Behind the Scenes Bridge

[BirdTravels]

We were on a recent behind the scenes tour on the Escape. The ship's personnel said that as a result of the Paris bombing, they were not allowing anyone on the bridge. We found it interesting that the tour group was escorted by a member of the ship's Security team who was monitoring the guests.

 

We were also told that they were planning on sealing off all of the bridge viewing rooms on the smaller ship to minimize the potential access to the bridge through the glass windows. We were on a BTS tour of the Spirit about a month ago, and it included the bridge viewing room as part of the tour.

 

A sign of the times. :(

[Turtles06]

We were on a recent behind the scenes tour on the Escape. The ship's personnel said that as a result of the Paris bombing, they were not allowing anyone on the bridge. We found it interesting that the tour group was escorted by a member of the ship's Security team who was monitoring the guests.

 

We were also told that they were planning on sealing off all of the bridge viewing rooms on the smaller ship to minimize the potential access to the bridge through the glass windows. We were on a BTS tour of the Spirit about a month ago, and it included the bridge viewing room as part of the tour.

 

A sign of the times. :(

 

Thanks for sharing this information. I would really hate to see them eliminate the bridge viewing rooms on the Jewel class ships. I really enjoy them.

 

This fall, we took a Behind the Scenes Tour on RCI's new Anthem of the Seas. (This turned out to be about two weeks before the attacks in Paris.) It did include a visit to the bridge, but everyone on the tour was patted down first, and we were escorted to the bridge by security officers. (I've toured a number of bridges, and Anthem's is the most high tech I've ever seen. Really glad we got to visit.)

[GeezerCouple]

I guess we should now consider ourselves very lucky that we had an opportunity to visit the Dawn bridge about 1.5 yrs ago.

 

It was very interesting, and we weren't rushed at all. Lots of questions and answers.

And no Security in sight, just up the back staircase right near the door to the Bridge, from the ships "innards", where we had the first part of the tour.

 

And it was also really nice to view from the Observation Room on other ships.

 

But safety first, and it's understandable why "no more" these days...

Sigh.

[dexddd]

On Spirit in Dec. we also went to the viewing room and no security guy in tow at the back. In March on POA we did have a security guy at the end of the line.

 

Been on Dawn and Star bridge too and spent as much time as we wanted with the folks asking questions. On BA they also had a Q&A with senior staff and had pictures of various areas on the ship like the bridge and engine area.

[Taxgal87]

how do you participate in a behind the scenes tour?

[Demonyte]

how do you participate in a behind the scenes tour?

 

 

You sign up at Guest Services, tour lasts about 2,5 hours, requires closed toed shoes and participients to be able to stand the whole duration and walk up and down crew stairs. The price is $79pp.

[bobg529]

You sign up at Guest Services, tour lasts about 2,5 hours, requires closed toed shoes and participients to be able to stand the whole duration and walk up and down crew stairs. The price is $79pp.

 

 

There is also a free tour if you are Platinum. An invitation for it will be in your room with the other Platinum info. I don't know if it is as intensive as the regular version is though.

[Taxgal87]

Good to know.

 

This is only my 3rd cruise so I still feel like there is a lot I can learn!

[Barb Nahoumi]

There is also a free tour if you are Platinum. An invitation for it will be in your room with the other Platinum info. I don't know if it is as intensive as the regular version is though.

 

We did the platinum tour last month on the Gem. It was not quite as long as the paid tour, but good enough.

 

We were not taken to the bridge or viewing room. The tour guide said that the paid tour wouldn't visit the bridge either.

[julie3fan]

There is also a free tour if you are Platinum. An invitation for it will be in your room with the other Platinum info. I don't know if it is as intensive as the regular version is though.

 

Is the invitation for only the Platinum cruiser, or could I bring a Plus One?

[roger001]

On our first platinum cruise a few years ago, it was the Pearl and a 14 day PC cruise. Our behind the scenes tour was almost 3 hours. We were on the bridge for about 45 minutes getting to look closely at everything. We were escorted by a security officer though for the whole tour. Security issues have changed much though I guess. I also will hate to see the Jewel class bridge viewing rooms closed off. I always enjoy them.

 

There's a huge bunch of unedited pictures of that tour at the following. Towards the end, there are some pics from on the bridge.

 

http://s241.photobucket.com/user/roganderson60/media/Pearl%20Behind%20the%20Scenes%20Tour/DSCN3079_zps527f7a56.jpg.html?sort=2&o=0

Edited May 18, 2016 by roger001

[TonyFred]

Thanks for the info. We did the behind the scenes on the Getaway last October and spent quite a while on the bridge. I had planned to do the same thing on the Escape this October but if the bridge isnt included, it would not be worth it in my opinion.

