In case you’ve ever questioned how a Holland America Line cruise ship actually operates, you’ve bought to look previous the general public areas and staterooms and discover the internal 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 can be given guided excursions of their ship’s bridge, essential galley, laundry operations, the engine management room, and different areas.
Visitors 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 typically 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 are hardly ever visited,” mentioned Carole Biencourt, vp of onboard income at Holland America Line.
“It’s an interesting take a look at the internal 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 number of the ship’s officers — maybe even 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 guide the tour, together with a particular lanyard, a memento picture, and a commemorative certificates.
The excursions are being supplied on some ships now and can be expanded to the entire fleet by the tip of July 2025.
The cruise line is getting the phrase out concerning the excursions by way of social media. A put up invitations company to “step into the center of the ship with uncommon entry to the bridge, galley, engine management room, and extra! Plus meet the unimaginable crew who make all of it run easily.”
The $179 price ticket, nonetheless, bought blended evaluations 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 finished it in any other case,” commented one other.
Others expressed a variety of 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 out there on my subsequent cruise on the finish of August.”
Firsthand Account: My Tour of the Line’s Zuiderdam
The $179 tour value however, take it from somebody who just lately participated in a ship tour just like the one described — do it, you’ll find it irresistible.
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 pc system and confirmed us how just about all the vessel’s operations are monitored 24/7 from the bridge.
From there we bought a take a look at the principle galley, the place the lion’s share of the ship’s meals is ready and cooked, then continued into the principle laundry space.
Learn Additionally: What a Cruise Ship Engine Room Seems to be Like
This was an actual eye-opener: big bins holding clear sheets, bathrobes, and towels stuffed the massive area, and crew members stood at massive tables folding every one of many gadgets with care and precision.
Holland America Line isn’t the one model providing ship excursions. Carnival Cruise Line does as nicely.
It’s Behind the Enjoyable tour is just like Holland America’s and it additionally costs for the exercise. The charge varies primarily based 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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