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About This Tour:
California Zephyr & Mexican Riviera Cruise
Cross the mountains and deserts of the great American West by rail and see vibrant Mexico by sea. The weather couldn’t be better on this rail-cruise adventure!
Book a qualifying winter rail vacation of $1,000 or more per person from Vacations By Rail’s winter brochure, and save $150 per couple.
Book by July 14 and mention promo code WINTER17 to take advantage of this exclusive offer for 2017/18 winter travel.
Offer is valid for new bookings made by July 14, 2017 for travel on qualifying vacations during the 2017/18 winter season. Offer is non-transferable. Offer may be withdrawn at any time. Additional terms and conditions may apply.
Tour Description
On this 15-day rail-cruise vacation, you’ll cross the mountains and deserts of the great American West by rail and see vibrant Mexico by sea. Explore the world-class cities of Chicago and San Francisco before departing on a tour of Mexico’s premier destinations aboard the splendid Grand Princess cruise ship. With ports of call like popular Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta, as well as off-the-beaten path destinations like Mazatlan and Manzanillo, sun, sand, and adventure are guaranteed!
Tour Photos
Highlights and Inclusions
- 2 nights hotel accommodation
- Transportation aboard Amtrak's California Zephyr
- 10 nights aboard the Grand Princess cruise ship
- All meals on train (sleeping car passengers only)
- All meals and beverages onboard ship
- Visit popular Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta
- Explore Mazatlan and Manzanillo
- 24-hour room service onboard ship
- Access to the onboard Fitness Center
- Hotel to Ship transfers
- Ship to Airport transfer at conclusion of the tour
Itinerary
Day 1 - Chicago
Arrive today in Chicago. The day is at your leisure, so make the most of your time in the Windy City! Shop along the Magnificent Mile, stroll along the shore of Lake Michigan, admire the city's famous architecture, and check out the view from the top of the formidable Willis Tower. This evening, check out Chicago's world-famous restaurant scene, or laugh the night away at Second City. Overnight Chicago.
Day 2 - Board California Zephyr
Today, bid farewell to Chicago as you head to Union Station for your departure aboard Amtrak's California Zephyr. Settle into your onboard accommodations and prepare to set out on your exciting westward journey. Overnight train.
Day 3 - Onboard California Zephyr
Wake up today to views of the magnificent Rocky Mountains. Mingle with other passengers in the Sightseer Lounge, grab a bite to eat in the Café or Dining Cars, or simply relax and watch the splendid scenery of the American West roll by. Overnight train.
Day 4 - San Francisco
Today, arrive in San Francisco. The hills, the cable cars, the Victorian homes, and the smell of the sea air: San Francisco's indelible romance makes it a world-class destination. Explore the city's famous Chinatown, or get a photo with the magnificent Golden Gate Bridge at Vista Point. Overnight San Francisco.
Day 5- Board Ship
Enjoy one last morning in San Francisco before your 4:00 pm departure aboard the Grand Princess. Settle into your cabin and discover the ship's endless amenities as you set sail for Mexico. Overnight ship.
Days 6-8 - At Sea
Spend your time at sea taking in spectacular ocean views, mingle in the Italian-style Piazza, read in the library, learn something new in a ScholarShip@Sea® enrichment class, or unwind in the Lotus Spa Pool. This is your time to kick back and relax. Overnight ship.
Day 9 - Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Warm, glamorous, and full of adventure, Puerto Vallarta is today's port of call. Stroll along the Malecon boardwalk and peruse the artists' wares, learn how tequila is made, or make some lively new aquatic friends at the Dolphin Adventure. There are endless opportunities for fun and exploration in Puerto Vallarta. Overnight ship.
Day 10 - Manzanillo, Mexico
Welcome to Manzanillo! For years, this small city has been a secret destination for fishermen. Now, the secret is out. Featuring some of the world's best fishing as well as mountains covered with jungle and miles of pristine beaches, Manzanillo is becoming a hot new vacation spot. Overnight ship.
Day 11 - Mazatlan, Mexico
Situated between the wild Pacific and the dramatic Sierra Madres, Mazatlan is a world-class destination. From its scenic beauty to its rich culture, the city is absolutely captivating. Visit the Pacifico Brewery, admire the Gothic and Moorish architecture of the Cathedral Basilica, and relax on one of the white-sand beaches. Overnight ship.
Day 12 - Cabo San Lucas
One of Mexico's best-known resort cities, Cabo San Lucas really has it all. In Cabo, you'll discover a legendary nightlife, crystal-clear waters, and breathtaking scenery. Go snorkeling, and encounter swirls of colorful marine life, or take advantage of the rich waters through sport fishing. You won't waste a moment at this spectacular destination. Overnight ship.
