Cruise.co.uk, the UK-based online cruise specialist, has broadened its 2027 Cruise & Rail Collection with four new itineraries that pair rail journeys with ocean and river cruising. The expanded portfolio, which now spans 17 departures across the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, and North America, is designed to appeal to travellers seeking a more integrated way to explore Europe.
New itineraries blend rail and cruise
The first new offering is a six-night Christmas Markets River Cruise, departing from London to Cologne via Eurostar, followed by a high-speed train to Frankfurt for a four-night cruise aboard VIVA Cruises' VIVA TIARA. Available on 27 November and 13 December, the package is priced from £1,849 per person.
For those preferring a longer voyage, the 13-night Europe by First Class Rail & Cunard's Iconic 5* Queen Elizabeth combines a seven-night cruise with stops in Valencia and Palma de Mallorca. Departing on 8 June, prices start at £3,399 per person.
A 15-night option, Cunard's Iconic 5* Queen Elizabeth & The Grand Tour of Italy by Rail, begins with a flight to Milan and includes visits to Lake Garda, Florence, and Rome before a cruise to Barcelona. This itinerary departs on 17 September and is priced from £2,999 per person.
Finally, the 16-night Queen Elizabeth to Queen of the Mountains features a cruise from Barcelona to Trieste, followed by a scenic rail journey through Switzerland. Departing on 9 September, this package starts at £3,799 per person.
Tony Andrews, managing director of cruise.co.uk, said: “Rail and cruise make a natural partnership, giving travellers the chance to enjoy the journey as much as the destination.” The expanded collection aims to deliver memorable holidays with every detail considered.
All packages include flights and train travel, with departures beginning in June 2027. The collection was initially launched in May 2026 and has since grown to include a wider range of European destinations.
The move reflects a broader trend in the cruise industry towards combining rail and sea travel, as operators seek to offer more diverse and sustainable travel options. For travel agents, the expanded collection provides new opportunities to sell multi-modal itineraries that appeal to clients looking for unique experiences.
Cruise.co.uk's expansion also aligns with the growing popularity of river cruising in Europe, a segment that has seen increased demand in recent years. The inclusion of VIVA Cruises, a relatively new player in the river cruise market, underscores the company's commitment to offering innovative products.
For more on the latest cruise developments, see Explora Journeys' river cruise plans and Princess Cruises' holiday itineraries.
