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The heartbeat of Norway's coastal communities Allalong the Norwegian coast, people share alifelong connection with us and our fleet of ships; “The Coastal Express and I, we go way back” Ronald says proudly, “My first trip on board was the journey home from the hospital in Tromso after my mother gave birth to me”. Ronald isn'talone in experiencing this. Like many other people in Northern Norway, their first voyage in life is aboard one of our ships. It'sa testament to how important our service is in the lives of people, being there right from their first heartbeat. The highway home Ronald’s family hails froma small fishing village on Mageroya, one of the northern- most inhabited islands on the Norwegian coast. With long, deep fjords penetrating the land, encased by razor-sharp mountain peaks, the landscape is rugged and stark, yet undeniably beautiful. As stunning as the scenery is, its geogra- phy makes travelling by land more compli- cated and sailing by sea the more convenient option. “Building roads along fjords and mountains means road conditions vary across Norway. Frost damage in spring and snow storms in winter often mean that cer- tain roads are forced to close,” Ronald admits. “Even in stormy weather, the sea isstill the safer route” says Ronald confidently. “The Coastal Express ships are sometimes our only highway home, andact asa literal lifeline for some of the more hard-to-access communities” people like our very own Ronald Aas. Cherished connections Our service to remote communities along the coast for almost 130 years has been a constant for people like Ronald, who has fond memories of seeing our ships go by twice a day. “Growing up here, we would see the ships every day, in all kinds of weather, in all seasons. They were just always there, always reliable, always working hard to bring us mail, supplies, and all sorts of new goods. They were like faithful friends or family relatives.” On that point, Ronald also remembers The Coastal Express ships as being key in bringing people together. “They were our connection to the wider world, bringing friends from afar or family from a few ports away,” he reminisces. “For all of us living up in the Arctic, the red, white, and black colours of the ships were always a welcome sight. It meant that maybe a loved one was visiting - agirlfriend, agrandma, cousins, a favourite uncle” “As children, our parents would make it a point for us to wave at the ships, no matter how far away they were. It was a way toshow our appreciation for the Captains and crew who served our community.” Shaping lives Ronald notes that The Coastal Express would also bring travellers from all corners of the globe. “That really madean impression Ronald Aas Shore Excursion Coordinator onme from young. I soon got ajobasa guide in my hometown, showing visitors around,” Ronald says enthusiastically. “This sparked a passion for tourism in me. And thirty years later, here Iam working at the Hurtigruten Group headquarters. in Oslo!” Ronald says, arms outstretched. “Without The Coastal Express, my life wouldn't have been what it has. It’s provided so many opportunities for me and others like me who live on the coast.” Ronald states with a warmth in his voice, “The people along the coast and The Coastal Expressare ina partnership, a mutual existence. One cannot exist without the other. I love the fact that my work involves showing visitors the real heart and soul of the Norwegian coast, especially Northern Norway where I'm from?” Ronald’s tip for guests “For young or old, the journey with our ships really is the most scenic in the world. And it changes with the seasons. No season is the same. I think maybe autumn is my favourite. Ireally encourage you to come experience the coast outside of the summer holiday. You won't be disappointed!” Ronald concludes. “Maybe you'll even see a newborn or two on board with you!” he laughs.
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