Can I buy food and drinks onboard?
It depends on the train. Most locomotive hauled trains will feature a buffet or dining car where refreshments may be purchased. Aboard rail motor 621/721 refreshments are generally included as there are no buffet facilities. Complimentary water, tea and coffee are always available throughout your journey.

What if I have a food allergy or special dietary requirements?
All heritage train journeys have a limited ability to cater to specific food allergies or dietary requirements. We suggest bringing your favourite snacks with you should you be concerned.

What are the luggage restrictions?
In general you will be required to handle your own luggage at all times. On most locomotive hauled trains we will have a luggage van however on some services the luggage will be transferred by road so you should plan to bring a small bag for any belongings you may need during the day as you will not have access to your luggage. Where the tour features rail motor 621/721 or CPH 1,3 & 7 – these trains have very limited luggage space. You will be advised at the time to restrict your luggage size accordingly. You must at all times be able handle your own luggage.

Are the trains wheelchair accessible?
Unfortunately heritage trains were not built for mobility challenged passengers requiring the use of a wheelchair or walker. Additionally, many stations have platform heights that vary meaning you may need to negotiate a gap or steps to navigate on or off the train. Our tours are generally only suitable for guests that can negotiate steps and uneven surfaces without assistance and walk distances without concern.

Can I move about the train?
Of course, we encourage all passengers experience the whole train.

Are the trains air-conditioned?
Not all carriages or trains will have air-conditioning. Where trains are not fitted with air-conditioning the carriages will have windows that open and often also fans available for air circulation. Not all carriages will have heating. We always suggest dressing in layers should you feel the cold and be prepared for appropriate weather and temperature conditions off the train. Your Travel Specialist can advise on the type of train and carriages we are using for each tour.

Can I bring friends onto the train?
For the security of everybody aboard we do not allow visitors aboard. You must wear your Cruise Express lanyard and ticket at all times to gain access to the train.

What if I don’t like riding backwards?
Every train is different and most carriages will have fixed direction seating. Additionally, we often don’t know in advance which way the train or carriages will be facing. If you experience motion sickness you may wish to bring appropriate medications with you. Please be aware that the train will most likely be seated to capacity and changing compartments or seats may not be possible.

What if I have a problem?
All our tours have a Tour Manager and Train Manager available to help you with any questions or issues you may have throughout your journey. We encourage you to speak to these key personnel so that they may assist you with any concerns at any time.

Will our journey run on time?
There are many factors that can and often do change our timings throughout the tour. These can include other late running trains, mechanical failure, signalling issues and weather. These issues are often entirely outside our control. Should there be any changes to the schedule your Tour Manager or Train Manager will keep you informed.

Is there a first class option?
Most of our heritage trains offer one class of travel. On some occasions we may offer a First Class option providing exclusive access to first class carriages however inclusions such as food, hotels or transfers are generally the same for all passengers on the tour.

Will we have a heritage locomotive?
Where advertised we will endeavour to operate all rail journeys with the heritage locomotive(s) advertised. However should a locomotive become unavailable we may need to operate with more modern equipment. This sometimes happens at the last minute.

Can I ride in the locomotive?
For safety and security reasons passengers are not permitted to ride in the locomotives. The exception to this rule is onboard the rail motor 621/721 where you are welcome to visit the driver’s cab should the driver be happy for you to do so.

Can I find out about the history of the train?
On most tours there will be staff onboard with knowledge of the history of the train or carriages.

Do we stop during the day?
Yes. All tours are designed to make stops at stations throughout the day as per the itinerary. Some stops will be short allowing you to stretch your legs and others will be longer for you to enjoy meals or touring off the train.

Where do you offer heritage rail tours?
Cruise Express currently offers heritage rail tours throughout New South Wales, Southern Queensland, Victoria and parts of South Australia.

Do you offer heritage rail tours in Western Australia or Tasmania?
Unfortunately no. Neither state has heritage rail operators on the main lines though we of course hope this may change in the future!

Will I be allocated a seat?
Yes. On all rail journeys you will be issued with a lanyard and tickets showing your allocated carriage and seat.

Can I change seats?
This depends on the train. Most trains are seated to capacity so you may change seats with the agreement of your fellow passengers. We may have spare seats on some departures so please speak with the Train Manager if you wish to change seats. Some trains will have lounge or Parlor cars where seats are not allocated. These cars are for the use and enjoyment of all passengers.

What is included?
Complimentary water, tea and coffee are always available throughout your train journeys. Meals, accommodation, transfers and touring will change according to the tour. We strongly recommend you refer to the website or brochure for details and speak with your Travel Specialist in advance if you have any questions.

Are there medical facilities on the train?
All trains are equipped with a medical first aid kit and staff who have current basic medical assistance training.

What if I need medical assistance?
Your Tour Manager will coordinate any assistance you may require from medical professionals. Additionally our Sydney based Crisis Manager will be able to coordinate assistance and altered travel arrangements should they be needed.

Do I need travel insurance?
We highly recommend all passengers take out comprehensive travel insurance even when travelling within Australia. Medical benefit schemes and health insurance will not cover you for altered or missed travel arrangements, lost or damaged possessions.

Can I board or disembark at other stations?
You may board or disembark at most stations listed within the published itinerary providing you advise us in advance and it is agreed we can guarantee the stop. We are unable to alter our itinerary or stop at other stations particularly within metropolitan areas.

Can I bring my own alcohol?
Passengers are kindly requested not to bring alcohol onto our heritage trains. Most trains are licensed and alcohol will be available for sale.

Can I smoke on the train?
Smoking is not strictly not permitted under any circumstances on any train or on station platforms and environs.