During our October, 2017 sailing on Ruby Princess, the Princess Patter newsletter mentioned the Ultimate Ship Tour. Said to stop by the Purser’s desk for details.
It’s limited to 10 or 12 guests and as of this sailing cost $150.00 per person. Suzi and I talked about but thanks to Princess Visa On Board Credits, we booked it. It was for the last sea day of the cruise.
Like everything else on a ship involving staff, timing was crucial. The only negative was that we could not bring cameras. It wasn’t just because we would be going into proprietary areas of the ship, it was mostly due to timing and getting to the next station on time. We were, however, shadowed by a Security Officer and a Photographer, so there were complimentary photos available.
10 of us met in the Conference Room by the Princess Theater on Deck 6 at 10:00. Asst. Cruise Director, Jase was our guide. He whipped us up to Deck 7 and at precisely at 10:05, the door to the mooring area opened up. This is where the chains for the anchors are and all the mooring ropes. You would think the area would be full of grease. Instead, you could eat off the floor. Spotless.
Down the crew stairway to the Princess Theater’s Backstage. We got to meet the Production Manager and a few of the singers and dancers. They demonstrated the lighting, sound and set changes. We learned rthat all Production shows are developed, cast and rehearsed at the headquarters in Santa Clarita, CA. Costumes are fitted there and any alterations are the responsibility of the performer. All very interesting. The lead performers, usually two guys and two gals actually have their cabins backstage.
Next was the Galley and Food Production areas. Like many of you, we’ve probably attended a Galley Tour at some point, but this wasn’t a few hundred passengers being herded through the skirts of the galley so you would end up where the Chef and Matre D’ are hawking their cookbook. We got into the middle of the Galley where they were making soup and various breads. We were hosted by one of the Executive Chefs. During the presentation, they brought out fruit punch and chocolate covered strawberries.
When we left the Galley, we went to see the storage facilities and talked to the Inventory Manager. He discussed how they order and when. Also talked about how crazy turn around day is.
Next stop was the Engine Control Room where the Chief Technical Officer showed us exactly how the engines act as generators, then the power is distributed to the propulsion systems, sanitation and hotel.
We went to the Incinerator Room to see how all the waste is accounted for, with as little of an environmental or physical footprint.
Next stop. The Print Shop. This is where they do everything from the Princess Patter to Menus, to stationery.
Next? Photo Lab. All photos taken by the staff photographers are printed here. They are constantly busy.
Now we go down to the Medical Center. This is a state of the art facility capable of critical care, x-ray and even minor surgery. The nurse did bring up costs and HIGHLY recommends purchasing trip insurance…
Off to the Main Laundry. This is a round the clock operation. Very impressive. They have machine that will press and fold bed sheets in seconds. They even have a tailor on staff for crew and passengers.
And… The ultimate, the Bridge. We were able to meet the Captain and get a photo with him. We heard about how many hours it takes on land before an officer can begin a career on the ship. Walking out to one of the wings of the bridge give you a unique perspective looking aft. Incredible.
Once we left the Bridge, we all met up in the Adagio Bar for a Q and A session with Jase. We were met with Champagne, more chocolate covered strawberries and a selection of petit fours. Jase talked about the diversity of the crew, relationships, etc. All very informative.
When we returned to our cabin after dinner and a show, we each had a bag with our names on it. Inside, there was a Princess Robe, an Princess Apron, all the photos taken during the tour, a picture frame and a Princess Notepad.
It made that $150.00 seem like a bargain. I would highly recommend checking with the Pursers Desk to see if this tour is available.
The Veranda Life 