 - New Orleans
The train rolls through the Mississippi Delta this morning. Take time to visit the glass-walled Sightseer Lounge to watch the changing scenery unfold. The train is scheduled to arrive in the Crescent City at 3:30 pm. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and take the remainder of the day to explore this exciting city on your own. Overnight Hampton Inn. (B, L)
Day 3 - Western Caribbean Cruise
The morning is at your leisure to get a taste of the Big Easy. You may wish to enjoy coffee and beignets at the famous Café du Monde, or wander through the shops and galleries along Royale Street. At noon transfer from your hotel to the cruise terminal where you will board the Norwegian Starcruise ship, your home for the next seven nights. The ship sets sail at 5:00 pm. Overnight ship. (CB, L, D)
Day 4 - At Sea
The entire day is at your leisure to take advantage of everything the ship has to offer. Pamper yourself at the spa, tee up at the driving range, work up a sweat in the fitness center, try your luck at the casino, watch a show, enjoy a buffet, or dance the night away. Overnight ship. (B, L, D)
Day 5 - Costa Maya, Mexico
Your first port of call is Costa Maya. Considered the quiet side of Mexico, you'll delight in this coastal paradise. Archeology buffs will especially enjoy discovering the area's Mayan ruins. Overnight ship. (B, L, D)
Day 6 - Belize City, Belize
Belize is an eco-tourist's paradise, home to the second-largest barrier reef in the world, and today's port of call. Overnight ship. (B, L, D)
Day 7 - Roatan, Bay Islands, Honduras
Today's port of call is Roatan, one of the Honduras Bay Islands and a hidden gem with stretches of beautiful white sand beaches and the best snorkeling and diving spots in the Caribbean. Overnight ship. (B, L, D)
Day 8 - Cozumel, Mexico
Cozumel is one of Mexico's top dive spots. Spend the day exploring this Mexican paradise. You may wish to visit the Mayan ruins at Tulum, situated on the sea cliffs just a ferry ride away from Cozumel. Overnight ship. (B, L, D)
Day 9 - At Sea
A day of complete relaxation is yours as we spend the entire day at sea. Take advantage of your last full day on the cruise ship by enjoying an assortment of optional activities and onboard amenities. Overnight ship. (B, L, D)
Day 10 - New Orleans
After disembarking the Norwegian Star, you'll begin a 2 ˝-hour sightseeing tour of the Greater New Orleans area. Highlights of the tour include the St. Louis Cemetery III where you'll learn about the above ground burial system, beautiful City Park, the Lakefront area, the uptown section with its antebellum and new homes, Tulane University, Audubon Park and the French Market.
There will be a stop for lunch on your own before arriving at New Orleans' Union Station where you'll depart for Chicago aboard the 1:45 pm northbound City of New Orleans. Take time to relax with a good book, nap, or chat with fellow travelers in the Sightseer Lounge. Overnight train. (B, D)
Day 11 - Arrive Chicago
Enjoy a hot breakfast in the Dining Car this morning. The City of New Orleans arrives in Chicago at 9:00 am. You may wish to extend your vacation with a stay in the Windy City. (B)
Prices are land-only, per person based on double occupancy. Prices are subject to change and all reservations are based upon availability at time of booking.
Valid passport and proper documentation is required for this trip.
