Top 5 rail trips to pair with a cruise for breathtaking views and once-in-a-lifetime experiences
Boarding a train is one of the most traditional ways of travel but there is much more to it than getting from A to B.
It can offer a small piece of nostalgia while relaxing with five-star service and seeing some of the most breathtaking places in the world. Discover incredible routes on board The Ghan, Rocky Mountaineer, Indian Pacific, Himalayan Queen and Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.
Pairing a rail trip with a cruise can be the recipe for a truly unique holiday.
Like rail, cruising is an exciting way to travel where the journey becomes as much part of the experience as the destination.
Here are the five best rail journeys to pair with a cruise, according to Imagine Cruising.
The Ghan is a legendary train that has run for 95 years and ventures through some of the most beautiful parts of Australia
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The Ghan Rail & Luxury All-Inclusive Voyage gives Britons a once-in-a-lifetime experience
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Embark Celebrity Solstice and soak in Australia’s east coast while enjoying a luxurious 15-night cruise
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Step on board the Rocky Mountaineer for a scenic train journey through Canada
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Holidaymakers will board Silver Nova for the cruise, passing views of Hubbard Glacier, Juneau, and Haines.
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The Ghan is a legendary train that has run for 95 years and ventures through some of the most beautiful parts of Australia.
It offers all-inclusive service while guests take in the vast landscapes of the Australian Outback.
The Ghan Rail & Luxury All-Inclusive Voyage gives Britons a once-in-a-lifetime experience while they travel from Australia to Singapore.
Holidaymakers can sip on wine in Adelaide before journeying on the Ghan to Darwin, where they will spend three nights and indulge in a sunset dinner cruise.
During the two-day train journey, enjoy off-train experiences including a cruise of the Nitmiluk Gorge, a chance to see the Simpsons Gap and the opportunity to set your eyes on the Milky Way.
Up next, it’s time to fly to Sydney where you’ll enjoy a five-night before the cruise part of the journey begins.
Embark Celebrity Solstice® and soak in Australia’s east coast while enjoying a luxurious 15-night cruise, including an overnight stop in port in Bali.
Guests will then arrive in Singapore where they can relax during a two-night stay.
As well as sampling all the fine wine and dining available on both the train and ship, there are plenty of included excursions to look forward to.
The cruise and rail voyage runs for 31 nights, departing on October 5, 2024. Prices start from £7,499pp and it includes all flights and transfers with drinks, wi-fi and tours.
Step on board the Rocky Mountaineer for a scenic train journey through Canada.
Experience the continent during an incredible train journey from Vancouver to Calgary. Explore the history of the country and take in the breathtaking natural landscapes.
The All-Inclusive Silversea Alaskan Voyage, Rocky Mountaineer & Calgary Stampede pairs the unmissable rail journey with a seven-night cruise of Alaska.
Kicking off with a one-night stay in Anchorage, holidaymakers will then board Silver Nova for the cruise, passing views of Hubbard Glacier, Juneau, and Haines.
Next, travellers can relax with a night in Vancouver before stepping on the Rocky Mountaineer for the unforgettable rail journey that promises to treat guests to a “VIP experience from start to finish”.
Hosts will talk you through the highlights of the tour, as well as storytelling and wildlife spotting.
The cruise and rail voyage runs for 15 nights, departing on June 24, 2025. The cruise and rail journey starts from £8,499pp and is exclusive to Imagine Cruising.
Step on the Rocky Mountaineer for the unforgettable rail journey that promises to treat guests to a “VIP experience from start to finish”
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During the All-Inclusive Silversea New Zealand Voyage & Indian Pacific Rail Journey, Britons will spend a night in Perth before boarding the train
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Complete the break with even more luxury and enjoy a two-night stay in a five-star hotel in Auckland
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Once in Sydney, you’ll embark Silver Muse for a 14-night cruise to Auckland
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Holidaymakers will explore Australia and New Zealand during the 27-night holiday.
Enjoy a magnificent all-inclusive service on board the Indian Pacific travelling from Perth to Sydney during a four-night journey.
As well as taking in the views from the train, Britons can immerse themselves in the beautiful landscapes as they step off board in the Kalgoorlie, the Barossa Valley, and the Blue Mountains.
During the All-Inclusive Silversea New Zealand Voyage & Indian Pacific Rail Journey, Britons will spend a night in Perth before boarding the train.
Once in Sydney, you’ll embark Silver Muse for a 14-night cruise to Auckland.
This includes stops in Geelong, Tasmania, Hobart, and Port Arthur, among other destinations, with complimentary premium shore excursions available at every port.
Complete the break with even more luxury and enjoy a two-night stay in a five-star hotel in Auckland.
The cruise and rail voyage runs for 27 nights, departing on January 9, 2025. The cruise and rail journey starts from £9,999pp.
The Himalayan Queen helps guests to immerse themselves in the vibrancy of India.
Journey to the Himalayan foothills, take part in an exhilarating jungle safari and bask in one of the seven wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal as part of the Golden Triangle tour.
The All-Inclusive Celebrity Voyage & Ultimate India Experience offers a Tigers, The Himalayas & Golden Triangle Tour and more during a 27- to 29-day stay.
Take the Shatabdi Express to Kalka and then board the Himalayan Queen for a journey from Kalka to Shimla.
Enjoy a cruise with the Celebrity Millennium® where you get the chance to see Goa, Colombo in Sri Lanka and the wildlife in Hambantota. Other destinations include picturesque Phuket, Penang and Kuala Lumpur.
Holidaymakers will get to experience opulence on and off their modes of travel, with several five-star hotels included in the price.
The cruise and rail voyage runs for 27-29 nights, departing on dates between November 2024 and February 2025. The cruise and rail journey starts from £3,699pp based on a November 24, 2024 departure and includes a classic drinks package and wi-fi.
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The Himalayan Queen journeys through India
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Enjoy a cruise on the Celebrity Millennium® where you get the chance to see Goa, Colombo in Sri Lanka and the wildlife in Hambantota
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Himalayan Queen guests could see some incredible sites
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Travel on the luxurious Venice Simplon-Orient-Express from Verona to Paris with waterside views of the continent
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Explore the Mediterranean on board the Cunard’s Queen Victoria, a sleek and luxurious ship with gourmet dining and spacious cabins
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The All-Inclusive Venice Simplon-Orient-Express offers a remarkable voyage through beautiful parts of Europe
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Mediterranean cruises are a popular holiday option for seeing the continent in style.
There are also some fantastic rail journeys to be had along the way.
Travel on the luxurious Venice Simplon-Orient-Express from Verona to Paris with waterside views of the continent.
Holidaymakers will be treated to dedicated steward service, three course lunches and four course dinners, as well as a full porterage service.
The Luxury Cunard Mediterranean Cruise, Lake Garda & All-Inclusive Venice Simplon-Orient-Express offers a remarkable voyage to beautiful parts of Europe.
Explore the Mediterranean on board the Cunard’s Queen Victoria, a sleek and luxurious ship with gourmet dining and spacious cabins.
Visit lively Barcelona, historical Florence and celebrity-studded Lake Garda.
As well as taking part in a winery tour and tasting before boarding the train to Paris.
The package also includes a standard Premier Class Eurostar train journey from Paris to London.
The cruise and rail voyage runs for 13 nights, departing on June 16, 2025.
The cruise and rail journey starts from £5,499pp including outbound flight and transfers, with a complimentary Oceanview to Balcony cabin upgrade on board Queen Victoria. You won’t find this holiday anywhere else as it’s exclusive to Imagine Cruising.