[numberguy]

Thanks for sharing this information. I would really hate to see them eliminate the bridge viewing rooms on the Jewel class ships. I really enjoy them.

 

Me too, am hoping to do a Spirit cruise in 2017, and was looking forward to the Bridge Viewing Room. Sigh.

 

--Michael

[dexddd]

Is the invitation for only the Platinum cruiser, or could I bring a Plus One?

 

It is only for the person listed on the certificate and is not transferable.

 

Note that there is a "must sign up by" time as well. On the BA it was the first (embarkation) night by 6 p.m. The last two trips on other ships it was the next night as I recall for the deadline. There may be multiple tours depending on how many people they have. That being said, we weren't offered a choice of times/day to go.

[Brighton Line]

but everyone on the tour was patted down first, and we were escorted to the bridge by security officers.

 

I've done a couple of "Behind the Fun" (Scenes) tours on Carnival. Every time you meet at the designated spot, usually the Library, security is there with wand hand held metal detectors. No Cameras, no cell phones, open toe shoes etc.

If you forgot, some crew have a bag they will carry and allow you to put your cell phone in it.

Everyone wears and lanyard with "Behind The Fun" printed on it and it is returned at the end. Security shows up right before we enter the Bridge and Engine Control room and stays with the group while in those spaces.

Since there is no pictures allowed, ships photo staff takes picture of group on the bow and then individual shots with the Captain (or other officer if not available) on the bridge and is delivered to you included in the cost of the tour.

Two different prices depending on the size of the ship.

I don't know if this has changed after Paris.

FWIW

[julie3fan]

It is only for the person listed on the certificate and is not transferable.

 

Thank you very much. My SIL and her friend will just have to wait for us then!

[Demonyte]

There is also a free tour if you are Platinum. [....] I don't know if it is as intensive as the regular version is though.

 

No, it is not. They did cut back with that already few years ago (we became platinums in 2013 and got two proper free tours back then, after that no more).

 

The current light version offered to platinums is maybe half in length and does not (usually) include people from their respective departments telling about their section like on the real tour and the cruise consultants guiding the tour are in my experience very incompetent (and outright liers) what comes to actual facts.

[julie3fan]

Can anyone offer any input as to when these tours are typically scheduled? I would guess on a sea day, but I'd rather have someone's past experience to rely on rather than just guessing.

[triptolemus]

Can anyone offer any input as to when these tours are typically scheduled? I would guess on a sea day, but I'd rather have someone's past experience to rely on rather than just guessing.

 

Sea day. Which one on a given voyage can vary - but every one I have been on and seen advertised was a sea day.

[julie3fan]

Do you recall the time of day? I'm thinking of offering to host a Meet & Greet, but since this is our first time sailing Platinum, I don't want to miss the tour if the times conflict.

[BirdTravels]

On the Escape in May, the Platinum tour was on the first sea day at 10 am.

 

On Spirit in April, the Platinum tour was on the first sea day at 10 am.

[julie3fan]

Thank you both for the information. I really appreciate your help!

[don't-use-real-name]

While you are hosting the M & G one or more of your guests could comment

on the Bridge Tour. The M & G are frequently attended by the Captain,

the Hotel Director, the Cruise (entertainment) Director, and other ranking

department heads and the Concierge.

Maybe if the seas are quiet of the Pirates of the Caribbean for a spell

-or- if one of your guests is a retired navy officer professional courtesy might

be entertained.

It never hurts to inquire and initiate some feedback to NCL that the natives

are restless and would like to see the bridge or perhaps have a video for sale

or broadcasted on the in house TV.

P-L-E-A-S-E anything to please the masses !

Edited June 3, 2016 by don't-use-real-name

[wdsted]

Is the invitation for only the Platinum cruiser, or could I bring a Plus One?

 

 

I've requested bringing along a non-platinum guest a couple of times and was told they couldn't confirm that person but would try. Later that same day, I got confirmations for 2 both times. Doesn't hurt to ask.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums mobile app

[dexddd]

Do you recall the time of day? I'm thinking of offering to host a Meet & Greet, but since this is our first time sailing Platinum, I don't want to miss the tour if the times conflict.

 

That has been the problem in some cases where the CC M&G is overlapping with the Platinum BTS tour. They tend to both happen late morning on one of the first full sea days. The last two roll calls I was on the coordinator was able to arrange them to be at different times.

 

I seem to recall the tour on the Dawn on a Bermuda trip was actually while we were docked late one morning.

 

And again, watch for the invite slip and pay attention to any register by times.