A number of years back I remember watching a behind the scenes TV show about cruising and the life below deck. The opportunity to book a behind the scenes tour during our P&O Arvia cruise was appealing. Limited tours are run on sea days and they are very popular. I booked on the first day at the excursions desk. Tours offered are three hours in length on sea days.
This tour cost £75 but can vary I understand. Prior to the tour you complete paperwork to confirm you have no illnesses and sign a waiver. The guidance is to check in 20 minutes before the tour starts.
Security run some checks to make sure everyone is safe and not carrying any mobiles etc as you cannot take any photos or record anything. The tour requires a lot of walking and we went from deck zero up to the bridge.
Departments visited included engineering, laundry, anchor, backstage of The Headliners Theatre and the bridge. While visiting departments, personnel give talks about their area and of course we got to meet the Captain and have photos taken.
For anyone interested in a behind the scenes tour, I found this really interesting. We booked via the shore experiences.
Engineering
The engineering department was an interesting start to the tour. A wall full of monitors allowing systems, gases, fuel , alarms etc to be monitored. An informative talk followed by questions.
Laundry
The laundry machinery and talk was insightful. Machinery to sanitise and clean bath towels from cages, with many machines to wash and dry and fold towels.
Anchor
The anchor all weather area at the front of ship allowed us to see crew cabin areas followed by the deck area housing all the anchors and chains. A talk about the management and the required safety was engaging.
Theatre Backstage
Loving live entertainment, I enjoyed this part of the tour. Seeing costumes and how the performers manage back stage in the changing area. An electronic rail system held and delivered costumes.
The talk advised us about their ways of work, and technical run throughs of performances. Then technology wise we were shown the mics that the performers wear and feed into their hair. These same mic pieces also allowing performers to be tracked on stage so that lights follow them.
Bridge
The tour highlight to get row walk on the bridge and listen to the Captain talk about his crew, roles, technology and the layout of the bridge.
A photo opportunity was then available with the Captain.
Drinks and Canopes
To close the tour, we visited the crows nest and were offered champagne and canopes. An opportunity to chat with others who you had shared the tour with.
Overall
An enjoyable experience and at £75, I was informed this was quite cheap compared to some of the tours on other ships. A good opportunity to see behind the scenes and to learn about what goes on below the hotel area.
While you have an opportunity for. Photo with the captain, please remember that it is chargeable if you want to buy the photo.
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