Days 13-14 - At Sea
Enjoy your last days sailing through the Pacific! Make the most of the ship's amenities, including the various restaurants and dining rooms. Overnight ship.
Day 15 - Disembarkation in San Francisco
This morning, arrive back in San Francisco. Depart San Francisco on your own, or choose to extend your stay in the City by the Bay.
Rail Your Way
Add more flexibility to your rail vacation by choosing when and where to begin and end your vacation. Whether you want to go east to west, west to east, north to south, south to north, start at the beginning, travel the reverse itinerary or begin in the middle, Rail Your Way allows you to tailor make your rail vacation so you can have the experience you want.
Look for the Rail Your Way icon to identify those vacations that offer customized rail connections or joining points. Ask your rail specialist how you can have Rail Your Way!
Extend Your Vacation
Extend your rail vacation with new city packages in Chicago, Toronto, and Vancouver. Optional pre- or post-night packages include hotel accommodations for two nights and popular local sightseeing, and may be added to the beginning or end of qualifying rail vacations.
Look for the Extend Your Vacation icon to identify those vacations which offer new city stay packages. Ask your rail specialist for details about these pre- and post-night extensions.
Train and Hotel Accommodations
Amtrak Roomette/Oceanview Stateroom
Hotels included are the Palmer House Hilton (Chicago) and the Mark Hopkins Intercontinental (San Francisco). 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. Roomette accommodation also includes meals aboard the train along with access to lounges and observations cars. Travel aboard the
Grand Princess is in an Oceanview stateroom which is approximately 163 to 171 square feet and features a picture window for memorable views. The Oceanview stateroom is richly appointed with fine amenities.
Amtrak Roomette/Mini Suite
Hotels included are the Palmer House Hilton (Chicago) and the Mark Hopkins Intercontinental (San Francisco). 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. Roomette accommodation also includes meals aboard the train along with access to lounges and observations cars. Travel aboard the
Grand Princess is in a Mini-Suite which offers approximately 323 square feet of comfort and a separate seating area with a sofa bed for lounging or sleeping a third passenger. The spacious balcony is approximately 61 square feet and the bathroom offers a combination tub and shower.
Amtrak Bedroom/Oceanview Stateroom
Hotels included are the Palmer House Hilton (Chicago) and the Mark Hopkins Intercontinental (San Francisco).. Amtrak Bedroom accommodation features a sofa and chair by day, an upper and lower berth by night with a sink, self-enclosed toilet and shower. Bedroom accommodation also includes meals aboard the train along with access to lounges and observation cars all meals included on board. Travel aboard the
Grand Princess is in an Oceanview stateroom which is approximately 163 to 171 square feet and features a picture window for memorable views. The Oceanview stateroom is richly appointed with fine amenities.
Amtrak Bedroom/Mini Suite
Hotels included are the Palmer House Hilton (Chicago) and the Mark Hopkins Intercontinental (San Francisco). Amtrak Bedroom accommodation features a sofa and chair by day, an upper and lower berth by night with a sink, self-enclosed toilet and shower. Bedroom accommodation also includes meals aboard the train along with access to lounges and observation cars. Travel aboard the Grand Princess is in a Mini-Suite which offers approximately 323 square feet of comfort and a separate seating area with a sofa bed for lounging or sleeping a third passenger. The spacious balcony is approximately 61 square feet and the bathroom offers a combination tub and shower.
Dates & Prices
Select from the packages below to view prices for this tour.
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Prices are land-only, per person. Prices are correct at the time of this web page being published; however, are subject to change. Vacations By Rail can supply connecting rail from your closest Amtrak Station.
Valid government-issued photo ID and birth certificate (or valid USA passport) are required for cruises starting and ending at a US port.
Port taxes of $215 for 2016 cruises are not included. Port taxes of $190 for 2017 & 2018 cruises are not included. Princess reserves the right to impose a fuel supplement of up to $9 per person per day on all passengers if the NYMEX oil price exceeds $70 per barrel, even if the fare has been paid in full.
Please be advised that passengers traveling on California Zephyr trains may encounter delays of approximately three to six hours due to heavy congestion, speed restrictions and other operating conditions.
Valid government-issued photo ID and birth certificate (or valid USA passport) are required for cruises starting and ending at a US port.
Port taxes of $215 for 2016 cruises are not included. Port taxes of $190 for 2017 & 2018 cruises are not included. Princess reserves the right to impose a fuel supplement of up to $9 per person per day on all passengers if the NYMEX oil price exceeds $70 per barrel, even if the fare has been paid in full.
Please be advised that passengers traveling on California Zephyr trains may encounter delays of approximately three to six hours due to heavy congestion, speed restrictions and other operating conditions.