Day 1: Chicago / En Route
All tour members will meet the tour director in Chicago’s Union Station. The Metropolitan Lounge will be our base in Chicago. The Sears Tower, one of the world’s tallest buildings is close by. Other Chicago attractions are a short cab ride away.
Early this afternoon we will board Amtrak’s Empire Builder for the 2200-mile journey across seven states to Seattle, Washington. Relax in your private roomette bedroom or deluxe bedroom sleeping accommodations. Go to the glass-walled Sightseer Lounge car for spectacular viewing. All dining car meals are included. You’ll have time for a walk when we arrive in Minneapolis-St. Paul this evening.
Meal(s): D
Day 2: En Route
During the day we will roll across the remote lands of North Dakota and eastern Montana. About 5:00 p.m., a dramatic panorama of Rocky Mountain peaks will begin to rise above the horizon, becoming increasingly dynamic as we approach Glacier National Park. The scenery is striking as we wind past waterfalls, river gorges and other sights. The glass-walled lounge or dining car is an excellent vantage point.
Meal(s): B, L & D
Day 3: En Route / Seattle & Vancouver
You may want to rise early to watch the sun come up over some spectacular scenery. At approximately 7:00 a.m. the Empire Builder will enter the 7.8-mile long Cascade Tunnel. Over the next several hours we’ll wind through the scenic Cascade Mountains and then through the lush Puget Sound area and ease into Seattle by mid-morning.
We’ll embark on a sightseeing tour of Seattle including a trip to the top of the Space Needle. The journey will include Chinatown, concrete floating bridges, Lake Washington, the arboretum, the University of Washington and views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains.
We’ll head to Vancouver by deluxe motor coach. Our overnight accommodations are at the centrally located the Blue Horizon Hotel. The dining options are numerous.
Meal(s): B
Day 4: Embarkation
This morning we’ll embark on a three-and-a-half hour sightseeing tour of the city. The tour will include Gastown, Chinatown, Stanley Park, English Bay, Marine Drive, the waterfront and Queen Elizabeth Park.
Our tour will end at the cruise terminal where we’ll board the beautiful Celebrity Mercury®. The newest of the Century-class of ships, she is visually stunning and features a vast array of world-class amenities and services. Celebrity’s famous personal service with a taste of luxury will make you feel like the only guest on board. With one staff member for every two guests, Celebrity’s personal service anticipates your every need.
Following a bountiful luncheon buffet, you can relax or explore our new beautiful home. Departure is scheduled for 5:00 p.m.
Meal(s): L & D
Day 5: Cruising
Ahh, now this is relaxation. Do as little or as much as you care to. You’ll discover unlimited opportunities to indulge your interests. Attend a lecture, shop the boutiques, work off some cusine in the Fitness Center, or maybe attend an art auction. Like a little physical or mental competition? Try basketball, paddle tennis, or volleyball (in and out of the pool). How about a TV-like game show? The Newlywed/Not-So-Newlywed and other lively game-shows-with-a-twist should tickle your brain and your love for spirited challenges.
The AquaSpa offers an array of treatments designed to take you to new levels of pampering and relaxation.
Attend Online@Celebrity classes to polish your computer skills or learn a new software program. Learn some digital photography tips and tricks.
Celebrity’s world-class casinos offer European-style ambiance. Try your luck at blackjack and roulette or choose from a wide range of tables and slot machines.
Of course you can always just cuddle up with a good book as the Pacific Ocean drifts by.
After a fabulous dinner it’s time to head to the elegant Celebrity Theater and experience Celebrity’s award-winning entertainment featuring the best and brightest of Broadway shows and captivating musical reviews. We’ll delight in the amazing flight of acrobats and the contagious wit of comedians all while enjoying Celebrity’s famous hospitality.
Meal(s): B, L & D
Day 6: Sitka
This charming, picturesque town is known for its situated on Baranof Island, nestled between forested mountains and the Pacific Ocean, on the outer waters of Alaska’s Inside Passage. Sitka offers the unique combination of Native culture, Russian history, and Alaskan wilderness.
Tonight we’ll enjoy a great evening of dining and entertainment.
Meal(s): B, L & D
Day 7: Hubbard Glacier
Hubbard Glacier is the one glacier in the world that does not move at a glacial pace. Quite the opposite. In fact, in 1986, Hubbard Glacier -- the largest tidewater glacier on the North American continent -- moved an average of just under 5.5 feet per hour.
Tonight we’ll enjoy more great dining and entertainment.
Meal(s): B, L & D
Day 8: Juneau
Named after Joseph Juneau who discovered gold in the 1880s at the mouth of Gold Creek, Alaska’s capital city gracefully balances a frontier ruggedness with a cosmopolitan flair. Mendenhall Glacier, a river of ice measuring 1.5 miles wide and over six miles long, hugs Juneau’s north side and is part of the Juneau Icefield.
Tonight we’ll enjoy another great evening.
Meal(s): B, L & D
Day 9: Skagway
As the northernmost point of the Inside Passage, the town reflects its mining past in the false-front buildings and gold rush relics. Tourists can experience the majesty of White Pass summit and the Yukon territory aboard the railway, paddle to Glacier Bay and Chilkoot Bald Eagle Preserve, get a close-up view of the natural beauty on a wilderness safari, soar over glaciers on a helicopter tour or, for those who catch the fever, pan for gold.
Meal(s): B, L & D
Day 10: Ketchikan
Boasting the world’s largest collection of Northwest totems and often regarded as the salmon capital of the world, Ketchikan is the ancestral home of the Tlingit people. Take a stroll on the old boardwalk along Ketchikan Creek in search of shops and cafes.
Meal(s): B, L & D
Day 11, 12: Cruising
Meal(s): B, L & D
Day 13, 14: San Francisco
You’ll soon realize why Tony Bennett left his heart here. San Francisco is a city of culture, historical landmarks and world renown dining. Our ship will arrive at Pier 35 on the city’s bustling downtown waterfront around 2 p.m.. Optional shore excursions include Alcatraz Island, Napa Valley Wine Enthusiast, Sausalito & Muir Woods.
Meal(s): B, L & D
Day 15: San Francisco / Cruising
Departure for San Diego is scheduled for 3:00 a.m.
Meal(s): B, L & D
Day 16: San Diego
We’ll disembark this morning and strike out on a San Diego city tour. Following an on-your-own lunch we’ll transfer the short distance to the Amtrak station where we’ll depart at 3:00 p.m. on a Pacific Surfliner. We’ll arrive in the Los Angeles Union Station at 5:45 p.m. At 6:45 we’ll depart on the famous Southwest Chief for Chicago. Enjoy a full-course dining car dinner upon departure.
Meal(s): B & D
Day 17: En Route
You’ll want to take advantage of the fascinating scenery of Arizona and New Mexico our train will pass through during the day.
You’ll have time for a train side walk in Albuquerque at noon. Native American vendors will have attractive jewelry for sale.
Meal(s): B, L & D
Day 18: En Route
The Southwest Chief will roll across Northeast Missouri, a corner of Iowa, and all of Illinois before our afternoon arrival in Chicago. Some tour members will change to trains bound for Midwest, Eastern, and Southern home cities. Others will stay in Chicago and fly home tomorrow.
Meal(s): B & L