If you’ve ever wondered how a Holland America Line cruise ship really operates, you’ve got to look past the public spaces and staterooms and explore the inner workings of the vessel. 

That opportunity is once again a reality, since the cruise line has resumed offering its behind-the-scenes ship tours.

These insider peeks at places most passengers will never see can bring a new perspective to cruise guests, who will be given guided tours of their ship’s bridge, main galley, laundry operations, the engine control room, and other spaces.

Guests who sign up for the tour, which carries a price tag of $179 per person and can be booked on the line’s web site as a shore excursion, will meet the crew members who work in the various departments.

“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, vice president of onboard revenue at Holland America Line. 

“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,” Biencourt added.

Some of the ship’s officers — perhaps even the captain, chief engineer, or executive chef — will interact with guests and provide insights into the operation centers. And there are some perks for guests who book the tour, including a special lanyard, a souvenir photo, and a commemorative certificate.

The tours are being offered on some ships now and will be expanded to the whole fleet by the end of July 2025.

The cruise line is getting the word out about the tours via social media. A post invites guests to “step into the heart of the ship with rare access to the bridge, galley, engine control room, and more! Plus meet the incredible crew who make it all run smoothly.”

The $179 price tag, however, got mixed reviews from commenters.

“That is way too much money to be shown around the ship,” wrote one cruiser.

“It was offered on my cruise last month..but I found it too expensive..would have loved to have done it otherwise,” commented another.

Others expressed a lot of interest in the tours.

“Oh my gosh…I would love to do that. That is so cool,” said one.

Added another: “Would love this. I hope they have available on my next cruise at the end of August.”

Firsthand Account: My Tour of the Line’s Zuiderdam

The $179 tour price notwithstanding, take it from someone who recently participated in a ship tour like the one described — do it, you’ll love it. 

While sailing aboard Holland America Line’s Zuiderdam on a Canada/New England cruise in fall of 2024, I joined a media group tour of the 1,900-guest ship, hosted by the cruise director.

We started out on the bridge, where one of the senior officers explained the ship’s vast computer system and showed us how virtually all of the vessel’s operations are monitored 24/7 from the bridge.

From there we got a look at the main galley, where the lion’s share of the ship’s food is prepared and cooked, then continued into the main laundry area. 

Read Also: What a Cruise Ship Engine Room Looks Like

This was a real eye-opener: huge bins holding clean sheets, bathrobes, and towels filled the huge space, and crew members stood at big tables folding each one of the items with care and precision.

Holland America Line is not the only brand offering ship tours. Carnival Cruise Line does as well.

It’s Behind the Fun tour is similar to Holland America’s and it also charges for the activity. The fee varies based on the ship. For example, the price ranges from $90 on ships like Carnival Radiance and Carnival Sunshine, rising to $150 on Carnival Jubilee and Mardi Gras.