Rail & sail cruise holidays: explore Canada, Alaska & beyond 

What Are Rail & Sail Cruise Holidays? 

Rail & Sail cruise holidays combine iconic rail journeys with unforgettable cruise experiences, creating one seamless and immersive itinerary. 

Rather than simply travelling to your cruise, the journey itself becomes a highlight - taking you through some of the world’s most spectacular landscapes before or after your time at sea. 

With Cruise118’s expertly crafted packages, everything is designed to flow effortlessly, giving you a stress free, all in one travel experience. 

Discover Canada & Alaska like never before 

One of the most popular Rail & Sail experiences is exploring Western Canada and Alaska, where dramatic landscapes meet luxury travel. 

These itineraries are designed to showcase the very best of the region - from the rugged beauty of the Canadian Rockies to the icy wilderness of Alaska’s coastline. 

By combining rail and cruise, you’ll experience: 

• Towering mountain ranges and alpine lakes
• Vast forests and remote wilderness
• Glaciers, fjords, and coastal scenery
• Wildlife encounters both inland and at sea 

It’s a journey that goes far beyond a traditional cruise holiday. 

Experience the Canadian Rockies with Rocky Mountaineer 

At the heart of many Rail & Sail packages is the world-renowned Rocky Mountaineer - a train journey through the Canadian Rockies that’s often considered a bucket-list experience. 

Step aboard and experience train travel like never before. Wind through breathtaking mountain passes, river valleys and untouched wilderness, all while enjoying regionally inspired cuisine and attentive onboard service. 

Unlike standard rail journeys, Rocky Mountaineer travels during daylight hours only, ensuring you don’t miss a single moment of the scenery. Every twist and turn reveals something new - from snow-capped peaks to rushing rivers and hidden canyons. 

A seamless cruise & rail experience 

Cruise118’s Rail & Sail packages are carefully designed to connect your rail journey with your cruise effortlessly. 

Whether you choose to begin or end your holiday at sea, every element is coordinated for a smooth and enjoyable experience. 

Typical itineraries include: 

• A journey through the Canadian Rockies by rail
• Hotel stays in key destinations such as Vancouver or Calgary
• An unforgettable Alaska cruise 

This creates a perfectly balanced itinerary, combining exploration, relaxation and luxury. 

Why combine rail travel with an Alaska cruise? 

Pairing a rail journey with an Alaska cruise gives you a deeper, more immersive way to explore the region. 

Instead of only seeing the coastline, you’ll venture inland to experience the heart of Canada’s natural beauty before sailing through Alaska’s glaciers and fjords. 

Highlights include: 

• Exploring iconic destinations like Banff, Jasper and Lake Louise
• Witnessing glaciers calving into the ocean
• Cruising through scenic passages such as the Inside Passage
• Experiencing diverse landscapes in one trip 

It’s this combination that makes Rail & Sail one of the most rewarding ways to travel. 

What to expect onboard Rocky Mountaineer 

Rocky Mountaineer experience is designed around comfort, scenery and storytelling. 

You can expect: 

• Fresh, locally inspired cuisine served at your seat
• Engaging hosts sharing insights about the region
• A relaxed, unhurried pace focused on the journey 

For those looking to elevate their experience, GoldLeaf Service offers bi-level glass-domed coaches and an exclusive dining area - perfect for soaking in the views in style. 

Rail & sail cruise destinations to consider 

While Canada and Alaska are standout options, Rail & Sail packages can take you to a variety of incredible destinations, including: 

• The Canadian Rockies & Alaska
• Coastal Canada and the Pacific Northwest
• Multi-destination journeys combining inland and ocean travel 

Each itinerary is designed to maximise both scenic travel and cultural discovery. 

Tips for booking a rail & sail cruise holiday 

Book Early 

Rail & Sail packages - especially those including Rocky Mountaineer - are in high demand for 2026 and 2027. 

Choose the Right Direction 

Decide whether you’d prefer to cruise first or finish with the rail journey - both offer a different experience. 

Upgrade Where Possible 

Rail upgrades can significantly enhance your journey, particularly for scenic routes like the Rockies. 

Add Extra Nights 

Extending your stay in cities like Vancouver or Calgary allows you to explore even more. 

Travel in Shoulder Seasons 

May and September offer excellent value, fewer crowds and incredible scenery. 

Who are rail & sail cruises perfect for? 

Rail & Sail holidays are ideal for travellers who want more than just a cruise. They’re perfect for: 

• Bucket list travellers seeking once-in-a-lifetime experiences
• Couples looking for a scenic and romantic journey
• Luxury travellers wanting a more immersive itinerary
• Adventure seekers exploring Canada and Alaska 

Is a rail & sail cruise worth it? 

If you’re looking to turn your holiday into a fully immersive travel experience, Rail & Sail cruises are absolutely worth it. 

By combining iconic rail journeys like Rocky Mountaineer with unforgettable cruises, you get to experience destinations in a way that simply isn’t possible with a standard itinerary. 

Rail & Sail cruise holidays offer something truly special. They go beyond the traditional cruise by blending luxury rail travel with world-class cruising, creating a seamless and unforgettable journey. 

From the dramatic landscapes of the Canadian Rockies to the breathtaking glaciers of Alaska, these itineraries are designed to showcase the very best of each destination. 

With Cruise118’s expertly curated packages, exploring Canada and Alaska has never been easier - or more spectacular.