Holland America Line Brings Back Popular Behind-the-Scenes Ship Tours

Holland America Line is returning to its tradition and once again offering popular behind-the-scenes ship tours. Guests will be able to sign up to get a rare, insider look at areas that are typically reserved for officers and crew, including the bridge, galley, engine control room, recycling center, main laundry and more, as well as meet the crew who make these areas run seamlessly.

Behind-the-scenes tours offer guests exclusive access to better understand the systems and operations that keep the floating cities at sea sailing smoothly. Guests will discover the technical side of ship life, while also gaining insight into the world-class service and exceptional culinary experiences that elevate a Holland America Line cruise. During the tour, several of the ship’s senior officers will meet with guests to offer expert insights. Guests who book the tour will receive a unique ship-specific lanyard, souvenir photo collection and commemorative certificate.

“We hear so often from guests who’d love to see the bridge or where our chefs prepare their meals. By bringing back this tour experience we’re pulling back the curtain to these areas that are rarely visited,” said Carole Biencourt, Holland America Line’s vice president of onboard revenue. “We’re giving guests a rare opportunity to see what makes our operation so unique. It’s a fascinating look at the inner workings of a cruise ship, and guests love meeting the crew members who work behind the scenes to create such a memorable experience.”

Each behind-the-scenes tour will visit several locations that showcase the breadth of operations on board. In addition to key locations like the ship’s navigational bridge, galley and engine control room, the tour offers a look at seldom-seen areas like the main laundry, recycling center, World Stage dressings rooms, marshalling areas, storerooms, the bakery and behind the bars.

At each location, the tour will be met by a shipboard team member who will show the group around and give detailed information about the location and its contributions to the ship’s operation. Guests could meet the captain or a bridge officer, chief or first engineer, environmental officer, provision master, executive chef, chief baker, entertainment cast member, bar manager and more.

Behind-the-scenes tours currently are available on select ships and are expected to be available fleetwide by the end of July. Behind-the-scenes tours are bookable on board at Guest Services and cost $179 per person, with an accessible option available.

For more information about Holland America Line, consult a travel advisor, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit hollandamerica.com.