In case you’ve ever questioned how a Holland America Line cruise ship actually operates, you’ve acquired to look previous the general public areas and staterooms and discover the inside workings of the vessel.
That chance is as soon as once more a actuality, for the reason that cruise line has resumed providing its behind-the-scenes ship excursions.
These insider peeks at locations most passengers won’t ever see can deliver a brand new perspective to cruise company, who might be given guided excursions of their ship’s bridge, major galley, laundry operations, the engine management room, and different areas.
Friends who join the tour, which carries a price ticket of $179 per particular person and will be booked on the road’s web page as a shore tour, will meet the crew members who work within the numerous departments.
“We hear so usually from company who’d like to see the bridge or the place our cooks put together their meals. By bringing again this tour expertise we’re pulling again the curtain to those areas which might be not often visited,” mentioned Carole Biencourt, vp of onboard income at Holland America Line.
“It’s an interesting have a look at the inside workings of a cruise ship, and company love assembly the crew members who work behind the scenes to create such a memorable expertise,” Biencourt added.
A few of the ship’s officers — even perhaps the captain, chief engineer, or government chef — will work together with company and supply insights into the operation facilities. And there are some perks for company who e book the tour, together with a particular lanyard, a memento picture, and a commemorative certificates.
The excursions are being supplied on some ships now and might be expanded to the entire fleet by the tip of July 2025.
The cruise line is getting the phrase out in regards to the excursions by way of social media. A publish invitations company to “step into the guts of the ship with uncommon entry to the bridge, galley, engine management room, and extra! Plus meet the unbelievable crew who make all of it run easily.”
The $179 price ticket, nevertheless, acquired blended opinions from commenters.
“That’s means an excessive amount of cash to be proven across the ship,” wrote one cruiser.
“It was supplied on my cruise final month..however I discovered it too costly..would have beloved to have achieved it in any other case,” commented one other.
Others expressed numerous curiosity within the excursions.
“Oh my gosh…I’d love to do this. That’s so cool,” mentioned one.
Added one other: “Would love this. I hope they’ve accessible on my subsequent cruise on the finish of August.”
Firsthand Account: My Tour of the Line’s Zuiderdam
The $179 tour worth however, take it from somebody who not too long ago participated in a ship tour just like the one described — do it, you’ll adore it.
Whereas crusing aboard Holland America Line’s Zuiderdam on a Canada/New England cruise in fall of 2024, I joined a media group tour of the 1,900-guest ship, hosted by the cruise director.
We began out on the bridge, the place one of many senior officers defined the ship’s huge laptop system and confirmed us how just about all the vessel’s operations are monitored 24/7 from the bridge.
From there we acquired a have a look at the primary galley, the place the lion’s share of the ship’s meals is ready and cooked, then continued into the primary laundry space.
Learn Additionally: What a Cruise Ship Engine Room Seems to be Like
This was an actual eye-opener: large bins holding clear sheets, bathrobes, and towels stuffed the large house, and crew members stood at massive tables folding every one of many gadgets with care and precision.
Holland America Line shouldn’t be the one model providing ship excursions. Carnival Cruise Line does as properly.
It’s Behind the Enjoyable tour is just like Holland America’s and it additionally prices for the exercise. The charge varies based mostly on the ship. For instance, the value ranges from $90 on ships like Carnival Radiance and Carnival Sunshine, rising to $150 on Carnival Jubilee and Mardi Gras.
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