Day 1 - Depart Chicago aboard the California Zephyr
Depart the Windy City aboard Amtrak's legendary California Zephyr bound for San Francisco at 2:00 pm. Take this time to get to know your fellow passengers or admire the passing scenery from the Sightseer Lounge with its floor-to-ceiling windows. Overnight train. (D)
Day 2 - California Zephyr En Route to San Francisco
Awake to magnificent views of the Rockies on the horizon. The scenery only gets more breathtaking as the day progresses! Overnight train. (B, L, D)
Day 3 - Arrive in "The City by the Bay"
Highlights of your final day on the train include a mid-morning stop in “The Biggest Little City in the World,” Reno, and the legendary Donner Pass, the high point in the northern Sierra Nevada Mountains. You're scheduled to arrive in Emeryville at 4:10 pm. Transfer on your own to your centrally-located San Francisco hotel with the evening at leisure. Overnight San Francisco (B, L)
Day 4 - San Francisco and Hawaiian Cruise
Start the day with a guided tour of San Francisco. Highlights include the Palace of Fine Arts, the Civic Center, Fisherman's Wharf and more! After the tour, board the Ruby Princess and embark on your 15-night Hawaiian cruise! Overnight ship. (D)
Days 5-8 - Ruby Princess
Spend the first four days of your journey at sea. The Ruby Princess offers a variety of onboard amenities. Visit the incredible Lotus Spa; relax at the Sanctuary, an adults-only section of the ship; play basketball or shuffleboard; or, just sit on the deck and catch some rays as you sail towards paradise. Overnight ship. (4B, 4L, 4D)
Day 9 - Hilo, Hawaii
Arrive at your first port of call, Hilo. You may wish to visit the Smithsonian-affiliated Lyman Museum, see the dazzling waterfalls of Rainbow Falls, or gaze at the stars at the Imiloa Astronomy Center. Overnight ship. (B, L, D)
Day 10 - Honolulu, Hawaii
Discover beautiful Honolulu! There is so much to do in this historic city. Take time to visit Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial. Or see Doris Duke's old home, Shangri La, which is now a center for Islamic Arts and Culture. There are also several hiking trails and beaches for you to discover. Overnight ship. (B, L, D)
Day 11 - Kauai, Hawaii
Today's port of call is the island of Kauai. Kauai is the oldest main Hawaiian Island. Only 562 miles long, Kauai is full of amazing activities. The National Tropical Botanical Garden and Smith's Tropical Paradise are havens for nature lovers. Or take a tour of Grove Farm, a former sugar plantation which is now a museum. Overnight ship. (B, L, D)
Day 12 - Maui, Hawaii
Spend the day in gorgeous Maui. From its breathtaking beaches to the incredible seaside streets, there is so much to do in this little slice of paradise. You can take a bike tour of Maui with The Kaleakala Bike Company or visit the Maui Ocean Center for a marine adventure. Overnight ship. (B, L, D)
Days 13-16 - Ruby Princess
Take these four days to relax at sea as you journey to your final port of call, Ensenada, Mexico. Take in a show at one of the ship's theatres. Do some shopping at the ship's stylish boutiques. Hit a few balls on the Princess Links, a nine-hole putting course. Or just relax with a good book in the ship's library. These three days are the perfect opportunity to take advantage of all the Ruby Princess has to offer. Overnight ship. (4B, 4L, 4D)
Day 17 - Ensenada, Mexico
This afternoon arrive at your final port of call, Ensenada. Ensenada has a plethora of great activities and sights for you to spend your afternoon discovering. Do some kayaking at Bahia de Los Angeles. While there keep your eyes out for possible whale sightings! Or venture over to Avenida Lopez Mateos for some shopping. This beautiful Mexican city is the perfect ending to your tropical cruise. Overnight ship. (B, L, D)
Day 18 - Ruby Princess At Sea
Begin your journey back to the mainland as you spend your final day at sea. Overnight ship. (B, L, D)
Day 19 - San Francisco
This morning, disembark the Ruby Princess in San Francisco, where your rail-sail vacation comes to an end.