Ultimate bucket list: The Last Frontier with Oceania Cruises and Rocky Mountaineer

When it comes to cruising, Oceania Cruises remains a standout choice for those who value a refined and enriching experience at sea.

Their hallmark silhouette has reached all corners of the globe since formation in 2002, developing admiration across all industries for providing luxurious mid-sized ships that blend elegance with intimacy.

In essence, Oceania Cruises ensures that every moment of your voyage brings a sense of occasion. It’s poetry in motion, with a hull.

Oceania Cruises’ fleet has been designed for those who appreciate the finer things in life, away from dominant floating cities that populate the cruise scene.

Rather than screaming waterslides and feverish buffet crowds, Oceania Cruises opts for indulgent spa treatments, succulent local produce served in relaxed yet elegant dining rooms, and immersive cultural excursions.

Of course, what sets Oceania Cruises apart is their commitment to a distinctly personal experience. There’s an incredible attention to detail on each voyage. There are no cookie-cutter activities here, instead fostering an atmosphere of exclusivity and relaxation.

Whether you’re gliding through the Mediterranean or exploring the wonders of the South Pacific, Oceania offers itineraries brimming with hidden gems and renowned ports alike.

There is only one land-based mode of transport that even comes close. And that’s the Rocky Mountaineer – pairing these two experiences crafts the greatest adventure money can buy. It’s poetry in motion, on rails.

Put simply, there is no better way to witness the jaw-dropping majesty of the Canadian Rockies, complimented by the grandeur of a cruise. Oceania Cruises has set the bar firmly across the stratosphere, creating an impressive bookend for an already sterling cruise voyage.

Step forward for the offer of a lifetime.

Rocky Mountaineer: A lifetime must
How would a five-day pre-cruise escorted Rocky Mountaineer journey with Goldleaf Service suit you?

Before the two-day train journey, guests enjoy a sightseeing tour and transfer from Calgary into the Canadian Rockies, taking in the Banff Gondola and National Park.

Not enough gorgeous landscape for your geographical cravings? Never fear – you then move towards Surprise Corner, Takkakaw Falls and Emerald Lake, encountering some of Alaska’s greatest sights.

It’s not just the natural wonders on display, however. The Rocky Mountaineer happens to pass through some of the world’s greatest engineering achievements – from the Spiral Tunnels at Kicking Horse Pass (where the train passes beneath itself in a grand curve), to cliff-hugging rails that embrace a never-ending panorama of unfolding splendour towards Rogers Pass in the Glacier National Park.

There are photo opportunities, and then there’s this. Take the snaps of a lifetime, all while you sip champagne and wonder how a country known for ‘eh’ could also pull off serious ooh la la. Magnifique!

With glass-domed coaches and storytelling guides to enhance every moment, it’s the perfect way to immerse yourself in the grandeur of this untamed wilderness without having to hike, camp, or fend off disgruntled grizzlies (who likely won’t apologise).

The final stretch of the tour follows the Thompson River, passing through Ashcroft, the Rainbow Canyon and its’ vibrantly striking cliffs. Fraser Canyon and Hells Gate await, until the last leg of the experience traverses the lush farming regions of Fraser Valley and onto the Pacific City of Vancouver.

Majestic Alaska with Oceania Riviera
After the exquisite land-locked Rocky Mountaineer, Oceania whisks you away on an extraordinary cruise combining opulent living with the stars of Alaska.

This is your chance to enjoy indulgent travel by sea, punctuated by charismatic strolls through local fishing villages and companionship from the Last Frontier’s bustling wildlife (that doesn’t bite, so doesn’t need to apologise).

From browsing native Alaskan hand-crafted gifts to enjoying exclusive access to the small-town charisma of the legendary Junea, which can only be reached by sea or by air – Oceania has you covered.

Sailing aboard the uber-stylish Oceania Riviera for a nine-day cruise, you can look forward to intricate meals and subtle lodgings, paired with one-night in Calgary at the Hyatt Regency Calgary (or similar), alongside a sightseeing tour to Banff. Here you’ll enjoy two-nights at the Rumrock Hotel, and a sightseeing excursion of Yoho & Banff National Parks – with lunch included.

Throw in two-days of Goldleaf Service aboard Rocky Mountaineer, with breakfast, lunch and drinks included – complimented by a one-night stay in the Kamloops Hotel upon arrival and one-night at the Pan Pacific Hotel in Vancouver (or similar) – and you’ve got the best adventure on the planet.

A land and sea experience to cherish
You’ll get the chance to explore the Vancouver Art Museum and Museum of Anthropology; experience the local fauna of Haines (peppered with Brown Bears, Moose, and Bald Eagles; and explore the lavish Craigdarroch Castle – packed with twisting staircases and intricate woodwork, built in the late 1800s for a Scottish coal baron in Victoria.

This bucket-list itinerary immerses you in landscapes inaccessible by any other means, while treating you to the finest comforts of thought-provoking travel. Picture yourself savouring a glass of wine as wildlife grazes nearby, feeling the awe of passing iconic landmarks, and relishing supple fare in perfect serenity.

The Rocky Mountaineer and Oceania cruise will become more than just a holiday. It’s a moving masterpiece that creates unforgettable memories and develops a newfound appreciation for the raw beauty of the world. You’ll quickly become hooked on the tender landscapes and special vibe that ooze from every corner of the country.