If you're new to this game, start with one of the others first, such as Ticket to Ride Europe, which is a brilliant game.
Rails and Sails changes up the gameplay somewhat - not sure if we are happy with this or not - will take playing it a fair bit more to see. Tactics needed are very different from the European version, almost making it almost a completely different game altogether.

There are a few flaws as follows:
1. Much more reliance on building ships than trains. This can be frustrating as there are a much more limited number of ship cards, so when players hoard cards in their hand that they don't need it impacts the other players severely.
2. Ship cards frequently run out.
3. When ship cards are finally used and placed on the discard pile then 'reshuffled', everyone knows what colour they will be. This interrupts gameplay - more ship cards should have been included.
4. Ship and train cards look too much the same and are too hard to distinguish between at a glance. Extra features on the cards are difficult to get your head around at first.
5. When playing with 5 players, one will often get completely blocked, generally by half way through the game, as there is no ability to use stations.
6. Place names on the board are hard to read.
7. One destination near Antarctica is unnamed.

That said we have enjoyed the extra complexity it brings. The layout, look, feel and quality of the game are fantastic. If you're a fan of the other versions this is definitely worth purchasing.

Rails and Sails has become an absolute favourite in our house and with all our friends.
Thank you Gameology for being one of the few who actually stock this game at an affordable price