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Chicago to New Orleans & Western Caribbean Cruise
Tour Description:
ESCAPE THE COLD AND GET READY TO BASK IN THE SUN ON THIS 12-DAY RAIL-CRUISE ADVENTURE.
Travel to New Orleans aboard Amtrak's renowned City of New Orleans, where you will have two days to spend in the “Big Easy.” Then board your cruise ship and set out on a thrilling course through the Western Caribbean, making stops in Mexico, Belize, and Honduras. You’ll sample three distinct and vibrant cultures while relaxing in a tropical climate that is pretty close to paradise.
Highlights:
* Round-trip overnight rail transportation aboard Amtrak's City of New Orleans (2 nights on train)
* Hotel Accommodations for 2 nights
* 7-night Western Caribbean cruise onboard Norwegian Cruise Lines
* Chicago hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour
* New Orleans hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour
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Destination & Sightseeing
ITINERARY
ITINERARYDay 1 - Depart Chicago aboard the City of New Orleans
Explore Chicago on a hop-on hop-off trolley tour, and see all the famous sights including the Magnificent Mile, Navy Pier, and the John Hancock Observatory. This evening transfer on your own to Chicago's historic Union Station for your 8:00 pm departure aboard Amtrak's City of New Orleans for your overnight journey to the “Big Easy.” Overnight train.
Day 2 - Arrive New Orleans
Arrive in New Orleans around 3:30 pm and check into your centrally located hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure to explore this historic city. Explore the French Quarter as you stroll down Bourbon Street or eat at any of New Orleans's popular restaurants. Overnight in New Orleans. (B, L)
Day 3 - Experience New Orleans
Start your day with a New Orleans hop-on hop-off tour, the only open-top, double-decker hop-on/hop-off tour in New Orleans. This unique tour will take you all over the city, giving you a New Orleans experience like no other. Tonight board the Steamboat Natchez for a dinner cruise. Savor the beauty of the New Orleans skyline aboard the last authentic steamboat on the Mississippi River! Overnight in New Orleans. (D)
Day 4 - Board the Ship
Enjoy one last morning in New Orleans before your 4:00 pm embarkation. Tonight, get acquainted with your comfortable accommodations and begin exploring your ship. Overnight ship. (D)
Day 5 - At Sea
Use your full day at sea to take advantage of the ship's copious amenities. Unwind in the spa, play the odds at the casino, or go for a swim in the pool. Tonight, choose from one of 14 delicious dining options and 12 bars and lounges. A day at sea is a day set aside for total, unmitigated leisure. Overnight ship. (B, L, D)
Day 6 - Cozumel, Mexico
The island of Cozumel off the tip of the Yucatan Peninsula continues to be known for its fantastic fishing, snorkeling, and diving opportunities. And despite the growth of tourism in recent years, the island and its only town, San Miguel, retain much of their original warmth and charm. (B, L, D)
Day 7 – Roatan, Bay Islands, Honduras
Beautiful and unspoiled, Roatan is a peaceful, eco-tourist's dream, just 30 miles off the coast of Honduras. Teeming with marine life and home to some of the best pillar coral in the Caribbean, the pristine Honduran Reef is a diver's paradise, and the beauty of Tabyana Beach is always a sight to see. (B, L, D)
Day 8 - Harvest Caye, Belize
Enjoy your time on this brand new port of call built on two adjoining islands right off the coast of Belize City. Designed to be eco-friendly, Harvest Caye provides wildlife programs, a beautiful lagoon for water sports, a relaxing pool area and shopping. (B, L, D)
Day 9 - Costa Maya, Mexico
This coastal paradise in the Yucatan features stunning beaches with soft sand and blue skies. Travel to see ancient Mayan ruins in this region rich with archaeological sites. (B, L, D)
Day 10 - At Sea
Enjoy another day of leisure at sea. Take in beautiful ocean views and enjoy the warm sea breeze while sipping a drink or relaxing in the pool. Overnight ship. (B, L, D)
Day 11 - Disembark in New Orleans
Arrive in New Orleans around 8:00 am. The day is at your leisure until your 1:45 pm departure to Chicago aboard the City of New Orleans. Watch the hauntingly beautiful bayou scenery roll by as you head north. Overnight train. (D)
Day 12 - Arrive Chicago
Your rail-sail vacation comes to a close as you reach Union Station around 9:00 am. (B)
