GONE are the days when passengers could easily meet the captain
and check out the view from the ship’s bridge. Now, only river vessels
and some small ships have an open bridge policy.
But of course, you can still get behind-the-scenes of a superliner if
you are willing to pay for it!
On most tours, you will visit the bridge, galley (kitchen), food
preparation areas, laundry, engine control room and backstage of
the theatre, and may also receive souvenir photos, branded gifts,
drinks and snacks.
Group numbers are strictly limited (usually less than 16 people), so
it’s essential to book as soon as you get onboard. Ship tours cannot
be booked before boarding.
Princess Cruises
The three-hour ‘Ultimate Ship Tour’ (US$150) explores the engine
control room, medical centre, laundry, photo laboratory, print shop,
and the bridge and command centre, where you meet the captain
and enjoy special refreshments while enjoying the view.
Participants also receive a variety of themed mementos at many
other stops along the route. The tour is available on all Princess ships
except for Pacific Princess and Ocean Princess.
Celebrity Cruises
The ‘See How It’s Done Tour’ (US$150) explores the main areas,
mooring deck and crew gym, and is followed by a wine-paired lunch,
hosted by an officer, in the dining room.
A special one-hour ‘Bridge Sail Away Experience’ (US$75) allows
passengers to join the navigational team on the bridge as the ship
departs from the port.
Royal Caribbean
The ‘All Access Tour’ (US$150) has been offered on Royal
Caribbean ships since July 2011. Over 3.5 hours, it is available once
on cruises of six nights or less, and at least twice on longer cruises.
Holland America Line
HAL’s three-hour tours (US$150) are very thorough. On my tour of
Zuiderdam, we spent almost half an hour asking the engineers
questions and even went behind the bingo screen while a game was
in action. Free walks through the galley are also sometimes offered.
Carnival Cruise Lines
‘Behind the Fun’ is offered across the Carnival fleet, incl Carnival
Spirit. The difference with this 3.5-hour tour (US$95 but price yet to
be confirmed on Carnival Spirit in Australia) is that it spends more
time in the crew areas (galley, mess, gym and training centre).
Participants get to meet the captain, chief engineer and head chef.
P&O Australia
The Chef’s Table experience ($75) includes pre-dinner cocktails,
with an introduction by the executive chef, and a tour of the galley.
A seven-course degustation, matched with wines, is then served in
the private wine room within the ship’s Waterfront Restaurant.
Up to three Chef’s Table dinners, for 14 passengers, are available
per voyage on Pacific Pearl and Pacific Jewel.
Norwegian Cruise Line
NCL has two-hour (US$55) or seven-hour tours (US$150). The allday
onboard excursion adds a sushi-making demonstration, saketasting,
coffee, pre-dinner cocktails, and dinner with a glass of wine
in Cagney’s Steakhouse. Tours are offered once per cruise.
