As usual the trip organised by Cruise Express went without a hitch. It was an extremely well planned itinerary and covered all the must see sights in Norway

There were many highlights along the way, whilst in Oslo we were able to walk through Roald Amunsden wooden ship Flam and experience the wonderful construction of that boat that took him and his crew on a record breaking trip to the Antarctic and reaching the South Pole in December 1911. The ship being over 100 years old is in amazing good condition.

We headed to Bergen by train,  switching to the Flam railway which is the steepest rail descent in the world. Stopping half way down to photograph the frozen waterfalls. The Chalet accommodation was again first class, with a lovely evening dinner. The next morning we boarded and electric powered ferry which took us down the Fjords 29km met by a waiting tour bus which took us back to the Bergen railway and into Bergen. A delightful old town with historic fish markets and colorful old timber buildings

In Bergen we boarded the Mail/Cruise ship MS Trollfjord and spent 6 glorious days cruising north to Kirknese at the top of Norway. Accommodation and meals aboard the ship was first class.The ship actually stops at 36 different locations delivering passengers and goods. We were able to leave the ship each day for varying amount of time, always something interesting to see.

The absolute highlight was Kirknese on arrival at the Snowhotel 1/2 the group experienced a 12km ride in a 8 dog sled  topped off by a stop & hot fruit drink during the ride, the other 1/2 including my wife and I done it a bit later in the dark and it was thoroughly enjoyable. We chose not to stay in the ice rooms but had a beautiful chalet overlooking the Snowhotel. Dinner was exquisite.

Picked up by our tour guide around 8.30pm we headed towards Finland away from city light pollution and had a really great Northern Lights display. It is a real advantage having a late model phone with night exposure. My Iphone 8 didn’t cut it.

I have only skimmed over the trip there was so much more we saw.

Not only was this a well planned adventure a lot of credit must go to our experienced guide Hardy Schnieder he really goes above and beyond making sure connections are on time and pleasing all his guests. He never stops counting heads to make sure we didn’t leave any one behind. This was our third trip with Hardy and trust there are more to come

Tony & Brenda

South Australia

Hi Adriana, Richard, Tina & Ben.

Paul & I thoroughly enjoyed our trip to Griffith.  We were impressed with all your involvement in all aspects of the trip.  It was obvious that you are all interested in your clients and we felt like friends.

We can’t fault the food & drink we indulged in (unfortunately we enjoy our food perhaps too much).  The places we visited were interesting and the speakers informative and passionate.

We have recommended you to all our friends. I look forward to seeing your updates and doing another trip. Best wishes for your future trips.

Thank you
Rose & Paul, NSW

pictured with traveling companions, Colin & Noelene (right)

My head is slowly returning to ‘home mode’ after that amazing trip to Broken Hill and beyond.  I can’t stop talking about it and probably driving friends and relatives insane but was followed up with their many questions about the big adventure.

Especially our mode of transport and the fact that we stayed in first class accommodation, gourmet dining etc. They couldn’t believe the places we’ve been and the adventures we’ve had all in the space of 2 weeks!

I can’t thank you, Richard, Adrianna, Ben, Fred and all the ‘A’ team at Cruise Express for making a dream into a reality.

I know how much hard work, the pitfalls and obstacles you all faced and from one devoted traveller, thank you, thank you, thank you.

Love and hugs all around..

Margaret, NSW

The Grand Southern Loop put together by Richard and Cruise Express was an amazing experience.

Hard to believe we had 15 days, over 4,500km, 3 states, 8 different trains, 8 hotels with 78 tourists and 4 Cruise Express staff and the volunteers/drivers from Paterson Rail Motor Society.

This has been the largest and longest heritage rail tour in Australia. All credit to Richard Boyce from Cruise Express, this tour took 2 years to put together, so many highlights and so many exclusive experiences.

The tour was fantastic for train enthusiasts and general tourists alike.

 

Debbie, NSW