| | | Departing April 8-19, November 11-22,2011 and December 29 - January 11, 2012 * 12 Days from $1,995 pp |
Join us on a journey from downtown Chicago to the jungles of Central America by Classic Streamliner train and Norwegian liner! Our vintage Streamliner train 'The British West Indies Express' will convey our guests from the Windy City to New Orleans over the Illinois Central Railroad with a visit and overnight stay in historic Memphis on the way. Then an overnight in New Orleans before the centerpiece of our holiday, passage by ship to exotic Belize, formerly British Honduras, one of the most fascinating places on earth. With the second longest barrier reef in the world, lush jungles filled with jaguars, ocelots and wild monkeys, Belize is a place of stunning natural beauty, famed for its breathtaking Mayan ruins at Altun-Ha. During our port call in Belize City, there is time to tour these magnificent Mayan ruins, a 'must-see' sight for any traveler. Happily, Belize is not the only exotic port of call on our passage from New Orleans, we also visit Costa Maya in Mexico's Yucatan, popular Cozumel and a lovely port, seldom-visited, Santo Tomas de Castilla in Guatemala. At Santo Tomas, there is a fantastic shore excursion to Quirigua and its Mayan monuments.
Of course, any good holiday should couple remarkable scenery with superb comfort and this holiday does this nicely. Our vintage Streamliner train offers a swank art deco round-end observation 'Club Car' with an open bar and what better way to begin a vacation than with complimentary cocktails at ninety miles per hour without the hassle of airport check-ins. In New Orleans, our guests enjoy an overnight First Class hotel stay with breakfast daily, a French Quarter sightseeing tour and, of course, a visit to famed Cafe du Monde for the best cafe au lait and beignets in the World. Our ship, the ms Norwegian Spirit features 11 restaurants, 11 bars & lounges, an excellent spa and fitness center, a casino and acres of open deck space. Because Norwegian Cruise Line operates 'Freestyle Cruising' you may dine when you like, where you like, with whom you like, there is no required dress code and a level of personal choice on how you enjoy your vacation is offered. The one serious flaw with this holiday; it will sell out quickly so prompt reservations are encouraged.
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Features:
- Classic Streamliner train travel aboard our own private train, the 'British West Indies Express' from Chicago to New Orleans and then from Memphis to Chicago after the cruise, an overnight journey over the storied Illinois Central Railroad in each direction. There is a club car to enjoy and all meals, wines & spirits while aboard are included. Guests enjoy reclining ‘Sleeperette' seating (similar to Business class on an international flight) and for those desiring even greater comfort, sleeping car accommodations are available at additional cost.
- Memphis sightseeing tour with the acclaimed 'Memphis Jones' and live musicial entertainment as we tour the home of the Blues. We also enjoy breakfast at the storied 'Arcade' Restaurant and have time to see the famous 'Duck March' at the Peabody Hotel during our time in Memphis. Overnight accommodations at the excellent Doubletree Hotel in Memphis along with welcome dinner at the famed Rendezvous Barbecue.
- Coach train travel from Memphis to New Orleans aboard the ‘City of New Orleans’, a short day-trip.
- An overnight stay in New Orleans with sightseeing tour and visit to Café du Monde before we sail. We have intentionally left large blocks of free time for you to enjoy ‘The Crescent City' .
- 7-night West Indies cruise round- trip from New Orleans aboard the Norwegian Spirit. Naturally, all meals & entertainment are included.
- Hosted by professional tour manager with special cocktail parties & events throughout.
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STATEROOMS AND FARES | Suites | $2,995 pp | Balcony | $2,495 pp | Oceanview | $2,195 pp | Inside Twin | $2,095 pp | Economy Inside | $1,995 pp | Port tax is $210 pp. Single inside fares begin at $2,595 and single outside fares begin at $3,195. |
Guests booking by January 14 receive a complimentary one-category upgrade on the April Departure only!
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Condensed Daily Itinerary
Departing April 8-19, November 11-22,2011 and December 29 - January 11, 2012
DAY | PORT | Day 1 | Chicago Union Station | R |
| Guests are greeted at Union Station by our host and escorted to our special Streamliner, ‘THE BRITISH WEST INDIES EXPRESS’ where our champagne departure party awaits. Our train sails promptly at 8:00 pm. | Day 2 | New Orleans, Louisiana | B L |
| This afternoon we arrive in New Orleans, “The Crescent City”, and are transferred to the Hilton Riverwalk Hotel just a short walk to the famous French Quarter. This evening is free for you to explore this colorful and lively city. | Day 3 | Board the Norwegian Spirit | R B D |
| This morning our guest enjoy a walking tour of the French Quarter with a stop at the renowned ‘Cafe du Monde’, famous for their cafe au lait and fresh, warm beignets sprinkled with powdered sugar. It’s a delicious treat we never allow out guest to miss. Later this afternoon, our group boards the ms Norwegian Spirit to begin our adventure to the enigmatic land of the Maya. This evening is our ‘Welcome Aboard’ cocktail party. | Day 4 | At Sea | B L D |
| Today you have your entire day to do - as you wish. There is almost too much to choose from, but we suggest you first explore the Norwegian Spirit and discover its many splendors and treasures. | Day 5 | Costa Maya, Mexica | B L D |
| This unspoiled coastal paradise in the Yucatán sprawls off the beaten path, with brilliant butterflies, exotic tropical birds, deer, monkeys (MONKEYS! Oh-boy!) – even jaguars are said to roam the remote parts of this pristine jungle. | Day 6 | Belize City, Belize | B L D |
| Long before the 17th-century powers fought over Belizean sovereignty, a complex Mayan civilization flourished here. Today, many of the architectural treasures from that amazing lost culture remain for you to explore in virtually untouched verdant jungles. | Day 7 | Roatan | B L D |
| 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 Belizean Reef is a diver’s paradise. And the beauty of Tabyana Beach is always a sight to see. | Day 8 | Cozumel, Mexico | B L D |
| 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, retains much of its original warmth and charm. | Day 9 | At Sea | B L D |
| All day is spent at sea | Day 10 | New Orleans, Louisiana | B |
| After breakfast we disembark the ship with plenty of free time today to return for some ‘lagniappe’ or just a little more fun and enjoyment in this charming city. Tonight we depart aboard ‘The City of New Orleans’, famous in story and song, headed for Memphis and our overnight stay at the Westin Memphis Beale Street. | Day 11 | Memphis, Tennessee | B D |
| This morning we have included breakfast at the storied ‘Arcade Restaurant’ before our city tour of Memphis with our great and good friend, Memphis Jones, who offers one of the most entertaining tours of Memphis you will ever have the opportunity to enjoy. Memphis Jones’ will enchant you with song and story, accompanied by his fabled guitar. We also make a special visit to the legendary ‘Peabody Hotel’ to see their famous Duck March. Tonight, we enjoy our Farewell Dinner at the famous ‘Rendezvous Barbecue Restaurant’ with its wonderful Memphis BBQ and savory Southern treats. Later we board our special train for overnight travel back to Chicago. | Day 12 | Chicago Union Station | B |
| This morning after breakfast we arrive in Chicago at 9 a.m. allowing for easy, same day, connections for all Midwest destination points. Welcome home! |
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