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California Zephyr & Hawaii Cruise

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Say “aloha!” as you set sail on a 19-day rail-cruise adventure!

You are viewing the 2021 itinerary. Select your departure year
20212022
19 days From $3,993 per person

2021 Tour code: WC-ZAHW-21

About the tour

Begin your journey in the Windy City where you board the renowned California Zephyr for your two-night journey across America's western frontier to San Francisco. After spending some time in the City by the Bay, embark on a 15-night Hawaiian cruise aboard the Ruby Princess. This rail-cruise journey is the absolute perfect getaway to escape the winter blues.

Highlights

View Dates & Pricing

What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 - Depart Chicago aboard the California Zephyr

Depart the Windy City aboard Amtrak's legendary California Zephyr bound for San Francisco at 2:00 pm. Take this time to get to know your fellow passengers or admire the passing scenery from the Sightseer Lounge with its floor-to-ceiling windows. Overnight train.

Includes
  • Dinner
Day 2 - California Zephyr En Route to San Francisco

Awake to magnificent views of the Rockies on the horizon. The scenery only gets more breathtaking as the day progresses! Overnight train.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 - Arrive in "The City by the Bay"

Highlights of your final day on the train include a mid-morning stop in "The Biggest Little City in the World," Reno, and the legendary Donner Pass, the high point in the northern Sierra Nevada Mountains. You're scheduled to arrive in Emeryville at 4:10 pm. Transfer on your own to your centrally-located San Francisco hotel with the evening at leisure. Overnight San Francisco.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4 - San Francisco and Hawaiian Cruise

Start the day with a guided tour of San Francisco. Highlights include the Palace of Fine Arts, the Civic Center, Fisherman's Wharf and more! After the tour, board the  Ruby Princess and embark on your 15-night Hawaiian cruise! Overnight ship.

Includes
  • Dinner
Days 5-8 - Ruby Princess

Spend the first four days of your journey at sea. The Ruby Princess offers a variety of onboard amenities. Visit the incredible Lotus Spa; relax at the Sanctuary, an adults-only section of the ship; play basketball or shuffleboard; or, just sit on the deck and catch some rays as you sail towards paradise. Overnight ship.

Includes
  • Day 5 - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 6 - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 7 - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 8 - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9 - Hilo, Hawaii

Arrive at your first port of call, Hilo. You may wish to visit the Smithsonian-affiliated Lyman Museum, see the dazzling waterfalls of Rainbow Falls, or gaze at the stars at the Imiloa Astronomy Center. Overnight ship.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10 - Honolulu, Hawaii

Discover beautiful Honolulu! There is so much to do in this historic city. Take time to visit Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial. Or see Doris Duke's old home, Shangri La, which is now a center for Islamic Arts and Culture. There are also several hiking trails and beaches for you to discover. Overnight ship.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11 - Kauai, Hawaii

Today's port of call is the island of Kauai. Kauai is the oldest main Hawaiian Island. Only 562 miles long, Kauai is full of amazing activities. The National Tropical Botanical Garden and Smith's Tropical Paradise are havens for nature lovers. Or take a tour of Grove Farm, a former sugar plantation which is now a museum. Overnight ship.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12 - Maui, Hawaii

Spend the day in gorgeous Maui. From its breathtaking beaches to the incredible seaside streets, there is so much to do in this little slice of paradise. You can take a bike tour of Maui with The Kaleakala Bike Company or visit the Maui Ocean Center for a marine adventure. Overnight ship.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 13-16 - Ruby Princess

Take these four days to relax at sea as you journey to your final port of call, Ensenada, Mexico. Take in a show at one of the ship's theatres. Do some shopping at the ship's stylish boutiques. Hit a few balls on the Princess Links, a nine-hole putting course. Or just relax with a good book in the ship's library. These three days are the perfect opportunity to take advantage of all the  Ruby Princess has to offer. Overnight ship

Includes
  • Day 13 - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 14 - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 15 - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 16 - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 17 - Ensenada, Mexico

This afternoon arrive at your final port of call, Ensenada. Ensenada has a plethora of great activities and sights for you to spend your afternoon discovering. Do some kayaking at Bahia de Los Angeles. While there keep your eyes out for possible whale sightings! Or venture over to Avenida Lopez Mateos for some shopping. This beautiful Mexican city is the perfect ending to your tropical cruise. Overnight ship.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 18 - Ruby Princess At Sea

Begin your journey back to the mainland as you spend your final day at sea. Overnight ship.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 19 - San Francisco

This morning, disembark the Ruby Princess in San Francisco, where your rail-sail vacation comes to an end.

Additional information

Pricing Plans

Amtrak accommodations are available in Coach class, Roomette, and Bedroom.

Coach accommodations include a reclining seat with leg rest.

Roomette accommodations include a private cabin featuring two comfortable seats beside a picture window during the day, converting to an upper and lower berth at night. Bedroom accommodations feature a sofa and chair by day, and upper and lower berth by night.

Bedroom accommodations also include a sink and self-enclosed toilet and shower. All travelers have access to the Sightseer Lounge. Roomette and Bedroom accommodations include all meals aboard the train. 

Oceanview:  Travel aboard the Ruby Princess is in an Outside Cabin including an ocean view. Oceanview cabins include a shower, two full size beds and closet.

Balcony: Travel aboard the Ruby Princess is in a Balcony including a private balcony view. Balcony includes shower, queen-size bed, closet and outside sitting area.

Ask a rail specialist about adding this 4-day/3-night post-trip option to your California Zephyr with Hawaiian Cruise rail-sail vacation.

Please note

Please be aware Amtrak may experience occasional schedule changes and service disruptions.  Vacations By Rail recommends visiting the Amtrak web site prior to your departure for the latest information.

Departure times

Departure times vary based on selected rail vacation. This information will be provided in your final documents. For more information please speak with your rail specialist.

Mobility information

Due to the nature of our tours they are generally unsuitable for those with restricted mobility. If you’d like to discuss any particular vacation with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call us.

Hotel

Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco

Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco

View hotel

Train

Amtrak's California Zephyr

Ship

Ruby Princess

Enhance your holiday

Upgrades

Elevate Your Adventure

Extend your holiday

California Zephyr & Hawaii Cruise Post-trip Extension

Reviews

4 stars4 / 5 · 1 review

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ROBERT

4 stars

Submitted 23 Dec 2019

The staff on the California Zephyr is beyond compare. Food was excellent. The only reason this is not a 5 star review is the hardness of the beds.

Collected by Vacations By Rail

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