A cruise ship is a marvel of modern engineering, a floating city that offers the ultimate holiday experience. While you may be enticed by the luxurious cabins, the delicious meals, and the dazzling entertainment, there’s another world on the ship that often remains hidden from passengers – the ‘behind-the-scenes’ areas.

Offered by most cruise lines, these tours give you a peek into these off-limits areas and really give you the opportunity to see the inner workings of a city at sea.  After cruising resumed from the COVID-19 shutdown, many lines stopped offering these tours, but have slowly begun to bring them back.  If your ship is offering the tours, here are some areas you can expect to visit:

Witness the Heartbeat of the Ship: The Galley

The galley, or kitchen, of a cruise ship is a hive of activity. Here, chefs and culinary experts from around the world work tirelessly to serve thousands of meals daily. A behind-the-scenes tour will allow you to witness this synchronized dance of culinary expertise.

The scale alone is jaw-dropping. You’ll see industrial-sized equipment, vast prep areas, and learn about how dishes are planned and prepared. If you’re a food lover, understanding the hard work and intricacies that go into your meals will make every bite more memorable.

Chefs onboard Quantum of the Seas working in one of the ship's galleys
Chefs onboard Quantum of the Seas working in one of the ship’s galleys
A behind the scenes look at the galley on Zuiderdam
A behind the scenes look at the galley on Zuiderdam

Marvel at the Modern Engineering: The Engine Control Room

The engine control room is the heart of the ship’s operations. Here, sophisticated machinery and technology come together to navigate the massive vessel smoothly across oceans.

Seeing this space gives you an appreciation for the engineering marvel that is a cruise ship. You’ll gain insights into how the ship is powered, the mechanisms that control its speed, and perhaps even meet some of the engineers who ensure you sail safely to your next destination.

The Engine Control Room of the Zuiderdam
The Engine Control Room of the Zuiderdam
The Engine Control Room of the Zuiderdam
The Engine Control Room of the Zuiderdam

Applaud the Unsung Heroes: The Laundry

With thousands of passengers and crew members, the laundry department on a cruise ship is bustling almost 24/7. Taking a tour of this section, you’ll witness the scale of operations required to ensure clean linens, towels, and uniforms.

The logistics of handling such a massive laundry load is staggering, and seeing it firsthand provides a newfound appreciation for those plush towels left in your cabin every day.

A behind the scenes look at the laundry on Zuiderdam
A behind the scenes look at the laundry on Zuiderdam
The Laundry Master on Quantum of the Seas welcomes us to the ship's laundry
The Laundry Master on Quantum of the Seas welcomes us to the ship’s laundry

Discover the Magic: The Main Stage

Every night, cruise ships come alive with entertainment – from musicals and dance shows to magic performances and more. But ever wondered what happens behind the curtain?

The main stage tour unveils the magic behind these performances. From costume design and prop storage to the intricate workings of the stage mechanics, you’ll learn how every element comes together to create show-stopping entertainment. It also shines a spotlight on the unsung heroes – the backstage crew – who often remain in the shadows but play a vital role in the cruise experience.

The stage of the Royal Theatre on Quantum of the Seas
The stage of the Royal Theatre on Quantum of the Seas
A prop from Mamma Mia! backstage on Quantum of the Seas
A prop from Mamma Mia! backstage on Quantum of the Seas

Command the View: The Bridge

The bridge is the commanding center of the ship. It’s where captains and their crew ensure safe passage, navigate routes, and deal with any eventualities that might arise during a voyage.

A visit to the bridge offers unparalleled views and an understanding of the ship’s navigation. The array of controls, radars, and maps is impressive, and if you’re lucky, you might even get a chance to chat with the captain or officers, gleaning insights into life at sea and the responsibilities of commanding such a large vessel.

One of the Deck Cadets on Quantum of the Seas leads us around the Command Center on the bridge
One of the Deck Cadets on Quantum of the Seas leads us around the Command Center on the bridge
Controls on the bridge wings of the Zuiderdam
Controls on the bridge wings of the Zuiderdam

Taking a behind-the-scenes tour on your cruise ship provides an enriching experience that goes beyond the usual holiday attractions. By delving deeper into the ship’s operations, you gain a holistic view of the myriad elements and people that come together to create the perfect cruise experience. These tours offer a newfound appreciation for the services provided, fostering a deeper connection with the ship and its crew.

So, the next time you’re on a cruise and have the opportunity to embark on a behind-the-scenes journey, seize it! It’s a chance to peer into the intricate workings of a floating city and to applaud the silent contributors who make your journey memorable.

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