No-Flying USA Grand Circle Adventure Cruise
28days from
£3,439*per person
Overview
This magnificent holiday of a lifetime
is a unique opportunity to visit the whole of the United States of America
without having to board an flight at all. Set sail from Southampton on board a
classic seven night Cunard Queen Mary 2 voyage to New York and end your tour on
a seven night voyage back home. Travel
by full-board sleeper train on a grand circle tour from the Big Apple down the
east coast and through the Deep South to the Big Easy - New Orleans. Then along
the Gulf of Mexico and the southern border through Texas and across New Mexico
to the west coast and Los Angeles. From L.A. cross the desert following Route 66
and the Santa Fe trail through cowboy and Indian country to Chicago. Your grand
circle tour is completed with an overnight journey skirting the Great Lakes and
travelling through upstate New York back to Manhattan. The old Cunard slogan
"Getting there is Half the Fun" has never been so true setting you up
perfectly for your tour of the USA with no jetlag and concerns about luggage
restrictions on the way home.
Itinerary
- Embark Ship
- Relax and make the most of the myriad of facilities available on board the ship, from fantastic entertainment to delicious and diverse dining options.
- Disembark Cunard Queen Mary 2 after breakfast and board the train at 1415 for an overnight journey in a private sleeper roomette on a full-board.Journey from the Big Apple to the Big Easy between the front door of America's Eastern seaboard to the gateway to the American South. During your 30-hours on board take in twinkling Northeast city-scapes, the shining Blue Ridge Foothills to new south cities such as Charlotte, Atlanta and Birmingham. Then through civil war battlefields and onto the Deep South and the Louisiana subtropical swamp country.
- Disembark the train at 1932 for two nights' hotel stay in the French Quarter
- Overnight hotel stay. In New Orleans you will find a flavour of the Old South with a distinct French accent, famed for its filigree wrought-iron work in the French Quarter and Mardi-Gras celebrations which herald the beginning of Lent. Mardi-Gras (Fat Tuesday), is the last day of the Carnival season as it always falls the day before Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. Shop at the beautiful river walk and take a ride on the street car line dating back to 1835. Visit Jackson Square in the heart of the French Quarter where the grey spire of St Louis Cathedral towers high in the air. Bourbon Street is where the music never stops and looks much as it did during the 1700's and 1800's with buildings crowding a narrow sidewalk.
- Board the train at 0900 for a two-night journey in a private sleeper roomette on full-board.
- Overnight in a private sleeper roomette on full-board.The Sunset Limited whisks you 1995 miles from the 'Big Easy' New Orleans, through the Bayous of Louisiana, the huge heart of Texas, the storied west and beyond to Los Angeles, the home of The Hollywood Western. This is true Wild-West country with Apaches, coyotes, road runners, Billy the Kid, stage coaches, raucous saloons, Wild West Train Robberies and the Shoot out at the OK Corral. Sit back and enjoy sunlit marvels of colour and unobstructed splendour, for just as a sunset is so much more than an astronomical event, so too are the pictures painted in your window. The sun will eventually set on your journey, but the afterglow will last forever.
- Disembark the train at 0535 for an overnight hotel stay in Beverly Hills. In Los Angeles you will be spoilt for choice. Spend some time on Venice Beach made famous by the Baywatch TV series and the setting for many films, featuring roller skaters and lifeguard huts. Visit the boutiques on Rodeo Drive and perhaps take a Movie Star tour in Beverly Hills. Visit the Chinese Mann's Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard where you will find the Walk of Fame and see how your hands measure up to those of Hollywood stars cast in the concrete sidewalk outside the theatre. Anaheim is the Home of Disneyland and also a western style Rollercoaster park called Knott's Berry Farm. Long Beach is the final resting place of the Original Queen Mary which has been converted into a floating museum/restaurant/hotel.
- Board the train at 1810 for a two-night journey in a private sleeper roomette on full-board.
- Overnight in a private sleeper roomette on full-board.This route follows the Santa Fe Trail and Route 66 in true western spirit from Chicago, passing through Kansas, Dodge City, Comanche country and Apache Canyon on the way to Albuquerque. You'll be mesmerised by this region's beauty and allure, passing through ranches, mountains and deserts. Carving through curving canyon passages only a few feet wider than the train itself, you'll see spectacular landscapes and pristine vistas not visible from interstate highways. This two-night journey crosses two time zones & passes through Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona.
- Disembark the train at 1515 for three nights' hotel stay.
- Two nights' hotel stay. There is lots to see and do in Chicago: - go to the beach , shops on the Magnificent Mile, stare at the reflections in the giant 'Cloud Gate' stainless steel bean sculpture or stand on the glass 'Ledge' 103 floors up in the Willis Tower(formerly Sears Tower), the tallest building in the US. You can enjoy a fine dining experience with a view in the Signature Room on 95th Floor of the John Hancock Building. Route 66 starts in Chicago at the Buckingham Fountain, and there is the amazing elevated CTA metro system which defines the central Loop area of Downtown Chicago.
