In July 2011, Royal Caribbean became the latest cruise line to offer behind the scenes tours for passengers. Other cruise lines that offer tours of shipboard spaces that are typically off limits to guests are Princess Cruises, Carnival Cruise Lines and Norwegian Cruise Line.
Royal Caribbean's All Access Tour
In a press release, Royal Caribbean discloses the facts. "Our guests have always inquired into what happens behind the scenes and below deck," said a Royal Caribbean representative. The All Access Tour escorts guests to the bridge, galley, engine control room and backstage of the main theater. The tour lasts over three hours.
Previously the only way to get a behind the scenes tour on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship was by being a Diamond member with Royal Caribbean's loyalty program. Now all guests have the opportunity to take the All Access Tour, although now it costs $150 per person. Unfortunately it is only available to a limited number of guests per cruise so it is recommended to sign up early during the cruise.
Carnival Cruise Lines' Behind the Fun Tour
The Behind the Fun guided tour is offered fleetwide for guests of Carnival Cruise Lines' ships. On cruises six days or longer, the 3.5-hour tour costs $95 per person. On cruises five days and shorter, a condensed tour lasts only two hours and costs $55 per person. The tour is limited to only 16 guests and can be booked through the shore excursion desk.
The tour offers participants a behind the scenes look at the bridge, the engine control room, backstage in the main show lounge, the ship's main laundry, main galley, crew galley, crew mess, crew gym and crew training center. During the tour, participants get to meet the Captain, Chief Engineer, Chef and other department heads with a chance to ask questions.
Princess Cruises' Ultimate Ship Tour
Princess Cruises was the first cruise line to offer a deluxe version of a behind the scenes tour when they launched the Ruby Princess in 2008. At $150 per person, the Ultimate Ship Tour is now offered fleetwide once per cruise with a limit of 12 guests per tour. The three-hour tour visits the bridge, engine control room, main galley, main laundry, photo lab, printing shop, medical center, ship's morgue, and the funnel.
The tour gives participants a chance to meet senior officers such as the Captain, staff captain, executive chef, and cruise director. In addition, a number of souvenirs may make the cost of the tour worthwhile such as a chef's jacket, a bathrobe and a photo with the Captain.
Whether it's the freebies, the opportunity to meet senior officers or the chance to see many of the restricted areas of the cruise ship, the price of a behind the scenes tour is justified to many passengers.
Renee Ruggero - Renee is a published travel writer and cruise industry insider with more than 1,000 days on cruise ships, visiting over 50 countries.
