Ever been tempted by an unforgettable rail journey through Canada's Rocky Mountains followed by a seven-night cruise to the glacial fjords of Alaska?
With breathtaking Lake Louise, the iconic Rocky Mountaineer and the possibility of seeing whales from your ship, our Rocky Mountaineer & Alaska Cruise is a bucket list journey for many - including our Tour Manager, Angie.
"I'd been to Canada a few times before," says Angie. "But this was my first visit to Alaska.
"The tour is a fabulous way to discover a beautiful and interesting part of Canada then sail to Alaska, witnessing nature at its best.
"It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience."
Canada's Rocky Mountains
Flying into Calgary for an overnight stay, the group enjoys its first glimpse of the Rocky Mountains during a journey along the Trans-Canada Highway, following the Bow River to Banff.
Banff & Lake Louise
"Banff is fabulous," says Angie. "Customers really enjoy their time there. The town is great and the surrounding area is amazing. There's plenty to do."
Covering more than 2,500 square miles, Banff National Park certainly delivers many unforgettable moments. Our explorations begin with a journey on the Banff Gondola to the summit of Sulphur Mountain, before a highlight of any trip to the Canadian Rockies - Lake Louise.
"Lake Louise is stunning," continues Angie. "Walking through the trees and getting your first sighting is remarkable. Or any visit, as this was about my seventh!
"The deep green, glacier water is overlooked by the stunning Victoria mountains, often still with snow on. Depending on the time of year, the lake can be completely frozen."
While Lake Louise is one of the most photographed lakes in the world, seeing our customers' reactions to this spectacular sight in person is never a disappointment.
Front-row seats to the Rockies enroute Vancouver
The Canadian Rockies are just one aspect of this exceptional holiday. Travelling from Banff to Vancouver is another highlight as we board the world-famous Rocky Mountaineer for two daylight-only journeys.
Travelling aboard Rocky Mountaineer
"Rocky Mountaineer is an amazing experience from the minute you board to when you get off," says Angie.
There are two levels of service onboard, with both featuring the signature panoramic carriages and commentary from the expert hosts. Dining in the single-level dome cars of SilverLeaf Service includes gourmet dishes reflecting the region and a selection of complimentary beverages. GoldLeaf Service offers an elevated experience, with a custom-designed bi-level dome car. In the separate dining room, an impeccable à la carte menu is served, while an enhanced selection of beverages is included.
"Even in SilverLeaf Service, everything is spot on," adds Angie. "The crew, service, food, drink, seats are all great. The hosts' commentary is really good and the scenery is amazing.
"I've seen deer, golden eagles, bald eagles and bears on my journeys."
Cruising through the Inside Passage to Alaska
"The cruise was amazing. It was all too stunning to put into words," says Angie about an unforgettable cruise through the North Pacific Ocean.
From Vancouver, our cruise takes groups north to Yakutat Bay and back, with opportunities to step ashore in Ketchikan and Juneau.
Boarding our Celebrity Cruises ship
"Excitement didn't come close to explaining our feelings as we boarded our ship in Vancouver," begins Angie. "As we set sail, there was time to explore this beautiful, newly refurbished ship before watching a stunning sunset."
With a spectacular atrium and a real-grass lawn on the deck, our Celebrity Cruises ships offer luxury, ensuite accommodation in its various staterooms. Dining and a Classic drinks package are included, while excursions are offered in each port of call. Organised by Celebrity Cruises, these are optional and bookable directly with the cruise line once you receive your booking reference.
"The food package was very good," continues Angie. "There was plenty of choice and it was all good quality."
Exploring Alaska's scenery and history
"While we were sailing, we saw whales and dolphins," says Angie. "The cruise was excellent. The ship, crew, onboard entertainment and optional excursions were very good."
Dwarfed by the surrounding peaks of Glacier Bay, our ship glides through crystal-clear fjords to Icy Strait Point. In addition to optional excursions, passengers can disembark and visit the village of Hoonah. Located on Chichagof Island, it boasts Alaska's largest community of indigenous Tlingit people.
The next day brought Angie's highlight: the Hubbard Glacier.
This ancient river of ice can be viewed from the ship, or you can book an excursion to view its majesty from closer quarters.
"The pictures don't do it justice," says Angie. "From our tender that took us towards it, I got the chance to hold a piece of the glacier that had broken off. It was estimated that this fell as snow 400 years ago! It was a fabulous experience."
After a stop in the Alaskan state capital, Juneau, the cruise continued south to Ketchikan, famed as the 'salmon capital of the world'.
"I chose the duck tour, which gave an insight into the town as we explored in an amphibious vehicle. There was lots to see, including totem poles and salmon.
"All the customers who booked the bear country expedition saw bears!"
Experience our Rocky Mountaineer & Alaska Cruise tour
"I felt very blessed. I was one happy, very lucky Tour Manager," concluded Angie.
This unforgettable holiday blends memorable journeys with guided explorations and optional excursions, meaning you can indulge your interests, creating lifelong memories in some of the world's most spectacular landscapes.
With our expert Tour Managers like Angie to accompany you throughout, all you need to do is enjoy this ultimate Tour & Ocean cruise holiday.
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