- Board the train at 2130 for an overnight journey in a private sleeper roomette on full-board*.This overnight journey skirts the Great Lakes through Cleveland in Ohio and Buffalo to Albany. Pass Lake Erie, the Erie Canal and the Mohawk River through upstate New York into the heart of Manhattan. (*Cold meals delivered to your roomette or bedroom, or eaten in a private café or lounge car. Lunch and dinner examples include 'chilled beef tenderloin, vegan wrap, chicken Caesar salad, or turkey club sandwich,' and breakfast options include 'assorted breakfast breads with butter, cream cheese and strawberry jam; Greek yogurt and sliced seasonal fresh fruit.' The meals on this train service only are delivered to the trains just prior to origination, eliminating on-board preparation. You will also be offered unlimited soft beverages, a complimentary serving of beer, wine or a mixed drink, an amenity kit. A Kosher meal is also available with advanced notice).
- Disembark the train at 1823 for an overnight hotel stay. Enjoy this second chance to explore this buzzing city in a continual sweep starting in Central Park and working south towards Wall Street and Battery Park where boat trips depart for The Statue of Liberty and the fascinating immigration museum on Ellis Island. Definitely take advantage of the shopping on 5th Avenue and benefit from lower prices due to the exchange rate. Stop off for a coffee in the golden atrium of the Trump Tower and stroll through the Rockerfelller centre on your way to marvel at the bright lights of Times Square. Soak up the panoramic views from the viewing platform at the top of the Empire State Building as the sun sets over the horizon and the lights twinkle on.
- Transfer to the Red Hook Cruise Terminal to embark Cunard's Queen Mary 2. Set sail at 1700 and enjoy the sail-away party and the ship slips away from her berth and glades pass the Statue of Liberty and squeezes under the Verazzano Narrows Bridge on her way out to sea. Enjoy the sunset and the famous New York Skyline disappearing on the horizon as you wave farewell to the USA.
- Relax and make the most of the myriad of facilities available on board the ship, from fantastic entertainment to delicious and diverse dining options.
- Disembark Cunard's Queen Mary 2 after breakfast.
What's Included
Holiday Highlights
- Sailing on-board Cunard's Queen Mary 2
- Absolutely no flying
- New York
- New Orleans
- Los Angeles
- Chicago
- Grand circle train tour around the USA
- Sleeper roomette and full board on the train
Our Price Includes
- Seven nights' full-board cruise accommodation on-board Cunard's Queen Mary 2 Westbound voyage from Southampton to New York
- One to four nights' four-star room-only accommodation in New York (duration varies between dates in hotel featured or similar)
- Overnight full-board Amtrak train journey between New York and New Orleans
- Two to three nights' four-star room-only accommodation in New Orleans (duration varies between dates in hotel featured or similar)
- Two nights' full-board Amtrak train journey between New Orleans and Los Angeles
- One to three nights' four-star room-only accommodation in Beverly Hills - Los Angeles (duration varies between dates in hotel featured or similar)
- Two nights' full-board Amtrak train journey between Los Angeles and Chicago
- Up to five nights' four-star room-only accommodation in Chicago (duration varies between dates in hotel featured or similar)
- Overnight full-board Amtrak train journey between Chicago and New York via the Great Lakes and upstate New York
- Private car port transfers
- Seven nights' full-board cruise accommodation on-board Cunard's Queen Mary 2 Eastbound voyage from New York to Southampton
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Dates and Prices
Accommodation
Wyndham New Yorker Hotel -
This large Art Deco style hotel comprises 1,014 rooms spread over 40 floors and is perfectly situated on 34th St just across from Madison Square Garden and New York Penn Station. On the same street - just two blocks away you will find Macy's Department Store and a little further on the Empire State Building graces the skyline. Renovated in 2000, this air-conditioned city hotel welcomes its guests through revolving doors into a large and impressive lobby. It is also centrally located close to Times Square, countless restaurants, shops and bars.
Maison Dupuy -
Discover the Old World charm and elegance in this smoke-free 97 room boutique hotel. The lobby is styled like a classical theme park, paved with rose-colored marble and decorated with antiques from the 18th and 19th century. The hotel, situated only blocks from the French Quarter, is within walking distance to many of New Orleans famed attractions. Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport is easily accessible.
Beverly Hilton -
This landmark hotel offers all the ingredients for a glittering getaway. As well as beautiful rooms and suites, many offering sweeping views of the Hollywood Hills, the hotel offers many on-site charms for you to capture your very own Hollywood moment. The famous Aqua Star pool, Barbor beauty spa and legendary dining venues have been, and will continue to be Hollywood staples for generations.Set on nine acres of neat landscape surroundings. The shining glass and marble-accented luminous lobby level features fragrant floral arrangements, luxurious boutiques and a saltwater aquarium. Guests looking to unwind can enjoy a poolside massage or visit the lounge, famous for its Hawaiian-inspired ambience, where they can enjoy potent fruity cocktails.The hotel is located on Wilshire Boulevard and within a mile of the famous Rodeo Drive. The Hollywood Walk of Fame is close by and easily accessible too just six miles away the hotel; while Union Station for Amtrak train services is just over 17-miles away.
