Most Amazing Day at Sea

We paid a fee today to take a behind-the-scenes tour of the entire ship. I've always wanted to do this on prior cruises, but this is the first cruise line (Celebrity) that offered it. Wow! I enjoyed every minute, and I think we saw most all of the significant areas. We started on the bridge with our Greek captain welcoming us onboard and to the tour.

One of his officers gave us a detailed description of the controls on the bridge, with this photo showing the controls on one of the wings that project out from each side of the bridge. If you don't know, these wings stick out far enough that the officers can look down each of the sides of the ship and still control maneuvers.

Kathie and me with the captain.

Here we are in the bow of the ship in the area where the anchors are deployed and the bow lines are operated for tying up the vessel. The sound of the sea crashing against the bow was amazing.

This is one anchor windless.

A production show crew member gave us a tour of the backstage areas, including makeup, costuming, sets, etc.

The ship's human resources officer showed us where staff live, play, and relax, and he described how staff are recruited, treated, and managed.

The chief engineering officer gave us a tour of the engine control room and provided detailed discussions of propulsion, electrical generation, water capture and treatment, waste disposal and recycling, etc.

One of the stores officers showed us all the storage facilities for dairy, meats, dry goods, beverages, and alcohol products. He described in detail the methods for ordering, provisioning, and matching supplies to kitchen requirements.

The head chef and other kitchen staff gave us a tour of the kitchens.

Many of the recipes are kept on a board at all times. I photographed one, and the CIA-trained executive chef came by and said I was free to make it but to remember it made 100 gallons.

The dish washing area is complex too.

We were treated to a special lunch at the end of the four hour tour. I then took a photo of the main two-level dining room.

Worth every penny!