Drake Hotel -
Overlooking Lake Michigan, this landmark hotel is set on the Magnificent Mile, with the shops of Water Tower Place just a block away; Oak Street Beach is across the street. It puts you in the heart and soul centre of Chicago's famous shopping, nightlife, culture and dining. Chicago's Union Station is just one- mile away.This historic hotel, built in 1920 of Bedford limestone in Italian Renaissance style, offers a perfect combination of old-world elegance, stunning beauty and peerless amenities. The impressive lobby features a neoclassical decor with carved moulding, crystal chandeliers, floor of gleaming Tennessee marble, tapestries and antiques. The rooms are immaculately furnished with all the modern amenities one can imagine.
Amtrak Crescent Train -
Travel in comfort on four of the iconic overnight Amtrak services taking you from the Big Apple to the Big
Easy in the South on Amtrak Crescent. Then from the Big Easy (New Orleans) across the South to Los Angeles on the Amtrak Sunset Limited. Then from Los Angeles across the parched deserts of the West to the Windy City (Chicago) on the Amtrak Southwest Chief Service. Then finally from Chicago via the Great Lakes and Upstate New York to Manhattan on the Amtrak Lakeshore Limited. See parts of the country that you
would not otherwise see- all from the comfort of your private sleeper roomette or
in the public lounges, bars and restaurants on board the train.
Your private roomette accommodation
is an air conditioned space with a window designed simply as a place to sit by
day in quiet solitude watching the world go by. At night the recliner seats
convert into bunk beds for a cosy place to sleep. Each accommodation carriage has
shared shower and toilet facilities.
Viewliner Roomettes on most east
coast services are approx 3'6'x 6'8' have the added convenience of a WC
and wash basin in them. Whereas Superliner Roomettes on west coast
services are approx 3'6'x 6'6' and do not
have a W/C and wash basin in them. On all routes you have the opportunity to
upgrade your roomette to a larger bedroom with private shower, WC and wash
basin. These rooms are approx 6'6' x 7'6' and even with the beds folded down
there is still a separate recliner seat.
All accommodation on board
Amtrak trains have a cabin steward who provides a turn-down service to convert your roomette into a bedroom at
night. Toiletries, towels, linens, coffee, bottled water and newspapers are
also included in the price.
Ship Information
Cruise Overview
The iconic 151,000 tonne Cunard Queen Mary 2 is the only true ocean liner in the world and was built to carry on the tradition of a Transatlantic service linking Southampton with New York. This spacious ship was launched in January 2004 & underwent a detailed refurbishment in May 2016. Transatlantic Cunard Queen Mary 2 voyages have become very popular and are now the latest fashion in crossing the Atlantic rather than flying. Many people are recognising that a Cunard Queen Mary 2 voyage between New York & Southampton is an ideal special treat for a family celebration, as part of a longer holiday or for a very stylish second holiday of the year.Cabin Details
The luxuriously appointed staterooms have private en-suite facilities, air conditioning, flat-screen cable TV's with free in-room movies, vanity area, hair dryer, telephone, refrigerator with minibar and free room service.Dining Details
The magnificent Britannia restaurant caters for the majority of the guests on-board over two sittings for dinner and as anytime dining for breakfast and lunch and and offers a bespoke White Star service with a la carte menus. The King's Court area occupies virtually the whole of deck seven (the Promenade deck) and features a large central service area which offers virtually 24-hour dining. There are also two extra service areas offering speciality a la carte dining options#. The brand new Cafe Corinthia offers light snacks and options for breakfast and lunch and is a full service coffee bar too. The brand new Verandah restaurant# offers speciality french cuisine during lunch & dinner for an extra charge; while pub style lunches in the Golden Lion Pub are free of charge.Activities Details
The unique Cunard Insights programme provides an impressive line up of guest speakers & lectures and the Cunard Maritime Quest is discovery trail around the ship charting the history of Cunard. Superlative white gloved afternoon tea is taken in the Queens Ballroom which is the largest ballroom at sea hosting the captain's cocktail parties, themed balls and big band style live entertainment in the evening. This ship even has a planetarium and its own art gallery. There is an indoor pool with a retractable glass roof and two whirlpools, two outdoor pools with three whirlpools and a separate kids splash pool . You will also find a library, children's clubs, numerous bars & a casino. The Royal Court Theatre offers spectacular shows and entertainment; while the G32 nightclub is ideal for night owls.Other Information
Hotel Info
Advertised hotel is subject to change and other same standard hotels may be offered as an alternative
Holiday code
J409Holiday provided by Jetline Cruise
BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE: This holiday is sold and operated by Jetline Cruise (ATOL 6153). This ATOL bond means that, when you book a Jetline holiday, you can be 100% sure that your money is safe.